The Last Dance: Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are some of the top players from last night's opener at the Last Dance in Chicago? We bring you the list now!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1139244' first='Brooks' last='Johnson'] of [program_tooltip program_id='2078859' first='Starks' last='Elite'] (2025, wing, Hermantown). We were on the verge of seeing one of the greatest offensive outputs in Prep Hoops Circuit history, and then Johnson's momentum on a dunk attempt led to him losing his grip and falling on his back. Johnson tried to return but he wasn't able to get back to full strength. However, Johnson had done enough. He opened the game with a pair of dunks (then another), a pair of threes, a pair of post up scores (one going to the rim with power, one fading away), and a pair of mid-range tough scores. It was a 23 point first half with two misses, and ultimately a 25 point game on 10 of 15 shooting before the forced exit to injury. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284177' first='Lewis' last='Jones'] of ECI (2024, guard, GGG). You don't need to put up huge flashy numbers for the video guy to be a top performer, you need to play your role well and give your team a chance to win. [player_tooltip player_id='1284177' first='Lewis' last='Jones'] did that on Friday outplaying a ton of Minnesota quality guards from Real Phenom by simply getting to the right spots more consistently, playing tougher, and playing smarter. Jones made his foul shots and scored on four of his five shots, he grabbed six boards, and competed with grit getting his team to a win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1288706' first='Jalen' last='Langsy'] of [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] (2024, guard, Shakopee). Jalen is a game changer with his scoring ability. Can he be a point? It's surely something he can do but his value as a scorer is more than I think I totally understood (this game, the May games, and the Crossfire scoring outbursts have made a huge impression). He completely changed a close game last night. It was a four point contest and then Jalen hits five threes and a lay-up and all of a sudden at 1:57 on the clock the game was stopped. Those 17 points in a blink mixed with good Fury defense took a two score game and made it a called contest because of the 20 point barrier. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanif Muhammed of Real Phenom (2024, PG, Breck). Hanif did not play his best game yesterday but even on a day that he did not play well, he still scored 21 points and gave his team a chance to earn a win after getting down. His ball pressure - along with his teammates - nearly capsized the ECI win chances and Hanif made four late threes. The potential of Hanif to be a game changer on both ends was clear, and it was clear on a day when he wasn't at his best. That says a lot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284153' first='Jay' last='Neubert'] of [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] (2024, SG, Sauk Centre). I think the first thing that needs to be said about Jay is that his teammates and coaches seem to love him. How does that happen? Playing hard and making the right plays is the first part. And the second part is that player coming through when the ball is in his hands and he attempts to create offense. Jay Neubrt follows though in both ways and he did so once again last night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zy'lerre Stewart of [program_tooltip program_id='2075685' first='Minnesota' last='Select'] (2024, PG, Totino-Grace). If I had to pick one player that I was most impressed with in the Select win over D1 New Mexico I think it would be Stewart. His first step led to offensive chances for Select several times last night and late in the game his And1 was key in a two score game opening up. Thought he did a great job of moving the basketball and mixing in his attacks. Another quality shooting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->