Player of the Week
Trae Young – Norman North 2017
Young had a tremendous week. First, scoring 44 points and passing out eight assists in the win against Richland Hills. Following up with a 33 point, four rebound, six assist, and three steals performance falling to Irving McArthur. Young is currently the only point guard in the 2017 class to have an offer from Kentucky. At 6’1, he doesn’t have great size but he has everything you want in a true point guard with his decision making, shooting, and defensive pressure.
Hot
Apple Valley
Gary Trent Jr. and Tre Jones led Apple Valley to victory over Minnetonka. Trent led the way with 41 points and nine rebounds. Jones contributed with 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Apple Valley’s future looks bright with their two young stars, with Trent being a junior and Jones only a sophomore, this young core will still be around next year with more experience and maturity. Trent also started the week with 46 points and 11 rebounds to beat Chanhassen, setting a single game scoring record for Apple Valley that was previously held by Tyus Jones.
JJ Caldwell – SATCH Homeschool 2016 Texas A&M
The 5’11 point guard might not lead his team in scoring, but his contribution comes as an elite playmaker, as he can get nearly as many assists as he does points. Caldwell came up big in the upset win over Advanced Prep International, matching up against Trevon Duval, scoring 14 points and 13 assists. He finished the week with 16 points and 11 assists to beat Prestonwood Christian Academy.
Andrew Jones – Irving MacArthur 2016
Jones was on the victory side of the epic Thanksgiving Hoopfest duel between Irving MacArthur and Norman North. He finished with 37 points, ten rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. 23 of his 37 points came in the second half while coming back from trailing by double digits. Jones also had 29 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the loss to Cypress Lakes.
Joey Brunk – Southport 2016 (Butler)
Brunk recorded 22 points and 20 rebounds in the win over Jeffersonville to start the season 1-0. Southport was up 11 at one point in the second quarter, but Jeffersonville would eventually tie it up. It was capped off by an and-one play from Brunk followed by a layup from junior Paul Scruggs to seal the win. Southport has a great chance to make a deep run at the Indiana State Championship this year, returning their top talent from last year’s team.
Michael Porter – Tolton Catholic 2017
Porter set a school record scoring 45 points to beat Hallsville. In addition to scoring, he also had 18 rebounds and six assists. There are two things that impress me with Porter’s performance, one: scoring as much as Hallsville by himself, two: shooting 18 for 22 showing great patience and excellent shot selection to go with his great length and athleticism.
Cold
Abdulhakim Ado – Hamilton Heights Christian 2016 (Mississippi State)
Ado hasn’t had the best week. Although Hamilton Heights beat Central Park earlier in the week, Ado finished with only one point. Hamilton Heights lost to Sunrise Christian Academy later in the week, only scoring 34 points as a team. It’s early in the season but Ado is only averaging five points per game. Hamilton Heights is currently considered the number one team in Tennessee, but Ado’s offense needs to pick it up if they are going to remain at the top.
Under the Radar
Nick Rakocevic – St. Joseph 2016
The 6’11 big man is currently leading St. Joseph to a 4-0 record. Rakocevic is starting the season hot with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and eight blocks against Schaumburg. Another game he scored 28 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and blocked 5 shots to beat East Aurora. He posted 31 points, 22 rebounds, and four blocks defeating St. Charles East. Rakocevic, was nearly unstoppable around the basket, scoring 30 of his 31 points in the paint. He finished off the week with 21 points and 12 rebounds to beat Downers Grove South at the Ron Johnson Thanksgiving Tournament, earning tournament MVP and led the event in points and blocks. Rakocevic averaged 25.3 points, 15 boards, and 5.6 blocks over the week. The former top 150 recruit holds offers from many prestigious schools and really has a chance to make a push on the recruiting boards.
Top 5 Uncommitted Seniors
1. Josh Jackson – Prolific Prep
The top recruit of 2016 is still available. Jackson hasn’t went on any official visits or really showed his hand on where he may land, but the tremendously talented two-way wing will make a splash wherever he chooses. Arizona, Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, and NC State appear to be realistic destinations, but a lot can happen from now until his decision.
2. Rawle Alkins – Word of God Christian Academy
Maybe the furthest from a decision date, Alkins has not gone on any official visits or trimmed his list. He places as one of the top available seniors in the nation, and someone will land a strong and athletic guard who brings defensive intensity and has no problem scoring the ball.
3. Thon Maker – Athlete Institute
The versatile seven foot forward has had quite a ride during his high school career, and has been on the radar at a very young age. Arizona State, Indiana, Kansas, and Notre Dame appear to be in the mix of likely college destinations. Among those schools, Maker has only officially visited Arizona State. Maker will provide a program with a player who can impact the game inside and out.
4. Kobi Simmons – St. Francis School
Like Allen, Simmons isn’t likely to make a decision anytime soon. The talented guard can serve as a scorer and distributor. He can be turnover prone at times but his speed and ability to attack the basket will be an asset to any program he chooses. Simmons has taken official visits to Kentucky, Ohio State, and UNLV.
5. Jarrett Allen – St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
The 6’9 defensive big man out of Texas is in no rush to decide his college destination. Although still raw offensively, his length and athleticism will contribute wherever he lands. He hasn’t set a day to make his decision but the schools he has taken official visits to include Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, and Notre Dame.