Max’s Week 4 Prospect Standouts

<p>With week four of the season ending early, I’ll be taking a look back at the top performers I saw over three games this week!</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1142942" first="Micah" last="Young"] (6’3 2023 W, Minneapolis Edison)- </strong>Micah had a monster first half on his way to 27 points in a win over Holy Family on Monday night, as the opposing defense just didn’t have an answer for him. He really impressed with his ability to get to his spots off the dribble, as he played with a nice change of pace. Even with a 6’11 defender extending to contest his shots, Micah was knocking them down confidence like he was in an empty gym. During the first half there was a short period of time where Micah hit two contested jumpers, a transition lay-up, and then a one handed dunk that got the whole gym fired up. He’s developed into such a versatile scorer, and has been one of the top scorers in the state this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962218" first="Nasir" last="Whitlock"] (6’1 2023 PG, DeLaSalle)- </strong>In a loaded Class AAA matchup on Tuesday night, Nas put up a game high 28 points to lead DeLaSalle past Benilde-St. Margaret’s. He was in go mode from the jump, knocking down a flurry of three point shots throughout the game, and using that to stretch out the defense to open up some driving lanes to the rim. During the second half he was able to leak out in transition and get to the rim for some tough finishes. Did a nice job of extending with his inside hand to go under taller shot blockers and finish with touch inside. Defensively he showed he’s not afraid to step in and take a hit, drawing two charges in the win.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1268467" first="Gani" last="Stevens"] (6’7 2022 C, Minneapolis North)- </strong>It was my second time watching North this season, and the second time that I saw Gani go to work down low. He’s taller and stronger than most players he comes up against, but doesn’t entirely rely on his physicality. He can either back his man down into deep position, or use his footwork to get his man going one way, before pivoting in the opposite direction to finish. Gani has excellent touch with his left hand, and his hook shot is nearly automatic. Against a Patrick Henry team without much size, Gani scored an efficient 17 points as North won their 61st straight conference game.</p> <p><strong>Deidrick Taylor (5’8 2024 PG, Minneapolis Edison)- </strong>Was really impressed with what Deidrick brought to the floor for Edison in their win on Monday. Quick ball handler who knows how to use his body when attacking the basket. Once he got his man on his inside hip it was over, as Deidrick would be able to burst and extend at the rim to finish, or wait until a help defender stepped in before locating an accurately hitting the open man. Showed some stop-and-pop game as well as he could stop on a dime as his defender blew by, and then elevate for an easy jumper. Taylor also made some nice passes finding cutters from the perimeter or throwing the ball ahead in transition for some easy lay-ups. Finished with 27 points in a win.</p> <p><strong>Ajani McRae (6’ 2022 G, Minneapolis Patrick Henry)- </strong>Patrick Henry was actually leading by double digits for a while in the first half against North, and a big reason for that was Ajani’s shooting ability. Once he saw one fall early, Ajani got the confidence to shoot more and from further out, knocking down a majority of his attempts in the first half. Although his team lost in the end as North put together a big second half, Ajani showed that he can produce against tough competition as he put up a team high 15 points.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962212" first="Boden" last="Kapke"] (6’11 2023 C, Holy Family)- </strong>The high major offered junior scored a team high 27 points for Holy Family on Monday night. Despite being swarmed by the quick and smaller Edison defense, Boden was able to make adjustments and find ways to score. He showed that he can take guys off the dribble to get into the lane to finish, or knock down threes off the catch as the Edison defenders didn’t have the height to contest him. Really liked how hard he ran the floor and that hustle led to two thunderous dunks that really showcased his improved athleticism. Once he gets into that mindset where he’s not going to let anyone stand in his way from the rim, he can put up points in a hurry.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1288752" first="Liban" last="Tushar"] (6’ 2022 G, Minneapolis Edison)- </strong>The sharpshooting guard has been lighting it up from deep all season long, and Monday night was no exception. His range extended to well beyond the arc, and he’s dangerous both off the dribble or curling off screens because of his ability to quickly get squared up, and his quick release allows him to get off his shot before a defender can catch up. Time after time Liban was pulling up to shoot before the Holy Family defense could react. And those attempts resulted in a quick three points on the board. Also fits in well with Edison’s defensive scheme, as he’s a quick player who loves to trap and apply ball pressure that leads to turnovers consistently. Finished with 20 points in the Edison win.</p>