Max’s Saturday Prospect Standouts
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Seven of the top performers from the three games I watched on Saturday! I saw St. Paul Central defeat St. Louis Park, Hiawatha Collegiate take down Minneapolis Roosevelt, as well as Robbinsdale Armstrong taking on Minneapolis Washburn. Allan Lankfard MN…
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Continue ReadingSeven of the top performers from the three games I watched on Saturday! I saw St. Paul Central defeat St. Louis Park, Hiawatha Collegiate take down Minneapolis Roosevelt, as well as Robbinsdale Armstrong taking on Minneapolis Washburn.
Central’s sophomore guard put up another explosive scoring performance as he finished with 29 points as well as 8 rebounds and 3 assists in the win over SLP. He started off the game hot knocking down shot after shot to help his team build up a big lead. Lankfard cooled off a little after getting subbed out for a quick break midway through the first half, but found that momentum again in the second half to close the game out for his team. Throughout the game he scored at all three levels as he has a dangerous pull-up jumper from both three and mid-range. Gets good elevation on his shot which allows him to get off shots comfortably even with a defender nearby. Lankfard also possesses an impressive lay-up package as he can hang in the air to score over size, while also being able to finish with some crafty reverse lay-ups.
Seth put in one of the best defensive performances I’ve seen this season. At 6’2, the junior guard is strong, quick, and possesses long arms that make him a menace on the ball. He was picking up opposing point guards and defending on an island for the length of the floor. His ability to slide his feet and force his man to change directions constantly made it difficult for Washburn to get into their offense. Off the ball he was also extremely active as he drew two charges and also blocked a pair of shots. Offensively he showcased a smooth shooting stroke and used his athleticism to get to the rim and finish both off the drive and in transition.
Highlights
Owen had a big game for Armstrong in their win over Washburn. Offensively he was a consistent presence knocking down a shot every few minutes on his way to 24 points. At 6’5 he’s a difficult matchup because of how active he is off the ball, making it hard for guys his size to defend him. He can flash to the high post for a mid-range jumper, spot up for three, or run the floor hard for transition buckets. Such a smooth and consistent release on his shot that allows him to knock down jumpers at a high percentage. Was also a threat with his off-ball defense as he did a great job of jumping bad passes that were forced by his guards’ ball pressure to pick up steals.
Highlights
Romelle has had an impressive start to his senior campaign. He’s more toned and explosive than he was last year, while still possessing the strength to bully opposing guards once he gets to the basket. Against Roosevelt he was dangerous catching in the high post and facing up where he had the options to elevate for a mid-range jumper, or jab and attack the rim. Bell had success scoring from all over the floor with his ability to shoot off the catch or dribble, and he also threw down a dunk in transition. Defensively he can move his feet with guys his height, but also has no problem guarding forwards a few inches taller because he can hold his ground and limit their low-post touches. Really good rebounder as a guard as well. Finished with 28 points and scored his 1,000th point in the process.
Highlights
Kyle continues to put in strong performances for Washburn as a junior. Against Armstrong, if he caught the ball on the block you may as well have put two points on the board because there was no stopping him. With his frame he’s able to drop step and power up if the angle is there, but he also has good footwork to utilize a variety of pivots and shot fakes to get guys leaning before turning the opposite direction to score. Really like the patience he displays on the block. When the defense starts focusing on limiting his post touches, he’s capable of stepping out and knocking down threes out of pick & pops. Defensively does a great job of walling up around the basket to alter/block shots while staying out of foul trouble.
The freshman out of Minneapolis Roosevelt impressed in the second half against a talented Hiawatha team on Saturday. He was one of the main ball handlers for his team, and for the most part did a good job of maintaining his composure under heavy ball pressure and traps. At this stage his three point shooting is one of his standout attributes as he’s confident and has a quick release to beat the closeout. His team was trailing big for a while in the second half before Calvin caught fire and started draining shot after shot on his way to 23 points.
Highlights
Leroy competed with a high motor on Saturday, and it showed with his sprints chasing down loose balls and getting up the floor in transition. Barnes could take off like a rocket in the open floor, allowing him to pick up a handful of buckets at the rim including some tough finishes with his off hand. In the half-court he found success getting into the paint off the drive and dishing it off to one of his forwards. Finished with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in the win.