Minnesota Chill Elite 16U – Circuit Preview

In this article, we are taking a look at another talented AAU squad from Minneapolis and the surrounding metro. MN Chill is an official member of the Prep Hoops Circuit and I can not wait to watch this team play in the near future.   

Team Name: MN Chill Elite 16U

City/State: Minneapolis, MN

Head Coach: Tim Weaver

Roster

#33 Quentin Cobbler |5’9 PG| Woodbury 

He is a strong and athletic guard that can really defend from top to bottom for his class. Quentin is in his 3rd year with MN Chill.

#6 Fitz Freeman Fitz Freeman 6'6" | C Robbinsdale Armstrong | 2024 State MN |6’6 C| Armstrong 

He is an athletic and versatile big that blocks a lot of shots.  Freeman already has a D1 body and he will play above the rim. This is his first year with MN Chill.

#3 Bennet Nicholson |6’3 G| Hill Murray 

Versatility is his best strength. Bennet can play 1-4 and guard 1-4. This is his 2nd year with MN Chill.

#2 Dhimani Tucker |5’9 PG| St. Paul Johnson

He is one of the toughest on-ball defenders in the state. Tucker is also excellent in the open court. Expect Tucker to be a floor general. This is his second year with MN Chill.

#12 Drew Balentine Drew Balentine 6'1" | PG Maranatha Christian Academy | 2024 State MN |6’1 SG| Maranatha Christian Academy

He has one of the toughest mindsets in his grade. Drew is a tough on-ball defender. He is an excellent finisher at the rim. This is Balentine’s second year with MN Chill.

#10 Demetrius Weems |6’4 PF| Tartan

He is a stretch 4 that can post and shoot the 3-ball. Weems can defend 1-4 and he plays above the rim. This is his 1st year with MN Chill.

#0 Kenny Jones Kenny Jones 6'1" | SF Coon Rapids | 2024 MN |6’2 F| Coon Rapids

He is small height-wise for his position but has the mindset and upside that every team needs. Jones makes everyone else around him better with his unselfishness.

#21 Elijah Barret |6’6 C| Tartan High School

Elijah has the length and size that you need when it comes to a versatile big man. He is very tough on either block and is an incredible defender that can guard 1-5.

#25 Robert Stachowski |6’3 SF| Totino Grace

Rob is very versatile and flexible. He can play 1-5 and he can guard 1-5. Stachowski can shoot the 3, he has the mid-range jumper, he can get to the basket and finish with both hands.

#24 Jordan Lyon |6’1 G| Blaine

He has the will of an ox and he is a fearless guard. Lyon can lockdown anyone that he guards 1-4. He can shoot the 3 and he can use his mid-range to his advantage. Jordan is a leader on and off the court.

Tournament Schedule

Coach Info

Name: Tim Weaver

Weaver played two years of high school ball at Patrick Henry and two years at Minneapolis North. Weaver was an All-Conference player all four years, a two-year captain, and a 3-year All-Defensive player in his conference. After high school, Weaver received a scholarship to play hoops at Iowa Western Community College. From there, Weaver received a partial scholarship to play at Iowa State. After college ball, Weaver went on to play professionally in the EuroLeague in Australia. 

Currently, Weaver is the head 10th-grade basketball coach at Minneapolis Southwest. He was been in his current position for four years. Before Southwest, Weaver was the head varsity basketball coach at Detroit Prep for two years.

Coach Weaver’s most memorable basketball moment has been playing overseas and getting the knowledge to give back to the kids that he currently teaches. Giving back and coaching has become a passion for Tim Weaver. 

Q & A with President and Coach Marcus Hill

PH: When was your program founded and what led you to create it?

Marcus Hill: “The program was founded in 2011. My father, Chuck Hill, started the program to give every kid an affordable opportunity to play in the spring and summer. We are now a complete non-profit foundation, www.minnesotachillfoundation.com.“

PH: What are some of the pillars that you have built your program around?

Marcus Hill: “Student-Athlete, Loyalty, and commitment, Family.“

PH: How many youth teams do you currently have and what areas of the city/state are they located in?

Marcus Hill: “5 teams currently. 4th grade, 8th grade, two 16u teams, one 17u team. We are mostly based out of Minneapolis but we have kids from all the metro on our teams.“

PH: Who are some of your more recent players that are playing at the next level and what schools do they attend?

Marcus Hill: “David Roddy (CSU), Kerwin Walton (UNC), Jamison Battle (U of M).“

PH: Who do you have currently on your youth team that you feel are on similar paths?

Marcus Hill: " Fitz Freeman Fitz Freeman 6'6" | C Robbinsdale Armstrong | 2024 State MN , Elijah Barret."

PH: If you could give me just two names, who would you say are your most underrated players?

Marcus Hill: "Bennet Nicholson, Hill Murray HS. He is the heart and glue of our program and team. He has played for me and he gives every last ounce of energy for this team to be on top. Can play 1-4 and can guard 1-4. Dhimani Tucker, he really is a kid that will go to college because of being seen in AAU. He leaves it all on the court and he leads by example. Tucker is a lockdown defender."

PH: What goals remain for you individually and your program in youth basketball?

Marcus Hill: "We want to win the Hard work region circuit and be the first program to have all 10 kids go to school on scholarship, academically or athletically."

PH: What is the most important thing you would like me to take away from our conversation? 
Marcus Hill: "We have sponsors from Nike, Adam Thielen, MPLS and Saint Paul Foundation, F. R. Bigelou Foundation."

Why did Minnesota Chill join the PH Circuit?

President & coach Marcus Hill 

“Best circuit out there hands down, big fan of Nick Carrol and Ryan James. They promote our kids the best and they are always finding ways to help our kids be seen.”