Tip Off Classic: Jack’s Breakout Prospects
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Here are the seven prospects who broke out at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic this past weekend. JJ Semanko MN #28 SF #8 HEIGHT 6'4" POS SF CLASS 2025 View Profile JJ Semanko Instagram Twitter State: Minnesota School: Hopkins JJ…
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Continue ReadingHere are the seven prospects who broke out at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic this past weekend.
JJ took over in the second half in a win over East Ridge, where he scored 16 of his team-high 25 points. The junior wing was effective from inside and outside, showing off his full scoring arsenal. He never looked sped up and appeared very comfortable with the ball in his hands. The 6’4” wing used his size to shoot over smaller defenders and attack the rim for finishes through contact. Semanko was one of my favorite players to watch this past club season on the Prep Hoops Circuit and looks like an elite scoring option for Hopkins this year.
Highlights
Isaac only scored seven points in the win over Totino-Grace, but had an extremely impactful performance on the offensive end. The sophomore guard was heavily relied on as a ball handler, conducting the Wayzata offense at times. Olmstead had some passes that reminded me of a sophomore Tre Hollomon, showing off his vision with some no-look dimes through traffic that resulted in easy layups for teammates. Despite this being the first season of Isaac seeing varsity minutes, he looked very confident and did not back down against one of the best teams in the state.
Bennett almost led East Ridge to the comeback win over Hopkins, but just fell short in the final moments. The sophomore guard looked super confident shooting the ball and scored 16 points. He got hot late in the second half, connecting with four shots in a couple of minutes. He is lights out in the catch-and-shoot with his quick release and also showed the ability to attack the rim and absorb contact. The backcourt duo of Skinner and Tomes looks like it will lead East Ridge for this season and the years to come.
James stepped up in a huge matchup with Park Center, operating as the fourth scoring option. He was able to score from different spots on the floor, mostly working without the ball, resulting in several catch-and-shoot opportunities. He connected with a pair of three-pointers and shot an efficient 5 of 7 from the field. He was also flying around the floor, as he picked up 9 rebounds and made an impact on the defensive end. Fager looks like he could be an x-factor this season for the Panthers when he gets hot.
I have been really impressed with Xavier this season as he has stepped into that fifth starting spot nicely. He has made the majority of his impact shooting from the perimeter, as he is one of the first options teammates look to kick out to. He has super smooth shooting mechanics and has not hesitated to let it fly from behind the three-point line. In the huge win over Lakeville North, he knocked down five shots on his way to 14 points.
I was extremely impressed with Mason’s performance on Saturday, as I have not gotten to see him play all that much. He had to step into a little larger role in the matchup with Breck, as his team’s two best players sat most of the first half due to foul trouble. The ball was in Mason’s hands a lot and he looked good as both a facilitator and scorer. He is super tough to stop when getting to his left hand around the rim and showed a quick first step which allowed him to blow right by defenders. Witt and Alexandria are looking to make another deep playoff run in March.
Tyson Moore Tyson Moore 6'0" | SG Hopkins | 2025 MN
Tyson Moore Tyson Moore 6'0" | SG Hopkins | 2025 MN
The trait about Tyson’s game that stood out to me most was the intensity he gave on the defensive end. When he checked in, he was instantly given the responsibility of guarding the opponents number one scoring option. He did not back down and gave maximum effort every second he was on the floor. This Hopkins team is filled with talented scoring options, but Tyson could fit in well if he is able to be a lockdown defender.