Tip Off Classic: Jack’s 4A/3A Standouts
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The Breakdown Tip Off Classic was loaded with many suspenseful matchups between most of the states top teams this season. Here were the top ten performers from classes AAAA and AAA. Jackson McAndrew MN #1 PF #1 HEIGHT 6'10" POS…
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Continue ReadingThe Breakdown Tip Off Classic was loaded with many suspenseful matchups between most of the states top teams this season. Here were the top ten performers from classes AAAA and AAA.
Jackson scored 38 points in an offensive masterclass performance in the win over Totino-Grace. The 6’10” senior is so tough to guard, as he can score in any way from anywhere on the floor. He was knocking down threes off the catch or off the dribble, putting the ball on the floor and attacking the rim, or going to work with his back to the basket. He also hit the game winning shot with a floater as time expired, giving his early Mr. Basketball moment.
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Cash was so fun to watch on Saturday, as is so creative with the ball in his hands and has such a deep bag of ways he can break down his defender. He took over late in the game, looking unstoppable on his way to the rim. He got loose for a pair of open floor dunks and gave an early Mr. Basketball moment of his own with the game winning layup to beat the buzzer, taking down Lakeville North.
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When Jack has the ball in his hands, everything looks calculated and planned, like he knows exactly what he is going to do before he does it. He used pump fakes to keep his defenders guessing and has the innate ability to finish through multiple defenders without his shot being blocked. Robison also has one of the quickest releases I have ever seen and was pulling up from well beyond the three-point line on his way to a game-high 25 points.
Andrew was a huge reason Lakeville North was in it until the end versus Park Center, showing zero fear. He is very skilled offensively and did not back down from the best shot blocker in the state. He was finding success knocking down shots from the perimeter, connecting with four triples off the catch. He was also very impressive attacking the rim and working with his back to the basket. He scored 22 points in the tight loss.
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It has been fun to watch Jayden continue to grow and develop as a prospect over the years. I say this and he is still only a sophomore, which is the craziest part. On Saturday, his combination of scoring and facilitating was on full display. He was getting to his spots and knocking down jumpers, as well as attacking the rim for finishes and kick out passes. He had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win over East Ridge.
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Jackson is such a reliable player and he has been so consistent through the first four games of the season. He was already up to 9 points only a couple minutes into the game and finished with a very efficient 16 points in the win over Lakeville North. He can pretty much do everything when he is out on the floor and has been a swiss army knife for the Pirates. Perimeter shooting, finishing at the rim, passing, defending, rebounding on both sides of the ball, you name it, he can do it.
Chase flourished as a top scoring option for Totino-Grace on Saturday, showing off his shiftiness and scoring abilities. He totaled 19 points on a crazy efficient 9 of 10 from the field. He did all of his scoring on finishes at the rim and is one of the most difficult players to stay in front of. He can make one or two moves then hit another gear and take off to the cup. Watley got a lot of “oohs” and “ahhs” with his ability to change direction and break down his defender.
Chiang continues to prove himself as one of the top players in the state, and the best who is still uncommitted. He had another double-double performance, totaling 20 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Lakeville North. He looked really good putting the ball on the floor and creating for himself, as he has evolved into a trustworthy ball handler. Ring also held down the paint, constantly altering and blocking shots
Isaiah has really blossomed into an all-around prospect and is going to be a great player at the next level. The improvements he has continued to make to his shot creating abilities impressed me the most. He was knocking down jumpers off the dribble and getting around his defender to attack the basket. Johnson is also an elite shot blocker and is going to lead a very good Totino-Grace team this year.
Highlights
Cedric and East Ridge got down big early against Hopkins and almost completed the 25+ point comeback. Due to this deficit, the three ball was huge in climbing back, which is Tomes’ speciality. He was pulling up from well beyond the three-point line and let it fly if he had any space at all. Cedric now holds multiple high major offers and is going to have some eye-popping scoring numbers this season if I had to assume.