Breakdown Slam Classic: New Names to Know

<p>The Breakdown Slam Classic was held at Hamline on Saturday, here are some new names for fans of Minnesota high school basketball to know. </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Zach Close of Orono (6’4 Forward 2023).  Close did some things that caught my eye.   He’s long, moves well, has decent size for a team that needs it, and grabbed six boards.  Close is a player that I could see playing a huge role as a senior. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ben Hallberg of Princeton (6’6 Big 2022).  Any time you grab 13 rebounds in a game you get a spot here.  Hallberg scored twice at the cup too but his job was being big in the paint and defensive rebounding, and Ben did that well.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="1149729" first="Sam" last="Koopmeiners"] of Cretin-Derham Hall (6’7 Big 2023).  There were some things to like about this Raider reserve.  Steven scored on three of his four shot attempts and gave the Raiders some much needed buckets in the paint.  Has a good frame and seemed comfortable finishing.  It will be interesting to see how he grows over the next nine months. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jack Kopesky of Orono (6’1 Guard 2022).  Jack’s first half production was important as Orono stayed just behind Princeton.  Without Jack I don’t know that the Spartans stay within striking distance as he had four bucket stretch in the middle of the game scoring on the move that was important.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Evan Schimming of Princeton (6’5 Forward 2022).  Princeton wins with team basketball on both ends.  The type of balance that leads to league championships, potential section championships, and all around contendership.  Evan is the perfect player within his role as he hit most of the six shots that came his way including a pair of threes.  Solid role player with size.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Max Swanson of Mound-Westonka (6’7 big 2022).  SSP is short on size and at 6’7 Max took advantage.  With his back to the bucket Swanson scored, he had putbacks finished, and completed a few attacks from others.  Swanson had nine boards and scored 15 on 7 of 11 shooting.  Swanson has looked better with each showing this year.  </span></p>