Max’s Weekend Wing/Forward Standouts
In this article:
Seven of the wings and post prospects who impressed in the four games I was able to catch on Friday and Saturday! Jalen Wilson MN #3 PF #2 HEIGHT 6'8" POS PF CLASS 2025 View Profile Jalen Wilson Instagram Twitter…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSeven of the wings and post prospects who impressed in the four games I was able to catch on Friday and Saturday!
As just a sophomore, Jalen eclipsed the 1,000 career point mark in a win over Richfield. Nothing flashy about his game, just high level production with fundamental basketball moves that he makes at a high level. Off the ball he was always putting himself in the right spots to quickly catch and finish, but he could also go to work with his back to the basket utilizing a quick turn into a hook shot. Jalen also showed he can handle the ball in the open floor, going all the way to the rack while also knowing when to dish it off to a teammate filling their lane next to him. There was a moment in the second half where he just took over with finish after finish, and a handful of them came through some contact as well. Wilson continues to produce at such a consistent level.
America produced in a variety of ways on Saturday against a tough St. Thomas Academy team. He’s the type of big that doesn’t need to score to be effective, because he does so much else. Defensively he’s a big time shot blocking threat, as he has the mobility to put himself in the right spots, and is such an explosive athlete who times his jumps perfectly to swat shots. Listed at 6’6 but because of those reasons as well as a strong frame, he’s able to play bigger than his size. His scoring came from his ability to sprint rim to rim for transition buckets, as well as his intensity on the glass. Fitch is a hard working rebounder on both ends who competes for every missed shot he can get to.
Quam made a nice impact off the bench for Lakeville North in their win for Owatonna. The game started off a bit slow and low energy, but Andrew came in and gave his team a spark with his defensive effort. He fought hard and was able to force two jump balls on the defensive end with his off-ball positioning and quick hands to reach in and tie the ball up. Has some size to guard in the paint, but with how big Lakeville North is he was often on the wing, where he was able to move his feet with smaller players. On the offensive end he sets hard screens, is a smart passer, and showed his skill with a left-handed hook shot. Having seen him in different settings he has the offensive skillset to go and get buckets in a variety of ways, but as we see with Lakeville North he can also excel in non-scoring roles to help his team win.
Highlights
I continue to be impressed by Jayden’s two-way production on the wing. Defensively you can throw him on just about anyone, as he can pressure opposing ball handlers with his lateral quickness, but also use his strong frame to defend against bigger forwards. Had multiple plays where he just sat deep in a stance moved his feet on the ball for 4-5 seconds, and either forced a turnover or a really bad shot because he made his man so uncomfortable. On the offensive end he was attacking the basket with a purpose. Jayden doesn’t shy away from contact, and instead explodes to finish right at the rim, and never fading away. Also was a threat from beyond the arc and showcased his mid-range jumper that he gets excellent elevation on. Finished with an efficient 20 points in the win for BSM.
Owatonna had no answer for Nolan Winter Nolan Winter 7’0″ | PF Lakeville North | 2023 State #98 Nation MN inside. Even with their tallest player on him, Nolan towered over him and was a force around the basket. Winter was working hard to establish deep post position, but was also winning the rebounding battle leading to a bunch of putback buckets. Winter showed soft touch around the basket, but wasn’t afraid to go through some contact either. Made a couple of quick cuts off the ball leading to easy dunks as well. Winter has the skillset to handle the ball as well as pop out and knock down threes, but when he’s able to dominate inside like he did Saturday, he isn’t afraid to keep things simple. Finished with 31 points in another dominant win.
Highlights
There was a period of time where it looked like Rosemount was starting to run away with the game. That all changed when Mario threw down a transition dunk and another finish at the rim in quick succession. Those plays gave Eastview a ton of momentum going forward allowing them to eventually come up with the win. Adams showed a smooth spin move around the basket, as well as the athleticism to hang in the air and finish in a variety of ways. He has a quick leap off the floor to get up and throw down dunks effortlessly without having to bring the ball down to where smaller players can poke it free. Scored a team high 14 points leading Eastview into the section finals.
The 10 points may not be eye-catching, but Jack was excellent at setting his teammates up on Saturday night. He was so good at flashing and catching around the free throw line, facing up, and finding a cutting teammate for an easy lay-up. Also had some nice high-low action with Nolan Winter Nolan Winter 7’0″ | PF Lakeville North | 2023 State #98 Nation MN . Jack knew exactly where to place his passes, making it easy for his teammates to catch and finish in one motion. Also showed off his bounce with a baseline dunk, and had a handful of finishes in the paint. Really smart player who can hurt opposing teams in a variety of ways.