Weekly JV Spotlight: Prospects on the rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week's JV coverage features two matchups: Hopkins v Maple Grove and Cretin-Derham Hall vs East Ridge. Both games were full of talent, as these young prospects made a great impression and are names to look out for at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2392326"],"_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-696277117c70e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2392326' first='Max' last='Denson'] delivered an excellent all-around performance in East Ridge's nearly 40-point win over CDH on Thursday night. He ran the point guard position effectively, consistently pushing the ball in transition and creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. Max also showed he can score it himself, pouring in a game-high 19 points on a mix of drives and jumpers from both inside and beyond the arc. Defensively, his size and high motor set him apart, as he has the ability to guard the opposing team's top player on the perimeter or in the post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3240769"],"_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-696277117c799"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Troy Hudson Jr. is a joy to watch. As an eighth grader, he showed a tremendous feel for the game while running the show in Hopkins' JV win over Maple Grove on Tuesday night. Troy's handle and pace were exceptional for his age, and the defense was unable to speed him up. He consistently broke defenders down off the dribble, getting all the way to the rim for finishes or creating easy looks for teammates. He also proved he can really shoot it, knocking down 42% from beyond the arc. Hopkins has a strong history of guard play, and Troy looks like the next one up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382065"],"_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-696277117c7fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blake was a key player in a big win for East Ridge over CDH Thursday night! The sophomore established a strong post presence offensively, showcasing his great footwork and soft finishing touch around the rim. Blake poured in 18 points in a truly dominating performance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2416035"],"_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-696277117c843"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ben had a good showing in Tuesday night clash with a loaded Hopkins squad. He is a quality athlete with a high motor and aggressive, well-balanced attack. He showcased those traits as he drove the lane, finishing through contact at the rim and getting to the line often. He also stepped out and knocked down shots from behind the arc, rounding out an impressive performance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2916865"],"_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-696277117c889"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">King is the epitome of a three-level scorer, and he showcased that ability Tuesday night against Maple Grove. He has a strong frame that allows him to attack the rim through contact and finish, along with a reliable jumper from both inside and beyond the arc. King also displayed a high motor on the defensive end, staying in front of his man, applying consistent pressure, and chasing down fast breaks for highlight-reel blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Johnny Ecker","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"East Ridge","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696277117c929"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnny's performance in Thursday night's win over CDH caught my attention. He put together a solid all-around game and showcased a highly efficient and impressive mid-range scoring ability. Look for the sophomore to make a name for himself on the AAU circuit and at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->