Minnesota Freshman Showcase Preview: 15 Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sunday September 13th at the Hopkins Royals Athletic Center Prep Hoops is hosting the Minnesota Freshman Showcase for 2030 freshman boys basketball players. Here is a preview of fifteen guards that have signed up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://events.prephoops.com/e/2332/register/minnesota-freshman-showcase">There is still space available, sign up now if you haven't.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2847647"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa4472650e4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2847647' first='Paris' last='Kyles'] is a six-foot-two-inch Park Center guard that played Varsity as an 8th grader for the Pirates during the 2025-26 high school season. Kyles exhibits the ability to create his own shot and create separation to get himself clear looks. Kyles is a very good 3-point shooter with range beyond the high school line. Kyles has the ability to create for others with advanced vision and has a good ability to put defenders on his right hip while handling the ball with his off-hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoH5Gge9j8","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnoH5Gge9j8 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2862271"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa4472650ec7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2862271' first='Marshawn' last='Gray'] is a six-foot-two-inch guard that played JV at Eden Prairie as an 8th grader that took a leap playing [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 3SSB figuratively and literally athletically going into his freshman year. Gray is growing as a perimeter scorer and ball handler while he uses his size and quickness well on defense, swallowing up guards on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ1Bs5IufkK"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ1Bs5IufkK </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3240758"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa4472650f1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3240758' first='Niles' last='Bennett'] is a five-foot-ten-inch Blake starter as an 8th grader and [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 3SSB guard. Bennett has quickness of the dribble and displays solid below the rim finishing skills. Bennett moves the ball and defends, and at times can shoot the ball from beyond the arc with accuracy and efficiency. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/DarLes5OAMy/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DarLes5OAMy/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2524088"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa4472650f72"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2524088' first='Max' last='Gardner'] is a five-foot-ten-inch Apple Valley and [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 3SSB guard that is quick, moves the ball well, and is showing signs of growth. Gardner has good natural ability as a point guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xsWrIsplUUY","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xsWrIsplUUY </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2845140"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa4472650fc6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2845140' first='Carter' last='Wieczorek'] is a six-foot guard from Forest Lake and [program_tooltip program_id='2422572' first='D1' last='Minnesota Gold'] that shows strength and maturity on the perimeter a lot of guards don't have at his age. Wieczorek can shoot from the perimeter and once going downhill from the perimeter is tough to keep away from the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3633819"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa4472651014"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3633819' first='Grayson' last='Trent'] is a five-foot-six-inch Apple Valley and [program_tooltip program_id='2455790' first='Howard' last='Pulley'] guard. Trent is fast and quick with deep range on his jump shot. Trent has a flair and flow to his game that enables him chances on the perimeter and at the rim others don't have, even a creative finishing ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/shorts/d6-17WA119Y","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/shorts/d6-17WA119Y </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ3Cau1JrXZ"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ3Cau1JrXZ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382080"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa447265106a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2382080' first='Sam' last='Newton'] is a five-foot-eleven-inch Eastview and [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 3SSB guard that is a strong perimeter shooter and made up a guard attack for the Eastview Boys 8A travel team that dominated all last winter in Minnesota. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/DV47vtJDv1T/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DV47vtJDv1T/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2892259"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa44726510bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2892259' first='Ray' last='Ray Dildy'] is a six-foot Breck guard that played for the Hoops Habits UA team last spring and summer. Dildy is very good in transition with his athleticism and is a solid below the rim finisher. Dildy has shown improvement as a perimeter shooter and as he gains more confidence to go with his accurate shooting. Dildy plays defense on the perimeter like a football corner picking off passes and going the other way for scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/DZdZ-0WCREQ/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DZdZ-0WCREQ/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2398304"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa447265110c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2398304' first='Blaine' last='Sorenson'] is a five-foot-nine-inch guard from Stewartville that while playing with [program_tooltip program_id='2075702' first='MN' last='Lightning'] this past summer exhibited strong ability as a scorer with the ball and without the ball, and does very well as a ball mover. Sorenson has deep shooting range ability and makes quick decisive decisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2435270"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa4472651159"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2435270' first='Kyle' last='McGrath'] is a five-foot-ten-inch Eastview and [program_tooltip program_id='2422572' first='D1' last='Minnesota Gold'] guard that led the MN Gold 14U team over and over this spring and summer. McGrath as the lead guard was consistently leading in scoring and starting the offense and getting things organized.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382081"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa44726511a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2382081' first='Will' last='Newton'] is a six-foot-one-inch Eastview and [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 3SSB guard. Newton is a strong perimeter shooter, good ball handler, and can operate with or without the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2524083"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa44726511f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2524083' first='Landon' last='Morales'] is a five-foot-eight-inch Maple Grove and [program_tooltip program_id='2075485' first='Gain' last='Elite'] guard that has good shooting ability from the perimeter and can function as the point guard traditionally or more like a scorer first. Morales has spot-up ability and shown potential off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3240764"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa4472651253"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3545544' first='Mason' last='Melzer'] is a five-foot-eleven-inch DeLaSalle and [program_tooltip program_id='2075496' first='Grassroots' last='Sizzle']-Melzer guard with ability to shoot off the dribble and plays longer than his height. Melzer can operate with the ball and without, moves the ball off the dribble as a creator, and can hit off the catch. Melzer will need to get stronger to compete at the higher levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2964575"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa44726512bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2964575' first='Jacob' last='Sykes'] is a five-foot-eight-inch guard that played JV/Varsity as an 8th grader at Duluth East and played with Wisconsin Playmakers. Sykes has ability as a lead ball handler, shows good strength and maturity at this age, and looks to be a strong perimeter shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3240767"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa447265130d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3240767' first='MJ' last='Gray'] is a six-foot guard from Eden Prairie and [program_tooltip program_id='2075431' first='D1' last='Minnesota'] 3SSB. Good perimeter shooter, quick, mature point guard that moves the ball well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->