Timberwolves Shootout

The 2013 Minnesota Timberwolves Shootout featured four games on Saturday and included some of the top teams and players in the Midwest. The Target Center played host to a 43 point performance by future Iowa State Cyclone Matt Thomas in the opener and concluded with a battle between the top two juniors in the state of Minnesota in Tyus Jones and Rashad Vaughn.  

Apple Valley (MN) 80 vs. Robbinsdale Cooper (MN) 70

The last game of the Shootout was also the most anticipated as Tyus Jones, the top point guard in the junior class faced off against Rashad Vaughn, one of the top shooting guards in the junior class. Roy Williams and Hubert Davis, along with Tubby Smith and Fred Hoiberg sat courtside to watch this match-up and they were not disappointed. Vaughn’s Robbinsdale Cooper squad took a 1 point lead into halftime which quickly turned into an 11 point lead with 12 minutes to go. Vaughn hit back to back three pointers from behind the NBA 3-point line during this stretch before Apple Valley tightened up on defense and began their comeback. Jones began attacking the basket for lay-ups, runners, and assists. While Apple Valley was led by the steady play of Tyus Jones, they also received a 21 point performance from 3-point marksman Dustin Fronk along with 22 points and 12 rebounds from junior forward Dennis Austin. What once was a double digit deficit turned into an 80-70 victory.

Tyus Jones (6’1” - #1 2014)

Stat line: 18 points, 8 assists, 7-10 FG’s, 4-4 FT’s

Playing his second game in two nights coming off a back injury, Tyus Jones was the catalyst in Apple Valley’s 80-70 win. Jones was extremely efficient all game and did not force any shots or passes. In fact, all 10 of his field goals came within 12 feet. Jones went 4-5 from the field in the first half which included two floaters in the lane and two lay-ups, one of which that came off a steal and beat the buzzer to end the half. In the 2^nd half Jones continued to use his floater while utilizing the pick and roll to get to the basket shooting 3-5 from the field. On the defensive side, Jones had two steals off Vaughn passes that turned into lay-ups and also defended Vaughn on a key 2^nd half possession and forced a deep contested jumper. Overall, Jones shot 70% from the field, found the open man, and led his team to a victory so there isn’t too much to nitpick, but as the number one player in the class of 2014 Jones will need to dominate from start to finish instead of just in stretches.

Rashad Vaughn (6’6” - #10 2014)

Stat line: 35 points, 7 rebounds, 14-33 FG’s, 3-4 FT’s

The 6’6” shooting guard knows how to put the ball in the bucket and might be the best scorer in the country. Any time he touched the ball on the offensive end, the crowd of 5,122 was on the edge of its seat. While Vaughn took an extremely high amount of shots, they were all out of necessity as he tried to keep his team in the game. 

1^st Half

Vaughn started the game off quickly showing his impressive athleticism. He attacked the basket strongly on his first drive to the basket and converted a left hand lay-up. He followed that up with a two hand dunk and another left handed drive for a quick 6 points. Vaughn also hit a Kobe-esque 15 foot fall away jumper and a nice floater from 6 feet out that avoided a charge. While Vaughn finished the first half with 15 points he struggled from outside the arc going 0-4 from the three point line. 

15 points, 7-14 FG's, 0-4 3's

2^nd Half

The various players guarding Vaughn from Apple Valley had no help side responsibility and tried to stay attached to him on every move. Vaughn countered this type of defense by posting up from 12 feet out to start the half. The first shot of the 2^nd half was a crowd delight as Vaughn banked in a 15 foot fade away off one foot. Vaughn’s next two shots were of the same one footed variety, although neither one had the same success rate. The first half outside shooting struggles disappeared and all of a sudden Vaughn was knocking down back to back three’s from the NBA line. At this point in time, Vaughn had 25 points and his team an 11 point lead. As referenced above, Apple Valley tightened their defense and Cooper’s offense soon turned into Vaughn catching the ball at the top of the key and trying to maneuver past defenders which in turn dragged down his shooting percentage and the quality of shots taken. Vaughn still managed to hit a contested three to go along with another NBA three. With the game out of reach, Vaughn also got a lay-up off of an inbounds play, one of the few shots he got off of a set play.

20 points, 7-19 FG's, 4-7 3's

Overall:

Vaughn’s versatile skill set was on display for Roy Williams and Tubby Smith all game long. Vaughn created for himself off the dribble and got to the basket going one-on-one with defenders or by utilizing the pick and roll. He knocked down lay-ups, floaters, fade-aways, and NBA range three’s. At 6’6”, Vaughn also showed off an impressive handle for a player his size constantly bringing the ball up the court. At times he was a bit careless with the ball and two of his passes were picked off by Tyus Jones and converted into points for Apple Valley. Vaughn played the entire game (36 minutes) and was forced to work for extremely hard in the second half. Despite the high quantity of shots, Vaughn showed the crowd that he is an elite shooting guard and one of the best scorer’s in the country. 

West Des Moines Valley (IA) 69 Roseville (MN) 53

Peter Jok

6’6” Iowa commit, Peter Jok led the way for the Tigers with 34 points as they turned a four point halftime lead in to a 2^nd half blow-out. Roseville was playing without their leading scorer Mackenzie Johnson and had no answer for Jok all game. Once deemed one of the top players in the country, Jok is making a return after an injury plagued past two seasons. Jok was looking spry in the shootout scoring a quick 14 points in the 1^st half before sitting down with foul trouble and ten minutes left in the half. 12 of Jok’s first half points came from athletic drives to the basket and put backs from offensive rebounds. This was a common theme throughout the game although Jok also hit a 17 footer jumper and a three-pointer from the wing in the 2^nd half. It was an impressive game for Jok by all means; however he did go 1-7 from the three point line. Despite the struggles from deep, Hawkeye fans should be looking forward to watching him in an Iowa uniform next year.

Blue Valley Northwest (KS) 57 DeLaSalle 52

In a back and forth affair, future Iowa State Cyclone Clayton Custer hit a driving lay-up to take a 52-50 lead with 1:35 to go giving the Huskies a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Custer led the way with 26 points mixing in lay-ups and a variety of outside jump shots. Reid Travis (6-8” - #29 2014) of DeLaSalle looked to be too much to handle in the post at times as he went for 29 points and 15 rebounds. After struggling in a low scoring first half, Travis got it going despite constant double teams and went 6-8 from the paint in the 2^nd half. Despite the dominance down low, Custer and junior guard Ben Richardson were too much to handle and brought their coach, Ed Fritz, his 500^th victory. 

Onalaska (WI) 77 Lakeview Christian (MN) 62

Matt Thomas (6’5” - #34 2013) started the morning off dropping 43 points for Onalaska, which was one point less than the tournament record of 44 set by Rick Rickert in 2001. Thomas is considered by many to be the best shooter in high school and he showed his stroke off going 16-31 from the field. Thomas also added 14 rebounds to his stat line. Lakeview Christian was led by senior guard Anders Broman who scored 26. Broman is Minnesota’s all time leading scorer and has over 4,000 points in his career and is headed to South Dakota State next fall. 

Matt Thomas

NY2LA Summer Jam: Top Performers

Top Performers:

Matt Thomas, 6’4”, 2013 SG, WI Playmakers, Onalaska (WI): With a tournament filled with knock-down shooters, Thomas established himself as the best of the best. Having a picture perfect form, Thomas was always good for at least a few three’s per game. On Saturday morning, Thomas went off hitting 9-11 from deep as one of his future Iowa State coaches looked on with a smile. While a great shooter, Thomas also displayed a solid ability to handle the ball both in both one-on-one and pick and roll situations. 

The Harrison Twins: Before Andrew got hurt, the Harrison twins had it going on all tournament long. Whether it was driving by a helpless defender for a lay-up, knocking down a perimeter jump shot, or throwing an alley-oop, the brothers could not be stopped. Aaron Harrison knocked down six three pointers in one half on Saturday and was able to take over point guard duties when his brother got hurt on Sunday. Assistants from Maryland and Baylor made their presence well known for every Houston game. 

Aaron Harrison

Damontre Jefferson, 5’7” – 2014 PG, Milwaukee Rebels, Milwaukee Hamilton (WI): Despite always being the shortest player on the court, Jefferson more than made up for it with his speed, ball-handling and toughness. Jefferson was the catalyst in both playoff victories on Saturday putting defensive pressure on the opposing guards which often led to fast break lay-ups for himself or teammates. While being prone to getting out of control at times, Jefferson did not show any fear attacking the basket against players much larger in size. 

Kevon Looney, 6’8” – 2014 F, Milwaukee Rebels, Milwaukee Hamilton (WI): Considered one of the top prospects in 2014, Looney showed a wide variety of skills under the watchful eye of Buzz Williams and Bo Ryan. Looney was a beast on the offensive boards and also showed off a nice touch on his jump shot. The long and sinewy wing always played hard on both sides of the ball blocking shots on one end and getting to the basket at the other.

Rashad Vaughn, 6’6” – 2014 SG, Net Gain Sports, Robindale Cooper (MN): The 2014 class is loaded with top-notch wings and Vaughn might have the most impressive skill set of anyone not named Andrew Wiggins. Vaughn showed off a three point stroke that looked reminiscent to 2009 Final Four MOP Wayne Ellington. To go along with his outside stroke, he also possessed a strong handle that enabled him to create one on one and get to the basket. He is definitely one of the more impressive players in the upcoming junior class. 

Roddy Peters, 6’4” – 2013 G, DC Assault, Suitland (MD): Peters has been climbing up the recruiting ranks and his play in this tournament did nothing to dispel his rise. Using his 6’4” frame, Peters attacked the basket every chance he got, whether it was a drive down the left or right side of the court. Peters was one of the few bright spots in a blowout loss to the Illinois Wolves and also carried his team to a close victory of LAX Hoops. His tournament was cut short in pool play as he aggravated an already sore shoulder. 

Robert Johnson, 6’2” – 2013 SG, DC Assault, LC Bird (VA): Johnson made the most out of Peters’ absence and drained three after three against the 2-3 zone the Atlanta Celtics employed. Known as the top shooter in Virginia, Johnson showed the Midwest what he is capable of and was one of the main reasons DC Assault advanced to the 17U quarterfinals.

Kendall Stephens, 6’6” – 2013 SG, Illinois Wolves, St. Charles East (IL): The future Boilermaker was the most consistent player for the Wolves through pool play and the playoffs. Stephens buried numerous three pointers during the tournament and also showed a nice ability to slash to the basket. The Wolves trailed at the half in a few games, but Stephens was always the second half spark plug that would get the team going with a crucial steal or basket.

Nathan Taphorn, 6’7” – 2013 SG/SF, Illinois Wolves, Pekin (IL): Fresh off a Northwestern commitment, Taphorn shot the lights out from three for the majority of the tournament. Taphorn, similar to Matt Thomas had a picture perfect stroke, The lanky wing was able to utilize screens and fancy footwork to connect on several three’s per game. Taphorn utilized a solid pump fake, but will have to work on his shot off the dribble going forward. When his shot wasn’t falling (which wasn’t often), Taphorn did not have another way to create baskets and went scoreless in the championship game.

Jared Brownridge, 6’2” – 2013 SG, Illinois Wolves, Waubonsie Valley (IL): The Wolves had a plethora of shooters on their team which included Brownridge. While he did not start, Brownridge came in off the bench and got right to work. Against DC Assault, he hit six three pointers in a blowout win. Brownridge has a quick release which allows him to get his shot off against taller defenders and showed a good burst when driving to the basket.

Keita Bates-Diop, 6’7” – 2014 SF, Illinois Wolves, U-High (IL): Bates-Diop spent most of the Summer Jam playing for his 16U team, but did not disappoint when called up for some 17U action. Being heavily recruited by the majority of Big 10 teams, Bates-Diop showed off a variety of skills in the 17U championship game hitting a three, while also having an electric dunk.

Riley Dearring, 6’5” – 2013 G, Net Gain Sports, Minnetonka (MN): Dearring committed to Wisconsin right before the Summer Jam and after his play this weekend, the Wisconsin coaching staff was definitely glad to have him locked up. Dearring is eerily similar to the recently graduated Jason Clark of Georgetown, both in body type and playing style. If Dearring can have a similar type career, Badger fans will be extremely happy. 

Malik Pope, 6’8” – 2014 SF, Team Superstar, Burbank (CA): One of the fastest rising players in the class of 2014, Pope presented match-up nightmares at the 16U level with his height and length. Pope versatility is obvious, but he will need to learn how to use his 6’8” frame to his advantage against shorter defenders. Pope had 5+ inches on many of his defenders but settled for too many jump shots and floaters in the lane. Despite settling for outside shots, Pope’s rise will be one to keep an eye on.

Other News and Notes:

The shot of the tournament goes to Oak Hill guard, Nate Britt. Despite struggling during the tournament, Britt calmly drained a three pointer from the top of the key as time expired against the Atlanta Celtics. This shot came in the last game of the night on Saturday and provided DC Assault a chance to compete on Sunday.

The dunk of the tournament goes to Deonte Burton who threw down a ridiculous reverse dunk against the Houston Defenders which got the crowd off its feet. Burton is the most physically imposing player on the circuit not named Julius Randle. Marquette has already locked Burton up along with in-state guard Duane Wilson. Wisconsin has already locked up guards Riley Dearring and Bronson Koenig. Both schools are doing a great job in keeping the top players in state and have built a nice base for the future.

Saturday afternoon featured a coaching match-up that would cause the casual observer to do a double take. In the Homestead high auxiliary gym, former Wizards coach Eddie Jordan led DC Assault while former New Mexico State and Sacramento Kings coach Reggie Theus led LAX Hoops. DC Assault won in a squeaker.

Looking at the tournament roster, one of the main things to jump out is the fact that the whole Utah Reign team goes to Lone Peak High. Utah made it to the quarterfinals before bowing out to the Houston defenders and they are led by three BYU commits. Last year Lone Peak won the state championship 68-38 and it is almost unfair to think of what they will do this year. After the loss to Houston one head coach remarked to BYU coach Dave Rose “You’ve got quite the talent coming in.” Future Lone Peak opponents would agree.

Nick Emery

 

 

 

 Note: All photos were provided by Kelly Kline - Under Armour.

UA Summer Jam: Playoff Edition

In an old-school Adidas match-up and with a Summer Jam quarterfinal berth on the line, DC Assault and the Atlanta Celtics squared off in the final game of the night. Despite the lights being out in the main gym and the majority of coaches and spectators already having left the premise, this game did not disappoint. Down two points and the clock ticking down, point guard Nate Britt calmly dribbled to his left and nailed a game winning 3 pointer from the top of the key as time expired. This shot sent the Celtics home and gave DC Assault at least one more game. Despite struggling in both of his playoff games, Britt came through with a clutch play at the end of the game. 

Shaqquan - Kelly Kline/Under Armour

While Britt had the play of the day, if it had not been for his teammates Roddy Peters and Robert Johnson, DC Assault would not have been in a position to win against the Celtics and most likely would have bowed out in the first round of the playoffs to LAX Hoops. This game featured a NBA coaching match-up of Eddie Jordan, the former Wizards and 76ers coach and Reggie Theus Jr., the former Kings coach pacing the sidelines in Homestead High’s auxiliary gym. LAX Hoops was led by the tall and sinewy Shaqquan Aaron who spent the game driving to the basket for one handed dunks in traffic and nailing high arching three pointers. Aaron was definitely one of the cockiest players on the day and even turned around to walk down the court before his 3-pointer had found the basket at one point. Fortunately for Eddie Jordan, former Wizard Gilbert Arenas is the only player that can make a three while turning his back on the basket. Despite Aaron’s strong play, Roddy Peters, a 2^nd team All-Met selection led DC Assault with steady forays to the basket. Despite hurting his shoulder with 2 minutes left, Peters gave DC Assault a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Saturday’s action featured buzzer beaters, overtime games, and highly contentious match-ups. While the stars came out to play let’s take a look at the players that do not receive top billing on their team, but who still play an integral part in their teams success:

Damontre Jefferson (Milwaukee Rebels)

Despite being the shortest player on the court at 5’7,” this fire cracker could not be contained in either of his team’s playoff games. Early in the morning against the Las Vegas Prospects, the Rebels were down almost double digits and looked as if they were going to make an early exit as the hometown team. Jefferson had other thoughts and brought his team back by creating steals that led to breakaway lay-ups and hitting from deep several times. Jefferson used his crafty dribbling to blow by defenders and then used his leaping ability to finish at the rim no matter the size of the defender. 

Robert Johnson (DC Assault)

This 2^nd team all-State Virginia Preps selection might not be widely known outside of the East Coast, but his knock down shooting helped his team to a quarterfinal playoff berth. Johnson led the state of Virginia in three-pointers the past two years which apparently the Atlanta Celtics were not aware of. Starting off the game in a 2-3 zone, Johnson hit threes from both wings in the first few minutes and drained several more over the course of the game. With starting guard Roddy Peters most likely out for the final day, Johnson will get several more chances to show off his stroke to coaches outside Virginia.

TJ Haws (Utah Reign)

A 2014 shooting guard, TJ Haws is often mentioned behind high school and AAU teammate Nick Emery, both BYU commits. Despite not getting the attention of Emery, Haws was dynamic in a win over Team Nebraska featuring Akoy Agau and the Wisconsin Swing who featured future Wisconsin guard Bronson Koenig. Haws did it all whether it was hitting threes from deep or slicing to the basket for an athletic finish over the 6’9” Agau. Haws also took it to the Big 10 boys on the Swing and will be matched-up with the Harrison twins to start off the quarterfinals.

Other Notes:

While there was a lack of quality shooters at the Adidas Invitational, the same cannot be said about the NY2LA UA Summer Jam. The first day of playoffs started with Iowa State commit, Matt Thomas hitting nine three-pointers. Yes, nine! He followed that up at night with at least four three pointers despite being hounded by defenders at all times. Aaron Harrison also hit six three pointers in the first half of one of his games. Other top shooters included Bronson Koenig, Nick Emery, Jared Jones, and mentioned above TJ Haws and Robert Johnson.