Max’s Section Semi-Finals Standouts
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Friday and Saturday was loaded with section semi-finals matchups, and I was able to catch four different games throughout that time span. These are eight of the prospects who stood out most! D’Marco Chelley (6’ 2022 G, Tartan)- Tartan ended up…
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Continue ReadingFriday and Saturday was loaded with section semi-finals matchups, and I was able to catch four different games throughout that time span. These are eight of the prospects who stood out most!
D’Marco Chelley (6’ 2022 G, Tartan)- Tartan ended up losing a heartbreaker to CDH, in one of the most exciting games I’ve seen this calendar year. Faced off against two D1 offered guards, D’Marco had arguably his best game of the season, rattling off 28 points and competing at a high level defensively. At 6’ he’s strong and explosive, able to move his feet laterally with the best of them. Did a nice job of contesting shots inside without fouling, and was able to poke the ball free on multiple occasions from the CDH ball handlers. Offensively he was hitting his catch-and-shoot threes at a high level, particularly from the top of the key. Once the opposing defense started playing him tighter, he was able to blow by and get to the rack for some tough finishes in the second half. One of the deep sleepers in a loaded 2022 class. Would highly suggest coaches take a look at the film from this game.
Nasir Whitlock Nasir Whitlock 6'2" | PG Delasalle | 2023 State MN (6’1 2023 PG, DeLaSalle)- DeLaSalle put the game away early against Como Park, and it was Nas Whitlock who once again poured in some impressive numbers. His 27 points were earned with a few threes, his lethal pull-up jumper from mid-range, and some slippery attacks to the basket where he can extend and finish with either hand. His change of pace is so difficult to defend, as guys never know if he’s going to stop on a dime or quickly explode to the rim. Was fearless defensively guarding a 6’4 wing who was arguably the top player in the St. Paul City Conference this season. Nas is an underrated passer, and showcased that with a handful of assists in the second half, including dishing out an impressive scoop pass at the last second while driving at full speed down the lane.
Ahjany Lee Ahjany Lee 6'9" | C Byron | 2022 State #145 Nation MN (6’10 2022 PF/C, Totino-Grace)- After taking a bad loss to Park Center last month, Totino-Grace is locked in for the playoffs, and Ahjany Lee Ahjany Lee 6'9" | C Byron | 2022 State #145 Nation MN was one of the guys who came through with a big performance against Mahtomedi. He controlled the paint on both ends of the floor, using his mobility to slide into position to make plays as a shot blocker defensively. Showed excellent timing and with his long arms was able to swat a handful of shots right back to the ground. Had one sequence in which he swatted a shot off the backboard, then sprinted up the floor earning himself a one hand dunk as he went flying through the lane. Those type of plays set him apart from most 6’9-6’10 players, and it’s why St. Thomas has a lot to look forward to during his career there.
Donavhan Cain (6’5 2022 SG, Cretin-Derham Hall)- Everyone knows you’re almost guaranteed 20 points and 10 assists from Tre Holloman Tre Holloman 6'2" | PG Cretin-Derham Hall | 2022 State #57 Nation MN at this point, but it was Donavhan Cain who stepped up with a big game against Tartan on Saturday. He’s such an explosive athlete, but wasn’t just relying on his athleticism to make plays. He knocked down a couple of jumpers, and had some excellent cuts to the basket leading to finishes with either hand inside. Donavhan has really adjusted to his role as an off-ball player this year, finding ways to get high percentage looks without needing to dribble much. Was relentless crashing the glass as well, finishing with 10 rebounds including soaring above two defenders for an impressive offensive board that led to a clutch lay-up late in the game. Finished with 25 points on 10-15 shooting while adding in 4 assists.
Poet Davis (6’ 2024 G, Minneapolis South)- Matched up against Hopkins, the South sophomores showed no fear going up against one of the top programs in the state. They were taking it to Hopkins all game long, and in the second half Poet had an impressive run as he hit a few threes that really blew the game open. May not have the most size on the wing, but showed a quick release to get his shot off over taller defenders, and he’s not afraid to shoot with a hand in his face. Also showed he can create off a screen, reading the defenders before deciding to explode to the rim for a composed lay-up in traffic. Finished with a game high 17 points in the win.
Sam Yanz Sam Yanz 6'6" | C Tartan | 2022 State MN (6’6 2022 PF/C, Tartan)- Thought Sam had a really nice second half as he helped Tartan comeback and make it a one possession game against CDH. Isn’t the longest or most athletic post player around, but he’s going to outwork anyone in front of him and finish off his looks in the paint. Had one impressive finish where he caught the ball in the air with one hand, and without bringing it down finished with that same hand with multiple defenders surrounding him. Grinder on the glass, works hard to win good defensive positioning, and is going to secure rebounds with two hands. Finished with 10 points on the day.
Kyle Johnson Kyle Johnson 6'2" | SG De La Salle | 2022 State MN (6’2 2022 G, DeLaSalle)- Kyle is one of those players who you just sense is going to help a team win a lot of games at the college level. So composed in every game, and is able to score the ball with a limited number of shots. If you give him a few feet of space he’s going to hit the three at a high level, and as he showed on Saturday he knows when to use a quick shot fake to leave his defender in his dust before pulling up from mid-range off of one dribble. Never forces anything and makes smart reads with the ball. Defensively he excels at stepping in to take charges as his defensive positioning is at a high level, but he’s also competitive moving his feet on the ball. Scored 17 points in a win against Como Park.
Donnell Gibson Donnell Gibson 5'6" | PG St. Paul Como Park | 2022 MN (5’9 2022 PG, St. Paul Como Park)- Really like the way this senior competes. Works hard defending on the ball, and is a scrapper for loose balls on the floor. Offensively he’s a dangerous isolation scorer who can create his own shot off the bounce and uses his explosiveness to get some nice elevation on his jumper. With his team down big in the second half, he was fighting to try to claw his team back with a handful of tough buckets. Obviously wasn’t the result his team wanted, but Donnell was one of the reasons why this Como Park team was able to go 16-10 this year after winning just 2 games all of last season.