Sunday Special #PHHardWorkFinals

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Plymouth, MN -</strong> Prep Hoops hosted another excellent event this past weekend. The Hard Work Region Finals is always one of my favorite events in club basketball. The 2024 Finals were top-notch with awesome talent, impressive squads, and intriguing matchups. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:200">Who played well on Day 3?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><span style="text-decoration: underline">See below for <strong>Player Notes</strong> on <strong>17 ballers</strong> who looked Special on Sunday</span>...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1809954900631015855","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1809954900631015855 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2484520,"width":"327px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/image_817a72.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/image_817a72.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2484520" style="width:327px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Sunday Special</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1615834' first='Aiden' last='Westgard'] (2025) |6'2 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I like the look of his pull-up game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drilled a nice middy J shortly after I walked into the gym</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Loose ball pick-up steal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good-looking perimeter shot</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Knows how to get open for 3-point looks, reacts &amp; reads the defense </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Effective slashing to the right &amp; left</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Physical in the post, not afraid to exploit a mismatch, showed a nice baby-hook </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1497479' first='Brennan' last='Johnson'] (2025) |6'7 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Nice win over MN Select in a low-scoring &amp; physical game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Knocked down at least 2 three-pointers when buckets were hard to come by</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Does not necessarily look like a 3-shooter but he proved at the Finals that he is legit </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1219808' first='Caden' last='Englund'] (2025) |6'2 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had a nice slash-n-score, put pressure on the D via the bounce</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Penetrated, drew help, kicked to Walz for a clutch triple</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Got to the hoop &amp; finished inside multiple times</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Key role player for the NDP Final Four run</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1561895' first='Collin' last='Branch'] (2026) |5'8 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2076023' first='Wisconsin' last='Academy'] Hibner</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-5-1 record, 2nd Place finish at the Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Aggressive on both offense &amp; defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sneaky steal, easy breakaway score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Creator on O, shared the ball, scored the rock but also found shooters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Very quick, used bursts of speed to beat the opposition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Talented shooter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Knocked down a deep, deep, three off the dribble from the left wing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Penetrated into depths of D, jump stopped, let the D get into air, drew foul &amp; hit both FT's at line</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Textbook shooting form, looks like it came out of a <em>Jerry Meyer</em> shooting manual</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Excellent from the charity stripe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Pesky, annoying, frustrating on defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Created TO's with his quick hands/feet/reactions</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716899' first='Drake' last='Schlosser'] (2025) |6'2 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2413157' first='3ND' last='Hoops Fam']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-First possession I watched, Drake knocked down a fluid three-pointer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Looks to be an improved in-rhythm shooter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hit another 3-ball, catch-n-shoot in the corner</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He was feeling it, hot on Sunday</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fast transition score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Looked confident, strong, fast</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1194507' first='Drew' last='Kempel'] (2025) |6'4 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Battled all game with the talented guards from Select, NDP &amp; Drew prevailed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Gave up body &amp; took a charge in the 2nd half, big play in a game where every possession was important</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drilled a HUGE 3-pointer when NPD really needed it</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Breakway layup late in game when Selects pressed, shot blocked but it was goaltending, 2 pts</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-1:20 left in the game, 2/2 on FT's to show he is a gamer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Tough, tough D all game long</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2129360' first='Gilman' last='Sheldon'] (2025) |6'2 SF| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Multiple offensive rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hustled &amp; gave the extra effort</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Smart basketball instincts</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Shot-fake on the wing, D flew by, 1 dribble, stepback move, balanced, drilled the triple</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Attacked off the bounce and scored with a remarkable floater</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-O-rebound, good awareness by finding [player_tooltip player_id='1625025' first='Brayden' last='Heinle'] on the wing for 3, sweet underhand shovel pass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has a nose for the ball, reads the ball well off the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1561944' first='Jacob' last='Hibner'] (2026) |6'3 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2076023' first='Wisconsin' last='Academy'] Hibner</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Great weekend, Runner-Up Finish, picked up 5 wins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good-sized lefty, physical/strong/aggressive </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scored a boatload of points via slash-n-score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Finds a way to get back to his left hand &amp; finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Straight line slasher, does not mind contact, quick-twitch &amp; powerful moves</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Wiry/tough/athletic </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Cashed in from the 3-point arc on multiple occasions</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Physical defender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Got to the rim at will</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showcased a killer crossover, polished handles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Multiple offensive rebounds for 2nd chance opportunities</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Carved up the D &amp; is explosive to the hoop</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1169144' first='Karson' last='Ouse'] (2025) |6'8 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Knocked down a 3-pointer early to show MN Select they need to guard him out there</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Battled on the block against quality athletes, did not back down, showed that he is legit in the post</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Worked hard to get the rock down low, physical take, fouled &amp; got to the line</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Stronger than he looks!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Rebounded well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Knocked down a smooth middy late in the game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Helped get the lead to double digits vs. Selects</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hit clutch FT's to put the game on ice</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Important player in the NDP Final4 push</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Max Lorenson (2025) |6'2 G| Minnesota Select 2025 Ohnstad</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Quick/fast/intense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Caught my eye when he quickly swiped the ball for a steal, created more TO's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hustled backed on D &amp; blocked a shot</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Weaved through D, impressive 1-handed finger roll score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Clever/smart/skilled</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Faked a pass to fool the D, straight-line drive to the iron, AND1 finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good-looking shot, serious 3-point threat</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Dangerous pull-up game &amp; he does not need much room</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Elevates well to the rim, impressive double-moves off the bounce</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1169148' first='Parker' last='Falcon'] (2025) |6'6 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-MVP!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-If I had a vote, Falcon is for sure 1st Team All-Tournament </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Had to of shot 80% from 3-point land on the weekend &amp; Parker made a boatload of triples</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed that he is not just a shooter, slashed &amp; scored</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Got sweltering hot once again, shot the lights out from 3, major contributor in the win over Selects</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Moved very well w/o the ball, found ways to get open, used screens &amp; showcased impressive feet &amp; timing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-His range runs waaaay deep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-More athletic than you think &amp; jumps well, athletic scores in traffic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Contested a 3ball late, you could see the shooter change his shot &amp; miss because of the Falcon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1189452' first='Ramsey' last='Walz'] (2025) |6'7 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Multiple interior buckets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Cut-n-score in traffic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressed with his high &amp; soft release from the perimeter, tough to stop him when he wants to shoot</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Catch &amp; shoot three-pointer in a tight game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Reliable from the charity stripe, knocked down both with 1:42 remaining</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-2-handed WHAM late in the game to put an exclamation point on the W</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riley Johnson (2025) |6'4 G| Minnesota Select 2025 Ohnstad</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A lanky &amp; mobile athlete with hops</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good leaper, 2-handed flush that looked easy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Blow by drive, athletic finish at the rack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Lets it fly with a quick trigger</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Cashed in many 3's, productive in the catch-n-shoot game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Can put up points in a hurry, plays with swag &amp; confidence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Explosive shotmaker &amp; playmaker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1169145' first='Walker' last='Braaten'] (2025) |6'4 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Post-up score, used his size vs. the smaller Selects</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Physical moves, showed off his strength &amp; toughness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-AND1 bucket, score after contact</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sweet find to a cutting Walz for 2 pts</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good vision &amp; nice pass in the PNR game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hustle play, dove on the floor, this kid is a competitor &amp; winner </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2025184' first='Wes' last='Rahn'] (2026) |6'7 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2076023' first='Wisconsin' last='Academy'] Hibner</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Runner-Up in the Finals, he had a stellar weekend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Very skilled &amp; smart BIG, makes the game look easy but his size/length is imposing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Picked off passes in the paint with smart positioning</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Creates space off the bounce, got to the FT-line &amp; knocked them down consistently </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed perfect timing when blocking shots</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hit multiple three-pointers, gifted shooter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Gathered/collected multiple offensive rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Limited the opposition to very few offensive rebounds/second chances</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Versatile finishing package, scored from a variety of angles with putback buckets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sweet runner/floater off the bounce, impressive shot for a guy his size</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Cut down the paint, catch, 2-handed POWER WHAM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657449' first='Weston' last='Scott'] (2027) |6'1 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom'] 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Playing up an age group &amp; still the best player on the 16U team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sharp skills, a natural with the ball in his hands</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Shifty slasher, amazing at changing speeds &amp; directions without losing momentum </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sliced &amp; diced the defense on the regular</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Stole the ball in transition &amp; hustled for offensive rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Penetrated to the left, kept the D on his hip, sweet lefty finger roll finish </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressive slash to shake the D, twisting &amp; contorting bucket w/ L-hand, 1 of the best finishes I saw all weekend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Intrigued w/ him as an attacker; great timing/patience/body bend/downhill slashing/dribble moves/finishing package</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Lacerated the D, got to the rim, AND1 score, hit the FT for the 3pt play</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Knocked down a triple off the dribble, tough shot, scary player if he hits 3's consistently</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Did good work distributing, moving the ball, hitting shooters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1167614' first='Xavier' last='Ames'] (2025) |6'8 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Score with a nice turnaround post move, his feet looked good on that finish </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has a soft touch around the hoop</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Set effective ball screens &amp; enabled the guards to get space</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Unselfish kick to a shooter, I like seeing BIGs share the rock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I appreciate that he is getting inside more &amp; using his size</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2484528,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/image_7160ef.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/image_7160ef.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2484528" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->