NHR State: Jack’s 16U Saturday AM Stars

It looks so effortless when Colton is scoring the ball and he turned in a really solid performance in their round of 16 matchup. He has good size for a wing as the incoming junior stands at 6’3”. He looked really good handling the ball in the open floor, fitting very well into this Select team that loves to run in transition. He showed off his explosiveness with a pair of dunks in space and also connected with a three off the catch. Kazmierkoski looks like he has made some major improvements to his game since the last time I’ve seen him play and I am excited to see him keep developing.

CJ’s stock has been rising so far this AAU season and it is very easy to see why. He possesses elite athleticism and was using it to his advantage for finishes in transition. He threw down a pair of open floor dunks and was unfazed by contests on his layups. He also impressed me as a passer, finding teammates near the basket for simple baskets. Armstrong is coming off of a very productive sophomore high school season and has the chance to solidify himself as one of the top scorers in Minnesota’s 2025 class.

Gage really impressed me on Saturday, being one of the top scorers I have seen so far this weekend. He found most of his success putting the ball on the floor and creating opportunities for himself. He was effective pulling up in the mid-range and getting all the way to the rim for contested finishes. I saw him utilize a floater at times, as well as strong layups with either hand at the basket. The Mora 2025 is a very versatile offensive weapon with the ball in his hands. 

Brogan has so many skills well beyond his years and they were on full display on Saturday. He always looks so calm and composed with the ball in hands and did a great job creating open looks for his team, whether it was himself shooting or others. The lefty was very tough to stop from getting to his strong hand for finishes, being able to work around his defender and get downhill pretty easily. He also found success pulling up off the dribble and found some teammates for easy finishes. Madson’s experience playing high level competition was very evident.

Josh was a bright spot for Comets Schumann, showing off his full arsenal of options as a scorer and facilitator. He started the game off hot with back-to-back pretty catch-and-shoot makes, having the ability to get shots off quick, making it hard to contest. He also looked comfortable creating off the dribble as I saw him connect with a pull-up jumper in the mid-range. Heggernes was effective in the pick and roll, picking up some assists to cutting teammates as well.

I love the intensity and effort Cobie brings when he is in the game. He is constantly flying around the floor at full speed, making plays and causing disruption on the defensive end. He was getting his hands in passing lanes and came away with a couple steals. He has a lightning quick first step and has the ability to blow right by defenders. He was getting to the rim with ease, either kicking it out to teammates or converting a tough contested finish despite his 5’9” frame. He led Northstar Titans Lockwood to a hard earned win over Comets Allen to advance to the next round.

Julius used his size and strength to go to work down low in the post, dominating defenders all game and showing off his exceptional touch around the rim. He has great footwork for his solid 6’6” frame, being able to turn over either shoulder for a pretty finish. The Edina 2025 was ready for quick passes on the block from teammates as well, where he would then lay in an easy finish.  He was also a difference maker rebounding, eliminating any second chance opportunities for opponents.