The Stage: Hard Work Region 17U All Tournament Teams
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First, second, and third teams from The Stage (including only prospects who compete for teams in the Hard Work region): First Team: Max Shikenjanski — SG — Minnesota Fury Coming off an outstanding high school season, Shikenjanski has made sure…
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Continue ReadingFirst, second, and third teams from The Stage (including only prospects who compete for teams in the Hard Work region):
First Team:
Max Shikenjanski — SG — Minnesota Fury
Coming off an outstanding high school season, Shikenjanski has made sure that he kept his momentum rolling. The shooting guard earned a spot on this first team list when he dropped 32 points — including six made threes — in an overtime win. Shikenjanski is an excellent overall player, particularly on the offensive end. He shoots well from deep, is capable of hitting mid-range shots, and is a phenomenal finisher around the rim. He isn’t just a scorer, though. Shikenjanski is also an awesome passer who uses his court vision to distribute the ball to open teammates. With plenty of college coaches lining the sideline, the MN Fury SG made sure that his name was known.
Dallas Bear — SF — Iowa Barnstormers
Bear is the type of prospect whose game translates very well at the college level. Standing at 6-foot-8, the small forward is a knockdown shooter who is able to use his size to shoot over smaller defenders. But Bear isn’t the type of forward to stay on the perimeter for the whole game. In the paint, he uses his length to grab rebounds, block shots, and finish well at the rim. After his fantastic play at The Stage, Bear was offered by North Dakota. I would not be surprised if more offers start to roll in for the Iowa Barnstormers standout.
Levi Birkholz — CG — Wisconsin Crusaders
It is such a joy to watch Birkholz play when he is at his best. The combo guard out of Lakeside Lutheran makes tough shots, competes hard on defense, and is very unselfish. I really loved what Birkholz was able to do on the offensive end this weekend in Indianapolis. He always scores well, but at The Stage, Birkholz showed an ability to run his team’s offense. Serving as the point guard for Crusaders, I thought Birkholz did a wonderful job of getting his squad into the right sets. If the rest of this spring goes as well as it did this past weekend, Birkholz should earn some college interest.
Jordan Malmlov — PG — Minnesota Select
Malmlov was no-doubt one of the best shooters in the gym this past weekend. In one game, the Minnesota Select point guard dropped 31 points on nine (!) made threes. In this game, it seemed that everything Malmlov threw up found the bottom of the net. And while shooting is his greatest strength, the PG can do so much more. He is a really shifty ball handler who is efficient at getting to the rim and converting on layups. He also is a willing defender that does a really nice job of getting in passing lanes and creating turnovers. Any college programs searching for a point guard should look no further than Malmlov.
Anthony Doppler — SG — North Dakota Phenom
Helping lead North Dakota Phenom to an impressive 3-1 record, Doppler did a lot of good things. First, he is a light-out shooter that defenders have to respect. Second, he is a strong-bodied forward that is able to get downhill and finish through contact at the rim. Third, he was really good on defense. And finally, Doppler is just a solid all-around teammate. He plays hard, passes when necessary, and takes good shots. After his terrific showing at The Stage, Doppler was awarded with an offer from North Dakota.
Second Team:
Bennett Freid — SF — Coulee Country 2023
Freid is a small forward who can do it all. He shoots well from three, scores off the dribble, and is a sneaky good passer.
Isaiah Hagen — PG — Minnesota Select 2023
Hagen is a really dangerous scorer. A very good slasher and a more than capable three-point shooter, the Minnesota Select point guard got buckets all weekend.
Blaise Porter — PG — Iowa Barnstormers
I really liked how Porter was able to run the show for the Iowa Barnstormers. He is a very skilled ball handler and passer who makes his teammates better.
Darik Dissette — SG — North Dakota Phenom
A talented scorer that can fill it up from anywhere. Also very aggressive as a rebounder. Dissette recently picked up an offer from North Dakota.
AJ Lieuwen— CG — Team 1848
Lieuwen is a talented combo guard who knows how to put the ball in the hoop. He scored 20 points and was very impressive in a game on Friday night.
Third Team:
Caden Kirkman — F — Iowa Barnstormers
Devon Fielding — CG — Coulee Country
Alex Sherwood — SF — Wisconsin Crusaders
Matthew Bothun — SF — Minnesota Fury
Lincoln Palbicki — C — Minnesota Select