Max’s Week 5 Midweek Standouts
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Seven prospects who have impressed so far this week in the two games I’ve watched! I saw Minnehaha Academy defeat Providence Academy, as well as Washburn take down Southwest in a Minneapolis City Conference matchup. Kingston Manning MN #120 PF…
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Continue ReadingSeven prospects who have impressed so far this week in the two games I’ve watched! I saw Minnehaha Academy defeat Providence Academy, as well as Washburn take down Southwest in a Minneapolis City Conference matchup.
Providence Academy just didn’t have an answer for the size and strength of Kingston Manning Kingston Manning 6’4″ | PF Minnehaha Academy | 2025 State MN in the paint. His ability to run the floor for transition buckets as well as establish deep post position allowed him to put up 18 points in a win. Minnehaha was looking to get him the ball on the block, and from there he was able to score with strong drop-steps as he powered his way up through contact. The Redhawks lost a lot from last year’s state finalist team, and Kingston has been stepping up to fill in for some of that lost production.
Lorenzo is one of the most explosive guard prospects in the state. He has a quick first step, can sky for rebounds in traffic, and defensively has the ability to pick up steals in bulk. As an on-ball defender he can sit deep in a stance and consistently cut off opposing ball handlers, but he also has great instincts off the ball to jump passes and get out in transition. On the offensive end he finished with 18 points as he knocked down a few threes and also attacked the basket to earn some trips to the free throw line. When Lorenzo gets into the paint he does a great job of scanning the floor, and is able to deliver accurate passes to his shooters or forwards even when driving at full speed.
Highlights
Leo was the main source of offense for Providence against Minnehaha Academy on Tuesday night. He was handling the ball well under pressure, and his strong frame as just a freshman allowed him to play through some contact as he drove to the basket. Upon first watch you wouldn’t suspect he’s just a freshman because of his strong frame and natural athleticism with the ball in his hands. Scored 20 points while also holding his own defending older players on the other end.
Highlights
In a key conference matchup, Blake stepped up in a big way for Washburn. The 6’4 guard caught fire from beyond the arc, and ended up finishing the game with 25 points. At 6’4 he’s able to spend some time handling the ball to help break a press, can guard multiple spots because of how well he moves at that size, and is a big time floor stretcher with his range beyond the arc. Outside of knocking down threes Blake was able to get out in the open floor and utilize his length and athleticism to convert on a couple of transition finishes.
Highlights
Donnevan Okwor
Donnevan Okwor
With Kyle Jorgensen Kyle Jorgensen 6’9″ | C Minneapolis Washburn | 2024 State #308 Nation MN not having his best night shooting the ball, Donnevan was a player who stepped up in the scoring department. The senior guard scored 18 points, and seemed to be coming up with buckets when his team needed them most. He showcased impressive body control getting to the rim and finishing from difficult angels through contact. Okwor brings additional quickness to the defensive end, and his ability to produce on both ends make Washburn that much deeper of a team this season.
Southwest trailed by as much as 22 points in the second half against Washburn, and Sal’s second half outburst was a big reason why SW was able to cut the lead to just 4 points at one point. Ruiz knocked down a quick flurry of threes that not only cut into the lead, but got the home crowd fired up to further boost Southwest’s momentum. He showcased a quick release off the catch to beat a closing out defender and put three points on the board. Sal finished with 15 points in the loss to Washburn.
Liam got off to a slow start in the first half, but still finished with 19 points against Washburn. This season he looks a bit quicker with his first step, and with how good of a shooter he is, this makes him so dangerous blowing by his defender after a shot-fake. He constantly has defenders jumping or freezing with a shot fake or hesitation dribble, and it allows him to consistently beat his man off the dribble. Good footwork to stop and play off two feet around the basket, and he has the soft touch to knock down turnaround jumpers. Having a productive senior year scoring 22.4 ppg for the Lakers.