War For The North: Max’s Day 2 Standouts
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Seven prospects who made their presence felt in Minnesota on Day Two of the War For The North! Malik Martin HEIGHT 6'2" POS C CLASS 2029 Malik Martin Club: Minneapolis Hustlers Malik was the most dominant big man I saw…
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Continue ReadingSeven prospects who made their presence felt in Minnesota on Day Two of the War For The North!
Malik Martin
Malik Martin
Malik was the most dominant big man I saw in the 13u bracket, combining size, coordination, and touch around the rim to put up big numbers. Against a tough OMGBA team Malik was getting deep post position for some easy finishes, but also impressed with his ability to handle the ball in the open floor and score in transition. Flashed a quick spin move to score from the block as well. Will have to work on walling up to avoid picking up fouls defensively, but with his long frame and mobility at that size Malik has the potential to develop into a high level rim protector.
Bradyn Delong
Bradyn Delong
Bradyn had a strong weekend for the Wisconsin 26ers , including the 14u championship game on Sunday afternoon. He’s a dangerous slasher with a quick first step, and the ability to hang in the air and contort his body to finish in a variety of ways. Even as one of the smaller players on the floor, Bradyn was fearless going up to finish against size, and often times came out of the possession with 2 points on the board. Was able to keep defenders honest as he also excelled at passing off the drive, and is a capable shooter from outside. Was a big reason why his team came away with the 14u title.
The 5’11 guard was one of the top shooters from the weekend. He was a constant threat to catch and shoot from beyond the arc, and defenders constantly had to be aware of his position along the arc. More than just a shooter though, Cam looked comfortable pushing the tempo in transition, did a nice job of scanning the floor while driving, and also had a smooth up-and-under move leading to 2 points during his last game of the weekend. Strong showing from the East Ridge guard.
204 Elite was one of the most talented teams in attendance over the weekend, and Akoko flashed a high ceiling with the plays he was making on Sunday. He’s a long and springy wing prospect who impressed with his ability to get to the basket and make plays as a finisher. Could hang in the air with his explosive athleticism, and utilize his length to finish away from his body to avoid any shot blockers. Covers so much ground with a single dribble, allowing him to exploit the smallest of gaps to get to the basket. Defensively there aren’t many spots he can’t guard with his combination of size and athleticism.
Highlights
Standing at 5′, Harrison was the smallest player on the floor Sunday morning, but facing off against a team loaded with size he showed no fear. The point guard handles the ball so well under pressure, remaining unfazed and finding ways to beat his man off the dribble. Once past one defender, he has the awareness to either get all the way to the rim or find the open man when a second defender steps up on him. Had some impressive finishes going right at size and finessing the ball in off the glass. Even had an and-one bucket in the second half going right at a 6’2+ big inside.
Highlights
Zeke Gilbert
Zeke Gilbert
Zeke is another high upside prospect who flashed his potential on Sunday. He’s a bit of a Swiss army knife type of player, as he can fit in a number of different roles. Doesn’t have a height listed, but looks to be at least 6’2 with athleticism and a budding skillset. Could easily throw down dunks during warmups, spent time playing either guard spot during the games, and was a nightmare in the open floor. Gilbert was able to handle the ball under pressure throughout the game on Sunday, and once past one defender he was going to get downhill and attack. Really good body control and patience to go up balanced which allowed him to finish at a high percentage inside. Also knocked down a couple of three point shots, showing a comfort in his outside shot.
Evan Carter
Evan Carter
Evan was a big reason why Minnesota Fury was able to make it to the 14u title game on Sunday. He has a strong frame with some length at 6’+, and was using it to control the game on the glass. Helped Minnesota Fury close out defensive possessions after one shot, while also keeping his team’s offensive possessions alive with his effort on the offensive glass. Did the bulk of his scoring with scrappy finishes around the basket, but if he caught on the perimeter and had a lane, Evan was able to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. High effort forward out of Prior Lake.