GameChangers: PH Expo Session 2
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Prep Hoops Dakotas put on two Sessions of the Top 250 Expo this past weekend in Sioux Falls at the Avera Sports Center. It was an exhilarating two days of basketball. In this piece, we are looking at players that…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Dakotas put on two Sessions of the Top 250 Expo this past weekend in Sioux Falls at the Avera Sports Center. It was an exhilarating two days of basketball. In this piece, we are looking at players that changed the game. See below for info on 16 ballers from ND & SD.
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How do you get into the GameChanger article? By being a difference-maker for your team, being unselfish, consistent plays, diving on the floor, playing hard all game, boarding up, getting D-stops, being a glue guy, scoring timely buckets, hitting game-changing triples, and many others.
GameChangers
WHY? He came into the event as an unranked player and I like what I saw. Irey looked like a great role player on his squad that went 3-0 on Sunday. Team 7 was loaded with talent and scoring options, Bergen still stood out. The kid from Brandon Valley moved the ball and racked up assists. He scored on the interior and I liked how he scored off two feet. Irey did not seem rushed and I thought is was impressive how he gathered himself and finished strong at the hoop. Good things are coming for Mr. Irey.
WHY? This was my first time seeing him live and Braylon did not disappoint. Red Cloud should be legit this winter and Braylon will be an impact player. He stuck out as a hustler that snagged O-boards and he dove on the floor multiple times for loose balls. I love to see that energy and competitiveness out of a player at the Expo. He is a crafty baller that is smart and he used shot fakes to manipulate the D. On one occasion, I saw Little shot fake and make 3 defenders miss before drawing a foul. He created turnovers, produced in transition, and scored with an AND1. Did he show potential? Absolutely!
WHY? We have another unranked player and he put on a nice performance. Dagim showed some impressive talent and shooting ability. He has a quick trigger and hit numerous triples in multiple games. At 6’2″ and some nice athleticism, Mesfin had little trouble getting his shot off. He did not just drain 3balls, Dagim hit the boards and scored multiple buckets with O-board putbacks. Mesfin also scored in transition. If Canton needs an offensive spark this winter, Mesfin could certainly provide a spark.
WHY? He showed off the bounce with some high-flying dunks. Damon is long and athletic! His first 2-handed WHAM certainly opened my eyes. Damon runs the floor like a Midget…I mean a deer! He scored impressively in transition. Damon had no trouble finishing at the rim with a defender in his face. Glasser also looks to be unselfish. He moved the ball and found shooters. A baller like him could have just worried about scoring but Damon shared the rock. Glasser should be a dude in the WDA this year.
WHY? He was an unranked player before this event, Jones put on a bit of a show! He is certainly in the system now! Daniel is a smooth offensive player and an efficient scorer. He is a good-sized baller with above-average mobility. Jones hit many three-pointers over the course of the Expo. He was also aggressive attacking the hoop and he scored around the rim. I like his talent. He got game!
WHY? It was my first time watching Fedje live and I like what I saw. He was a better athlete than I imagined. I am not sure how good the Titans will be this winter but Everett should put up some nice numbers. He caught my eye on Sunday when he stole the ball, attacked the hoop, and scored on an AND1. Fedje was persistent on the glass and he gobbled up O-boards. He has a good feel, Everett knows how to draw contact and get to the line. He looks to be a good cutter, I liked his sharp-cut on a BLOB that led to a bucket. Fedje has talent!
WHY? Every time I looked at his court Schauer was hitting a triple. His team really needed him to score and Jackson did not disappoint. If you give Schauer an inch, he will take it and drill a triple in your face. I like that fact that he hits shots off the catch and bounce. The All-State Longhorn is always stepping into the pass with his hands and feet ready. He squares up his shoulders and he shoots it with a hair-trigger. I also like his pull-up J, Schauer gets good elevation and his release is high and tight. Shooting enthusiasts will love this kids game. Get ready for an All-State season from Schauer.
WHY? It was my first time seeing Tiger play and he was a sparkplug. Jamre was not the biggest player at the Expo but he is quick and basketball strong. Tiger was one of the premier on-ball defenders at the Expo. He was able to keep some of the high-end talent out of the paint. Yes it is true, I noticed a player that stood out on defense! Tiger could certainly play a role this winter for the Riders as a quick and pesky defender.
WHY? Has a good feel for the D and a natural sense for the game. He struck me as an unselfish player and a grinder/hard worker. Garry was physical/strong and he did solid work around the paint. He did not back down from bigger players and he showed heart. Kolte can score in a congested lane and he will do the little things to help the squad. Keep your eyes on the intriguing Mr. Gerry.
WHY? I have watched him multiple times this offseason and Tvedt showed again that he is a 2-way baller. He hit from deep and locks up on defense. You can tell that Tvedt is just showing the brink of his potential. All-State, yes, expect it again! The Warriors will be one of the top teams in B and Tvedt will lead them to many wins.
WHY? Impressive first impression! He put up points with deep post touches. Mason is a lefty and he knows how to use his shoulders to create space. Ennis was efficient. I loved his feet and shooting touch. Mason is crafty but also physical and talented. Ennis ran the court hard and scored through contact. Brandon’s stock has risen!
WHY? The All-State Cougar was relentless on the boards and he controlled the paint. Every time I looked at his court, it seemed like Nick was securing a rebound. He is long/BIG, has a vast wingspan, anticipates well, and he has a nose for the ball. Hanson scored plenty of points but he is a GameChanger because of his O-boards and all of the extra possessions that he created.
Highlights
WHY? He was unraked before this event and I had never watched Benter player. He certainly made a fantastic first impression. Reed shot it hot at the Expo. I liked his size, build, demeanor, and mobility. Benter scored in transition with his athleticism and skill. He also changed the game with his jump shot from the perimeter. Reed can fill it up from deep. After Sunday, it is clear that we need to get this Cougar on our watchlist for the winter season.
WHY? He made a difference with his athleticism and strength. Almas produced on the offensive glass and he scored points on those second chance opportunities. He has really added on the muscle since I saw him last. Almas must be putting in the time in the weight room. He will be one of the top athletes in class A. Sam made a difference with his energy and how he sprinted the floor. When he wanted, it seemed like he got to the rim. The athletic Titan was constantly breaking down the defense via the bounce.
Highlights
WHY? He had a bit of a slow start to the Expo but Sam really turned it on for game 3. In Baskin’s last game, he exploded and put up points. He is a good-sized guard with impressive athletic ability. This Warrior can get to the rim and score with a versatile finishing package. Sam sprints the floor hard on offense. He also held his own on defense and slowed down some big time scorers. I am not sure what his role will be this winter, but it will be interesting to see how this coming season plays out.