Meltdown Stock Risers: Best of the 2023s
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Spending a few days at a big AAU event during the live period is kind of like going to the annual auto show downtown to have a peek at the latest and greatest on four wheels. There’s plenty to see,…
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Continue ReadingSpending a few days at a big AAU event during the live period is kind of like going to the annual auto show downtown to have a peek at the latest and greatest on four wheels. There’s plenty to see, of course, but much of it is familiar – familiar names with familiar games and a reputation that has been built and established over a long period of time. You know, the Hondas and Toyotas and Chevrolets of the girls basketball scene who we are all familiar with. But every year there seems to be that shiny new toy that everyone is talking about – the next big thing – that just might turn out to be better than the rest. This week at the North Tartan Meltdown, the shiny new object that had the coaches buzzing courtside was Avery Koenen Avery Koenen 6'3" | SF Montevideo | 2023 State MN of Montevideo. That’s why she tops our review today of the best 2023 stock risers we saw at the Meltdown.
Avery Koenen Avery Koenen 6'3" | SF Montevideo | 2023 State MN – guard/wing/forward, Pentagon Schoolers (Montevideo)
We have been hearing Avery’s name for a long time, but when she showed up earlier this summer wearing the uniform of the West Central Wildcats on a couple of occasions she definitely caught our attention. The impression she made then was enough to earn her a spot in the updated rankings of the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2023 at #54. What she did this week at the Meltdown was on a whole other level.
Playing with the Pentagon Schoolers out of Sioux Falls, Koenen grabbed everyone’s attention on Tuesday at Hopkins as the 6-footer used her rather ample length, size and athleticism to dominate defenders more often than not. She handled the ball well for her size, and demonstrated that she could score in multiple ways and look really good doing it. Her touch around the rim was impressive, too. When play resumed Wednesday at Shakopee a cadre of D1 and D2 coaches made the trek south to see Koenen in action. The same thing happened 24 hours later when at least one high major coach was seen courtside. What they witnessed was the emergence of a new Division 1 prospect in Minnesota, a shiny object that generated intrigue and excitement. I’m certain the bigger AAU clubs are lobbying for her services right now as are the college coaches. She came into the event as a top-60 prospect and left looking like she belonged among the best 25 in the state.
Sophi Hall Sophi Hall 6'1" | CG Holy Family | 2023 State MN – guard/wing, Minnesota Fury 2023 UAA (Holy Family)
While Koenen’s performance came as a complete surprise to most of the college coaches in attendance, there were no surprises when it came to Hall. She rolled into the gym having already made a big impression over the past couple of seasons; she left with many more high-level admirers who seemed ready and willing to dole out an offer. And why not. After making our top performers list a couple of weeks ago at Mill City, the #16-ranked player in the Class of 2023 had the recruiters raving about her potential.
At 6’0, with very long arms and a spring in her step, Hall is a weapon at both ends of the floor. Her shot blocking is a thing of beauty thanks to great leaping ability and a wonderful sense of timing. What’s changed is her overall consistency and her level of intensity, and it has made all the difference. Hall was flying up and down the court at the Meltdown, scoring a ton of baskets in transition and combining beautifully with her rather talented teammates on Fury 2023 UAA. It’s hard to move up if you are already in the top 20, but Hall made a case she deserves a raise.
Maraya Wiltrout Maraya Wiltrout 6'2" | PF Cambridge-Isanti | 2023 State MN & Evelyn Wiltrout Evelyn Wiltrout 6'1" | PF Cambridge-Isanti | 2023 State MN – forwards, Comets Berskow (Cambridge-Isanti)
It’s a long and winding road to college basketball, with plenty of twists and turns and bumps and bruises along the way. If you consistently put in the work, however, and keep your eyes focused on the prize, good things will happen. That is exactly what the Wiltrout twins have been doing by investing the time in the type of intense individual training and skill development that can propel a player up the rankings. Playing up a year with the Minnesota Comets, Maraya and Evelyn haven’t had a ton of exposure this summer but they have put in a lot of work. Suddenly at the Meltdown there were D2 coaches talking about recruiting the pair, and rightly so.
The 6’0 Maraya and 6’1 Evelyn have nice footwork down low, the ability to gain position to use their size and strength inside, and the timing and gusto to grab an ample number of rebounds. Their shooting has improved a ton as has their foot speed and overall conditioning. The sisters are mature beyond their years, having appeared on local and national television to talk about successfully managing their type 1 diabetes while performing as high-level athletes. Impressive. Regardless of their athletic abilities, that kind of life experience and poise under pressure will no doubt prove invaluable as their navigate their way into college basketball.
Drew Johnston Drew Johnston 5'9" | PG Roseville | 2023 State MN – guard, North Tartan 2023 Elite (Roseville)
Drew has been a known commodity in these parts for some time now. The 5’9 point guard from North Tartan has improved every year, but this summer she seems to have made forward progress in a bigger way. She’s taller and stronger now, which definitely helps. She’s playing with way more confidence, too. Drew has been scoring in larger numbers lately while improving her game management, ball security and defensive intensity and effectiveness. Even though she was very much under the weather during Mill City, Johnston still managed to play well. Since that time she has been even better.
Drew certainly made an impression on Brandon Bradley of Prep Girls Hoops Indiana who was in town covering the Meltdown this week. Citing her athleticism, skill and understanding of the game – he also mentioned Drew’s shooting which we are well familiar with – Brandon was effusive in his praise of the Roseville floor general. At Mill City there was consensus that Johnston was a can’t-miss to play at the Division 2 level. At the Meltdown there was plenty of discussion about Drew’s potential to do well in the right D1 setting. That’s what we call raising your stock!
Top photo: Roseville point guard Drew Johnston Drew Johnston 5'9" | PG Roseville | 2023 State MN of North Tartan Elite.