Battle at the Lakes: Friday Highlights

<p>Day one of action at the Prep Hoops Battle of the Lakes is in the books. I was at Maple Grove Middle School where I’ll be all weekend. Here are a few notes from Friday night.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>SaVont Johnson</strong></span> (6’2 2025 G, House of Wellness All-Starts)- Despite a hard-fought loss, Johnson had a very impressive performance. A put-back dunk, a few blocks including a chase-down pin on the backboard, shifty moves around the rim, and long-range threes-Johnson did it all for his team. He plays with great poise and is comfortable facilitating and handling the rock. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ariel Tsaiger</strong></span> (5’10 2025 PG, Triumph 204)- Tsaiger is a fast player who loves to push the ball downhill and get fast buckets in transition. He ran the show for his team on the offensive end; directing traffic, calling plays, pushing the break, etc. He’s great around the rim and has a knack for finding the open man. He does a great job of keeping the ball on a string.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Gilleylen Elite 2024</strong></span>- This team can go. In a physical game against the House of Wellness All-Stars, Gilleylen Elite proved their toughness. Since this is an athletic team that buys in on the defensive end, they become nightmares for any opponent who’s handling the rock; everyone can switch and guard on the perimeter. This is a team that has a nose for the basketball. Multiple offensive rebounds resulted in numerous second-chance points. Not to mention they all have the ability to shoot it from deep.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Lincoln Montelongo</strong></span> (5’8 2024 G, House of Wellness All-Stars)- The matchup between HOW All-Stars 2024 and Gilleylen Elite 2024 was stocked full of talent. Montelongo is another player who is comfortable with the ball. A couple of long-distance threes including one that he made from just a step behind the volleyball line left no doubt that he can shoot it. However, I was more impressed with his ability to push the pace for his short-staffed team. With only five guys available, Montelongo and Johnson made a formidable backcourt. </p>