Scheels Of EP Fall League Sleeper Standouts
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The Scheels of Eden Prairie fall league took place on Sunday at Concordia St. Paul, and I was in attendance for nine games throughout the day. These are some of the under-the-radar prospects who impressed! Vincent Hillesheim MN #69 PF…
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Continue ReadingThe Scheels of Eden Prairie fall league took place on Sunday at Concordia St. Paul, and I was in attendance for nine games throughout the day. These are some of the under-the-radar prospects who impressed!
Vincent looks like he’ll be a key piece for Hopkins this season as they look to replace a lot of talent from last year’s team. The 6’6 forward is a strong post presence who showcased some impressive footwork in a win over Mankato West. He was an option to catch on the block and score in isolation on the post, including once with a nice up-and-under move. Provides a nice target out of the pick & roll and can step out and hit mid-range jumpers as well. Vincent just seemed to be everywhere at times as he was constantly the one coming down with rebounds on both ends of the floor, and works hard to defend ball screens.
We saw the flashes last season as a sophomore, especially when Mateo scored 20 points in a section finals win over Concordia Academy. This year he’ll look to make those flashes more consistent as Minnehaha should be a contender in Class AA. At 6’4 he has some nice length on the perimeter, and is a smooth athlete who can finish above the rim when the space is available. At this stage he’s most dangerous as a floor stretcher because of his ability to knock down threes at a high percentage off the catch. Does a great job of just floating into space when one of his guards looks to drive, and always has his hands ready to quickly fire off a shot. Had 15 points in a win over North Branch on Sunday morning.
Highlights
Jacob Rothman
Jacob Rothman
Jacob is another player who will be stepping into increased minutes for Hopkins this season. Based on how he performed Sunday I think he’ll be able to carve himself a role as a scrappy defender and unselfish player who will impact the game in more ways than just scoring. Defensively he was all over the place picking off passes, creating loose balls with his quick hands, and hustling for every single loose ball. When Hopkins faces off against talented guards, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Jacob on them trying to make them uncomfortable for the entire game. Offensively he’s quick with the ball and has some drive and kick ability to create for his teammates.
Tajon looks to step into the lead guard role for Bloomington Kennedy this season after about 8 ppg as a junior. He changes directions extremely well on the ball and was aggressive looking to create his own shot in the game I saw. Even against a BSM team filled with length and athleticism he was finding ways to get into space to hit pull-up jumpers. Really liked him out of the pick & roll as well as he did a nice job of slipping the ball into tight spaces to create good looks around the rim for his forwards.
KaJon has been playing varsity since his freshman year at Washington, and now heads into his senior year as one of the veterans for Johnson. He had some nice moments against Rosemount using change of speeds to get to the basket while also not being afraid to pull-up for a jumper. Has a nice hesitation move that caught his defenders off guard at times, and he’s not afraid to draw contact inside and earn trips to the free throw line. Should be one of the better seniors in the St. Paul City Conference this winter.
Highlights
Because of how many players Minnehaha brought, Leroy only played during the second game of the day but he made an impact right from the jump. On the opening possession of the game he converted on a tough finish through contact to give his team the lead and they never looked back. He was excellent in transition as he has good straight-line speed with the explosiveness to finish above the rim as well as the body control to finish in traffic. Threw down two dunks and had multiple lay-ups as he got to the rim with speed. Defensively he’s so good at jumping lazy passes and turning those steals into offense the other way.
Elias provides a nice spark on both ends of the floor for a talented Eastview team. He’s a difference maker on the defensive end with his quickness and explosiveness, allowing him to lock down on the ball while also making a difference as a shot maker at times. His length allows him to impact the game when Eastview goes to a fullcourt press because he’s so good at getting up in the passing lanes and getting a hand on the ball. Offensively he’s a catch and shoot threat from three and has above-the-rim athleticism in the open floor. Threw down back to back dunks in the second half of Eastview’s opening game.