#TheStage – Minnesota Guard Standouts
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The Prep Hoops Circuit was in Indianapolis last weekend, and there was plenty of Minnesota talent in attendance. I was in the gym all weekend, and these are some of the guards who stood out most! Henry Tschetter Henry Tschetter…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit was in Indianapolis last weekend, and there was plenty of Minnesota talent in attendance. I was in the gym all weekend, and these are some of the guards who stood out most!
Henry Tschetter Henry Tschetter 6'3" | SG Stewartville | 2024 State MN (6’3 2024 PG, Minnesota Heat PBJ)- Henry was making big plays in the second half to help lead his team to a win over Rush Academy. He put together a solo run in the second that saw him spot up for a short range jumper, score with a hook shot over size, weave through defenders for a transition lay-up, and then force a turnover with his length and on-ball pressure. Tschetter has grown a bit since I had seen him play last, and he takes full advantage of that length defensively to get up in passing lanes and disrupt opposing ball handlers. That size also allows him to see over the top of defenders and make smart decisions with the ball.
Isaiah Hagen Isaiah Hagen 6'3" | PG Orono | 2023 State MN (6’3 2023 G, Minnesota Select)- Not sure I saw a better mid-range scorer all weekend than Isaiah, as he was able to score at such a high percentage when he got just an inch of space to elevate and pull-up from about 12-15 feet. Hagen impressed with his ability to get to those spots with just one or two dribbles, not needing to pound the rock for seconds at a time just to get a shot off. He also showed he’s not afraid to play with some physicality, and was finding success backing down smaller guards leading to easy finishes at the rim. He did a nice job of bumping them to create space, but not lowering the shoulder to pick up a charge. Really active on the glass on both ends of the floor as well.
Max Shikenjanski Max Shikenjanski 6'2" | PG Stillwater | 2023 State #288 Nation MN (6’3 2023 G, Minnesota Fury)- Max actually got off to a slow start against Arizona Select, but responded with a pair of monster performances against Wisconsin Crusaders and P.L.U.T.O Prospects. His ability to score in a variety of ways stands out, as he’s so crafty working his way to the basket and extending to finish with either hand. Shikenjanski also has deep range and a green light to let it fly from just about anywhere in the half-court. Despite being such a good scorer, he’s equally as gifted as a passer. Able to deliver accurate and quick passes right into his teammates’ hands from anywhere on the court, and he’s so good at getting into the paint before kicking it out to one of his open shooters.
Jalen Langsy Jalen Langsy 5'11" | PG Shakopee | 2024 State MN (6’1 2024 PG, Minnesota Heat PBJ)- Jalen was a great addition to an already talented Minnesota Heat team, as he’s a skilled ball handler who makes plays on both ends of the floor. He’s really slippery attacking the basket, able to weave through traffic with ease on his way to the basket, and his long frame allows him to extend and finish against size. Utilized a shot fake to take on dribble into a deep jumper in the game I saw as well. Defensively he can sneak up on guys and poke the ball free from behind, and he also did a nice job of jumping passing lanes and elevating to steal the ball out of the air. Jalen knocked down two free throws late to ice the game in a win over Rush Academy.
Maxwell Woods Maxwell Woods 5'10" | PG Chanhassen | 2024 MN (5’11 2024 PG, Minnesota Fury Zurn)- Maxwell was barely scoring in his team’s game against Canada Elite, but still made such a big impact on the game with his passing and defense. The quick floor general started off strong with three assists in the first 3-4 minutes of the game, and remained productive for the remaining 28 minutes of play. Whenever he was on the floor, a majority of the Fury offense was being initiated by Maxwell’s ability to beat his initial defender off the dribble, and get his team into advantageous 5 v 4 situations. Tough as nails on defense as well because of his high motor and quickness that allows him to move his feet as well as any defender in the state.
Asher Zubich Asher Zubich 6'1" | PG Mountain Iron-Buhl | 2023 State MN (6’1 2023 G, Starks Elite)- Asher was one of the best shooters I saw all weekend regardless of state. Although his team ultimately came up short against Mid Mo Elite, Asher drained a game tying three to force overtime, and then hit another three early in OT that gave his team a fighting chance. If Asher catches with his feet set and body squared to the basket, there’s a good chance his shot is going to fall. I knew he could really shoot it coming into the weekend, but what also stood out was his ability to create for others off the dribble. His drive and kick game led to a handful of wide open jumpers, and he also made sure to get his two 6’8+ teammates plenty of good looks on the block with timely entry passes.
Hayden Tibbits Hayden Tibbits 5'11" | PG Wayzata | 2023 State MN (5’11 2023 PG, Minnesota Fury Antl)- Even as the smallest player on the floor, Hayden Tibbits Hayden Tibbits 5'11" | PG Wayzata | 2023 State MN was absolutely fearless in every game I watched. He’s not afraid to mix it up in the paint, and with how quick he is on the ball he’s able to get to the rim just about whenever he wants to. Once there he knows exactly what type of finish to use to score against size, and he also does a great job of stopping on two feet, getting guys into the air with a shot fake, and then going up to either draw a foul of finish.