Breakdown Tip Off Classic: The Underclassmen
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Today we shine a light on the top underclassmen performers at the Tip Off Classic. Who were the best young players? Here’s our group! First of all, I’ve already highlighted several in other articles Those names are as follows: Zaeshon…
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Continue ReadingToday we shine a light on the top underclassmen performers at the Tip Off Classic. Who were the best young players? Here’s our group!
First of all, I’ve already highlighted several in other articles Those names are as follows:
Zaeshon Rich of Minneapolis North (Soph)
Chiang Ring Chiang Ring 6'8" | C Park Center | 2024 State #276 Nation MN of Minneapolis South (Soph)
Andy Stefonowicz Andy Stefonowicz 6'2" | PG Minnetonka | 2024 State MN of Minnetonka (Soph)
Jerome Williams of Minneapolis South (Soph)
The next group of underclassmen have also played a key role for their teams both on Saturday at the Tip Off Classic and in earlier games this season.
Jordan Cain Jordan Cain 6'3" | SF Minnetonka | 2024 State MN of Minnetonka (6’2 Soph). Cain showed his potential this weekend scoring three baskets in an athletic way. As he continues to learn and get more comfortable learning from a good coaching staff I think we will start to see consistency from Cain.
Jackson Fowlkes of Park Center (6’3 Soph). Jackson was on the floor a lot against DeLaSalle and again this weekend. The young guard was one of the better defenders I saw on the floor especially on Thursday which is likely why he played so much.
Grayson Grove Grayson Grove 6'9" | PF Alexandria Area | 2024 State #171 Nation MN of Alexandria (6’8 Soph). After watching Grove dominate the 15u level this past spring/summer expectations were really high for his sophomore year. Grove was the best player on the floor when Alex defeated Austin as the 6’8 forward prospect continues to look like a top ten player in his class.
Kole Hanson Kole Hanson 6'2" | PG Holy Family | 2024 State MN of Edina (6’0 Soph). Hanson has a hell of a jumper and he’s a player that I am guessing Edina trusts highly as he’s on the floor at a young age making good decisions. Love the quickness of his release, beautiful touch.
Jalen Langsy Jalen Langsy 5'11" | PG Shakopee | 2024 State MN of Shakopee (6’0 Soph). I thought Jalen handled himself very well this weekend in a big game with Tonka. Steady handler that is going to be a main cog for Shakopee the next two years.
De’Mari Larkins De’Mari Larkins 5'9" | PG Osseo | 2024 State MN of Minneapolis South (5’9 Soph). Yes Larkins hit the shot of the weekend and it will go down as one of the plays of the season. But Larkins scored an important 12/13 points for South and was very important for his team in that win throughout the game, not just on the amazing shot.
Randy McClendon Jr Randy McClendon Jr 6'2" | SG Columbia Heights | 2024 State MN of DeLaSalle (6’2 Soph). The biggest reason DeLaSalle was up early and throughout that game was the three early triples that Randy hit. He scored a team high 13 for the Islanders.
Mercy Miller Mercy Miller 6'4" | SG Minnehaha Academy | 2024 VA of Minnehaha Academy (6’5 Soph). Mercy Miller Mercy Miller 6'4" | SG Minnehaha Academy | 2024 VA flashed his amazing shot making potential early against North. Hes grown a couple inches which makes him an even better prospect. The amount of contested shots he cleanly made from three, falling back a bit from mid-range, and on the move around the basket really caught my eye. He’s a special shot maker, the type that college coaches would love to draw up plays for.
Daniel Molhoek of Edina (6’6 Fr). Daniel is 6’6, moves well, and seemed to handle the physicality of the varsity level quite well. This fall we saw the perimeter touch as well as the low post catch and turn to score, and we saw him score actively at the rim versus Osseo.
Jayden Moore of Hopkins (5’10 8th). Moore is the big name 8th grader who had a great varsity debut earlier in the week. Had a tough game against East Ridge but his talent as a guard is high level. Big time playmaker and with every each he grows he will be even more dangerous.
Jack Robison Jack Robison 6'7" | SF Lakeville North | 2024 State #158 Nation MN of Lakeville North (6’6 Soph). Jack’s left handed smooth touch combined with his comfort handling the basketball make him a great example of the modern day prospect that is skilled, versatile, and can be played in many ways. The Robison touch is one that you just expect to go in but also, his ball handling ability just looks natural, and Jack is a patient player that allows the defense to make mistakes before he he makes a play. Big fan of what Jack does for his team plus he has big potential.