Freshman Showcase: Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best of the best from the Freshman Showcase that took place at Hopkins last weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2916849' first='Mekhi' last='Abner'] of Minnehaha Academy. When it comes to high percentage finishers, that was Abner at this event. If the ball found him anywhere in the paint, Abner's hands and footwork led to a score five times out of six occasions. He is going to work nicely for the Hawks playing next to [player_tooltip player_id='2436914' first='Kellen' last='Troup']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2848538' first='Justus' last='Dayee'] of Tartan. Justus made a strong, strong case for player of the event. The two things that really caught my eye - after the 6'5 size and strength that was far ahead of most of the players at his age - was the handle and quick first step he was beating players with, and the agility of some of his moves. Simply put, Justus was unstoppable in this event. And it wasn't just physical, the skills and body control of this young man really caught the eye as a prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2782368' first='Wesley' last='Guanzini'] from Centennial. This is a player that I think is going to make a lot of noise as an underclassmen and at 15u and 16u the next two seasons. He was outstanding for the Minnesota Crossfire this winter dong a lot of everything, and at this event he was scoring in bulk on and off the ball. This is a competitor, he is skilled, and Wesley is a hard working, smart player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2454248' first='Elijah' last='Christenson'] from Rogers. Elijah is another guy that would be up for MVP of this event. The production is there, and Christenson was very giving his team on both ends of the court. Elijah is 6'6 and one of the taller players at the event but unlike most of the players his size playing, Elijah has guard skills and a guard feel, and the size to do it all over the top anywhere inside the arc. Really nice touch and a player to follow close immediately. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2954679' first='King' last='Smith'] of Hopkins. Smith is a big guard and when I mean big, he is stronger than everybody at this age, and these are incoming freshmen that just couldn't handle his attack. Especially in three on three where beating the first defender meant a score. Has the skills and size to be a good player early and while Hopkins is a stacked team with talent, Smith will be in the mix sooner than later. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2391153' first='Tolu' last='Taiwo'] of Stillwater. A strong, 6'3 player that was one of the hardest working players at the event. He put together a double-double when I watched and Tolu had close to another double-double in the other game as well. Tolu battled consistently and became one of the most productive players at the event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2905843' first='Cody' last='Woitel-Anschutz'] of Breck. Cody is about 6'3/6'4 with a shooting touch that first caught my eye, then an explosive finishing consistency that then caught my eye, followed by a constant level of production that made him one of the best players at the event. Skills and agility are there, watch for him to make impact this year or next. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->