Hard Work Region Finals: Jack’s Friday Night Studs
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I was able to catch three games on Friday night at the Hard Work Region Finals. Here are the seven prospects who stood out to me on opening night at Wayzata! Jonathan Mekonnen Jonathan Mekonnen 6'8" | PF Eastview |…
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Continue ReadingI was able to catch three games on Friday night at the Hard Work Region Finals. Here are the seven prospects who stood out to me on opening night at Wayzata!
Jonathan Mekonnen Jonathan Mekonnen 6'8" | PF Eastview | 2024 State #201 Nation MN of MN Heat PBJ 16U (6’7” Forward – 2024)
Jonathan dominated early and often in Heat PBJ’s opening round win over BTG. He scored the majority of his points in the paint, using his frame to his advantage. He was backing defenders down in the post, finishing it off with a clean left hand hook shot. He also did a great job cleaning up after teammates misses with offensive rebounds and putbacks. Mekonnen’s combination of size and athleticism is so dangerous in transition as it is a poster waiting to happen when an opponent is in the way. He also showed off his confidence from the outside, knocking down a catch-and-shoot jumper. Mekonnen looks like the full package and has had an incredible spring and summer. He will be a key player for Eastview to make a deep run this season.
Joe Burgess Joe Burgess 6'5" | SF Park Center | 2023 State MN of MN Select James 17U (6’5” Forward – 2023)
Often not being able to show off his complete game with a stacked Park Center roster, Joe took over last night in a victory for Select. He dominated the paint and could not be stopped by the opposition. He is a freakishly athletic 6’5” forward who can make the flashy plays above the rim, as well as the dirty work everywhere else. He was finding major success scoring in transition and off of the offensive glass. Burgess is very quick and seems to always have a step ahead of his opponent when running in transition after a turnover or long rebound. He was very impressive finishing at the rim at full speed. Joe will be an underrated part of a Park Center team who loves to run in transition and play above the rim.
Colton Benson Colton Benson 6'5" | SF New Ulm | 2024 State MN of MN Rise 17U (6’5” Wing – 2024)
Colton caught fire in Friday night’s win over Old Gold. The 6’5” wing was scoring from everywhere and always needed extra attention from the defense. The thing that makes him so difficult to defend is that he can hurt you in the catch-and-shoot or after using a shot fake, then taking one dribble and pulling up. He does it under control and it looks so smooth when he is taking those pull-up mid-range jumpers. He gels so well with the other ball handlers on this Rise roster and they seem to always know where Benson is when he’s floating around on the perimeter. As soon as his defender helps, there will be a kick out to him for an open look almost immediately. They were all falling last night and Colton blew me away with his performance.
Damontae May of Old Gold 17U (6’1” Guard – 2024)
Damontae was the go-to scoring option playing up a year for Old Gold 17U. He can put the ball in the hoop from anywhere and everywhere on the floor. He was mixing in shots from deep with some mid-range pull ups, as well as getting all to the rim off the dribble drive or in transition. He has a very quick release on his jump shot and is not afraid to pull up with a hand in his face or off of the dribble. He also came away with numerous steals, helping trap opponents with his speed and length. He looked very poised with the ball in his hands, never feeling rushed or pressured with extra attention from the defense. May was the best pure scorer I saw last night and should be a player to keep an eye on for the rest of the weekend.
Jalen Langsy Jalen Langsy 5'11" | PG Shakopee | 2024 State MN of MN Heat PBJ 16U (6’0” Guard – 2024)
Jalen continues to impress me every time I see him play. He plays with so much poise and confidence, it always seems like he is making the right play whenever the ball is in his hands. He is so tough to match up with, the different crossovers and hesitation moves he has in his arsenal are second to none and he is always keeping his defender guessing. When he decides to shoot it, he can connect with some very difficult shots, the majority of them coming off of the dribble, sometimes fading backwards or to the side. Langsy will look to lead an underrated Shakopee squad as a junior this upcoming season.
Isaac Matti Isaac Matti 6'1" | SG Hayfield | 2023 State MN of MN Rise 17U (6’1” Guard – 2023)
I finally got to see Matti play after a fantastic junior season with Hayfield, leading his team in scoring on their way to a second straight state title. I can see why he scored so many points, as he can take the ball to the rim or knock down shots from the outside. He did both in Rise’s win over Old Gold, shooting very efficiently and wasting no possessions. Matti is a very smart player who is always thinking a play ahead of others on the floor, he had some impressive transition starting passes and is a player I would like to have on my team. Isaac is a winner and is always making the right play.
Kaden Cook Kaden Cook 6'4" | PF Park Center | 2023 State MN of MN Select James 17U (6’4” Forward – 2023)
It seems as if Kaden is always the strongest and most aggressive player on the floor. He is always fighting for offensive rebounds and loose balls, wreaking havoc on the opposing team. He is always making the winning play and impressed me with the way he crashed the boards on both the offensive and defensive side. When he has the ball down low he does a great job finishing through contact, drawing fouls and converting and-ones regularly. Also, Cook was constantly finding open cracks in the defense, making entry passes easy for teammates to connect with him for easy looks. He is going to have a lot of success this season being a go-to guy in the rebounding department and when causing turnovers for the reigning state champs at Park Center.