Out-State Sophomores To Watch
Minnesota’s 2022 class is loaded with talent and depth, and as usual, a majority of that talent is located in the Twin Cities area. But there is plenty of sophomore talent outside of the metro as well. NHR dishes out…
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Continue ReadingMinnesota’s 2022 class is loaded with talent and depth, and as usual, a majority of that talent is located in the Twin Cities area. But there is plenty of sophomore talent outside of the metro as well. NHR dishes out seven of those sophomores to watch this upcoming season.
Eli King (6’1 2022 G, Caledonia)- Eli has been playing at a high level for Caledonia’s varsity team for multiple years already, and the state’s fifth ranked sophomore has a Northern Iowa offer to his name. He’s a smooth athlete with bounce to attack the rim and finish, and has quietly developing his skill-set as a guard. He played at the 17u level this summer, and will be primed to dominate varsity competition alongside his brother Noah King. He scored six buckets a game as a freshman, and should be able to substantially build on that average as a sophomore.
Jackson Loge (6’7 2022 F, Morris Area)- Another player that has been contributing on varsity since middle school, Jackson might be the most developed post scorer in the 2022 class. He already has a strong build that allows him to bang inside, but also compliments that with the footwork to create good looks for himself on the block. His range extends to the mid-range level, and he has added to his explosiveness, allowing him to finish above the rim in half-court offense. Loge averaged 15.9 ppg as a freshman, and will likely see that average continue to rise as he further develops his game.
BJ Omot (6’3 2022 G, Mankato East)- Mankato East figures to be a team that can make a deep run into the state tournament this year, and BJ is a guy that could contribute key minutes playing behind some talented senior guards. He had a strong summer playing AAU as well as in summer tournaments with Mankato East. He has a lanky and athletic 6’3 frame, and is a guy who can knock down shots from beyond the arc. BJ has the potential to develop into a very exciting prospect over the next couple of seasons.
Evan Dushek (6’6 2022 F, Owatonna)- Owatonna struggled as a team last season, finishing with a 7-19 record, going 6-16 in the Big Nine Conference. The promising young forward provides a bright spot for that program however. At 6’6 he has solid size, and proved he has a scoring touch by averaging 10.7 ppg as a freshman. That average was third on the team last year, but Owatonna’s top two scorers are graduated, so look for Evan to take on an even bigger load for the offense as a sophomore.
Mekhi Collins (6’4 2022 W, Mankato West)- The fact that Mekhi Collins is ranked 23rd in the state is a testament to just how strong this 2022 class is. Mekhi Collins can flat out hoop. He has length on the wing at 6’4, but isn’t as wiry as a typical young wing with that length. Mekhi has a strong frame, and puts that to use by taking smaller guards into the post and finishing through them. He’s also an aggressive rebounder, and will be a constant double-double threat this year for Mankato West. As a freshman, he wasn’t scared of competition, posting 20 points against Rochester John Marshall, and 17 against Rochester Mayo. Expect those types of performances to come on a weekly basis as a sophomore.
Sam Rensch (6’6 2022 W, Hutchinson)- The state’s 26th ranked 2022 prospect, Sam Rensch has a solid offensive skill-set to continue to build on. He’ll look to add some explosiveness to his long frame, having grown to 6’6 (and possibly still growing) with length. He’s not super quick, but he maneuvers around the floor so smoothly and finds himself in space to get off his high releasing shot. With his long arms, he’s able to get up his shot with defenders right in his face. Sam is also very young for his grade, having just turned 15 in July. After averaging 7.8 ppg as a freshman with a season high of 17 against Orono, expect nothing but continued growth from the Hutchinson product.
Ayden McDonald (6’3 2022 G, Hibbing)- Ayden McDonald can flat out score the rock. He averaged 11 points per game as an eighth grader, and bumped that average up to 17 as a freshman. Ayden can stop on a dime and pull-up for a shot from beyond the arc or in the mid-range, and he knocks them down with consistency. He’s also a crafty finisher who can use his handles to beat his man and get to the hoop. Luke Lundell and his 17.9 ppg are graduated, so look for Ayden to be a consistent 20 point scoring threat for Hibbing.