Jack’s December Standout Performers Pt. 1
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Here are the seven prospects who have impressed through the first month of games that I have seen. CJ Armstrong MN #25 CG #2 HEIGHT 6'3" POS CG CLASS 2025 View Profile CJ Armstrong Instagram Twitter State: Minnesota School: Richfield…
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Continue ReadingHere are the seven prospects who have impressed through the first month of games that I have seen.
CJ currently leads the state in scoring as we near the end of the first month of the season. He is averaging 38.3 points per game and I was in the gym to see him drop 38 in a tight loss against Orono. I was really impressed with his ability to hit tough shots and draw fouls. He could score from beyond the arc and in the mid-range, while also attacking the rim with aggression. He was not just scoring when I watched him, finding his teammates for better looks when faced with a double team or heavy pressure. He has led Richfield to a record of 3-3 thus far, including a win over DeLaSalle.
Highlights
Randy took over in the win over St. Cloud Tech at Hamline. He was showing off his elite shot making abilities, as well as his tight handle and shiftiness. No one could guard him and he was creating loads of separation with crossovers, sidesteps, stepbacks, etc. He was knocking down triples off the catch or off the dribble and connected with a super tough turnaround fadeaway in the mid-range as well. The senior guard also displayed his athleticism with two dunks in transition. Randy has led Columbia Heights to a perfect 5-0 record headed into January.
Highlights
Tameron has put up some pretty impressive scoring numbers so far this season, currently averaging 33.5 points per game, sitting at fourth in the state. I saw him in a matchup with Columbia Heights at Hamline and it was very easy to see why he has been putting up these numbers. He converted on multiple acrobatic finishes at the basket, being able to contort his body to avoid his shot from being blocked. He knocked down some incredibly tough shots off the dribble too, not being affected by being completely off balance. He also caught my eye with a high flying dunk in traffic. Ferguson and St. Cloud Tech have a record of 3-3.
Max put on a scoring clinic in a heartbreaking loss to Chanhassen, totaling 40 points. He was scoring from everywhere on the floor and the defense had no answers when he started to heat up. He is able to get shots off super quick in the catch-and-shoot, minimizing the contest a defender is able to get. He was also using his strong 6’5” frame to be effective in the paint. He hit some shots with his back to the basket and is able to finish at the rim with either hand. Kraay is currently averaging 24.7 points per game and has led Mound Westonka to a 3-4 start to the season, playing mostly AAAA competition.
Jalen has put together a solid start to his senior season and could be in contention for the Mr. Basketball top ten if he keeps it up. He has led Shakopee to a 5-2 record and he is currently averaging 17 points per game. In a competitive loss to Wayzata, Langsy turned in a great performance, doing everything for his team on the offensive side of the ball. He is a threat to score from all three levels, but also impressed me with his ability to facilitate for his teammates. Jalen is a winner and just plays hard when he is on the floor.
I was able to catch Will and Waconia in a win over STMA, where he caught fire in the second half. He showed off his all around offensive skill set with the combination of his scoring and facilitating. He is a major threat from the perimeter, being able to shoot from well behind the three-point line. He can create shots for himself using the dribble, as he pulled up and drilled a couple triples. He also looked good in the pick and roll, where he could get all the way to the basket or find a teammate for an open look. The Wildcats have been one of the top scoring offenses so far this season and have an early record of 4-2.
Earlier this month, I saw Kyler turn in a phenomenal performance versus a super tough Park Center team. He played with no fear and scored a team-high 20 points in a competitive loss. He showed off his perimeter shooting, connecting with triples off the catch or off the dribble. He also did well attacking the basket against one of the top shot blocking teams in the state. Champlin Park has played a tough schedule so far this season and sit at 3-5 a week out from conference play getting started. The sophomore guard is averaging 5.6 points per game.