Madness In The Midwest: Max’s Day 1 Standouts

Lausen started off the game impressing with his scrappy on-ball defense. He has a strong frame, sits deep in a stance, and is quick laterally to pressure and cut off the ball constantly. He kept that intensity for the length of the game making things difficult for his man. In the second half he started to take over offensively at times as well. In a close game, Lausen was making big shot after big shot from three as there was no hesitation in his release when he caught in some space. Helped lead WOTN to a win in overtime.

JJ made it look easy in a 20 point win for Minnesota Lockdown . During the winter he was primarily a catch-and-shoot three point threat, but showcased more areas of his game last night. At 6’4 he spent some time handling the ball for his team, and was able to create his own shots while also being able to get into the paint and deliver passes over the top of his man to pick up assists. Still showed that smooth stroke from three as he drained a handful of outside jumpers, including two step-backs that helped erase a comeback attempt from the other team. Defensively he was a shot blocking threat as he utilized his long frame to contest around the rim, and was then able to tuhat defense into offense going the other way.

Timmy came in and provided an instant spark for Minnesota Rush with his quickness. Defensively he was all over the place making plays as he can pressure the ball hard in the full-court, was able to step in for some quick double-teams, and was putting himself in the right spots off the ball to make plays. Offensively he was quick enough to beat his man off the dribble for a few finishes at the rim, but he was also kicking it out to his shooters when the defense had to step in on him.

World Hoops Elite ultimately came up short, but I was impressed with how Cooper played on both ends of the floor. At 6’4 he did a great job of moving his feet on the perimeter, but was walling up to protect the rim when he was inside. Had a couple of big swats as he was able to elevate off the floor quickly. Offensively he proved early on the be a threat from three, and used that to then open up a shot-fake into the dribble drive. Plays with some physicality inside as he’s not afraid to power through some contact to score. Also moves better than I knew as he can weave through defenders with the ball and get up the floor quickly in transition.

Braden showcased some impressive change of speed last night as he was able to constantly get to the basket. Really crafty finisher at the rim who mixed in some reverse lay-ups while also being able to power straight up to score in traffic. Makes good use of shot-fakes and pass-fakes to get defenders committed in one direction before attacking in the opposite. He’s always passing in moving and that helped lead to better overall ball movement from  his team.

Zach was shooting the ball at a high level as Chapman Academy went into overtime with WOTN last night. He has a lightning quick release, and wasn’t afraid to let it fly off the dribble or catch. Herrmann made a few shots early, and from then on out defenders were constantly chasing him around the floor trying to prevent him from getting off outside shots. With that Zach was able to get guys in the air with shot fakes, and use a shifty handle to get into dangerous spots off the dribble.

Will made some key plays late as he helped his team pull away down the stretch and come away with a win. Nothing flashy about Will’s game, he just goes out and makes the right plays on both ends of the floor. Off the ball he’s good at stepping in to take charges, and does a good job of walling up to protect the basket without fouling. Was pulling in rebounds with two hands, and once he got his fingers on the ball he wasn’t coughing it up. Any time Minnesota Rush forced a turnover, Will seemed to be right there helping get possession for his team. Came down with some big rebounds late, as well as securing a 50/50 ball and then dishing out an assist as the game was in anyone’s hands.