MBA Fall Showcase: Top Role Players
The MBA Fall Showcase took place over the weekend, featuring some of the state’s top teams and top prospects. But which role players made their presence felt throughout the day? We break down a handful who stood out, and are…
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Continue ReadingThe MBA Fall Showcase took place over the weekend, featuring some of the state’s top teams and top prospects. But which role players made their presence felt throughout the day? We break down a handful who stood out, and are worth a look from college coaches.
Tristan Lee (6’2 2021 G, Hopkins)- A star on the Cretin-Derham Hall JV team as a freshman, a 9 ppg scorer at Marantha as a sophomore, and now at Hopkins for his junior year, Tristan has made constant improvements to his overall game. Against Rochester Mayo he was more than impressive on the defensive end, slowing down Mason Madsen more than anyone else could all day. Tristan is built like a football linebacker but has quick feet and springs to elevate for rebounds and tip-in baskets. He was most effective with finishes in the paint, using his strong frame to fight through contact. He’ll likely come off the bench for Hopkins to provide strong defensive effort and clean up buckets inside.
Riek Riek (6’9 2020 C, Rochester Mayo)- Riek Riek is looking like a name to know out of Rochester. A much improved big man, Riek showed the potential to be a third scoring option for Mayo this year. He was comfortable beyond the arc, knocking down a trio of threes on the day, and although he’s not someone you want running the fast break, Riek looked comfortable handling the ball. In the post he showed smooth footwork on a post fade-away that would make Dirk Nowitzki proud. With his length, shooting touch, and all-around potential as a raw prospect, he’s going to be a prospect to keep an eye on this year.
Jalen Cook (6’2 2021 G, Park Center)- With Park Center missing a few key guys, a few other players stepped into bigger roles. One of those who embraced the bigger role was Jalen Cook. A junior guard who played JV for the Pirates last year, Jalen stepped up against Rochester Mayo, knocking down shots from outside with the confidence of a varsity veteran. He also had a couple of finishes inside and looks to have developed as an athlete. Due to the loaded roster at Park Center he may not see minutes in bulk this year, but he looked ready to step into any role that he is asked to.
Thomas Diew (6’6 2022 F, St. Cloud Apollo)- A promising young post prospect for Apollo, Thomas Diew received minutes sparingly at the varsity level last year, but has made improvements over the spring/summer and looks ready to move into a bigger role as a sophomore. Though he’s still looking to add athleticism, Thomas showed that he has advanced level footwork for a young post, combined with a nice finishing touch inside. Diew showed off a perfectly executed up-and-under move in the post that had everyone on the sidelines impressed with his footwork, and that could very well just be a glimpse of what’s to come for his future. As for now, expect Thomas do be a secondary scoring option for Apollo this year, and double as a paint defender on the defensive end.
Teyghan Hovland (6’2 2021 F, Austin)- Teyghan was the ultimate scrappy wing for Austin over the weekend. He played aggressive defense, fought for rebounds, and took the ball to the hoop with a purpose. Hovland is so quick turning the corner which leads to him getting a step on his defender and beating him to the rim to finish. He won’t impress anyone with flashy play, but Teyghan simply produces game-in and game-out. After averaging 5.6 ppg as a sophomore, expect a solid junior season out of Teyghan Hovland.
John Grigsby (6’8 2020 F, Park Center)- This was my first time getting a look at the Colorado product in person, and he impressed. Against Rochester Mayo he started off the game nailing a deep three on the first possession, and coming back with another three pointer right after. His stroke is among the smoothest in the state, giving you confidence that it’s going in every time the ball leaves his hand. Though most of Grigsby’s scoring came from the outside, he had a few buckets in the paint. Add in a couple of blocked shots on the defensive end, and Park Center has a great complimentary piece to go alongside Dain Dainja in the post. If he can put up consistent performances like he did this past weekend, Park Center is going to be a very tough team to beat.
Cornell Richardson (5’10 2020 G, Hopkins)- Cornell Richardson comes over to Hopkins after averaging 11.8 points as a junior at Osseo. He’s another player for Hopkins who could start or come off the bench to provide valuable minutes this season. Against Rochester Mayo he was one of the few players for Hopkins that was able to get some scoring going, as he attacked the rim for some inside buckets. He wasn’t knocking down threes like usual, but his ability to finish over size was encouraging for a well rounded offensive game. Cornell also had two assists to slashing teammates that not many players would have seen to make. Those passes were an encouraging sign as Hopkins is looking for a new point guard after graduating last year’s starter.