I really like what I saw from Yli-Junnila against Lima Senior. My favorite part of his game is he is constantly moving. He is screening for teammates, coming off of screens, and cutting when he sees it is open. It was refreshing to see this because it is a lost art. He is always coming off screens ready to shoot and gets some easy buckets due to this movement. He has a good shot and made multiple threes. He has great size and length that allows him to be effective inside and out for Lutheran West.

Lutheran West keeps finding ways to grind out wins, on a ‘neutral’ court against a local Dayton powerhouse program, the Longhorns found themselves down late and Yli-Junnila made some tough plays at the end to steal a win from Huber Heights Wayne. A shooter with good size on the wing, Yli-Junnila was 2/3 from 2 and 3-point range on the day. Also blocking two shots, his length can be a factor on the defensive side of the floor. Lutheran West remains unbeaten as they continue to just find ways to get it done at the end, we’ll see how long they can keep up this streak of clutch play. When a team can win without playing close to their best basketball, it shows the mental toughness their group has.

Tino made an early impression on the Prep Hoops Circuit at an event back in April, I wasn’t able to make it to that event and the spring events I caught MAC Basketball he wasn’t able to play that weekend. That means it took a while for me to finally catch this talented stretch forward, but his game was worth the wait. A very impressive shooting prospect at his size, combine that with his production on both the Prep Hoops Circuit and with Hudson last season. Yli-Junnila makes the move to Lutheran West, where the Longhorns will push for a Division II state title after falling in the championship game last season. I expect small college programs to be in a recruiting battle for Yli-Junnila.

Another impressive outing for Tino Yli-Junnila Tino Yli-Junnila 6'5" | SF Lutheran West | 2024 State OH as he showcased his diverse scoring ability in a victory for MAC Basketball to advance to the sweet 16 of the tournament. An impressive shooter from the outside, when he gets his feet set it’s usually going in the net. What I really was impressed by was the offhand finishing he showed at the rim with a couple tough lefty finishes in traffic. Building good chemistry with future Lutheran West teammates Jayson Levis Jayson Levis 6'1" | CG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH and Derek Fairley Derek Fairley 6'1" | CG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH , Yli-Junnila continues to impress on the prep hoops circuit and should be a priority small college recruit.

Tino had a solid showing helping lead his team to a close win over Minnesota Select . Nothing flashy about his game, he just takes advantage of what the defense gives him to produce in efficient fashion. Solid mid-range game and knows how to take advantage of his size against smaller wings in the paint. Moves well off the ball allowing him to score without having to dribble much, and he offers an additional rebounding presence with his roughly 6’5 frame. Defensive versatility to defend on the wing or against smaller posts.

A prospect I really haven’t ever gotten the chance to watch before today, Tino impressed me with his new school of Lutheran West. With a quick release and an accurate outside shot, Yli-Junnila was making open shots his guards created for him. Fitting right in with the backcourt from his Prep Hoops Circuit program of Mac Basketball , it hasn’t taken long for him to settle in with his new team. I also thought he moved without the ball well and made the right pass. Most important thing for me to see from him is improved foot speed and ability to defend on the perimeter. Able to play either wing forward spot, I think small college programs should be making it a priority to recruit Yli-Junnila.

A previous standout at an early spring Prep Hoops Circuit event, I’m really excited to see his MAC Basketball squad this weekend.