PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

“Definitely getting in the weight room and working on becoming stronger and faster. On the court just working on my shooting, handles, finishing, etc. Playing AAU also helped me translate everything I learned and practiced into game situations and helped a lot with confidence.“

PHD: What’s one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you’ve made the most progress?

“One specific part of my game I worked on was becoming more confident in my shot-creating and not second-guessing myself. Again, playing AAU and doing the Sheyenne summer camps really helped me gain more confidence and become more comfortable on the court.“

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

“Right now, basketball is my only sport. I was thinking about playing football, but decided to put my full focus into basketball and get ready for the upcoming season.“

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

“Individually, I would like to play meaningful minutes on varsity and be an impact player. As a team, I would like to get back into the EDC Championship and make a deeper run in State than what we did last year.“

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

“Josh Johnson, the coach of the Shoot 360 team. During the time I played for Shoot 360, Josh gave me opportunities to broaden my game and always believed in me as a player. That confidence in me definitely helped me last year playing JV/Varsity for Sheyenne.“

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

“I’m excited to play with Cole Martin Cole Martin 6'0" | PG/SG West Fargo Sheyenne | 2029 State ND again this year because he’ll always give you his all and he’s just an overall very talented player. I’m also excited to play with Tanner Kratcha Tanner Kratcha 6'7" | PF Sheyenne | 2027 State ND because last year in practice he would always challenge me and he will do whatever it takes to win.“

PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?

“My favorite player to watch in the NBA has to be Tyrese Maxey. I just love his work ethic and I try to match that energy every game I play.“

PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?

“I’ve become more of an offensive threat over the last couple of years. A lot of that has come from the weightlifting aspect and becoming strong enough to execute the moves against competition.“

PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that’s a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?

“My dad has motivated me to be the best version of myself since I was a kid. He’s always emphasized that as long as you give your 100% you’ll always find a way onto the court.“

PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a “go-to” move you like to use?

“I like to get to the paint, but my jumper from beyond the arc has improved a lot this summer. I’ve also been working on getting to the middy and becoming more proficient on all 3 levels.“

-Scrappy O-board in heavy traffic

-Battles for every rebound

-Physical & tough

-Shares the ball, finds the open man

-Picked off a pass for a TO, in the correct spot in help D

-Transition attack, fouled going up, 2/2 on FT’s

O-board, stickback score, has a nose for the ball

-Catch & score on the left block, sick assist from Nelson

-Help D tip & steal

-Swing assist to Wavrin for a triple

-This young colt is physical and aggressive, looks like he belongs with the older ballers

-Moves well on the court, looks like a natural with good feet and skills

-Physical score at the hoop

-Knocked down an impressive 12-foot jumper off a turnaround

-Looks ready for a varsity role

-He happened to be on the opposite courts that I was watching, but I heard positive reports from the Sanford coaches

-Excellent out of the high post

-Bullied defenders from the 3-point line on in

-Tough kid, hard worker

-Played up in the 16U division

-Played bigger than his listed height

-Super tough inside and around the paint

-Many 2nd chance points, he was a beast on the O-glass

-Looked great catching & scoring

-Bouncy putback score, has an impressive 2nd jump

-Another catch & score, GREAT cutter, worked well with Wavrin

-AND1 traffic score from an odd angle

-Strong take, finished through contact

-Aggressive to the rim, another AND1, hit the FT for a 3-point play

-Noteworthy assist to Soper for a score

-Hard attack, drew another foul, puts a ton of pressure on the defense

-He and Wavrin make up a great frontcourt and they were playing up in 16U

-Transition push, fancy footwork score, lefty finish, excellent body control

-Hit tough shots vs. Phenom, rises to the occassion

-Super impressed with his game, I knew he was tough, exceeded my expectations

1st Game: Saturday 9:05 @ Shakopee vs. MN Fury Shepherd

-Looking forward to seeing him hoop live vs. solid competition in the 16U division, AJ’s is known as a strong/tough/productive/physical/skilled/smart player

AJ has been an absolute monster this spring, consistently producing at a high level while impacting the game in a variety of ways. He’s scoring the ball well, rebounding at a high rate, and bringing a physical, aggressive presence to the hardwood. McDonagh owns the glass with his toughness and relentless motor, but his game goes far beyond rebounding. He’s a versatile athlete with natural feel, strong instincts, and the ability to make timely plays in key moments. AJ continues to improve his all-around game, showing more playmaking ability, smarter reads, and a high basketball IQ. His blend of athleticism, strength, skill, and competitiveness makes him one of the more impactful players to watch in this class.

Shoot360 went undefeated (4-0) at Battle and AJ was a huge part of that success. McDonagh averaged 17 points per game and 6.5 rpg. He was playing up an age group and still had zero problem producing.