Prep Hoops 2K25: Max’s Day Two Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seven of the top performers I saw at Wayzata HS on Saturday at Prep Hoops 2K25!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120490"],"_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-68739dcf412d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brett had a strong showing in the 8am matchup helping lead his Fury team to a comfortable win over [program_tooltip program_id='2075704' first='MN' last='Rise']. The 6'4 wing started off by showing his shooting touch beyond the arc, knocking down a pair of threes early in the game to set the tempo for his team. Brett was able to move his feet to defend on the wing, or defend in the paint when needed against a team that puts a lot of size out on the floor. Showed some athleticism in the open floor as he sprinted ahead and then elevated for a two handed dunk in the second half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382199"],"_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-68739dcf41334"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the standout defenders from the day was [player_tooltip player_id='2382199' first='Jake' last='Lis'] of [program_tooltip program_id='2075674' first='Minnesota' last='Heat'] GVR 16u. Heat was looking to trap/double team constantly out on the perimeter against All Wisconsin, and Jake was thriving in that aggressive defensive style, coming up with steals in bunches throughout the game. Jake was able to strip the ball from opposing guards, or jump cross-court passes to then get his team out in transition. High effort player who has caught my eye with his defensive play multiple times this spring/summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1466940"],"_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-68739dcf4137b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Colton's interior presence was key in a pair of wins for Hoop City yesterday. The 6'5 forward was a dominant presence on the glass, pulling in just about every missed shot he could get a fingertip on. He has no problem boxing out taller forwards, and then attacking the ball off the rim with two hands. On the offensive end he was able to create some second chance opportunities with his effort on the glass, and did a nice job of moving without the ball to create some easy scoring opportunities at the rim. Gritty and physical forward who produces in ways besides just scoring. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2121367"],"_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-68739dcf413bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2121367' first='Dre' last='Ellis'] had a big game in a win for [program_tooltip program_id='2078859' first='Starks' last='Elite'] on Saturday. The Anoka guard put up 22 points on just 11 shot attempts, draining five threes in the process. He has a quick trigger, and if he catches in space he has no shortage of confidence to take the three and connect at a high percentage. Dre has done a nice job of developing into more than just a three point threat, as he has a quick first step to blow by a closeout and get to the rim. Fearless attacking the basket and going up to finish against size. Really broke out as a junior last season at Anoka, and should be in for a big senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2431144"],"_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-68739dcf41417"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Owen had some nice moments for his [program_tooltip program_id='2888391' first='Minnesota' last='Comets'] team in a win over Elevate Skills yesterday. He's lightning quick with the ball in his hands, and was able to get by his initial defender off the dribble to get into the lane and make plays. Had a few tough finishes going straight into contact and extending away from his body to finish over size. Also showed a quick release with deep range from beyond the arc. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560826"],"_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-68739dcf41458"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joel's play on both ends was key in a win for Select against [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']. He was tenacious defending on the ball, able to put opposing guards under pressure and force a handful of mistakes out of them throughout the game. Going the opposite way his decision making with the ball stood out. When attacking the basket he knew when to keep it and finish on his own, or when to dish it off at the last second for an assist. He always had his eyes scanning the floor, which allowed him to make those decisions as soon as a help-side defender committed one way or the other.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140684"],"_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-68739dcf41498"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In a win over [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'], it was Preston providing a big spark with his production and energy in the second half. The 6'5 forward was doing a little bit of everything for his team, defending against size, pulling in rebounds in bulk, chasing down loose balls, and hitting big shots. The 6'5 forward showed his shooting touch from beyond the arc, and came up with a few big makes in the second half that gave his team a big boost of momentum. Preston never took a play off, and was competing with intensity on both ends of the floor in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->