Max’s Midweek Prospect Standouts
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Eight of the prospects who have stood out through the two games I’ve watched this week! I saw Buffalo take down Minnehaha Academy as well as Lakeville North get a revenge win over Eastview in a loaded matchup. Nate Dahl…
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Continue ReadingEight of the prospects who have stood out through the two games I’ve watched this week! I saw Buffalo take down Minnehaha Academy as well as Lakeville North get a revenge win over Eastview in a loaded matchup.
Nate was impressive in fall league play heading into his senior season, but I’m not sure many predicted he would be THIS good. Not only has Dahl been a putting up impressive numbers, but he also has Buffalo in the top five of Class AAAA. Against Minnehaha the 6’1 guard made it look easy at times with his ability to create space on the perimeter for threes while also creating easy looks at the basket with his ability to cut hard off the ball. A lot of his shots come within the flow of the offense, but he also showed when needed he can get a little flashy off the dribble and score in isolation. Dahl is such a crafty finisher at the rim, as he converted on a few reverse lay-ups in which he used the rim to fend off opposing shot blockers. He’s a tough-as-nails defender as well, with a strong frame to help keep opposing guards out of the paint. Despite scoring 36 points he also did a nice job of keeping his teammates involved, and he’s able to zip in passes from the perimeter in to cutting teammates.
Rolyns was a huge reason why Minnehaha was keeping this game competitive against one of Class AAAA’s best. I know Buffalo doesn’t have a bunch of size, but it was still impressive how Rolyns was able to go to work down low despite being the focal point of the opposing defense. He has a big and strong frame, and is very quick on his feet for someone listed at 6’9. Rolyns was able to catch on the block, feel his man out, and quickly spin towards the basket for an easy lay-up. Was also a threat just powering up after an offensive board or dump-off pass. His quickness and handle for a player his size is very impressive, as he can take opposing forwards off the dribble in a way you wouldn’t expect. Rebounded the ball hard and finished at a high level inside on his way to 33 points. Rolyns has been very impressive this winter for the Redhawks.
It was a below average scoring night for Hudson, but I thought he had some great passes. Winter and Robison were scoring at a high level, so Hudson took a step back on that front and decided to take over as a facilitator. The 6’5 guard was able to get to dangerous spots around the free throw line, and using his size was able to zip passes over smaller guards into his forwards around the basket. Does a great job of stopping and playing off two feet which allows him to pivot/see the floor, and keeps his options open allowing him to pass or elevate for a shot if needed. Vaith also chipped in with 11 points leading his team to a win over Eastview.
Highlights
Grady had a huge first half for Buffalo helping them build a lead that they would keep for the entire game. He’s a trusted ball handler for this team, and was the guard tasked with bringing the ball up and getting his team into their offense. Once he makes that first pass he was staying active off the ball, and provided a high level shooting threat to stretch the floor. Showcased a very quick release off the catch that allowed him to get off his shot before his man could catch up. Grady added in a couple of drive-and-dish assists, and also dribbled at towards his teammate in the corner before slipping him a perfect backdoor pass leading to an easy lay-up. 18 point performance from the 2024 guard.
Harrison Aligbe Harrison Aligbe 6'6" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2025 State MN
Harrison Aligbe Harrison Aligbe 6'6" | SF Minnehaha Academy | 2025 State MN
From the start of the season until now, there aren’t many players who have improved as much as Harrison. He went from looking a little unconfident and sloppy with the ball during some fall league play, to now a trusted starter for Minnehaha who has such a smooth shot and is a high potential defender with his mobility and length. Defensively he spent time moving his feet with guards, and had a couple moments using his length to disrupt shots around the basket. Harrison also looks to be the best shooter among the Aligbe brothers, as he hit some 3’s, had an impressive pull-up mid-range on the baseline, and also got to the rim off a smooth drive and finish. Harrison is developing into a solid option at the varsity level, but the way he’s improved over the past few months alone showcases just how high of a ceiling he has moving forward.
For someone in his first season of full time varsity play, Jonathan has been playing at such a high level. Going up against a pair of high major commits, Jonathan showed no fear as he was in attack mode from the start. He used his impressive quickness at 6’8 to beat his man baseline for an early score, and then added three triples over the next few minutes as he scored a quick 11 points. Throughout the game he had some impressive drives as most players his size can’t stick in front of Jonathan and his quick change of direction. Knows how to utilize a lightning quick spin move and does a great job of playing off two feet allowing him to be patient at times while also being able to explode off the floor to finish in traffic. Has such a quick second leap to gather an offensive board and go right back up with it. Finished with 24 points to continue his impressive junior season.
Nolan continued to make his case for Minnesota Mr. Basketball with another strong performance in a win. Shooting over 50% from the field he put up a game high 25 points. Most of his work was coming around the basket where he threw down a couple of dunks, scored off the drive, powered up through traffic, and had some put-back buckets. Also stepped outside to knock down a three in the first half. Defensively he showed his ability to move his feet with smaller forwards, and withstand some contact at the rim while remaining straight up. Used his long frame to block three shots while altering a handful of others.
Highlights
Lorenzo ended the first half strong and had a nice second half for Minnehaha to keep them in it with Buffalo. His deep range allowed him to step out well beyond the arc, knocking down a handful of deep threes to put points on the board. For a while Rolyns Aligbe Rolyns Aligbe 6’9″ | C Minnehaha Academy | 2023 State MN was the only offensive threat, so Lorenzo stepping up with some makes helped keep the defense honest so they weren’t all able to collapse on him in the paint. Lorenzo also had one of the craziest plays of the season as he locked up on the ball and blocked a jumper, then got the ball back and knocked down a half-court shot at the halftime buzzer. The junior guard finished with 25 points in the loss.