Max’s Midweek Standouts – Week 4
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Seven prospects who stood out in the three games I’ve watched this week! Abu Keita MN #24 SF #7 HEIGHT 6'5" POS SF CLASS 2025 View Profile Abu Keita Instagram Twitter State: Minnesota School: Benilde-St.Margaret's Club: Howard Pulley The gritty…
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Continue ReadingSeven prospects who stood out in the three games I’ve watched this week!
The gritty matchup between DeLaSalle and BSM favored Abu, who took over in the second half to push his team to a win. At 6’5 with a strong and explosive frame, Abu simply outworked those around him to scrap for offensive rebounds and tough finishes through contact. If he got possession around the rim, he was likely going to find a way to power up and score through traffic. Also showed he can contribute on the perimeter as he knocked down a pair of threes. Defensively he’s a versatile piece with the size to defend down low and pull down rebounds, but also the athleticism to step out and move his feet on the perimeter. Finished with a game high 21 points with most of those coming in the second half.
Highlights
I wouldn’t be surprised if AJ ends up with at least one triple-double this season. At 6’5 he’s that versatile of a player who produces in so many different ways. I watched Holy Angels take on Washburn, and AJ ran the point for his team and had the ball in his hands most of the time. Even at 6’5 he has a quick burst and changes direction very well to weave his way to the basket. Showed good body control to hang and finish off in traffic, but also always had his eyes scanning the floor. As a quarterback his vision translates from the football field to the hardwood as he was constantly locating open teammates and was hitting his guys right in the hands even on the move.
Larry Perkins
Larry Perkins
Larry is having a breakout season for North, and in the win over Patrick Henry he put on a show in the open floor. This North team likes to full-court press and force a ton of turnovers, and with Larry’s length and quickness he’s able to tip passes and get out in the open floor for easy buckets. Threw down four dunks in the open floor and also had another tough finish through contact in transition. North’s starters only played roughly half the game, but even in those limited minutes Larry was still able to put up 21 points. A raw prospect that is one to keep an eye on the rest of the year.
Kyle was facing double and triple teams just about the whole game, with Holy Angels making it a priority to limit his touches. Even with that extra focus from the opposition, Kyle finished with 34 points in efficient fashion. If he caught on the block with even just a second to go at a single defender, Kyle was going to find a way to work for an easy look. He can bulldoze his way into deep position, hit you with a quick shimmy before turning the opposite direction, or get defenders in the air with a shot-fake before stepping through. Even though he’s not a crazy athlete, Kyle is good at using a quick head-fake on the perimeter and then putting the ball on the floor to beat his man to the rim. Utilized a jump-stop to control himself and go up balanced off two feet to finish off his drives. Also stepped out to knock down a three in the second half. Defensively he’ll have to get quicker to defender pick & rolls but is tough to move on the block and was a rim protector with his ability to wall up down low.
With all of BSM’s depth the numbers may not always reflect it, but I think Jayden is one of the top wing prospects in this 2024 class. Defensively he’s a grinder who you can throw on just about anyone and limit their production. He spent time guarding someone nearly half a foot shorter than him, and he just had no way of getting around Jayden who was applying heavy ball pressure. On one particular possession he very nearly forced a five second call and ended up forcing a wild pass that resulted in a turnover anyways. Offensively he does a great job playing off two feet around the basket, using his strong frame to finish through contact. Also showed off his explosiveness with a two hand dunk in transition. When he’s not getting to the basket he has a dangerous pull-up jumper as one of the best mid-range shooters I’ve seen in the 2024 class. Finished with 10 points in the win.
Joe is a high level football player, and he brings that toughness and physicality to the basketball court as well. Scored with his back to the basket just using his strength to back his man down right under the rim and then going up to score with his right hand. Also put in the effort to consistently run the floor, and it resulted in a handful of buckets as most forwards won’t be able to keep up with him. Plays a lot bigger than his height because of how strong he is.
Auvon Sager
Auvon Sager
When Auvon is on it helps open up so much for this North team. They have some athletic wings that can get to the rack, and Auvon’s ability to step outside and hit threes helps draw out opposing bigs and open up those driving lanes. Early in the game Sager was able to pop out to the perimeter and knock down shots, forcing his man to step out and defend him on the arc for the length of the game. Not afraid to mix it up in the paint with some physical finishes either.