Breakdown Fall League: Week 3 Standouts

With Totino-Grace missing three of their likely starters, Chace stepped up with a big game against Hopkins. He had some impressive plays offensively that showcased his elite quickness and change of direction off the dribble. Chace was getting his man off-balance and immediately crossing over in the opposite direction into a pull-up jumper. At 6′ he looks like he’ll still be able to get his shots off over length because of how much elevation he gets. When Chace was able to get downhill and attack the basket he was difficult to stop because of his explosive athleticism and touch with the left hand.

In a high level matchup of Wayzata vs Lakeville North, Myles was a difference maker for the Trojans. He just brings a different level of toughness and grit to the floor for Wayzata. When Myles steps out on that court, he doesn’t care who you are, he’s coming to outplay you. Myles has shown he loves having the ball in his hands in important situations, and scored right before the first half buzzer beater while also converting a tough lay-up in crunch time to help keep his team ahead. If there’s a loose ball near him, Myles is going to be the first on the floor for it. Delivered an assist from the ground and played scrappy defense all game long.

As one of the fastest players in the state, Dylan once again proved to be difficult for defenders to stay in front of. He has a dangerous hesitation move as he’ll just lull his defender to sleep before exploding in the opposite direction towards the basket. Had some strong drives along the baseline where he was able to dump it off to size or kick it out to an open shooter. Dylan is a confident shooter from outside who creates his own shot with ease while also having some explosiveness in transition. Defensively he’s a long and lanky athlete who’s so good at jumping passes and quickly turning those steals into two points.

You don’t see many players De’Mari’s size with the type of fearlessness and finishing ability that he possesses around the basket. He doesn’t care if there’s a 6’6 forward under the rim, he’s going to attack and find a way to score. In the two games I watched Larkins had some ridiculous finishes as he’s able to hang in the air, absorb contact, and maintain his balance with his eyes locked on the rim to finish. Showcased his explosive athleticism by nearly throwing down a dunk right over a defender as well. Larkins has developed a really nice mid-range game, and when you combine that with his quick handle that allows him to get to his spots on the floor, he’s very difficult to stay in front of. Perhaps most impressive though is his on-ball defense. Larkins was an absolute pest on the ball, and is someone that can pick up opposing point guards and make things difficult for them for all 94 feet. Forced a handful of turnovers while also making it harder for opposing teams to get into their offense.

DaeJohn makes this list based on his scrappiness and intensity that he played with. There’s a lot of talent around him particularly in the frontcourt at East Ridge, so he doesn’t need to be a major scoring threat like he was at St. Paul Johnson. Against a pair of tough teams he provided a physical presence in the paint who rebounded, contested shots, fought for loose balls. Thomas runs the floor hard looking for transition opportunities, and has the touch to convert those chances at the rim. The type of forward who is able to guard taller bigs, but has the agility to switch and defend on the wing when needed.

I know the actual season hasn’t started yet, but I don’t know the last time I’ve seen a freshman produce like Moore in a varsity fall league. Totino-Grace was a bit short handed but still full of talent, and Jayden was carving their defense up off the dribble. It would be tough to even find a handful of seniors with Jayden’s quickness on the ball, and it allows him to exploit even the smallest gaps in the defense. Can get all the way to the rim when the space is there, but if no one steps up he has a nice floater that he’ll rarely miss in the lane. Early in the game Jayden walked right up the floor and drained a three, making it known that defenders have to step out and guard him beyond the arc. He’s a player who you can tell just wants to win, and I think he’ll help Hopkins be better than most expect this winter.

Things are starting to look easy for Jonathan at the varsity level, and that’s a scary sight for teams with Eastview on their schedule. Against East Ridge he was very active off the ball, and his hard cuts and effort on the glass led to a handful of easy finishes around the rim. Started off the game with a baseline drive and finish, and throughout the game added a handful of explosive dunks while also showcasing a comfortable looking stroke from three. Jonathan is so good at playing off two feet which allows him to keep his balance and also power through contact. On the defensive end he attacks missed shots right off the rim and pulls them in with authority. Always looks calm and unfazed no matter what’s happening during a game.