Freshman Showcase: Jack’s Best of the Best
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The top 2026 talent competed among and against each other this past Saturday at the Prep Hoops Minnesota Freshman Showcase. Here are the seven prospects that stood out to me the most! Isaac Olmstead MN #15 PG #6 HEIGHT 5'10"…
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Continue ReadingThe top 2026 talent competed among and against each other this past Saturday at the Prep Hoops Minnesota Freshman Showcase. Here are the seven prospects that stood out to me the most!
Isaac was easily one of the most skilled players I saw at the Freshman Showcase. He truly has the ball on a string when in his possession, making it impossible for defenders to get the ball out of his hands. He has a really smooth jumper and was extending his shots from pretty deep, knocking down threes from a couple steps behind the arc. Olmstead can also attack the basket, finishing through some contact with some larger opponents. He may not see many varsity minutes this season on a Wayzata team that is loaded with upper class talent, but look for him to carve out a ‘ Hayden Tibbits Hayden Tibbits 5’11” | PG Wayzata | 2023 State MN type role’ next year as an incoming sophomore. Isaac looks like the full package as the next elite floor general coming out of Wayzata.
I saw Jason play a couple of times in the past year, but it looks like he has taken that next step as a player. He stars with the ball in his hands, excelling in setting up his teammates with easy looks, as well as scoring the ball himself. He has a lightning quick first step and was constantly leaving defenders in the dust, blowing by them and getting inside. He also had some really impressive full court passes along with many smart decisions in the transition. He will be making the move from playing varsity as an 8th grader at Minneapolis South to a fresh start with Cretin-Derham Hall as an incoming freshman. I am excited to see how the Raiders will incorporate him in the rotation this fall and winter.
Hamze’s game… and height continue to grow as I’ve seen him play more and more. He came away with some steals as I was used to seeing out of Yusuf, but he also showed off his improved scoring arsenal as well as some playmaking. He was constantly setting up his teammates for some good looks. He also attacked the rim at will as no one really had an answer for him when he was coming towards the basket at full speed. He knocked down several three-pointers as well over the course of the day. He played the role of a scrappy defender coming off of the bench for BSM’s varsity squad last season, but will make the move to Eden Prairie for his freshman campaign. Hamze will add to the deep pool of young Eagle talent for this upcoming season.
Rylan has continued to really impress me this summer. When he has the ball in his hands he plays fast, but it always looks so smooth and under control which is pretty rare for someone his age. He has all of the tools to be an amazing offensive player, being able to score from anywhere coming off the dribble if necessary. He also converted some eye-opening acrobatic finishes at the basket. McPipe also has great awareness and a high basketball IQ. He was connecting with his teammates all over the floor coming away with numerous assists. I expect the stock for Rylan to keep rising going into his freshman season for a Robbinsdale Cooper team that lost some senior backcourt talent.
I have never seen Max play where he didn’t look like one of the best players on the floor. His skills are ridiculously advanced for his age and it looks like I am watching a senior point guard with 3-4 years of varsity experience at times. He is so quick and shifty when he is making his moves, as they can lead to an attack all the way to the rim or he can pull up in the mid-range off the dribble. He is also a very gifted passer, being able to thread the needle when necessary. You cannot give him any space as well, as he will score from anywhere beyond the arc. Iversen looks to be following in the footsteps of other Delano star guards Wishart, Longstreet, and Strandemo. I am excited to watch as he keeps developing.
Highlights
Saturday was the first time I had ever seen Nolen play and I was very impressed to say the least. He shot the lights out in both games I saw, leaving the defense with no answer. He was hitting shots from all spots of the court, including some that came off of the dribble with a hand in his face. Anderson possesses great size for a player who can shoot at his caliber and was ultimately the best shooter that I saw all day. Nolen will add to the young core at Eden Prairie as he is entering his freshman year. He will definitely be a prospect to watch in this class, especially if he continues to grow.
Dothan was dominant as usual on Saturday. His combination of speed, athleticism, and strength overwhelms opponents as he can usually get whatever he wants on the floor. He picked up some blocks and some contested rebounds on both sides of the ball, but most importantly he continues to expand his game with the ball in his hands. He looks very comfortable bringing the ball up the floor, as well as getting to his spots for some mid-range jumpers. Ijadimbola got some varsity minutes at BSM last season, but makes the transition to Totino-Grace for his freshman year. He will join one of the most talented teams in the state as I do expect him to get some varsity playing time coming off the bench for the Eagles. Dothan continues to prove that he is one of the best players in this 2026 class.