Undersized guards had oversized impact at Mill City
Size: small. Impact: big. In its simplest form that’s what we saw over the weekend at the Mill City Invitational from the youngsters of Fury 2022 UAA and DTA Academy 2022, both in the latest installment of their rather intriguing…
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Continue ReadingSize: small. Impact: big. In its simplest form that’s what we saw over the weekend at the Mill City Invitational from the youngsters of Fury 2022 UAA and DTA Academy 2022, both in the latest installment of their rather intriguing rivalry and against the rest of the field. On paper it is the tall trees who grab everyone’s attention – the likes of Lilly Meister, Mallory Heyer and Katie Hurt of the Fury, for instance, along with 6’0 forward Nia Holloway of DTA. This weekend, however, it was the shrubs who demanded we take notice.
The Fury had the upper hand against DTA for most of the game this time around and eventually recorded a 65-60 victory, the second win for the Fury in three entertaining meetings between the teams. The Fury went on to win the 2022 Platinum Division championship 58-52 over Team Factory National of Nebraska, a game in which diminutive guards Emma Miller of St. Michael-Albertville and Nicole Bowlin of Holy Family played their tails off. DTA finished third with a 30-point win over the Nebraska Attack thanks in no small part to the standout play of undersized guards Ronnie Porter of St. Paul Como Park, Kiera Albers of Maple Grove and Charita ‘Tiny’ Lewis of St. Cloud Cathedral.
Here’s a rundown on those 5 top performers, along with 5 more small guards who also did good work over the weekend. Of course we could probably include 2021 #12 Alexis Pratt of Fury 2021 UAA (Stillwater) in any such list since she’s outstanding pretty much every time out. Ditto for Molly Lenz of Fury 2023 UAA (Eden Prairie). Heck, even Lauren Feddema of DTA Academy (Buffalo) could have been included but, we’re pleased to say, she’s had a healthy growth spurt and no longer qualifies for the ‘small guard’ label in our view.
In the interests of sharing the limelight, here’s our 5 plus 5. Each is listed with their Prep Girls Hoops class ranking.
Nicole Bowlin (left) and Emma Miller (right) were terrific again for the Fury freshmen.MINNESOTA FURY 2022 UAA
2022 #15 Emma Miller – 5’1 combo guard, St. Michael-Albertville
Is there anyone faster than Emma Miller? Emma can definitely hang with the best of them, even if she’s giving away a significant stride advantage. The dynamic little guard never stops moving, and is a terror at both ends of the floor. She may be tiny but she is elusive and near impossible to catch. With great handles, unlimited range and a huge motor, Miller will likely defy the odds and get some serious post-high school looks at a very high level.
2022 #22 Nicole Bowlin – 5’6 point guard, Holy Family
Does anyone pass the ball better than Nicole Bowlin? Nope. She is the best dime disher around, and in Monday’s championship game Nicole had the college coaches full and undivided attention as she pulled off one spectacular assist after another. Her court vision is remarkable, as is her ability to squeeze the ball through the smallest of openings to a teammate in better position. Bowlin is short, stocky and strong, and goes hard from start to finish every time out.
DTA ACADEMY 2022 BLUE
2022 #26 Ronnie Porter – 5’2 combo guard, Como Park
Does any small guard in Minnesota score more points than Ronnie Porter? Well there was some kid named Hofschild who did OK the past few years, but the ball is in Ronnie’s court now. Porter was the state’s highest-scoring freshman at 18 ppg. She did some scoring this weekend, too, cashing in for 14 points against South Dakota Attack and 16 versus Wisconsin Flight. After a slow start to the summer season, Porter has been on fire of late. She is super quick, really intense and has superior handles.
2022 #63, Kiera Albers – 5’3 point guard, Maple Grove
Does any small guard in the state shoot it better than Kiera Albers? There are a few who come close, but Albers has been lights out from distance forever. Kiera has long been one of the most skilled players in the class, but while others have had their growth spurt Kiera is still waiting. That hasn’t stopped the Crimson guard from grinding away to get better. Albers sees the floor, moves the ball and can shoot it quick, high and accurately. If she stays patient Kiera’s day in the sun is going to come.
2022 NR Charita ‘Tiny’ Lewis – 5’4 combo guard, DTA Academy (St. Cloud Cathedral)
Tiny Lewis has one unique characteristic that no other elite player in the state can claim: she doesn’t play high school basketball. At least she didn’t, opting until now to use her quick feet, lightning-fast reflexes and superior athleticism to play hockey instead. We’re told Lewis will be balling going forward, and thank goodness for that. Lewis has been sensational all summer, her basketball IQ has risen dramatically and coaches at all levels are suddenly asking questions. She’ll also be entering the rankings this fall and not near the bottom, either.
Taytum Brostrom of Prior Lake has had a great summer for Fury 2021 Yellow. (Photo courtesy of Southwest News Media)5 MORE SMALL GUARDS WHO STOOD OUT
#68 Tatum Brostrom – 5’6, Fury 2021 Yellow (Prior Lake)
Making the move to the Fury has done Tatum a world of good, and her confidence is way up. Brostrom is making big plays in every game, and her ability to combine with size-large post Jenna Guyer and lengthy guard Ella Hronski has made all three of them into much higher-profile prospects.
#96 Marissa Radtke – 5’6, North Tartan 2021 Elite (Lester Prairie-Holy Trinity)
Radtke is a scrappy competitor who plays consistently hard. She’s a great outside shooter, handles the ball well and isn’t afraid of the big moment. Her game management is much improved, and she’s protecting the ball a lot better, too. She is the biggest weapon at LPHT.
#92 Zoie Centers – 5’5, Fury 2022 Yellow (Mahtomedi)
Centers is on a nice trajectory with steady improvement and rising confidence. Zoie has quick feet, nice handles and whole lot of fire in her belly. Her game management is much improved, her decision making has matured and she has learned how to protect the ball in traffic. Zoie will play a big role now at Mahtomedi.
Sydnee Nelson – 5’4 guard, Fury 2023 UAA (Red Wing)
Not many 8th graders build an excellent reputation on the strength of their defense, particularly at 5’4, but that is Nelson’s calling card. She did an outstanding job of it at the varsity level this winter. She’s doing an outstanding job of it in summer ball against some of the top prospects in her age group.
Priyanka Satish – 5’4, Metro Stars 2023 Wiese (Eden Prairie)
This dynamic little point guard continues to impress with her skill and tenacity. She’s super quick, super smart and has a passion for the game that’s written all over her. Satish knows how to move the ball, attacks the basket with zeal and can shoot the three at a high level.
Top photo: DTA Academy guards Ronnie Porter (far left), Tiny Lewis (far right) and Kiera Albers (second from right) had a huge impact at the Mill City Invitational. So did their taller teammate Myra Moorjani, pictured second from the left. (Photo courtesy of DTA Academy)