#PHTwinCitiesTakedown: Max's Day Three Standouts

Seven of the top performers I saw across Sunday's games at Hopkins at the Prep Hoops Twin Cities Takedown!    [player_tooltip player_id='2451500' first='David' last='Mack'] put in a dominant performance playing up at the 17u level for The Next Level Basketball Academy. The Moorhead guard packs a good amount of strength and quickness in his 5'11 frame, and uses it to get to just about any spot on the floor. Despite having the quickness to blow by players, he never seemed out of control on the ball. Mack showcased deep range beyond the arc, the ability to finish in a number of ways around the rim, and the vision to get into the lane and locate an open teammate as the defense collapsed. Helped lead his team to a win over Minnesota Lightning.     I caught Thomas during the second half of [program_tooltip program_id='2821775' first='Buffalo' last='Legacy']'s second game on Sunday, and he was doing a little bit of everything. Even playing up a year, the 6'2 freshman was able to bully defenders out of the block. He was backing taller defenders down into deep post position, and was able to turn over either shoulder to score at the rim. Impressive passer both from the high post and out on the perimeter, able to locate three point shooters with accurate passes. Thomas is someone who plays even bigger than his size because of his strength, effort, and positioning on both ends of the floor.     Owen is yet another post prospect to keep an eye on in Minnesota's 2027 class. The 6'8 big out of Rogers had an impressive showing in the 8am game for [program_tooltip program_id='2075674' first='Minnesota' last='Heat']. He scored at the rim four times within the opening minutes of the game, showing a blend of strength and footwork that allowed him to go to work when left isolated on the block. He was active on the offensive glass throughout the game, and did a nice job of keeping the ball high while quickly getting off the floor for second chance buckets. Mobile enough to run the floor hard and make plays rolling to the basket.     You don't see too many guys in that 6'6-6'7 range that move as comfortably through traffic is Jayden can. Despite the loss to [program_tooltip program_id='2075685' first='Minnesota' last='Select'], I came away with the flashes of potential that the Marshall forward showed. He had a couple of times where he just weaved through multiple defenders to work his way to the rim, showing the touch to extend and finish in traffic. Mix of length and fluid athleticism makes him a big threat both in transition and off the drive. Also has the potential to be an impact defender as he's mobile enough to move his feet out on the wing, while having the length to make an impact around the rim.     Muaath had to be up there with the event leaders in steals. He's so good at picking his moments to reach in and pick his man's pocket, and then has the quick burst to go the length of the floor to score. Running with Real Phenom, he helped lead his team to a comfortable win over [program_tooltip program_id='2075808' first='Powerhouse' last='MN'], utilizing his quickness to make plays on both ends of the floor. Defensively he can sit deep in a stance, and never seems to run out of energy pressuring opposing guards the length of the floor. Offensively he does a great job of using his frame to shield off defenders and finish at the rim against size.     Odin is part of a loaded 2026 class at Rochester Mayo. He's a long and lanky 6'3 wing with some bounce to him, allowing him to come up with impact plays on the defensive end for Minnesota Lace Up. When his team goes with a bigger lineup, he's able to get up in passing lanes with his long arms to come up with tips/steals, but when needed he can also play some 4 for his team. Was at his best playing fast out in transition, where he could sprint the floor hard and get to the rim to score.     Austin is another 2027 out of Moorhead who put together a nice game running with The Next Level Basketball Academy at the 17u level. He has good mobility out in the open floor, and showed it with a transition dunk in the first half. Started to take over in the second half, which allowed his team to pull away and win comfortably in the end. Did a nice job of using his frame to seal defenders and create angles for his guards to get him the ball, showed he can hit the face-up jumper, and had success finishing through contact around the rim.

Seven of the top performers I saw across Sunday's games at Hopkins at the Prep Hoops Twin Cities Takedown!