Jack’s Week 13 Standout Performers
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This week I was able to catch a pair of games with some headline talent. I made it out to see New Prague take down Jefferson on Tuesday and was in the gym to see Wayzata defeat Buffalo in their…
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Continue ReadingThis week I was able to catch a pair of games with some headline talent. I made it out to see New Prague take down Jefferson on Tuesday and was in the gym to see Wayzata defeat Buffalo in their final game of the regular season on Friday!
New Prague (63) @ Jefferson (57):
Despite the tight loss, Daniel was phenomenal in the matchup with New Prague. The nationally ranked guard had shots falling from all three levels and scored an efficient 34 points. The way he can keep defenders guessing is how he can create so much space on his shots. He used a combination of hesitations and crossovers to get by his defenders and did well finishing through contact at the basket. His shots were also falling from deep, connecting with threes and mid-range looks off-the-dribble. Freitag got loose for two huge dunks as well, showing off his elite athleticism. He’s the full package you would want out of your point guard and I believe he could play Big Ten basketball right now. Daniel and Jefferson will likely have to go through both Eastview and Eagan on their way to a state berth.
Highlights
I was able to watch both of the New Prague vs Jefferson games, and Evan was a player that stood out to me in the two meetings. He is listed at 6’4”, but looks bigger when he is on the floor. With that size, he moves very well and has smooth shooting mechanics that went to use in the win over Jefferson. He can get shots up so fast in the catch-and-shoot, it is almost impossible to get a good contest. The sophomore forward had several smart cuts to the basket for some easy layup looks. Weichert looks super comfortable when he is out there on the floor and has been go-to scorer this season. He is averaging over 20 points per game.
Highlights
Noah Washa
Noah Washa
Noah was a huge factor in why New Prague came out with a win over Jefferson. He was on fire from beyond the arc from start to finish and was able to keep the score tight when Jefferson would go on a run. He connected with 4 three-pointers and was making the defense pay all game for losing track of him. He is a confident shooter who is not scared to shoot over a lousy contest and made that very evident on Tuesday. The senior guard also had a nice take to the basket and converted off with an off-hand finish. Being a AAA team and playing so many games against AAAA opponents, I think Washa and New Prague are battle tested and could make some noise in section 2AAA with a first round upset with whoever they match up with.
Wayzata (95) @ Buffalo (62):
Jackson continues to improve every time I see him and it is clear to me why there are so many high major schools looking his way. His game is so smooth and pairing that with the combination of his 6’9” frame is a recipe for success. The junior put the game away by knocking down 4 three-pointers in the second half. He has one of the quickest releases I have ever seen and needs to be accounted for at all times when he is out there. He looks super comfortable putting the ball on the floor and getting downhill as well, finishing the game with a team-high 24 points. McAndrew will need to stay hot if Wayzata is looking to make another trip to the state championship with every section in class AAAA having top-10 talent.
Highlights
Nate has been a scoring machine this season and now I can see why. He is an elite shot creator and can make something out of nothing at times. For example, if it is a long possession with a couple seconds left on the shot clock, Nate can get separation from his defender with pump fakes or dribble combinations. It was obvious that he was Wayzata’s main focus all night, but still managed to score 26 points. He was great at drawing fouls and getting to the line and the way he can control his body for finishes around the rim is next level. Buffalo has been a pleasant surprise this season and will enter section play as a top-10 team in class AAAA behind huge performances from Dahl as of late.
Hayden has been incredible conducting this Trojan team that has won 21 of their last 22 games to end the regular season. He was fearless attacking the rim and can change directions very quickly to get past his defender. He can finish well with either hand at the basket and was drawing fouls all game. He knocked some shots from the perimeter off the dribble, getting to his spots and pulling up in the mid-range, or hitting them from three. He was also a pest on defense, sometimes picking up full court. He scored 16 points, but impressed me most with the way he was able to create shots for others. He had some nice assists in transition and to cutting teammates in the half court. Wayzata is on a roll with some great play from Tibbits lately and are serious state championship contenders this month.
Highlights
Grady provided consistent scoring throughout the entire matchup with Wayzata and was the go-to guy when Dahl did not have the ball in his hands. Most of his baskets came from the perimeter, finding success pulling from three-point range. He was effective in the catch-and-shoot and created some shots for himself off the dribble. He also showed off some superb body control, converting a layup off an alley-oop. The duo of Guida and Dahl have been good for nearly 40 points per game this season and the Bison will be the clear favorites in section 8AAAA, looking to continue this incredible season.