Max’s Weekend Prospect Standouts
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Seven of the top performers from the three games I saw on Saturday! Hayden Tibbits MN #15 PG #4 HEIGHT 5'11" POS PG CLASS 2023 View Profile Hayden Tibbits Instagram Twitter State: Minnesota School: Wayzata Club: Minnesota Fury Hayden had…
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Continue ReadingSeven of the top performers from the three games I saw on Saturday!
Hayden had yet another big game as he put up 28 points before sitting out the last 8 or so minutes in a big win over Minneapolis North. No one was able to keep him out of the paint, as his ability to come off a screen and get downhill ranks with the best in the state. Once there he’s an excellent finisher with his ability to glide to the basket while having the touch to finish in traffic with either hand. Also keeps his eyes scanning the floor for an open man when the help defense steps in. Defenders couldn’t afford to just sag off of him either, as when they did he showcased his pull-up jumper from both three and mid-range. Continues to produce at a high level for one of the best teams in the state.
Highlights
The sophomore forward put in another strong performance on Saturday, leading BSM to a revenge win over Waconia with 23 points. If you have a similar sized forward on him, Jalen is just going to go to work in the post. He excels at scoring from the block, while also being able to dribble into a post up leading to high percentage looks at the rim. Wilson utilized a quick spin move that is highly effective because he reads his defender’s positioning so well. Wilson has excellent touch around the basket and I liked his effort running the floor which led to a couple of easy looks throughout the game, while also ensuring he was always back in good defensive position.
Minneapolis North had no answer for Jackson on Saturday afternoon. All game long Jackson was able to find space on the perimeter for open threes, and he was hitting them at roughly a 50% rate, including one from well beyond the top of the key. Because of how quick his release is at 6’9, he’s very dangerous as a pick & pop big because he can easily get a shot off before his man closes down. Added a dunk off a backdoor cut, and ran the floor for a transition bucket on his way to 23 points before taking an early seat. Also utilized his size on the glass as he was approaching a double-double in the first half alone, using his long arms to swallow up missed shots in bulk.
Highlights
Jackson put together a nice first half for Waconia on Saturday, using his length and footwork to score around the basket. Hayes does a nice job of making quick cuts along the baseline, and when he catches around the basket he can cover a lot of ground with his pivot. Did a nice job of extending to the opposite side of the rim for finishes, making it difficult for BSM’s bigs to contest/block his shots. Showed a bit of a perimeter game as well as he looked comfortable handling the ball. Defensively he was faced with some tough matchups but I thought he did a nice job of holding his ground in the paint against bigger players, and also drew a charge in the first half.
Jalen is the type of player who does whatever is asked of him to help his team win. He’ll go from handling the ball and getting his team into their offense on one end, to defending 6’5+ forwards on the other side. Richfield lacks size, so Jalen almost plays a point-forward role for his team guarding bigs and having to rebound at a high level. Against Mound Westonka I thought he did a nice job of finding a body to box out and then attacking the ball out of the air. Was very scrappy, and although that did lead to some foul trouble, it helped him rebound like he was much bigger than 6’2. Offensively he found some success getting to the basket where he has the strength to power up and finish through contact.
Abu picks his chances well, and I was impressed with his face up game. Can act as a bit of an undersized forward while also having the athleticism to play the 3. In the first half he caught and faced up along the baseline for a mid-range jumper, and in the second half he had another face up look where he ended up getting his man jumping with an up-and-under move leading to a high percentage look. Defensively he’s rock solid with the ability to guard multiple spots on the floor as he’s a good athlete who can play much bigger than his size. Rebounds the ball well, had a nice pass from the top of the key to a cutting teammate, and works hard on both ends.
Highlights
I thought the freshman had some nice moments for Waconia on Saturday. Was fearless attacking the basket where he had a few finishes, but also had the vision to hit his open shooters on the perimeter. Plays with nice change of pace off the dribble, and although he wasn’t hitting many outside shots in this game, from past viewings he’s typically a high level shooter. I loved how he wasn’t backing down against bigger guards defensively either, fighting for position when they tried to take him to the basket, and showcasing quick hands to get in and poke the ball free when they tried to gather it to finish. Will scored 12 points against one of the top teams in Class AAA.