NHR State: 2024 Prospect Standouts
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The NHR State Tournament featured some of Minnesota’s top 2024 prospects, as well as some under-the-radar players who put the state on notice with some strong performances. These are some of the top 2024 players I saw over the weekend!…
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Continue ReadingThe NHR State Tournament featured some of Minnesota’s top 2024 prospects, as well as some under-the-radar players who put the state on notice with some strong performances. These are some of the top 2024 players I saw over the weekend!
Joe Hager (6’4 2024 SF, Wear Out The Net)- Joe started off the event on a high note, taking over in the second half to lead his team past Gain Elite. He finished off with 26 points as he was constantly getting to the rim, and doing so in a variety of ways. Whether he was attacking from the wing, grabbing offensive boards, or sprinting ahead in transition, Joe always seemed to get the ball around the rim. He finished at a high rate, but even when he missed he was determined to get the ball back, and ended up coming away with a handful of offensive rebounds. Also knocked down a pair of jumpers throughout the game, showing he can score away from the rim as well. Defensively he’s mobile enough to guard multiple spots at his length, and is an added rebounding presence for a WOTN team that features some good size in the frontcourt.
Jackson Fowlkes (6’4 2024 G, Sizzle Simmons 17u)- Playing up a year, Jackson proved why he has the potential to breakout as a junior at Park Center. The long and skilled guard has no problem handling the ball at 6’4, with the ability to create his own shots off the dribble. Really patient attacking the basket, and knows how to get his defender leaning one way before cutting back in the opposite direction. Fowlkes showcased a smooth looking stroke from three, and also knew how to get guys in the air with a quick shot fake before attacking the basket. Defensively he’s agile enough to guard smaller players on the perimeter, and uses his length well to get up in passing lanes or poke the ball free from his man.
Kyan Blomquist (6’3 2024 SF, Minnesota Rush)- Minnesota Rush went on to take home the 16u title, and Kyan was one of the players leading the way. I saw him play twice over the weekend, and he showcased a versatile scoring ability. Kyan can finish above the rim with ease due to his explosiveness, has an accurate shot from beyond the arc, and is a crafty finisher in the paint. Defensively he goes out and competes on each possession, with the strength to guard taller players, while still remaining agile when defending on the wing. High level competitor who just goes out and makes winning plays.
DaMarcus Burks DaMarcus Burks 6'4" | SG Lakeville South | 2024 State MN (6’3 2024 SG, Minnesota Select)- Damarcus has the look of one of the better slashing guards in the state. So dangerous when he gets a gap to the basket because he has a quick first step to gain an edge on his man, and the explosiveness to rise up and finish against size. Does a good job of just getting his man on his hip and keeping him there, which forces a help defender to slide over. If the help comes late Burks can finish at a high percentage, but if the help gets there on time then Damarcus has the vision to spot it and dump the ball off to his open teammate. Impressive athlete who helped lead his team to the 16u title game.
Will Strandemo Will Strandemo 5'11" | PG Delano | 2024 State MN (5’11 2024 PG, Comets Elite)- Even when playing against some good athletes, Will just seems to possess a different level of quickness. Whether he’s in the open floor or creating in the half-court, defenders just have a tough time keeping up with him. This quickness allows Will to get to his spots in the mid-range where he has a dangerous pull-up jumper. He can stop on a dime and get good elevation which allows him to get his shot off even when defended by a taller player. In the game I saw, Will had a big first half as he converted on three transition lay-ups, knocked down a deep three, and drained a pull-up jumper all within the first eight minutes of the game.
Christian Henderson Christian Henderson 6'4" | SF Minneapolis South | 2024 MN (6’5 2024 F, Minneapolis South)- Christian showed some promising flashes throughout the weekend with Minneapolis South. He’s a strong and powerful athlete who excels in the paint. He can power up through contact at the rim, but also has a quick spin move to get to that dominant hand and score around the rim. Showed some explosiveness in the open floor as well, throwing down a transition dunk in one game. Christian has the ability to guard multiple spots on the floor due to his length and athletic ability, and he works hard on the glass on both ends of the floor.
Andrew Quam Andrew Quam 6'5" | SF Lakeville North | 2024 State MN (6’4 2024 F, Minnesota Select)- Andrew plays the game of basketball like a seasoned vet. High level footwork allowed him to earn a number of high percentage look over the course of the 16u semi-finals. Andrew had a few catch-and-shoot threes, but was also creating off the dribble. If he catches on the block he can go to work, making his defenders look silly at times with a variety of pivots and shot fakes. Soft touch around the rim to go along with his jumper. Not the quickest or most explosive, but changes his speeds and uses shot fakes well to beat his man off the dribble. High level competitor who was getting on the floor for loose balls and rebounding at a high level.