Breakdown Tip Off Classic: Max’s Sleeper Standouts
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Seven under-the-radar players who stood out this past weekend at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic! Michael Cooper MN #48 PF #6 HEIGHT 6'6" POS PF CLASS 2023 View Profile Michael Cooper Instagram Twitter State: Minnesota School: Robbinsdale Cooper Club: Gain…
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Continue ReadingSeven under-the-radar players who stood out this past weekend at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic!
Michael started off the morning strong with a 26 point outing against Andover. At 6’6 he was the biggest player on the floor with long arms and good mobility at his size. Michael was able to dominate on the boards, and created a handful of second chances for himself and his team with his effort on the offensive glass. Cooper picked up scoring chances by running the floor hard and rolling hard to the basket in the half-court. Also showcased promising footwork from the block with a couple of nice spin moves, and is a capable finisher with either hand.
Highlights
Also impressing for Cooper was Sam Massaquoi Sam Massaquoi 5’11” | PG Robbinsdale Cooper | 2023 State MN . The senior guard now has the keys to the car for Cooper, and put up 30 points in the win over Andover. He’s a quick-twitch player who changes directions on the ball really well, and does a great job of creating space for his jumper off the dribble. His pace makes him unpredictable on the ball, as he get off the floor quickly for a mid-range jumper, or hesitate and blow right by you to get to the rack. Massaquoi is a scrappy competitor who doesn’t care about who’s in front of him because he just wants to go and win.
Highlights
Jacob Rothman
Jacob Rothman
Not sure you’ll find a scrappier defender in the state of Minnesota. Rothman was giving up about half a foot to a nationally ranked guard, and he made him work for every single touch he got. Jefferson tried to post him up, and Rothman’s effort to front his man made the entry passes extremely difficult. On the ball he can move his feet with the best of them to consistently cut his man off and force a change of direction. He has a motor that never stops defensively, and is a constant disruption with his ability to draw charges and get a hand in to poke the ball the minute his man tries to pick it up. Offensively he stretches the floor with his shooting touch and he finished with 6 points in the win over Jefferson.
Grant Gunderson Grant Gunderson 6’4″ | CG Orono | 2023 State MN is Mr. Versatile for this very good Orono squad. He was approaching triple-double territory finishing with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists after also putting up well-rounded numbers against Hopkins the night before. He’s a strong framed 6’3-6’4 wing who’s a difficult mismatch because of his combined shooting touch and finishing strength at the rim. It’s pretty much a given that he’ll either be taller or way stronger than his matchup, allowing him to dominate on the glass and finish at a high level inside. Offensively he seemed to put himself in the right spots at the right times to allow him to score with efficiency in the win.
Harrison Aligbe Harrison Aligbe 6'6" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2025 State MN
Harrison Aligbe Harrison Aligbe 6'6" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2025 State MN
Harrison looks to have shot up in height over the past year, and his frame/mobility alone makes him an intriguing player. Still under the radar in the 2025 class, Harrison looked a lot more comfortable on the floor than he did even just a few months ago in some fall league play. He was among the first to come off the Redhawks’ bench because of his defensive versatility as well as three point shooting touch. At this point he seems like a solid option as a 3 & D type of player off the bench for Minnehaha, with a bunch of potential to improve over the next few years. Will be one to keep an eye on.
Wayzata haven’t gotten off to the start they imagined, but they’ll still be a tough out for any team in the state. One of their key players to start the year has been Jake Schmitt Jake Schmitt 6’1″ | SG Wayzata | 2023 State MN who looks to be a strong 3 & D type of player. The 6’1 guard has a strong frame, and deep range with the quick release to beat the closeout in getting his shot off. With the talent around him he knows he’s only going to get so many shots each game, and he’s been efficient with the chances he’s gotten. Defensively he’s going to be on the floor for every loose ball, and has shown a knack for moving his feet to draw charges.
Highlights
One of the reasons Wayzata came so close to coming back against Eastview was Habte’s performance in the second half. The 6’6 stretch-four knocked down four 3’s with his confident release from beyond the arc, and one of them even showed his poise as he got his man in the air with a shot-fake before taking on dribble to the side and shooting in the opened up space. Also impressed with a pair of passes from the top of the key zipped in with accuracy to a slashing teammate. With his length, shooting touch, mobility, and improved confidence on the floor he’ll be one to watch the rest of the year.