MBBCA Jamboree Prospect Standouts
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The MBBCA held their inaugural jamboree on Saturday, with programs across the Twin Cities getting in some live action before getting into their first games of the year. These are seven of the prospects who impressed in those games! Liam…
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Continue ReadingThe MBBCA held their inaugural jamboree on Saturday, with programs across the Twin Cities getting in some live action before getting into their first games of the year. These are seven of the prospects who impressed in those games!
Southwest graduated a talented 2022 class, but there’s still a good amount of talent coming up. Liam looks to be one of the players ready to make a big jump forward as a junior. On the opening possession of the game Liam made a nice backdoor cut leading to an easy lay-up, and from there he was dominant finding ways to get into his jumper. Farniok was knocking down shots from three and mid-range, while also using his strong frame to get around the basket and score. He showcased a calm demeanor on the floor, and was able to put up some impressive scoring numbers despite the 20 minute game compared to a normal 36 minute game.
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Gavin will be stepping into a much bigger role in the South St. Paul program this winter, and showcased his versatile game on Saturday. Defensively he has good size at the guard spot, with active hands and quick instincts that allowed him to poke the ball free, block shots, and pounce on loose balls to pick up steals. I knew he could shoot it from outside, but he also impressed with some composed finishes in the open floor. Instead of trying to force his way through a defender to the basket, he took what the defense gave him and was finishing with touch over the top of his man.
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Datrell should play a key role for Maranatha this winter, as the junior is lightning quick with the skill to hurt you as a scorer or facilitator. He’s a high level shooter from beyond the arc with his left-handed stroke, but has worked on becoming a mid-range threat as well. Even though he’ll always be one of the smallest players on the floor, he gets good elevation on his shot which allows him to get it off over a closeout. Defensively he showed he can be a pest on the ball, and he has excellent timing to sneak up on guys with quick double-teams/traps to force turnovers. His team looked like they wanted to play fast, and Datrell fits in perfectly with that up-tempo style of play.
It took Corey a bit to get going, but once he started getting aggressive attacking the basket he became very productive. He has a long and limber frame at around 6’5 with solid athleticism and finishing ability. When he recognizes a gap he’s able to take just one or two dribbles and get all the way to the rim with his long stride. Does a good job of keeping his eyes locked on the rim and it allowed him to finish through contact on multiple occasions. Also flashed a jumper as he knocked down a three and mid-range. Defensively he can move his feet with wings but is also able to utilize his long frame inside as a shot blocking threat.
Micah is one of the preseason contenders for City Conference POTY, and he showed why on Saturday. The senior wing threw down two dunks showcasing his athleticism around the basket, but was also a threat from the mid-range. He does a great job of getting to his spots from around 12-15 feet, and with his release point it’s extremely difficult for defenders to alter/block his shots. Once he gets to his spots there isn’t much you can do as a defender besides hope he misses. Was a 20 ppg scorer as a junior and will look to build upon that as a senior.
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North St. Paul didn’t have much of an answer for Kyle Jorgensen Kyle Jorgensen 6’9″ | C Minneapolis Washburn | 2024 State #308 Nation MN inside. The 2024 post prospect is one of the most versatile bigs in the state, with footwork on the block, touch that extends to beyond the arc, and passing vision that allows him to find his teammates when double teams come at him. Kyle found ways to score in the paint, flashed up to the high post for a jumper, knocked down a three, and was a brick wall defensively. Jorgensen also showed off some improved athleticism with a dunk (although it was called off due to the passer being fouled). Kyle looks ready for a big junior season for Washburn.
Richfield’s starters played limited minutes, but Armstrong still made his presence felt early in the game. He’s a microwave type of scorer who can heat up in a hurry and put points on the board very quickly. In just the first few minutes of the game he scored with touch on a floater, got to the rim for a scooping and-one finish, and put-back his teammate’s miss for two more points. Also dished out a no look assist from the top of the key to his teammate cutting to the rim. Armstrong has a long frame, versatile scoring ability, and has added some explosiveness since his freshman season that will make him an even bigger threat as a sophomore.