Breakdown Tip Off Classic: The Unsung Heroes

Max Wagner December 15, 2021 @ 04:55 PM

The Breakdown Tip Off Classic featured some of the elite teams and prospects throughout the state. While those talents lived up to the hype in an exciting day of basketball, these are some of the prospects who may not be as well known but produced in a variety of ways for their teams. [player_tooltip player_id="958667" first="Lewis" last="Cargeor"] (6’4 2022 F, Osseo)- It was the guards for Osseo who were putting up big scoring numbers, but Lewis was doing the dirty work down low to help his team win. He was competing against size defensively, while also showing the versatility to switch out and defend on the wing. During the first half he showcased his bounce with a poster dunk on the baseline, while also showing his touch to finish though contact throughout the game. Time after time Lewis was coming up with big defensive rebounds, while also getting a hand on his own team’s missed shots to tip the ball out and keep possessions alive. [player_tooltip player_id="958773" first="Ramontay" last="Harmon"] (5’10 2022 G, South St. Paul)- Harmon may not be the biggest scorer around, but he just makes plays defensively time and time again. He’s willing to pick up full court over the course of the game, and his effort to move his feet while sitting low in a stance is unmatched by most players across the state. Whether he was jumping a passing lane, picking his man’s pocket, or laying out on the floor for a loose ball, Harmon was coming up big on the defensive end in South St. Paul’s win. He finished the game with 3 steals. [player_tooltip player_id="962235" first="Jaheim" last="Houts"] (6’6 2023 SF, Minneapolis South)- Jaheim has plenty of long term potential as a prospect, but he also offers some versatile production as a junior. His length and athleticism make him a versatile defensive player, as he can defend down low while also moving his feet on the wing. On the offensive end he showcased his ability to handle the ball at 6’6, getting into the lane and dishing out a couple of impressive passes throughout the game. Houts adds in the touch to finish around the rim, and the athleticism to beat guys up the floor in transition. Brayden Manning (6’3 2022 W, Lakeville North)- The senior is committed to play baseball in college, but is making an impact on the hardwood. He’s a tough defender and is an impressive shot blocker at his size. Brayden did a nice job of sliding into help-side position, and he swatted a couple of shots with authority against Park. Offensively he has the athleticism to get to the rim, while also being able to stretch the floor with his outside jumper. Really like how he keeps the ball moving as well. Will be a key piece in their success this season. [player_tooltip player_id="1144129" first="Dane" last="Meuler"] (6’1 2022 G, East Ridge)- He’s not the biggest or most skilled players on the floor, but he’s the type of player who always seems to know where to be on the floor. Whether it’s with his off-ball cuts or chasing down long offensive rebounds, Dane continuously made momentum changing plays in a win over Hopkins. He also impressed with his buzzer beater at the half, getting his defender in the air before draining the long jumper. Defensively he never steps down from a challenge, and he’ll scrap for every loose ball that he can get to. Dane finished with 9 points, and just consistently made plays throughout the game. [player_tooltip player_id="1268467" first="Gani" last="Stevens"] (6’7 2022 PF/C, Minneapolis North)- Arguably the most efficient player throughout the game, Gani was nearly impossible to stop on the block against Minnehaha Academy. He was just too strong or too agile for whoever the Redhawks threw at him, and his left handed baby hook shot fell just about every time. Gani shoots his free throws with his right hand, but would look to score with his left, which may have caught defenders off guard at times. Really liked the way he fought to keep possessions alive on the offensive glass, and then the physicality to power right back up through contact for some clutch finishes. Defensively he was nearly impossible to move off the block as well, and he does a nice job of walling up to contest jumpers without fouling. [player_tooltip player_id="958659" first="James" last="Spencer"] (6’6 2022 PF, Park Center)- The Division One guards will likely get most of the attention for Park Center, but it was [player_tooltip player_id="958659" first="James" last="Spencer"] who was providing a spark against Wayzata. His footwork down low has improved since he last played varsity as a sophomore, meaning guys can throw it in to him and let him go to work on the block. He showcased soft touch with the left hand to convert on some tough looks. Defensviely is where he can be a big time difference maker, chasing guys down for multiple blocks, and pulling in rebounds in bulk. His athleticism combined with strength allows him to guard guys who are both smaller or taller than him. Ultra versatile big who fits the fast paced Pirates team so well.