East Ridge Holiday Classic: Day 1 Standouts
In this article:
East Ridge kicked off their annual Holiday Classic on Wednesday night, and I was in attendance to catch all four games. These are some of the prospects who stood out! Jackson McAndrew MN #1 PF #1 HEIGHT 6'10" POS PF…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEast Ridge kicked off their annual Holiday Classic on Wednesday night, and I was in attendance to catch all four games. These are some of the prospects who stood out!
Wayzata built up a big lead and pulled their starters with about 11 minutes to play, but the D1 offered junior still put up 22 points in the win over CDH. At 6’9 he’s a mismatch nightmare because of his ability to find space on the perimeter and get off a three with his lightning quick release. CDH spent a lot of the game defending him with a guard and he was still able to get into space on the perimeter with pick & pops and active movement. Showed off some improved athleticism with a putback dunk and also hit an impressive fadeaway jumper out of the post. Jackson has grown a bit since his sophomore season and also looks a bit stronger which will only improve his stock as a college prospect.
Highlights
The most exciting performance of the day came from Rosemount’s Anish Ramlall Anish Ramlall 6’2″ | PG Rosemount | 2023 State MN . The St. Cloud State commit put on a show with his shiftiness and explosive athleticism at the rim. You don’t find many guards his height that can shift directions as quickly as he can, and then explode to get to the basket. Can change directions while maintaining momentum downhill, which allowed him to throw down an impressive one handed dunk right off of a crossover in the second half. Anish has the ability to create his own shots off the dribble, but I really liked his off-ball movement as well. He’s so good at lulling his man to sleep and then beating him backdoor to the rim for easy buckets. Finished with 25 points in the win over Woodbury.
Highlights
Beasley is one of the quickest players I’ve seen all season. He came off the bench and immediately made an impact as Rosemount didn’t have a defender who could keep him in front. Even though he was typically the smallest player on the floor, Beasley was fearless getting to the basket and looking to finish against size. He had no problem absorbing some contact and extending to finish, while also being able to hang in the air and just outlast guys in the air before laying it up. Has range beyond the arc which forces defenders to guard him tight, leaving them vulnerable to him blowing by. Finished with 28 points.
Highlights
In what was a very low scoring matchup between Eastview and East Ridge, Chet stepped up with some physical buckets around the basket to give his team the win. Kloss is improved at taking guys off the dribble from the perimeter, and where he’s always had the strength to power through guys in the paint, he’s gotten much better at utilizing a euro-step to go around defenders as well to avoid charge calls. Efficient scorer because almost all of his shots are right at the basket or open threes off the catch. Defensively he can guard bigger than his size, always finds a body to box out after a shot goes up, and will be the first guy on the floor for a loose ball.
Highlights
Kyson brings a versatile option to the post for Rosemount. At 6’7 he has good size, moves well, and can step out and knock down mid-range/three point jumpers with ease. He’s tough for opposing forwards to defend because of his ability to catch and attack from the wing, while also having the vision to deliver high-low passes from the top of the key to his other forward. Defensively he has the mobility to defend pick & rolls with his ability to hedge and recover or switch and defend on the perimeter.
Parker does so many things defensively that may not always show up on the box score. Against an Eastview team loaded with size, he was often guarding players 3-4″ taller than him, and was fighting for every inch of position, making it difficult for them to get touches in good position. He also drew three offensive fouls, moving into positions to draw contact under the basket, and frustrating his man leading to a hook as he couldn’t get past Parker. On the offensive end you’ll never see the ball stick in his hands as that type of ball movement helps open up better looks for his teammates.
Highlights
Really love the effort that Ryan competes with. He gives 100% non-stop and it’s obvious with the way he moves his feet with smaller guards, gets into position to draw charges, and competes on the glass against taller forwards. When scoring the ball he has the handle to weave his way all the way to the basket at 6’4. But perhaps his best asset offensively is as a passer. He can drive and kick to open shooters and excels at tossing the ball ahead after a defensive rebound. Has the strength to launch the ball the length of the floor to help pick up one or two wide open lay-ups just about every game. Finished with a team high 14 points in a win over Minnehaha Academy.