Twin Cities Takedown: Max’s Day 1 Standouts
In this article:
The Twin Cities Takedown got kicked off yesterday, and these are seven of the prospects who impressed in the games I watched at Wayzata! Kaden Braxton MN #127 CG #1 HEIGHT 6'2" POS CG CLASS 2024 View Profile Kaden Braxton…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Twin Cities Takedown got kicked off yesterday, and these are seven of the prospects who impressed in the games I watched at Wayzata!
Kaden got the day started off strong helping lead MN Crossfire to a big win in the 8am time slot. Early on in the game he drained two 3’s, while also getting to the rim to finish on multiple occasions. Does a great job of beating his man off the ball with hard cuts to the basket resulting in some easy looks, but can also get downhill off the dribble, shoulder some contact, and keep his chin at the rim to finish. Kaden never really looks sped up or out of his comfort zone, and it’s allowed him to have a consistent and productive spring/summer for Crossfire.
Highlights
Going up against players two years older than him, Jack put in some strong performances down low for Team FSA. He played a bit stronger than he looks, and did a great job of holding his position on the block until an entry pass came, and then going to work. Was able to consistently get to his left hand hook shot in the paint, but was patient enough to recognize when a double team was coming to kick it back out. Jack has excellent touch with his left hand and it allowed him to finish at a high percentage when he was able to get touches on the block. Defensively blocked a few shots each game with his willingness to wall up and take some contact while not fouling. Another member of the 2027 class that looks to be very talented at an early stage.
Anthony suited up with Pack 17u, and had his team in it until the very end against WOTN. He started off just getting into a flow with his new team, creating some open looks for his teammates off the dribble and showcasing some good vision in the process as he delivered passes from a variety of difficult angles. As the game went on he started to get more into his bag as a scorer, showcasing that shifty handle that makes him so tough to stay in front of. He mixes in a variety of ball fakes and body feints in a way you don’t really see from any other players in the state, and it allows him to create separation on the perimeter just about any time he wants to. Hit a number of big shots late that gave his team a chance to tie it on the final possession.
Jaiden led Team Haliburton to a win in their opener on Saturday, creating plenty of good looks for himself and his teammates. Can operate as a floor general when needed, handling it under pressure and setting his teammates up with accurate and timely passes. He’s able to get into the lane, keep his eyes scanning the floor, and then kick it out to his open shooters. When needed though he can take over and put points on the board himself. Showcased impressive body control with a few tough finishes through contact, and was stretching the floor with his outside shot. Turned a close game into a comfortable win in the second half.
Parker Fahning Parker Fahning 6'7" | PF Eden Prairie | 2024 State MN
Parker Fahning Parker Fahning 6'7" | PF Eden Prairie | 2024 State MN
Parker continued his strong run of play with Real Phenom on Saturday night. At 6’7, he’s a stretch-forward who forces opposing bigs to come out and guard him on the perimeter. Against Team 1848 he was able to break loose on the perimeter for a handful of open threes, and was connecting on them at a high percentage. You don’t see a lot of 6’7 guys in Minnesota that move as well as Parker does, and can shoot it like he can. Defensively he was able to slide his feet on the perimeter, but was also a shot blocking threat in the paint who wasn’t giving up any easy looks around the rim. One of the bigger stock risers in the 2024 class this summer in my eyes.
Mason King Mason King 5’11” | PG Caledonia | 2025 State MN was all over the floor making plays in a win over Minnesota Showtime. Defensively he moves his feet so well, and was consistently cutting off opposing ball handlers. Does a great job of playing with his feet and not his hands, taking contact to the chest to avoid fouling on the ball. Offensively he’s always moving, and it allowed him to beat his man with some backdoor cuts to the rim. When he catches on the move he’s able to square up and knock down the outside jumper, or utilize a quick head-fake to freeze his man, then blow by to attack the basket. Has a soft floater that he uses to finish over size.
Jayden gave his team life in the second half hitting tough shot after tough shot to close the gap. The opposing defense knew he was the go-to scorer for his team, but Jayden was still able to find space to get off a look from three or mid-range. At 6’3 he has a long and lanky frame, and smaller guards had a difficult time contesting against high high release. That allowed him to get off shots in limited space. Real Phenom threw a handful of different guys on him but still couldn’t stop him in the second half. Team 1848 came up short, but Jayden impressed with a big second half.