Tip Off Classic: The Elite Performers
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The best of the best. The players that competed at a level higher than even their top peers. The Tip Off Classic Elite. Isaac Asuma Isaac Asuma 6'3" | PG Cherry | 2024 State #102 Nation MN of Cherry (6’3…
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Continue ReadingThe best of the best. The players that competed at a level higher than even their top peers. The Tip Off Classic Elite.
Isaac Asuma Isaac Asuma 6'3" | PG Cherry | 2024 State #102 Nation MN of Cherry (6’3 sr). This was the prototype Isaac game: control tempo, move the ball, get others involved, shoot when it’s there and always push when possible, and then when the game is on the line make game winning plays. Isaac had three straight possessions of defense to offense to end plays that turned a one point deficit into a five point lead. And from there he attacked to score and put the game away at the foul line. He had 21 points, nine boards, and five assists on 8 of 15 shooting while limiting Kole Hanson Kole Hanson 6'2" | PG Holy Family | 2024 State MN to 2 of 9 shooting. Impressive two way showing for a big win.
Casmir Chavis Casmir Chavis 6'2" | PG Park Center | 2024 State #170 Nation MN of Park Center (6’2 sr). Down the stretch Chavis was watching how things were going and you could just sense that when he saw a teammate miss a shot down six, he decided it was his time. Down 71-77 he cleared, attacked, scored. Did it again down 73-77, and did it again down 75-77 only this time he dropped off a pass for Chiang Ring Chiang Ring 6'8" | C Park Center | 2024 State #276 Nation MN . Tie game. Then with 20 seconds to go Chavis attacked the lane, released and banked in a score to win the game. Chavis is as explosive as they come going 0 to 60 and there is little the initial defender can do to stop him. He had 23 points on 9 of 20 shooting with five assists plus 5 of 6 foul shooting. The first big game big stage performance of the year.
Daniel Freitag Daniel Freitag 6'1" | PG Breck | 2024 State #142 Nation MN of Breck (6’3 sr). Daniel took a bit to get into the flow having to see the trainer early and then his team dealing with the Alexandria pressure, but once Freitag found his groove the Mustangs were able to control the scoreboard by a couple buckets in half two. Daniel’s biggest highlight was the backboard pass dunk but I thought his passing against the Cardinals zone pressure and his late game foul shooting were crucial. Freitag scored 24 points on 9 of 11 foul shooting and 7 of 12 field goal shooting.
Jackson McAndrew Jackson McAndrew 6'10" | PF Wayzata | 2024 State #24 Nation MN of Wayzata (6’10 sr). The difference between Jackson and so many other top players today? He finished with either hand commonly. And he not only scored on the three threes and the various jumpers, but McAndrew scored off the ball and on putbacks. He mixed his own offensive creation baskets with active off the ball baskets. That’s what big time scorers do. And they also score when the buzzer sounds on pretty pull-ups. I will say it one more time in case you thought I was joking, Jackson will be one of the next Minnesota kids making money at the highest level.
Andrew Quam Andrew Quam 6'5" | SF Lakeville North | 2024 State MN of Lakeville North (6’5 sr). Can I have a favorite player? If so it might be Quam. That Dirk fade, the spin and sneak the ball into a small window, and the feet set three, Quam is a scorer. His feel, skill, and willingness to be that scorer in a big moment is what I love. At his size as a four man I don’t know that D2s will move but if one does, it could surely work. And if it has to be a D3, this kid will be brilliant at that level. Quam had 22 points and eight rebounds and he did it against Chiang Ring Chiang Ring 6'8" | C Park Center | 2024 State #276 Nation MN . I thought Quam defended him as well as one could expect too.
Carson Schweim Carson Schweim 6'7" | SF Mankato East | 2024 State MN of Mankato East (6’7 sr). It was great to see Carson again and he looked fantastic. Carson has surely grown an inch but that touch is still there. He stretched the Buffalo defense for six threes and a total of 28 points. Surely a prospect that I think has a chance to grow into a nice college player while leading a team that has a shot at a title.
Andy Stefonowicz Andy Stefonowicz 6'2" | PG Minnetonka | 2024 State MN of Minnetonka (6’2 sr). Andy set the tone with his jumper. The touch is so pure, Andy opened the game with six makes and all of them showed off that brilliant touch. Andy also created regularly for others setting the tone as a constant playmaker that the Cougars had zero answer for. Had a 28 point, 7 assist, 7 rebound evening.