The Minnesota Top 250 Expo: New Names to Know (2024)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who were some of the new 2024 names we picked up from the Expo that we think will greatly help their teams this winter? Here is a list!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1170508' first='Ataa-Adjetey' last='Mensah'] of Roseville (6'1). I love the pace that Ataa plays with. He's a hard attack transition and corner turn type of guy but does it at the right time and does it in a way that helps his team. Ataa does a great job sitting deep in a stance and there were some young guards that he really forced into a lack of comfort. Really like this young point guard and I think he can grow into a solid prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1617760' first='Joshua' last='Balami'] of Math &amp; Science Academy (6'2). I loved watching Josh compete. You could instantly tell that he has to do a lot for his team because he looked to play every role for his squad at the Expo. He brought the ball up the floor, posted up, rebounded, created shots, and always used his strength and aggressive approach to try and make a play. He averaged 19 points, eight boards, and four assists a game last season and that variety was given to his Expo team as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1402519' first='Blake' last='Bergren'] of Minneapolis Washburn (6'3). At a good size of 6'3 I think Blake is going to have a really nice year in the City Conference. Blake is a quality feet set shooter and he will have space to hit plus that size going to the rim allowed Blake to take hits and complete shots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1451145' first='Ethan' last='Carter'] of St. Paul Academy (6'3). Carter was one of the toughest finishers going at the rim that I saw all weekend. Consistently beat his man off the dribble at the Expo and followed that with several rim finishes moving through or by the help. Good passer too. Scored a dozen a game at SPA last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1616547' first='Nate' last='Firle'] of New Ulm (6'8). Firle was one of the biggest players at the event and he used that size to board regularly, block a couple shots each game, and finish dump offs. With New Ulm having two outstanding players returning to lead plus a couple solid role players, having him inside to give them size gives them another edge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284144' first='Isaiah' last='Ronning'] of West Lutheran (6'1). One of the best players in the MCAA, [player_tooltip player_id='1284144' first='Isaiah' last='Ronning'] is a big time playmaker in his league and in Class A. He's a 20 point per game scorer entering his upperclassmen years and he was one of the more impressive scoring options at the Expo. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284094' first='Caiden' last='Swenby'] of Fertile-Beltrami (6'4). There were only a few guys who I pointed to and thought "man that kid can defend and is shutting a guy down" but Swenby was one of them. He uses his lengthy so well on defense getting deflections, steals, and blocks. Loved his energy and he did a great job going at the cup and scoring over bigger players using length to touch in shots. All around player who has a chance to be an All State Class A talent this year and/or next. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284097' first='Carter' last='Wilson'] of Lakeville South (6'1). Wilson's aggressive push and basket attack led to me looking at my roster. When I saw it was another Cougar talent it made me think that a really good junior class at South, has more depth than I thought. Has the strength to play some off the ball defensively but can also give his team another handler. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->