Tip Off Classic: The Top Performers
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When it comes to the eight games I was able to take in here are the top performers from the Tip Off Classic! Jordan Cain Jordan Cain 6'3" | SF Minnetonka | 2024 State MN of Minnetonka (6’3 sr). It…
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Continue ReadingWhen it comes to the eight games I was able to take in here are the top performers from the Tip Off Classic!
Jordan Cain Jordan Cain 6'3" | SF Minnetonka | 2024 State MN of Minnetonka (6’3 sr). It felt like Cain was on a rim run the entire contest. Attacking, transition, cutting off the rim, whatever, he always seemed to be on a rim run and the defense could not contest him once he got to that lift. Cain made 9 of 13 field goals and 9 of 13 foul shots for a 28 point night.
Brayden Carlson Brayden Carlson 6'8" | C Holy Family | 2024 State MN of Holy Family (6’9 sr). I was very impressed with Brayden yesterday. He is getting off his feet well, moving well in the post with good footwork and getting up and down well. When he could get good touches Brayden scored 16 in the post including three or four dunks. Had 14 rebounds and passed the ball out of the post well. If you need a five man for next year and you don’t mind taking a high school kid in the portal era, I would look at Brayden.
Jackson Fowlkes Jackson Fowlkes 6'4" | SG Park Center | 2024 State MN of Park Center (6’4 sr). I think Jackson is one of the best unsigned players in the state. Can score with feet set, is very good with that pull-up, and has the length and agility to attack and finish. Had a supporting 16 including a late basket that helped Park Center get over the edge.
Nolan Groves Nolan Groves 6'4" | CG Orono | 2025 State #259 Nation MN of Orono (6’3 jr). Eastview did not have a player that could slow Nolan in any way. Groves has good size at guard plus he is one of the more skilled players in his class and that combination led to a constant nightmare for the Lightning. Groves made 11 of 13 attempts on his way to a 27 point, six rebound game. The pull-up jumper after a skilled and strong separation was a constant.
Dothan Ijadimbola Dothan Ijadimbola 6'6" | SF Totino Grace | 2026 State MN of Totino-Grace (6’6 soph). Ijadimbola opened the game with three attacks to score: two pull-ups and one short make. The sophomore standout was likely the most reliant scoring threat in the halfcourt set for a balanced TG team scoring 19 points on 7 of 11 shooting with four foul shot makes and a team high eight boards. The combination of skill and strength were tough for the Trojan defenders.
Jonathan Mekonnen Jonathan Mekonnen 6'8" | PF Eastview | 2024 State #201 Nation MN of Eastview (6’7 sr). Mekonnen put up 32 points on 12 of 24 shooting with nine boards and three blocks. Mekonnen is the type of kid that I think will become a very good defender at Colorado State. Laterally he moves well, gets his length on things and is a willing worker. Offensively he went to the jumper more than I have seen and he did hit five threes plus score around the cup.
Jayden Moore Jayden Moore 6'0" | PG Hopkins | 2026 State MN of Hopkins (6’0 soph). The toughness of Jayden Moore Jayden Moore 6'0" | PG Hopkins | 2026 State MN is one of the things that separates him. His toughness was clear when he was constantly on the attack versus East Ridge in half one. You add in the quickness and his feel and you have pound for pound one of the best lead guards you will find. Scored 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Jack Robison Jack Robison 6'7" | SF Lakeville North | 2024 State #158 Nation MN of Lakeville North (6’7 sr). Jackson scored 25 and it was the array of scores that I found most impressive. A few threes, a few pull-ups, a couple buckets faking and pivoting around the post, and scoring on the move around length. Robison had a nice first half and then had some key scores in the clutch.
JJ Semanko JJ Semanko 6'4" | SF Hopkins | 2025 State MN of Hopkins (6’5 jr). Tonight I think JJ Semanko JJ Semanko 6'4" | SF Hopkins | 2025 State MN took a public step forward as a player, as a prospect, and as a top player in his class. The Royals went to Semanko continually in half two and that corner three as well as the mid pull-up came through with 22 points. He rebounded well, made foul shots after attacks, and even had the pass of the night on a timed cut. Semanko is a scholarship prospect.
Chase Thompson Chase Thompson 6'8" | PF Alexandria | 2025 State #216 Nation MN of Alexandria (6’8 jr). With Grove banged up a lot more of the offense for the Cards went through Thompson who made four triples, got to the foul line to make all six free throws, and scored on two attacks. Throw in eight boards and it was a solid 22 point, 8 rebound game for Chase who looks like he has added some muscle and reshaped himself physically in a very good way.
Chase Watley of Totino-Grace (6’1 jr). The number one thing that Watley did today was show that the Trojan defenders commonly had a really hard time defending him off the bounce. Watley scored 19 points on 9 of 10 shooting with just about everything coming at the cup. An impressive day when it comes to the overall impression made.
Brady Wooley Brady Wooley 6'9" | C Orono | 2025 State #187 Nation MN of Orono (6’9 jr). Brady had a tremendous first half with an active 13 points and 10 rebounds including a d-board into a push and finger roll at the first half buzzer. His defense was active getting hands on Mekonnen which forced Mekonnen into paint misses and Wooley got to the foul line consistently. His game abruptly ended when he rammed heads with another player but Wooley did give his team 17 points and 13 boards.