Breakdown Fall League - Max's Week 4 Standouts Pt. 1

The Breakdown Fall League concluded this past weekend, with a full slate of games taking place at Hopkins High School. I was in the gym all day, and these are some of the standouts from the 10 games that I watched! [player_tooltip player_id="1288847" first="Makieth" last="Deng"] (6’7 2022 SF, Coon Rapids)- An intriguing, late bloomer prospect in the 2022 class, Makieth is a big part of why Coon Rapids has high hopes for this winter. He showed a lot of two-way potential with his ability to impact the game on both sides of the floor, particularly as a versatile defender. With his long and mobile frame he was able to guard multiple spots on the floor including on the perimeter, as well as provide a rim protecting threat. I liked the way he moved his feet with smaller guards on the wing. Offensively he showed a bit of creating his own shot off the dribble whether it was attacking the rim or getting into a one/two dribble pull-up. Did the bulk of his damage knocking down catch-and-shoot threes at a high rate, as well as running the floor for some transition buckets. [player_tooltip player_id="962207" first="Ibrahim" last="El-Amin"] (5’9 2023 PG, Minnetonka)- Ibo was taking a lot of shots and making a lot of shots on Sunday, as he just kept putting points on the board for his team. Most teams don’t have a guy who can stick with Ibo laterally, so it allows him to get a ton of open shots off the dribble. On Sunday a lot of those shots were attacking the basket, where the 2023 guard was able to elevate well for his size to either finish or get fouled and go to the free throw line. Whether it was from mid-range or three he was hitting a solid percentage of his jumpers as well, as he had his team matching Mankato East bucket for bucket throughout the game. [player_tooltip player_id="850708" first="Kendall" last="Blue"] (6’6 2022 SG, East Ridge)- The St. Thomas commit helped his team pick up an impressive win over Hopkins, as he was in full playmaker mode all game long. Kendall probably had about 6-7 assists during the running clock game, as he was constantly getting into the paint, drawing in an extra defender, and locating the open shooter with an accurate pass. Blue was also a threat in transition as he handles the ball well at his size, allowing him to weave in and out of traffic and get to the rim where he showcased excellent body control to finish in a variety of ways. Super versatile wing who can put points on the board himself, and is also a gifted shot creator for his teammates. [player_tooltip player_id="1220381" first="Anish" last="Ramlall"] (6’3 2023 PG, Rosemount)- I really liked the way that Anish competed on Sunday, making plays on both ends of the floor in an overtime thriller against Spring Lake Park. Him and [player_tooltip player_id="796947" first="Caleb" last="Siwek"] spend time alternating as ball handlers, but Anish has good size at either guard spot he’s at. On the defensive end he moved his feet so well with smaller guards, and gave them difficulties with his high ball pressure. Anish was able to pick up some steals that led to transition opportunities, and in the half-court he used his shifty handle to attack the basket for some high percentage looks. In for a big junior year at Rosemount. [player_tooltip player_id="1268453" first="Puolrah" last="Gong"] (6’6 2022 SF, Mankato East)- One of the major stock risers over the summer, Puolrah looks ready to carry that momentum into the winter. The long and athletic wing impressed with some of his high flying transition dunks, while also proving to be a threat beyond the arc. He played with a lot of confidence against Minnetonka, and was making defenders pay for giving him just a foot of space beyond the arc. I also thought Gong looked a lot more composed and comfortable putting the ball on the floor than he did last year. Not many teams are going to have someone with the length and athleticism to stick with him, making him a difficult matchup especially playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id="850715" first="BJ" last="Omot"]. He’s also a talented football player who will have some college opportunities in that sport as well. [player_tooltip player_id="850717" first="Cade" last="McGraw"] (5’10 2022 PG, Shakopee)- A healthy [player_tooltip player_id="850717" first="Cade" last="McGraw"] is a huge lift for Shakopee this season, as the 5’10 point guard is so tough for defenses to contain. He has the quickness to run circles around defenders and it showed against Eden Prairie as he continuously got into the paint to make plays for his team. Despite his smaller size he’s a tough finisher around the rim, and showed no fear going up against some of the EP size on Sunday afternoon. When he’s not attacking the rim he’s an unselfish player who can be trusted to not turn the ball over much and get all of his teammates. With a few different weapons surrounding him, his unselfish point guard play will be key this winter. Love his competitiveness defensively as well as he can pressure opposing ball handlers and isn’t afraid to dive on the floor for loose balls. [player_tooltip player_id="850710" first="Braeden" last="Carrington"] (6’4 2022 G, Park Center)- Park Center has been blowing out just about every team in fall league this year, but that wasn’t the case against Columbia Heights. This was a dog fight that went into overtime, and it was [player_tooltip player_id="850710" first="Braeden" last="Carrington"]’s scoring that kept them in the game before a [player_tooltip player_id="962202" first="JJ" last="Ware"] three won it for Park Center in OT. He’s such a gifted shot maker, and it showed as he knocked down some tough pull-up jumpers with a hand right in his face. Braeden knew he needed to score to keep his team alive in this game, so he was going to work creating space off the dribble or pulling up for some deep threes if his man sagged off too much. He’s normally a calm and quiet player on the floor, but he showed some intensity in a game in which his team seemed to be lacking its usual energy.