Jack’s Week 6 Standout Performers
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Week 6 was full of exciting matchups and I was able to catch a pair of them. Here are the seven prospects who stood out to me most! Chanhassen (82) vs Minnetonka (85): Jordan Cain MN #37 SF #9 HEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingWeek 6 was full of exciting matchups and I was able to catch a pair of them. Here are the seven prospects who stood out to me most!
Chanhassen (82) vs Minnetonka (85):
Jordan is Minnetonka’s leading scorer through the first eight games of the season and he showed why in Wednesday’s win. He is so tough to stop when attacking the basket, as he is very strong and stays under control when making his moves. He used a combination of jab steps, spin moves, and crossovers to get past his defender and into the painted area. Cain’s bounce was on display as he would leap and lay the ball up right over defenders like they weren’t even there and even got loose for a fast break one-handed slam. He was also a hound on defense, coming away with multiple steals. This Minnetonka team is experienced and very fun to watch.
Maxwell played the entire game on Wednesday and got better and better as the night went on. The junior guard may be undersized, but more than makes up for it with his lightning quick first step and blow-by ability. No one could stay in front of him, as he attacked the basket with ease. When he gets there, he can hang in the air and contort his body to make an acrobatic finish or to kick out to a teammate for an open look. He is also a phenomenal shooter, as he knocked down several three-pointers off the dribble, sometimes on the run and fading. Woods is a star on the football field as well, as he is one of the best dual-sport athletes in Minnesota.
Alex stepped up and played a huge role for the Skippers in their win over Chanhassen. He finished the game with a season-high 16 points, finding success attacking the basket and finishing around the rim through contact. With that contact, he drew many fouls and got to the line very frequently. Jones’ rebounding on both ends of the floor is what allowed his team to put the game away down the stretch. He came away with many clutch boards on the offensive side of the ball, providing second chance opportunities for his team. He also played solid defense all game by altering opponent’s shot attempts and taking charges. On a team full of ball handlers and scorers, Alex played his role perfectly on Wednesday and was a major part of why Minnetonka came away with a win.
Riley Johnson
Riley Johnson
Riley turned in an excellent performance in a tough matchup with Minnetonka, as he scored a season-high 19 points. The majority of those points came from the perimeter, as he kept Chanhassen in the game with 5 made three-pointers making up 15 of his 19 points. The sophomore guard was lethal in the catch-and-shoot, using his impressive footwork to get himself set and under control in a minimal amount of time. He gave the Storm a chance to force overtime with a clutch last second three, but finished with a tight loss. Johnson also showed flashes of what he can do attacking the rim, with a tough finish through multiple Minnetonka defenders. Chanhassen has had a difficult schedule to start the season, but I would not be surprised if a winning streak was in their near future.
Totino-Grace (62) vs Park Center (76):
JJ caught fire in Thursday’s huge matchup with Totino-Grace. The unsigned senior scored a game-high 19 points, doing most of the damage from beyond the arc. He connected with 4 three-pointers and did a wonderful job hovering around the perimeter to put himself in the perfect place for a pass from a teammate. After he would receive a pass, he can get shots off very quick and under control, even if he is still moving slightly. Ware has flown under the radar in the past couple seasons and will provide many positive attributes to wherever he ends up at the next level.
Cash continues to step up when the lights are the brightest. This is the second big game I have seen from him where he completely takes over down the stretch. Similar to the matchup with Lakeville North, Park Center was going back and forth with Totino-Grace all game. With limited time remaining, Chavis had two key assists, a tough finish through contact, a catch-and-shoot three-pointer, and two huge dunks to cap off the big time win. This Pirates remains the clear #1 team in the state of Minnesota as they now sit at 8-0 with Cash steering the ship.
Highlights
Isaiah was Totino-Grace’s leading scorer in the tough loss against #1 Park Center, as he showed off his ability to slash to the rim and finish through contact. The Division 1 offered wing/forward was able to get by his defender with little to no trouble and used his athleticism to rise above defenders, as well as being able to avoid them acrobatically. TG will look to get back on track, as they should have no trouble winning their next six in-state matchups. There is so much talent on this team and I believe they will enter as state favorites once again.