The Minnesota Top 250 Expo: New Names to Know (2023)

Who were some of the new names we picked up from the Expo that we think will greatly help their teams this winter? Here is a list!

Sawyer Kaczmarek Sawyer Kaczmarek 6'0" | PG Glencoe-Silver Lake | 2023 State MN of Glencoe-Silver Lake (6’0). When it came to quickness, Sawyer may have been one of the quickest at the event (if I was taking numbers for the right player). Jumping passing lanes, pushing the ball, moving his feet, etc, this double figure scorer from last winter made life tough for a lot of players. He was so quick to the rim, and so aggressive off that first step that he went through contact to finish not just because he had the strength to, but the speed to move right through it! Thought his shot looked pretty good too. He could have a really strong senior season.

Michael Henderson Michael Henderson 6'0" Mankato West Senior | 2023 MN of Mankato West (6’1). When Michael Henderson Michael Henderson 6'0" Mankato West Senior | 2023 MN went down the lane and threw down in the halfcourt set everybody’s eyes opened wide, and then everybody looked around trying to figure out who just did that. The potential for Henderson to be a great transition finisher, to be able to attack and finish with or without the ball, and most importantly, what he could be as a defender, he’s another reason I like West for next season.

Dezmond White Dezmond White 6'0" | PG Brandon-Evansville | 2023 MN of Brandon-Evansville (6’0). If colleges were walking around the Expo looking for a shooter I really hope they saw Dezmond who was outstanding from the perimeter and has a really pretty jumper. Looking into things a little deeper, White shot 43 percent from the arc last season and was a top foul shooter. Scored 16 points a game last season and should get in the 22-23 area if he has the space to keep shooting like this.

Owen Larsen Owen Larsen 6'0" | SF Chisago Lakes | 2023 MN of Chisago Lakes (6’0). Owen Larsen Owen Larsen 6'0" | SF Chisago Lakes | 2023 MN was the biggest surprise of the day for me. We watched him hit perimeter jumpers, Owen scored on the attack, he defended with more purpose than anybody in the building and that 60 foot bounce pass between defenders for a score, only kids with a great feel for the game can pull that off. Owen was consistent and driver, and he left me thinking that Chisago Lakes is going to be a much better team with him being a key part of it.

Kayden Rodrick Kayden Rodrick 6'4" | CG Zumbrota-Mazeppa | 2023 State MN of Zumbrota-Mazeppa (6’4). One of the most driven, aggressive, and constant attacking players at this event was Kayden Rodrick Kayden Rodrick 6'4" | CG Zumbrota-Mazeppa | 2023 State MN who has really good size for his position too. This is a 6’4 that can shoot it but also rebounds with great effort, and man did he defend. He took on a lot of different challenges on the defensive end and usually won the match-up, guard or big. Attacked the cup with high percentage success. Was likely the biggest surprise potential wise and was certainly a stock raiser.