War For The North: Max’s Day 1 Standouts
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Seven of the top performers from day one of #NEXTWarForTheNorth! Kai Becker Kai Becker 6'3" | SG Linden Meadows | 2029 HEIGHT 6'3" POS SG CLASS 2029 Kai Becker Kai Becker 6'3" | SG Linden Meadows | 2029 School: Linden…
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Continue ReadingSeven of the top performers from day one of #NEXTWarForTheNorth!
Kai Becker Kai Becker 6'3" | SG Linden Meadows | 2029
Kai Becker Kai Becker 6'3" | SG Linden Meadows | 2029
Kai has one of the highest ceilings out of all prospects from the event, as he has tons of length and an intriguing skillset. Playing up a year at the 14u level, Kai is listed at 6’3, moves very fluidly at that size, and is a confident shooter from beyond the arc. In the first game I watched Kai was knocking down shots from three and mid-range, showing a smooth release off the catch. One thing I liked about Kai is that he doesn’t try to force his game off the dribble, and instead takes what the defense gives him which allows him to play more efficiently.
Blake was dominant in the day’s opening game, as Owatonna just didn’t have a player to match his physical 6’2 frame inside. Blake found success getting to the rim off the dribble and out of the post, and was finishing just about everything inside. He’s more than just a scorer too, as he dished out some impressive assists throughout the game. One saw him launch a full court outlet pass to a teammate, while another saw him thread the needle with a bounce pass to a backdoor cutting teammate. Does a great job of leading his teammates with passes to the rim.
Highlights
In a game that went down to the wire, Ezekiel was making big plays in the 2nd half for OMGBA. It seemed like every other possession he was finding a way to get out in transition, whether it was off a steal or taking an outlet pass and instantly going into attack mode. Duo has a strong frame with some size at 5’7, and I liked how he looked to finish off two feet which helped him go up under control with defenders looming.
Highlights
I like the potential that Cooper showed for Owatonna on Saturday. He already has some size at 6′, and was getting to the rim at will throughout the games I watched. As a defender you just can’t afford to let him get to the rim on his left hand, as he was finishing at a high percentage and has the long frame to extend and finish away from his body. Was often one of the tallest players on the floor while showing the ability to create for himself and his teammates off the dribble.
Highlights
At 6’5 with long arms and mobility, the potential for Ose is high. Defensively he was a monster in the paint as he was blocking or contesting just about every shot he could get to, showing good timing to block shots while avoiding fouling. Was also comfortable hedging high and helping defend screens, and came up with some steals while getting up in the passing lanes on the perimeter. By no means a point guard, but showed some comfort handling the ball in the open floor and attacking space on the offensive end. Really promising prospect.
Benjamin Koch
Benjamin Koch
Ben was on the varsity roster for East Ridge as an 8th grader, and it was easy to see why as he showed impressive poise and change of speed on the ball. Really came alive in the second half getting out in transition to finish at the rim, and getting to his spots off the dribble in the half-court. Able to lull his defender sleep and then blow by with a burst of quickness looking to create for himself or a teammate. Helped lead his team to two big wins on Saturday.
Tyler Kowal
Tyler Kowal
Tyler may have been the most active off-ball player I saw all day. He was constantly cutting hard off the ball, and multiple times was able to beat his man backdoor for an easy bucket. Defensively he was pressuring the ball hard, and putting himself in the right positions to jump passes and get out in transition. Showcased good body control with his finishes in traffic, and never seemed out of control when putting the ball on the floor. Helped his team start out 3-0 in Pool A action.