17U Summer - Top 2021 Stock Risers (D2)

What talents from the state of Minnesota do we think boosted their stock the most with the D2 level programs in the area? Here is our group (and please read the opening note about D2s). Before we get into our five players, please note that being recruited with a full scholarship at the D2 level is not the "at least the D2s should be on him" that everybody thinks it is. First of all, D1 programs have at least three more scholarships they can offer players than a D2 program and sometimes that number expands to 6-7 more. Not all D2 programs in the NSIC for example can offer a full ten scholarships. Let me say that again, D2s can offer a full team of players at most ten scholarships. And not only are high school players competing for that scholarship, or parts of it, against other top high school players, they are also competing against D1 transfers who are more experienced and often times simply better players. Almost every season there are more full scholarship D1 signed players in Minnesota than there are full d2 signed scholarship players. Keep that in mind going forward when you are thinking about the division two level in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Also, we talked about [player_tooltip player_id="774738" first="Jaelen" last="Treml"] and [player_tooltip player_id="774755" first="Noah" last="Paulson"] yesterday. If you want to know more about them check the article from yesterday. [player_tooltip player_id="567041" first="Kyreese" last="Willingham"] just committed to Minnesota-State Mankato and [player_tooltip player_id="774745" first="Drew" last="Adams"] committed to Winona State. Each of them are eligible this group as well and can be thrown on the list. With that said, here are the guys we think boosted that D2 stock the most this year! [player_tooltip player_id="532560" first="Ryan" last="Dufault"] of Minnesota Heat (Waseca). Remember what I just said about "I mean the D2s should be on him" without understanding the situation? Here I go breaking my own rule. [player_tooltip player_id="532560" first="Ryan" last="Dufault"] is the most accomplished point guard in this class and the most consistent point guard in this class. There is nobody more productive, there is nobody better. Ryan played well in EVERY big game the Heat played this year. Even [player_tooltip player_id="567035" first="Will" last="Tschetter"] can’t say that. [player_tooltip player_id="957131" first="Cal" last="Greene"] of Minnesota Fury (Mahtomedi). I was impressed with the way Cal stepped forward for the Fury in some of the teams key games. Physically Greene has the tools to be a scholarship player but he showed more consistency at the high level of 17u play, and more skill at this level than I expected. Solid year for Greene and he has earned a D2 offer. [player_tooltip player_id="774734" first="Reid" last="Patterson"] of Minnesota Select (Lakeville South). If there was a MVP vote for 17u MVP I think there are people that would throw Reid onto the ballet as their 4th or 5th choice. He was that good for Select this summer game in and game out. We have talked about our "40% Club" which is a group of high percentage three point shooters and Reid is the president of the club, and he did that with other teams knowing he was the main option. [player_tooltip player_id="957133" first="Sam" last="Privet"] of Playmakers North Shaw (Caledonia). [player_tooltip player_id="957133" first="Sam" last="Privet"] stands 6-foot-8 or 6-foot-9 and he was the MVP of the Rumble in the North event at the Burnsville location. Privet has the size and skill plus he moves very well at his size. Had another strong showing with the Caledonia Warriors team that played in the Meg Vang Invitational. About to have a big senior season so teams should get in on him early. [player_tooltip player_id="774806" first="Zach" last="Spann"] of Minnesota Select (Eastview). Spann took a step towards being a more consistent player this summer giving his team a more aggressive attacking wing player. Spann is still working to be the type of scorer that his physical ability can allow him to be, and we’ve seen him take steps. Make no mistake about it, [player_tooltip player_id="774806" first="Zach" last="Spann"] has d1 explosiveness, and now skills are coming. [player_tooltip player_id="774746" first="Joshua" last="Strong"] of Minnesota Heat (Champlin Park). Strong has already earned a couple D2 offers and they are well deserved. Strong did three things game to game for the Heat that showed me he’s a scholarship guard: 1) he ran the team at PG in a way that resulted in good shots at a consistent rate, 2) Strong put the effort in as a ball pressure defender making plays tougher for the opposition, 3) he provided the Heat a 3rd/4th scoring option on the floor at all times. When all was done, he was likely the team’s fourth leading scorer and on that roster that was important. Shot the ball well. [player_tooltip player_id="774801" first="Mattie" last="Thompson"] of Playmakers North (Duluth East). [player_tooltip player_id="774801" first="Mattie" last="Thompson"] answered a lot of questions this summer using his 6-foot-6 wing size and agility to score in high percentage ways at the rim. Simply put, he has the agility to be a big wing in the NSIC giving him a physical edge on many guys that he will face. Thompson went at some of the best wings on teams like D1 Minnesota, the Fury, the Heat, and others, and Thompson not only held his own, he outplayed several of those talents.