PH National Open Championship: Max's Day 2 Standouts

Six of the top performers I saw on Saturday in Indiana at the Prep Hoops National Open Championship powered by VKTRY!    TJ Maxwell had a big game against a tough [program_tooltip program_id='2075672' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] team on Saturday. He was one of the best shooters I saw all weekend, connecting off the catch while also being able to create space with ease off the dribble. All TJ needed was one or two dribbles, and he could shift his defender in one way while stepping back into the opposite direction. Does a great job of getting his feet set and gathering his balance before rising up for a shot. It almost looked effortless at times as Maxwell put point after point on the board for his team.     Another standout shooter on Saturday was [player_tooltip player_id='2880161' first='Micah' last='Wiskus'] of [program_tooltip program_id='2075685' first='Minnesota' last='Select']. Micah has a long and lanky frame that makes him appear bigger than his listed 6'1 height, and the high release point on his shot makes it difficult for opposing guards to contest. Micah does a great job of getting right into his shot off the catch, giving him such a quick release from three. He only needs to catch in a little pocket of space to get off a shot, and even with defenders recognizing him as a shooter, his movement off the ball still helped him create a lot of open looks. He looks ready for a big senior season at Roseville.     Matthew's play on both ends of the floor helped the Fury advance into the semi-finals of the 17u platinum bracket. Defensively he was a Swiss Army Knife of a player, guarding just about every spot on the floor. Matthew spent portions defending 6'9+ bigs, using his length to get up in passing lanes out on the perimeter, or pressuring smaller guards on the ball. He has a long frame combined with quickness off the floor to impact the game as a shot blocker. In the half-court he makes quick decisions off the ball, and is able to attack/finish with either hand off the drive.     Cody has been a key player for [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] all season long. Yesterday he made a big impact on both ends against a long and athletic Quad Cities Academy team. In one sequence Cody sprinted back to swat a lay-up attempt at the rim, and shortly after was showing his touch by draining a three. Throughout the game Cody connected on a few jumpers, rebounded over taller players, defended a number of different spots, and sprinted the floor for transition finishes. High energy player who can make a big impact without needing many shots.     Mason may be the shiftiest guard I've seen all weekend. On Saturday against [program_tooltip program_id='2075674' first='Minnesota' last='Heat'] he was just about unstoppable in 1v1 situations. Mason could either blow by you with his quick first step, or attack in one direction before using a lightning quick spin move to get to the rim and finish on the opposite side. Has the ability to stop on a dime for a pull-up jumper as well, which makes him so tough to guard when he gets downhill. He came up with big play after big play down the stretch in a win for 937 Hoop Dreams.     Leo will have a case for top player in the St. Paul City Conference next winter as a senior. The 6'2 guard has been performing at a high level over these past few months with his [program_tooltip program_id='2075674' first='Minnesota' last='Heat'] team. Yesterday his off ball movement really stood out, as he was constantly beating his man with hard off-ball cuts leading to great looks at the rim. If he catches you sleeping off the ball, he's going to make you pay with a backdoor cut. Leo also showed his outside shooting touch that extends to well beyond the high school three point line. Another big scoring game from the Highland Park guard.

Six of the top performers I saw on Saturday in Indiana at the Prep Hoops National Open Championship powered by VKTRY!