NHR State Saturday's Top 15U Guards/Wings

Lots of the top 15U teams in the state competed at Maple Grove on Saturday, and some teams and players stood out from the rest. Lots of good scoring, but it was not the only thing that stood out from these 15U guards and wings.    Bjerketvedt played a very complete game against a Howard Pulley team that featured two of the top four players in the state. He had two threes in the first half that kept his team somewhat within striking distance. In the second half, he was not getting those same open looks, so he started attacking the hoop. Bjerketvedt had two great drives to the basket through traffic, one of which resulted in an and-one. The IQ to know when to take the outside shots and when to attack is a very valuable skill for someone Bjerketvedts age.     Babou played a very impressive game for his Howard Pulley squad, showing why he is a top player in the 2027 class in Minnesota. Ann started off not totally looking to score, but he was very noticeable on the defensive end and rebounding the ball. Ann was rewarded for his high-effort plays with a string of very impressive offensive possessions. He took one three from the right wing that could have been NBA range, and he took another defensive rebound coast-to-coast for an easy layup. Ann had one fastbreak where he tried to punch it home with a dunk, but it just rimmed out. Despite the miss, it showcased his athleticism.     Green was tasked with running the offense for his squad against a very high-powered Howard Pulley team, and he definitely found success despite his team not playing super well around him. In the first half, Green was settling for outside shots and not looking for any driving lanes. In the second half, a switch flipped, and Green attacked and attacked. Every one or two possessions, Green would take a strong drive to cup and either have a difficult layup over larger defenders or he would draw a foul.     Purcell is a unique player who is 6'2 and has broad shoulders, making him play bigger than he really is. Purcell is such a fundamental guy who has all the intangibles to be an all-conference player for Annandale next season. Something Purcell can do that not everyone else can do is guard 1-5, which makes him a very impactful player no matter where you play him. Purcell also has a very solid 3-point shot that keeps the defense honest. Purcell is 6'2, but when he drives to the basket, he looks 6'5, a great example of playing bigger than you are and his athleticism.     Betton surprised me on Saturday with his ability to lurk in the passing lane and jump it at the right moment, creating a fastbreak opportunity for his squad. He had two straight steals that generated 5 more points for his Howard Pulley team, who was quickly pulling away in the game. For players on the circuit a lot of them want to be the primary scorer for their team, but Betton seems to have embraced the role he has. He can score when he wants and is given a good opportunity, but he does a great job moving without the ball and always moving, creating open looks for his teammates.

Lots of the top 15U teams in the state competed at Maple Grove on Saturday, and some teams and players stood out from the rest. Lots of good scoring, but it was not the only thing that stood out from these 15U guards and wings.