#HardWorkSZNKickoff: The Minnesota Standouts
The Hard Work region of the Prep Hoops Circuit kicked off this past weekend in Omaha, with many of Minnesota’s top programs and prospects participating. I had the chance to check a lot of them out over the weekend, and…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Hard Work region of the Prep Hoops Circuit kicked off this past weekend in Omaha, with many of Minnesota’s top programs and prospects participating. I had the chance to check a lot of them out over the weekend, and am recognizing the seven players that stood out to me the most.
Andrew Morgan (6’8 2021 F, Minnesota Heat)- Minnesota Heat made it to the championship game in the 16u bracket, and the strong inside play of Waseca’s Andrew Morgan was a big reason why. At 6’8 he was almost always the biggest player on the court, but he was more than just size. He is physically stronger than almost anyone he’ll be matched up against, but he is able to control his strength and back down defenders without committing charges. Once he finds the look he wants, he proved to be one of the most efficient finishers at the event, rarely missing around the rim. A combination of post finishes, rim-punishing dunks, and mid-range jumpers saw Andrew put up big numbers all weekend long.
Curtis Jones (6’3 2020 G, Mentality Minnesota)- Coming off a high school season that saw him be a big contributor in Cretin-Derham Hall’s offense, Curtis continued his hot shooting into this weekend of AAU play. With Division 2 programs filling the gym, Curtis showed off his range as a shooter, putting in some big offensive performances. With games of 26 against the Iowa Mavs, and 25 against Team 1848 (WI), Curtis was an offensive firecracker for Mentality Minnesota. He’s a fluid athlete who won’t impress anyone with explosiveness, but has great hesitation moves that allow him to open up space on the perimeter, or blow by defenders to the hoop. Along with his three point shooting, Curtis displayed some tough finishes around the rim on his way to a big weekend in Omaha.
Nate Heise (6’3 2020 G, Minnesota Fury)- Nate looked like one of the best guards in the gym this weekend, displaying an impressive combination of size, athleticism, and offensive skillset. At 6’3 Nate is capable of running the point guard spot or playing as a 2-guard, where he can light teams up from 3. Nate is known as a player that can knock down shots from outside, but was impressive getting to the rim and finishing through contact and over size. He scored in transition, off the dribble with pull-up jumpers, and on catch and shoot threes all weekend long. A top-20 player in Minnesota’s 2020 class, Nate has been blowing up lately in terms of recruitment with Division 2 coaches throwing offers his way left and right. With the way he played over the weekend, it’s no surprise that he’s become on of the hottest prospects in the state.
Ryan Dufault (5’10 2021 PG, Minnesota Heat)- Andrew Morgan’s teammate both with Waseca and MN Heat, Ryan Dufault was a consistent performer all weekend long. A tough and scrappy point guard, Ryan excelled at getting into the open floor and making things happen for his teammates, and himself around the rim. At 5’10 he showed the ability to get to the rim and keep the ball extended to finish over height and through contact. Minnesota Heat were at their best when they got into the open floor and were getting looks around the rim, and Ryan Dufault was the catalyst for that all weekend. He had 22 points in Heat’s opener on Friday, and continued to find success on both ends all weekend long, leading Heat to a second place finish.
Caden Scales (6’1 2020 G, Minnesota Magic)- In a game against a very long and athletic RWA (IL) squad in which Minnesota Magic didn’t get much going on offense, Caden Scales proved to be a spark for them. He knocked down tough shot after tough shot from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. In transition he was fearless attacking the basket, and had an impressive finish with a 6’9 defender up in his grill at the rim. Scales went into the weekend as a bit of an unknown, but he turned a lot of heads with his scoring ability for Minnesota Magic against RWA.
Charlie Katona (6’5 2020 W, Minnesota Fury)- Fury was in it until the end agaisnt South Dakota Attack in the 17u semi-finals, and Katona’s offensive performance was a big reason why. The 6’5 wing could play a little bit of guard or forward, and was extremely aggressive getting to the basket and finishing. He finished at a high rate that game (8-10 from the field), and was getting to the line at will where he shot 7-9 on his way to 25 points. Katona was finishing at the rim with either hand, and was comfortable handling the ball coast-to-coast past defenders. From the outside his shot looked smooth and consistent. He’s a player who could receive a lot of attention this weekend during the live period, and his performances in Omaha were a good sign of things to come.
Puoch Doboul (6’6 2020 W, Inspired Athletics)- Puoch looked like the type of player who could be a breakout guy next season in St. Cloud. He is a lengthy 6’6 wing who was finding success scoring the ball against a tough Team Factory squad that finished as runner-ups in the 17u bracket. Despite a strong offensive performance that saw him finish around the rim in the open floor and through contact in the half-court offense, Puoch’s defense stood out the most. Though he’s a very wiry wing, he stood his ground on the block and was blocking attempts at the rim all weekend long. He also took full advantage of his lengthy wingspan to poke balls free and create turnovers for his team. Despite not playing much in the high school season with St. Cloud Apollo, Puoch looked like a real intriguing prospect to watch moving forward.