Randy is one of the top offensive weapons in the state and his skills were on full display at Tuesday’s event. He super tough to guard in isolation situations, as he has a number of different moves he can go to to blow by his defender to get inside or to create space for a shot from the perimeter. He was also causing disruption on defense, forcing turnovers that resulted in easy scores on the other end for himself or for teammates. McClendon’s offensive skill set is perfect for the next level, being able to play with or without the ball.

Despite the big loss, Randy still showcased some of that smooth scoring ability that has him averaging 26 ppg this winter. He has such a comfort getting to his spots off the dribble, and has shown three-level scoring capabilities this year. Drop off too much on him and he’ll simply pull-up from three. Was able to get to his mid-range shot off the dribble, but also did a nice job of moving without the ball to get into space around the elbow area for shots. Showcased nice change of speed to lull his defenders to sleep before accelerating to the basket. Finished with a game high 26 points.

Randy took over in the win over St. Cloud Tech at Hamline. He was showing off his elite shot making abilities, as well as his tight handle and shiftiness. No one could guard him and he was creating loads of separation with crossovers, sidesteps, stepbacks, etc. He was knocking down triples off the catch or off the dribble and connected with a super tough turnaround fadeaway in the mid-range as well. The senior guard also displayed his athleticism with two dunks in transition. Randy has led Columbia Heights to a perfect 5-0 record headed into January. 

Randy’s shot went cold in game two, but in game one he showcased the scoring ability that allowed him to put up games of 42 and 31 points as a junior. Has the ability to create space effortlessly off the dribble by getting his defender leaning one way, and utilizing a long stride to step-back or to the side in the opposite direction. Always gets his balance before elevating for a jumper. When attacking the basket he would explode off two feet, and looked stronger playing through contact than he had in years past. Was an 18 ppg scorer last season, and could see that number jump again as a senior.

Another big scorer for the Spartans on Friday night was Randy McClendon Jr Randy McClendon Jr 6'2" | SG Columbia Heights | 2024 State MN . Was active moving off the ball putting himself in the right spots as his other guards got into the paint, allowing them to kick it out to him for good looks from three. So dangerous as a corner shooter and did a nice job of having his feet and hands set to immediately catch and shoot. Utilizes shot fakes to beat bad closeouts and get better looks for his teammates. One of those players who just has an effortless look to his game as he makes scoring the ball look so easy at times.

Randy is such a gifted scorer and was going to work in Saturday’s matchup with Minnesota Heat Hoyt. The 6’2” combo guard is as smooth as they come and he has the innate ability to get separation in isolation with his basketball IQ and quick change of direction. He knocked down some pretty mid-range jump shots off of the dribble and had a huge second half. McClendon had some full speed transition finishes, as well as a deep pull-up three to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. Randy is so fun to watch when he is feeling it from all three levels.

Randy was putting on a show on Sunday and everything just looks smooth when you are watching him. When I usually see him play, I am used to seeing tough makes off the dribble from the perimeter. He did do that, but he also stuck out with what he could do around the rim. He threw down a number of dunks and converted some contested layups through traffic. McClendon is a player who is a threat to score as soon as they pass half court and had multiple 25+ point scoring performances for Columbia Heights as a junior. He will play for Howard Pulley on the EYBL circuit during this spring and summer once again.

Randy struggled with foul trouble throughout the game and only ended up playing roughly 18-20 minutes, but still made a major impact with 19 points. He’s a silky smooth guard who plays with good pace and can pull up for his jumper in a hurry. Has no shortage of confidence in his three point shot, and can make you pay for giving him too much space beyond the arc. I like how he looks to finish off two feet when he gets to the basket, which gives him the ability to just hang in the air and finish with balance.

Columbia Heights loses a lot from last season’s team, and because of that Randy is going to be taking on a huge role in this team. He’s going to be taking a lot of shots, and that doesn’t seem to be a problem because he’s capable of putting up points in a hurry. Against Mahtomedi he came in and immediately drilled three jumpers in the first few minutes of the game. He’s not a super explosive athlete, but is so good at changing his speeds and getting to his spots off the dribble. While primarily a three point threat early in his career, Randy has developed a really good mid-range game and gets solid elevation on his shot to pull-up and get off a good look as soon as he creates a bit of space.

When it comes to players who can get their own shot, there aren’t many in the 2024 class as good as Randy. He should be in line for a huge junior year at Columbia Heights as he has a good feel for the game and just knows how to get to his spots. Started off his high school career as mostly a three point threat, but has developed a really nice mid-range game to keep defenders on their toes. He has this ability to lull defenders to sleep on the perimeter and then accelerate in a split second to get by them. Randy may not possess a ton of height or explosiveness, but he changes speeds so well and can stop on a dime to hit a pull-up jumper. He’s a player who’s not afraid to have the ball in his hands down the stretch.