Max looks like a prospect capable of breaking out next winter at East Ridge. At 6’3 he has a size advantage on most guards at the 16u level, and knows how to use it around the rim. From the opening tip Max was looking to get to the basket, driving into the lane and playing off two feet to power his way up to the basket. His game then extended further and further away from the basket where he knocked down a handful of jumpers as defenders started to back off to play the drive. Defensively I thought he did a good job of moving his feet with smaller guards and using his length to make things difficult for them.

Max Denson Max Denson 6'3" | CG East Ridge | 2028 State MN delivered an excellent all-around performance in East Ridge’s nearly 40-point win over CDH on Thursday night. He ran the point guard position effectively, consistently pushing the ball in transition and creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. Max also showed he can score it himself, pouring in a game-high 19 points on a mix of drives and jumpers from both inside and beyond the arc. Defensively, his size and high motor set him apart, as he has the ability to guard the opposing team’s top player on the perimeter or in the post.

I only got to see Max during the 3v3 games, but he continues to look like a player with a lot of promise moving forward at East Ridge. Physically he possesses a solid 6’3 frame that already helps give him an edge over most other guards, and he moves well at that size. His length helped him cover a lot of ground defensively, and he came away with a pair of blocks in the game I watched. Confident shooter with a smooth stroke from three or mid-range. Never looks sped up and has no problem passing up a solid look to get an even better shot for one of his teammates.

Max was one of my favorite guards on the day and I was impressed with his performance. He is an elite facilitator, as he was creating shots for his teammates, as well as himself all game. He is a confident scorer who could get a bucket in different ways, being a three-level threat off the dribble. I really liked what I saw from the East Ridge sophomore.

Denson was a standout playmaker all weekend for Team FSA. With size and poise at the guard spot, he orchestrated the offense with maturity and excelled in the pick-and-roll with advanced reads. His unselfish play led to high-percentage looks for his teammates, and he made the most of his own scoring chances with sharp execution.

With so many players in attendance, I didn’t get to see Max in 5v5 play, but he left a big enough impression in 3v3 action to get on this list. One thing that really stands out is how vocal Max is. A lot of guys coming into high school don’t talk enough on the floor, and that becomes glaringly obvious in a camp setting surrounded by new faces. Max didn’t shy away though, as he was calling things out on defense, and getting hyped up when his teammates made plays. At 6’1 Max combines a solid frame with impressive change of speed and a smooth jumper. Got to the spots he wanted to off the dribble and was producing in efficient fashion.

Max could and should he mentioned as a standout at every tournament he participates in with Team FSA. At the point guard spot, his blend of length, ball-handling, passing, and vision make him noticeable. A pass-first point guard that thrives and gets more and more confidence at every playmaking pass. Looks up-court and will move the ball quickly in the half court.