Breakdown Tip-Off Classic – AAAA Standouts
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The Breakdown Tip-Off Classic brought together the top talent from all over Minnesota, here are my class AAAA breakout performers! Alex Mattes Alex Mattes 6'3" | SG East Ridge | 2023 State MN of East Ridge (6’3” Guard – 2023)…
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Continue ReadingThe Breakdown Tip-Off Classic brought together the top talent from all over Minnesota, here are my class AAAA breakout performers!
Alex Mattes Alex Mattes 6'3" | SG East Ridge | 2023 State MN of East Ridge (6’3” Guard – 2023)
Alex had a breakout performance on Saturday. In a matchup with Hopkins, he was able to showcase what he is capable of. He finished the big win with 21 points and could not be stopped from attacking the rim. He used eurosteps and great body control to finish inside. The junior guard was also kicking the ball out to teammates for easy looks if the defense crashed. He also connected with a clutch 4 point play late in the game to secure the win for the Raptors. Alex is very skilled and possesses a high basketball IQ.
Jerome Williams Jr Jerome Williams Jr 6'0" | PG Rock Creek Christian Academy | 2024 MD of Minneapolis South (5’10” Guard – 2024)
Jerome did a fantastic job facilitating for the Tigers in their upset win over DeLaSalle. He used his next level speed to get around defenders resulting in easy baskets for his team. Some he would dish off to open teammates and some he would finish himself, not being scared to finish through larger defenders. Williams also showed off his range, hitting a pretty deep three pointer on his way to a game-high 20 points. The 5’10” guard plays fearless and is a key reason why Minneapolis South is off to a very hot start.
CJ O’Hara CJ O’Hara 6'4" | SF Park Center | 2023 State #285 Nation MN of Hopkins (6’4” Guard – 2023)
CJ almost carried his team to a win over East Ridge on Saturday, but Hopkins just fell short 67-70. O’Hara got the entire gym out of their seats with a posterizing dunk in the first half. He also dominated the offensive glass, leading to many second chance opportunities for him and his team. He was also able to show off his range with a couple of made three pointers eventually finishing the contest with a game-high 25 points. CJ has made an immediate impact for the Royals being their leading scorer through their first three games at 23.7 PPG.
Myles Barnette Myles Barnette 6'2" | PG Wayzata | 2023 State MN of Wayzata (6’0” Guard – 2023)
Myles impressed me a lot in their matchup with Park Center. The junior guard played with no fear against arguably the number 1 team in the state. He was mostly effective driving to the basket and finishing through contact on his way to 12 points. Barnette plays with a high motor and was exciting to watch. He looked much improved from when I got to watch him play this past summer with Minnesota Heat. Myles is a prospect with a very bright future ahead of him.
Ayouba Berthe Ayouba Berthe 6'4" | SF Park Center | 2022 State MN of Park Center (6’5” Forward – 2022)
Ayouba is the definition of a two-way player. He was picking up full court or 3/4 court most of the time, while also finishing the game with 15 points in the statement win over #2 Wayzata. It felt like all of his shots were falling, knocking down 2 three pointers in key situations with the score close the whole game. Berthe also came up with a couple steals leading to fast break baskets for the Pirates. Park Center’s starting five is off to a very impressive start and it does not look like they will be slowing down any time soon.
Kendall Blue Kendall Blue 6'6" | SG East Ridge | 2022 State #242 Nation MN of East Ridge (6’6” Guard – 2022)
Kendall was putting on a show in front of a packed gym on Saturday. The St. Thomas commit had a huge transition slam in the first half that reminded me of the one he had at the same event his sophomore year. He also hit a couple of tough off-balance shots, finishing the game with a team-high 22 points. The 6’6” guard is so skilled and is a threat to score from anywhere on the court. Blue and East Ridge may have earned themselves a top 5 ranking in class AAAA after a meaningful win over Hopkins.
Chiang Ring Chiang Ring 6'8" | C Park Center | 2024 State #276 Nation MN of Minneapolis South (6’8” Forward – 2024)
Offense, defense, didn’t matter. The 6’8” big man dominated the paint all day for Minneapolis South. Chiang finished the upset win with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. As just a sophomore, Ring stands at 6’8” and has a very long wingspan. He was almost automatic scoring around the rim, most of his points coming off of assists from his teammates or offensive rebounds. Chiang currently holds a mid-major offer from Bryant, but I believe the Power Fives should get familiar with the 6’8” sophomore ASAP.