Check Me Out Showcase offered opportunities to shine
National showcase events offer talented players a great opportunity to make a name for themselves, reinforce the reputation they have already built, or create a fresh impression of what they have to offer. Freshman guard Jordyn Lamker of Maple Grove…
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Continue ReadingNational showcase events offer talented players a great opportunity to make a name for themselves, reinforce the reputation they have already built, or create a fresh impression of what they have to offer. Freshman guard Jordyn Lamker of Maple Grove did all three on Sunday at Chris Hansen's Check Me Out Showcase at Holy Angels. The 5'11″ Lamker is a talented athlete with a big frame and plenty of weapons who has earned a spot on the top 2021 North Tartan squad. That alone speaks volumes for Lamker's ability. On Sunday, however, she took it to a whole other level.
Playing in a format that encouraged improvisation and risk-taking, Lamker demonstrated an arsenal of moves and a large dose of physicality that wasn't necessarily on full display in summer ball. She was relentless on the boards and surgically effective one-on-one. Bringing her 'A Game' to the big stage, Lamker excelled in front of Hansen's influential crew of national evaluators. Currently ranked #17 in Minnesota's class of 2021, Jordyn will combine with Abby Schulte (#18 In 2020) this winter to form a formidable backcourt for the Crimson.
Battle of the Big: Destinee Oberg vs Zareia Chevre
Destinee Oberg was considered the best prospect in the 2019 class seemingly forever. This summer, however, she was displaced by a most-deserving Kallie Theisen of Wayzata who earned it with a relentless work ethic and premiere performances on a national level. Meanwhile, the 6'2″ Oberg was dealing with injuries and keeping a low profile. Performing on her home court this weekend, Oberg looked reinvigorated reminding us all of her enormous potential. She is a big-time talent with a very big body, and she can be a handful in the paint when she wants to be. Nobody bothered to inform Zareia Chevre of that fact. Chevre (Fury 2020 Blue, #10 in her class) is a powerful force in her own right, but she gives away a few inches and a whole lot of bulk against Oberg. Chevre was relentless, she was physical, and it was clear that on this day she was not going to be beat. Using some extraordinary leverage, a strategically placed elbow or two, and a whole lot of heart, Chevre fought Oberg to a stalemate. When it was all over, only one of them was smiling.
Battle of the Best: Paige Bueckers vs Kemery Martin
Paige Bueckers doesn't get her shot blocked very often. I could count the number of times I've seen it on one hand and still have two or three fingers left over. It happened Sunday when 5'10″ junior Kemery Martin of Sandy, Utah did the deed. That marked the beginning of an epic game-long battle between Martin and Bueckers that featured some really high-quality, up-tempo basketball. Martin is a high D-I talent with a versatile skill set and the ability to score the basketball any way you want. She is also a relentless defender who gave Bueckers everything she could handle. Of course, that was just the type of challenge Minnesota's #1 2020 relishes. The encounter quickly turned into a game of 'Anything you can do, I can do better' and the gym was buzzing.
Best of the rest
I really liked what I saw from Mikayla Aumer, a 5'6″ 8th grader who will probably make an impact at Cambridge-Isanti this winter. Aumer is a high-intensity guard with good court awareness and a quick first step or two. I have seen Aumer a number of times this summer with Fury 2022 Gold and she just keeps on getting better. She is a team-first player who defends hard and makes everyone around her better. On Sunday. Aumer matched up against one of the best 2023s in the country, Jada Williams of Kansas City, and more than held her own.
Jayla Reliford turned in an excellent performance over the weekend. Of course, we are accustomed to that, but the national evaluators were more than impressed by Reliford's warrior mentality, exceptional quickness, and ability to make something from nothing. Reliford is ranked #23 in the class of 2021. We also learned Sunday that she will not be at De la Salle after all and has decided to stay at Cooper where the Hawks are poised to make noise in Class AAA.
Open enrollment certainly creates interesting opportunities for young players, including 2021 prospect Cherish Henderson. The 5'3″ dynamo resides in Robbinsdale, and has worn the uniform of multiple AAU programs. Her high school selection was the subject of much speculation over the summer. Cherish ultimately chose Minneapolis Southwest, as much for its first-rate academics as anything else. On Sunday, she was on fire using her speed and swagger to form a potent 1-2 combination with the #2-rated player in the class, Kaylee Van Eps of Chaska.
Sister Act I and II
Berg, Berg, Anderson and Anderson. Nope, it's not a law firm in Lindstrom. It's Sister Act I – Ella and Ava Berg of Elk River – and Sister Act II, Caroline and Courtney Anderson of Bloomington Jefferson. All four were on hand for the festivities. Ella Berg is one of the state's most improved players over the past few months. The 5'8″ junior recently transferred from Maranatha to her home district of Elk River and, given the departure of a state champion senior class, the timing could be just right. Ella is a quality facilitator with good court vision. She has nice range and is a consistent shooter. She also has the quickness to be a high-level defender. Ava Berg is a 5'7″ 8th grader, a methodical point guard and a real leader on the floor. She is a pure shooter who competes hard every time out. When the game is on the line, Ava is the player you want with the ball. Caroline Anderson is a cat-quick 5'7″ junior who has a big motor, a ton of energy and is a weapon on defense. Anderson also has a sweet jump shot and can consistently knock it down when the opportunity is available. Sister Courtney Anderson, one of the few 7th graders present, is all of 5 feet tall but was moving a million miles an hour and making things happen. Courtney has quick feet, nice hands and a bright future. All four are under the tutelage of Dre Jefferson and company at the Minnesota Suns.