Jack’s Week Two Breakout Performers

In week two of the high school season, I was able to catch three games! I watched Irondale vs Anoka on Monday, I was at Mound Westonka vs Benilde-St. Margaret's on Tuesday and DeLaSalle vs Park Center on Thursday. Irondale (78) vs Anoka (58): Jay Nyamari of Anoka (6'1” Guard - 2022) Jay is lightning quick! The fastest player on the court at all times, he used that to his advantage by flying around the floor. He used his speed and shifty ball-handling to attack the basket and either score it himself or pass it off to a teammate for an easy finish. He ended play with a team-high 17 points and a game-high 8 assists, he was the Anoka offense. Nyamari was not only making an impact on offense, but was also a nuisance to deal with for the Irondale backcourt. He was jumping into passing lanes and poking the ball loose from opposing guards on his way to a game-high 6 steals. DJ Anthony of Irondale (6'5” Guard - 2022) DJ was so fun to watch on Monday night. At 6'5”, he is very athletic and skilled with the ball in his hands. The senior guard started out the second half on a roll, knocking down a three-pointer on the first two possessions on his way to a game-high 19 points. Anthony was not just scoring, picking up 6 rebounds and 4 assists while controlling the Irondale offense. The Knights are off to a hot 2-0 start with two convincing victories. DJ is an intriguing unsigned senior prospect, colleges should take notice!   Mound Westonka (65) vs Benilde-St. Margaret's (77): [player_tooltip player_id="958657" first="Dan" last="Ijadimbola"] of BSM (6'3” Guard - 2022) Danny was doing everything in the Tuesday night win. In BSM's season opener, the Bemidji State signee finished with a team-high 19 points and a handful of assists. He could not be stopped attacking the rim, finishing it off himself or finding open teammates for layups or open three-pointers. The senior captain also connected with 2 threes of his own, one being a second half dagger to put the Whitehawks away. This Benilde team still has so much room left for improvement and will be very dangerous come March. Max Swanson of Mound Westonka (6'7” Forward - 2022) Max had a breakout game on Tuesday! The senior forward played JV last season and needed to step into a huge role for the Whitehawks in 2021-22. He did exactly this in a tough matchup versus BSM. He finished with a game-high 25 points, doing all of his scoring inside or at the free throw line. Max used shot fakes and great positioning in the post to make a number of reverse layups and was drawing fouls all game. At 6'7”, Max has a very high basketball IQ and reminds of Austin Andrews from a couple years ago at Eden Prairie. [player_tooltip player_id="1268462" first="Sam" last="Best"] of BSM (6'3” Guard - 2022) Sam is the perfect fit for the BSM Knights. A team filled with players that will handle the ball and attack the rim, he is a knock down shooter who was not missing in the catch and shoot. The captain guard hit 3 threes in the first half on his way to 15 points. Best was also impressive in the mid-range, knocking down a couple of shots off the dribble. He is a scrappy player who wants to win and will do whatever it takes for his team. He will be very valuable for this BSM team ready to make a run.   DeLaSalle (52) vs Park Center (62): [player_tooltip player_id="1172835" first="Casmir" last="Chavis"] of DeLaSalle (6'4” Guard - 2024) The sophomore was a joy to watch on Thursday night. Against the toughest opponent the Islanders will see all year, Cash showed out! He finished the game with a team-high 15 points slicing through the Park Center defense. 2 of those 15 points being a posterizing dunk that got the entire gym out of their seats. Chavis is a phenomenal athlete and has limitless potential. Chavis and DeLaSalle will take on Minneapolis South at the Breakdown Tip-Off Classic this Saturday. [player_tooltip player_id="958659" first="James" last="Spencer"] of Park Center (6'6” Forward - 2022) James continues to impress me this season. Being a player that is mainly inside and crashing the boards, he stretched the floor on Thursday knocking down a three-pointer and being a threat to score from the outside. The 6'6” forward was also doing what you would expect him to do, grabbing numerous offensive rebounds and blocking shots on the other side of the ball. He moves exceptionally well for his size and brings this talented Park Center group together. The Pirates will matchup with the reigning 4A champs this Saturday at the Breakdown Tip-Off Classic!