Prep Hoops Live ATL: Minnesota Guard Standouts

<p>The Prep Hoops Live ATL event hosted teams from across the country, with some of Minnesota’s top prospects and programs competing. These are some of the Minnesota guards who stood out in the games I caught!</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1169692" first="Aidan" last="Higgins"] (6’2 2023 G, Minnesota Heat PVR)- </strong>In a big win for Minnesota Heat, Aidan was a key factor on both ends of the floor. Early on Aidan was getting out in transition for some easy finishes while also showing he can stretch the floor by knocking down a pair of threes. He has no problem defending taller players on the wing while also pressuring the ball while defending point guards. Higgins has great defensive instincts combined with a high motor that allow him to pick up multiple steals just about every time I see him play. Was impressed by how he made some difficult finishes look routine while getting to the rim in a variety of ways.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1139192" first="Dylan" last="Omweno"] (6’1 2023 PG, Minnesota Select)- </strong>Dylan had a strong first half against a really good BDH team on Saturday. He’s one of the better shot creators in the state because of how much ground he can cover with a limited amount of dribbles. Omweno changes his pace so well, and when playing against new teams it catches them off guard at first allowing him to either blow by and get to the rim or step back for a jumper. When Dylan is handling the ball in transition he’s one of the fastest players in Minnesota and has the ability to finish on his own or make the smart read and hit one of his teammates hustling up the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1288706" first="Jalen" last="Langsy"] (6’1 2024 G, Minnesota Heat PBJ)- </strong>The Shakopee prospect was one of the best shooters I saw all weekend, as he just seemed to be in a rhythm that allowed him to put up some impressive scoring numbers. Jalen never gets sped up on the ball and if a double team came he was quickly able to locate an open teammate and get the ball moving. He does a great job of initiating the offense for his team and sharing the ball, but he does have the ability to create his own shot off the dribble when needed. Was impressed with his on-ball defense as well fighting over screens and moving his feet against good athletes.</p> <p><strong>Carrington McNeal and Carmello McNeal (6’3 2022 G, MN Chill Elite)- </strong>It was a big weekend for the McNeal Twins as they just bring a different level of energy to the floor. They have extremely high motors as they pressure the ball hard, rebound the ball well as guards, and aren’t afraid to get on the floor and scrap for loose balls. Against a really good Wisconsin Crusaders team they helped lead Chill to a win while combining for 39 points. They can break you down off the dribble to get to their spots, knock down mid-range jumpers, and they both have excellent body control to finish around the rim in traffic. Not afraid to take and make clutch shots down the stretch.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1220414" first="Myles" last="Barnette"] (6’1 2023 PG, Minnesota Heat PVR)- </strong>Myles was terrorizing the NEBC defense with his ability to get into the paint at will on Saturday. He combines quickness, a shifty handle, and a strong frame that makes him so dangerous on the ball because he can blow by his man off the dribble and then hold off help defenders as he goes up to finish. Showed off some bounce in the open floor with a second half dunk while also pushing the tempo in transition. Myles is tough as nails on defense, not giving up an inch of space while pressuring the ball and making it difficult for opposing teams to get into their offense. </p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="962206" first="Max" last="Shikenjanski"] (6’2 2023 G, Minnesota Fury)- </b>Shikenjanski was making some ridiculous passes over the weekend for the Fury. He’s so good at beating his man off the dribble and then looking off the help defenders before zipping a pass in the opposite direction to one of his teammates around the rim. The timing, accuracy, and pace on his passes is at such a high level, and he’s like an NFL quarterback at times with his ability to pass his teammates open in situations that other players wouldn’t see. When he isn’t dropping dimes Max showed the ability to put up points in a hurry as he can catch fire from outside while also cutting hard off the ball to get looks around the rim. Came away with offers from The Citadel and Metropolitan State.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1140496" first="Eli" last="Ocharo"] (6’1 2023 G, Minnesota Heat PVR)- </strong>Yes, another Heat PVR guard stood out this past weekend, as their backcourt was dominant in the game I watched. Eli was an instant spark of offense with his off-ball movement getting him into dangerous spots where his teammates could find him for high percentage looks. Was so good at getting into gaps, getting his feet set, and then elevating for mid-range jumpers off the catch. Does a great job of getting his body adjusted and squared up while he’s taking off to hit his shots at a high percentage. Had a couple of nice passes pulling up off the dribble, getting defenders jumping with a quick shot fake, and then zipping the ball into a teammate waiting around the rim.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>