We lied. Here are the top 15 performers, and we're going to try to get 5 guys at the traditional positions--a center, 2 forwards and 2 guards.
Top 5
Center--Chet Holmgren, Minnehaha, 7-1, senior, Overall Tournament MVP
You'd have to say that Holmgren is the guy who catches your eye. If Minnehaha had been in a couple of close games, he could easily have scored another 20 points or so. And, yet, as it is, he led the top 3 classes in scoring with 64 points. But of course Minnehaha was not in a couple of close games because nobody could even think about scoring against the RedHawks with Holmgren patrolling the paint. Apparently they didn't bother to chart blocked shots because the Hub shows him with 2 or 3 blocks. 2 or 3 per half is more like it. He had to have blocked a dozen, maybe 15 shots and intimidated another 30 or 40.
You wonder if his body is going to hold up against the rigors of major college ball. His dad had to abandon basketball at the U of M when his knees gave out. We hope all goes well. But, at this level, very few players have ever dominated games as totally as Chet Holmgren.
Forward--Camden Heide, Wayzsta, 6-6, junior
Heide is rated as the #3 junior in the state. He does a little bit of everything, combining strength and mobility.
Forward--Hercy Miller, Minnehaha, 6-3, senior
Love the motor. A relentless attacker on both sides of the ball with the strength and quickness and skills do do a lot of damage.
Point Guard--Tre Holloman, Cretin, 6-3, junior
Holloman is rated as the #1 junior. Honestly, he's got a ways to go in terms of the motor and the willingness to just attack, attack, attack, like less athletic players like Wayzata's guards. And his decisions with the ball have room to grow, but of course he didn't have the supporting cast that Wayzata guards have to share the ball with. Bottom line, the raw athleticism is obvious.
Shooting Guard--Austin Klug, Caledonia, 6-5, senior
Klug was the big surprise player of the tournament, overshadowed beforehand by the man who wasn't there, or wasn't playing. Eli King was Caledonia's best player and he was hurt. Austin who? Well, it is hard to believe King is better than Klug. He's as quick as any 6-footer and as strong as the 6-8 guys. Well, it turns out that he's a cousin to the Kings and is regarded as a baseball prospect. I would take my chances with Austin Klug in D1 basketball if he were inclined to give it a go.
2nd Team
Center--Francis Nwaokorie, Champlin Park, 6-7, senior
The best player among the first round losers, a shame we didn't get to see him on TV. Not his fault that Champlin Park was beaten for the first time in the first round as he scored 31 points against Maple Grove.
Power Forward--Matt Thompson, Hancock, 6-7, junior
Granted, here's another guy who needs a little more motor to play above Class A. But the body, the athleticism, the mobility, the footwork and shooting and other skills are all in place, and he's a junior. Sky's the limit.
Small Forward--Ethan Slaathaug, Hayfield, 6-3, senior
Gotta love the way he attacks the basket, though it's true that at the next level--or even in Class AA--he would have difficulty getting to the rim dribbling the ball as far away from his body as he often does. Still, he's got a big motor and he's just gung-ho to attack, and that is what won his team a state title.
Combo Guard--Ryan Dufault, Waseca, 6-0, senior
After Holmgren and along with Slaathaug, Dufault did more to win a championship for his team than anybody. In the semis, he scored 13 with 7 assists. Against Caledonia, his teammates were having trouble scoring, so he went ahead and scored 23, out-maneuvering 3 Caledonia defenders to make the game-winning shot.
Combo Guard--Eddie Beeninga, Wayzata, 6-1, senior
Another relentless, attacking player who makes life miserable for his opponents on both sides of the ball. Nicely skilled.
3rd Team
Center--Chance Fazio, Fergus Falls, 7-0, senior
Fazio was another eye-opener, a guy I knew almost nothing about. He may be an inch shorter than Holmgren, give or take, but he's probably got 100 pounds on him. As you'd expect, he was a late bloomer, especially because he played hockey through 9th grade. He's got surprising mobility and quickness in short bursts, good hands, OK footwork and a ton up upside.
Power Forward--Andrew Morgan, Waseca, 6-9, senior
Had an OK tournament though he didn't show a lot of motor against Caledonia. Still he tied Dufault for the lead in AA scoring at 59 and had 19 boards and 5 blocks in the 2 TV games.
Forward--Cade Haskins, DeLaSalle, 6-6, senior
Despite his 6-6 size, he's a perimeter guy and, in fact, one of the best long-range shooters around.
Point Guard--Jon Haakenson, Maple Grove, 6-1, junior
Had the game of his life in the big upset of Champlin Park with 20 points, 9 boards, 7 assists and 3 steals. It's just a damn shame one of these 6-0, 6-1 guards doesn't have another 3 or 4 inches of size.
Combo Guard--Lamar Grayson, Richfield, 6-1, senior
Quick, athletic, great scoring skills, not as good with his "1" skills.
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