Battle At The Lakes: Max’s Night One Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seven of the top performers I saw Friday night at Prep Hoops Battle at the Lakes powered by Dr. Dish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2121332"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681f3e57a8488"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Deron continues to build off of his strong junior season with Waseca. Now with [program_tooltip program_id='2075685' first='Minnesota' last='Select'], Russell made an instant impact, helping lead his team to a win over [program_tooltip program_id='2859102' first='Hoop' last='Habits Elite'] on Friday night. He got started off with a tough mid-range jumper, and then showcased his range with a pair of threes in the first half. When his team needed someone to go and get a bucket, Deron was able to maneuver his way to the rim and finish against length. Finished with a team high 16 points in the win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560786"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681f3e57a84f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lexyn was a big reason why [program_tooltip program_id='2859102' first='Hoop' last='Habits Elite'] was in it until the very final possession with [program_tooltip program_id='2075685' first='Minnesota' last='Select']. The 6'3 guard came out with a tough reverse lay-up in traffic, and from there showcased his deep shooting range beyond the arc. Lexyn has a high arching jumper that was connecting at a high clip, as he went on to finish with 17 points and four 3's. He has a pretty long frame at 6'3, and never looked sped up no matter what the defense threw at him. Averaged 21.8 ppg during a breakout junior season at Jordan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140590"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681f3e57a853b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I liked the effort that Cody was playing with on Friday night. He's a versatile wing who's a bit of an energy guy, as he was battling for loose balls and rebounds, and making those extra effort plays that made a difference down the stretch. Plays a bit bigger than his size as he was a strong presence on the glass, while also being able to defend a number of spots on the floor. Offensively he could attack off a straight line drive, and thrived in transition. Made good decisions in the open floor on whether to take it to the rim on his own, or dump it off to a sprinting teammate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2226077"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681f3e57a8582"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lightning quick guard that was coming up with plays on both ends of the floor for Wisconsin 26ers. So good at sitting deep in a stance and moving his feet laterally to apply pressure to opposing guards, before picking his moment to poke the ball free for a steal. From there he had the breakaway speed to get all the way to the rim and finish. In the half-court he excelled at beating his initial defender off the dribble to get two feet in the paint. He was then able to locate open shooters or finish off of two feet on his own. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560865"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681f3e57a85c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nolan continues to put in strong performances for this [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] DeLo team. The lefty guard took the opening tip and got straight to the rim to score, and followed that up with a couple more finishes early in the game. One of those was over the top of a 6'10 defender, showing impressive touch to lay it in high off the glass. Similar to [player_tooltip player_id='1437303' first='Brogan' last='Madson'] last year, if you let him get to the rim on his left hand, you may as well just put two points on the scoreboard. Despite his scoring ability, Nolan doesn't force his game, and keeps the ball moving in the half-court. He helped lead his team to a win over South Dakota Elite in their opener.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1950332"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681f3e57a860c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">You can see why Justin is ranked #3 in South Dakota's 2026 class, as he has some really nice tools to work with. Standing at 6'5 he has speed in the open floor, is quick moving laterally, and has a smooth jumper. Bilal showed he can move his feet to defend smaller guards, while also using his long frame to get up in passing lanes or contest shots at the rim. Offensively he connected on a number of shots from all three levels, and showed his ability to create space on his own at 6'5. Intriguing long-term potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1959438"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-681f3e57a8650"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kuai was a big reason why South Dakota Elite got back into the game in the second half. The 6'1 guard showcased an explosive first step, able to jab step one way before blowing by his defender in the opposite direction. His athleticism allowed him to just hang in the air and find ways to finish over the top of defenders. Flashed some range beyond the arc as well. One of a handful of talented players on this South Dakota Elite roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Battle at the Lakes is powered by Dr. Dish</strong>—the world's #1 selling shooting machine, helping players get 5X more reps and unlock their potential at home. <a href="https://hubs.ly/Q03l3YDy0">Click Here to Train Like a Pro</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->