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Summer Spotlight basketball players

By Breakdown Staff, 06/20/22, 9:45AM CDT

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The Breakdown talked to several of the top players in our basketball Summer Series events

Adam Jenkins Moorhead High School 2023 F/C Strong finisher, elite rebounder, really good inside defense, can stretch the floor and shoot it from deep. Trying to be more comfortable driving in and shooting pull up shots. My point guard Colton H, because he is a really good passer and we play great together N/a Hanging out with my brothers and family A personal basketball trainer, and to start my own program someday
Addison Pilarski Holdingford 2025 F/C Some of my strengths are finishing, finishing through contact and rebounding I’m trying to get better at shooting and driving I admire Paige Bueckers because she always pushes herself and pushes her teammates, and she put lots of work into getting better I play volleyball, softball, and travel basketball as well My summer mainly consists of sports, but i do find time to be with family and friends I would want to do something with kids or something in the medical field
Alexis Rose Becker High School 2024 PG I can play multiple positions and score at all three levels. I also have good court vision and good pressure defense. Extending my 3 point range while keeping a high accuracy. Paige Bueckers because she has the ability to get everyone involved in the game and set them up for good looks. Yes, cross country and track. Spending lots of time at the lake with friends and family. Pediatrician
Anna Steer Hawley 2023 PG Playing fast, pushing the ball up the floor, and finishing at the rim. Expanding my shot selection, work on my pull up jumper, and finding more ways to score. Caitlin Clark. I like watching her play and the level of confidence she has on the court. volleyball and track Volleyball and lake days. physical therapist
Ashlee Burchette Kennedy High School 2023 PG Being able to get past player and finishing Going left more I admire Kyrie because he has good IQ No No To be in the WNBA.
Ayanna Gipson LQPV 2023 SF defense offense mj because he is all around good volleyball softball no nurse
Baraka Tarleton Andover 2023 G/F Defense, and my mid range shot Attacking the basket more and my 3. Dennis Rodman and Patrick Beverly, I like them because they play relentless defense and have a high work rate. I play soccer and it’s actually my main sport. Get in the weight room and improve as a player. Professional Soccer Player
Bennett Vangsness Cathedral High school 2024 F/C Rebounding Confidence and shooting range Kobe cause never gave up Cross country and track Cabin Something in business
Braden Petzel mankato east 2026 C defense and posting up shooting shaq because he was a force football aau coaching
Brevin Stoa Hawley 2024 PG Passing and Shooting Rebounding and Lateral quickness Tyler Herro because he can shoot it really well Football Having fun with friends Coach
Brycen Christensen New London-Spicer 2023 W Create my own shot I play football and track
Cameron Begalle Andover Highschool 2025 PG Shooting and Defense Staying consistent Jared Mccain he has a great work ethic Football and track Hanging out with Family and friends Something in the medical field
Cassidy Shute Austin High School 2023 CG I am a strong defender that can get to the rim and shoot the ball from anywhere. My mid range jumper and adding moves to finish at the rim. Ashley Joens, because she can play every spot on the court and has a hard work ethic like me. I do cross country and track. Other activities I participate in include FFA, 4-H, National Honors Society, and AAU with SO MN Fury 2023. Showing my cattle at different fairs. I want to be a Physical Therapist or a Chiropractor.
Daviney Dreckman New Ulm Public High School 2024 PF Driving to the basket and creating open shots for my teammates. Improving on my shot from around the arch. Haley Jones and Paige Bueckers because they are both aggressive and create space/open shots for their teammates. No. I play basketball all year round. Outside of basketball, my family/friends and I like to take trips to the lake and soak up the sun! If I had the choice, I would for sure choose to play in the WNBA. Looking forward though, I would like to go into the medical field (specifically nursing).
Ezekial Austin Albany Minnesota Highschool 2025 PG The strengths of my game are seeing the court well and finding the open guy. I can handle ball pressure and have good handles. I am a good teammate and very coach able. I can shoot the ball and finish well. I am a hard worker and play well on defense. The part I am trying to work on is looking to score more and take it to the rim. I would like to work on moving more on offense and crashing the boards. I admire Micheal Jordan because he always works hard and never gives up. He also helps his teammates and is a good leader. He talks very well and has a good basketball IQ I play baseball I play aau basketball and I play a lot of baseball. I am also looking forward to getting basketball workouts with my cousins. I am looking forward to going to my cabin and going to the beach. I would pick being a teacher because I can help kids get better and help them succeed.
Giles Lancaster Mankato East 2023 PG Shooting and finding the open man finishing around the rim Steph curry his hard work and shooting I don’t play any other sports Trip to Texas Professional basketball player
Grace Roesch Sauk Rapids-Rice 2023 PG I Am Strong In My Shooting, Creating Shots, Driving And Finishing, Ball Handling, Hustling, And Court Awareness. I Am A Good Leader And Work Hard In All That I Do. I Am Working To Get Stronger To Open Up More Options. I Enjoy Steph Curry Because Of His Range, Work Ethic, And Cool Moves. I Play Basketball And Tennis! I Am Going On A Trip To San Diego And Practicing Tennis And Basketball. I Am Interested In Exercise Science And The Jobs That Come With That. I Love Helping And Working With Others!
Grady Riebel St Michael middle school west 2027 F/C Inside scoring rebounding Outside shooting Joel embid I like how he plays Football Boating hanging out with freinds Would like to be a engineer
Hali Savela Mountain Iron Buhl 2024 G/F I think my strengths of the game is my ability to see my teammates while understanding the game well. I also think I can go hard to the basket while being able to shoot on the perimeter. I definitely trying to become a better passer and rebounder. I admire my sister Macy Savela who plays basketball at Jamestown because she is always working so hard and has persevered through so much on and off the court to be where she is today. She has always been dedicated to basketball since elementary school and has taken me under her wing to make sure I can be the best player/person I can be. She always has been a good role model for me and supporting me through everything! I play volleyball. I am also in student council, National Honors Society, church group, Math Team, School Forest, and Leadership committee! When I am not doing basketball I will either be working as a waitress on Lake Vermillion, spending time with my family and friends at our cabin on the lake, or wakeboarding! Something in the medical field that allows me to help others!
Hayden Venenga Willmar 2024 C Shot blocking and post moves Shooting, handling, court vision, agility Luka Garza, So dominant, and can do everything Yes, Football and track Sports camps Athletic director
Isaac Dearborn Byron High School 2023 PG Court awareness, hard work, and communication Looking to score more Tyus Jones because of his humility Football, and I’ve done track and baseball Mission trip in the Dominican Republic History Teacher
jack mekalson battle lake 2024 PG i see the floor pretty well and can score at any level defensively moving my feet jacob cook cause he spent countless days in the gym i do, i play football and baseball for the otc bulldogs lake days all day a physical trainer
Jackson Hayes Waconia 2024 G/F I believe 3 pt shooting, talking on both sides of floor,, working hard on defense, making smart passes. Ball handling, being confident in myself, taking shots when they are open I admire my brother(Pj Hayes) because he could shoot for days, he could beat any one on one, I admire, I also admire, Spencer Swanson, as he had very good foot work, and was really good inside. I do, and I play soccer Yes I might be going to Ireland or boston I want to either fly planes, or coach basketball, or trainer or announce sports games.
Jackson Koehl Hancock 2023 SF Attacking the hoop, mid range, defense Ball handling and shooting threes Matt Thompson. He is the greatest player and leader I have ever played with. Football Football camps and vacations
Jada Bierschbach Rocori 2023 PG i excel in taking the ball to the rim and creating steals on defense. i am trying to improve my outside shots and further my range. Rachel Banham, i’ve looked up to her since i was little due to her hard work on the court and endless hustle. volleyball and track. i am taking a trip to Chicago! forensic scientist
Jenna Kluxdal Jordan High School 2023 PF My strengths include post up moves and rebounding along with some three point shots. I am trying to get better at my ball handling. I admire Maya Moore. She has done a lot for the WNBA but also taking the time for herself and her family. She is just an inspiration all around. I also play soccer. Chilling at my cabin! Pediatrician
Jenna Riley Sauk Centre 2027 P Rebounding, passing, and defense. My post moves and my ball handling. Probably Stephan Curry, I've always admired his passing ability, his shooting, and his ability to finish around the rim. I also play Softball and volleyball. I plan on going to the lake with my friends and family. I want to be a volleyball or basketball coach.
John Mueller Watertown-Mayer 2023 SF Court vision, shooting/scoring, defense, identifying match ups and opponents strengths and weaknesses Ball handling Anthony Edwards. He can shoot threes and beat anyone to the rim and has the right mindset in my opinion Football Lifting, my job, and football stuff Engineer or working on a professional sport team.
Joseph Achen Royalton High School 2023 PG DEFENSE & offensive leader 3 ball Lebron and Kobe for their greatness on and off the court improving my game zoo keeper/exotic animal nutrition
Kali Jones Annandale 2023 PF My strengths are being strong under the basket, getting rebounds, I see the court well to pass, and I am a team player ball handling Paige Bueckers Volleyball and Softball I just got back from the AAU national volleyball tournament in Orlando where we took 2nd place Elementary teacher and coach
Katelyn Nielsen Delano 2027 PG Ball handling and shooting Talking on defense Paige Bueckers. She has great court vision Volleyball. I also enjoy playing golf and tennis. Going to the lake! Pediatric Physical Therapist
Kayden Rodrick Zumbrota-Mazeppa 2023 CG Playmaking, shooting, and dribble drive Getting over screens on defense Jalen Suggs a minnesota born player who can do it all and made it Yes, Cross county Going to myrtle beach with my family I would like to go into the health field to become a surgeon, or health management
Kendall Raymond Rogers middle school 2028 SG Shooting and handling the ball Become more confident Steph curry because he always is working hard to make himself better and he is a really good shooter and ball handler. CrossFit UBU Hanging out with friends Doctor or nurse
Kinnley Colligan Rogers Middle School 2027 SG ball handling, speed, shooting my basketball court i have paige beckers because she is positive volleyball, softball, basketball trips, hang with friends, something with nurse or doctor
Leo Klehr Chanhassen 2023 PG Facilitating and my vision Shooting Stephen Curry because of the way he spreads the floor and how he changed the game of basketball. Basketball is my only sport Just relaxing and hanging out with friends Sports Journalist
Lilah Laughlin Rogers middle school 2028 SG Shooting and driving Dribbling and my left hand I admire kyrie irving and paige bueckers I play softball and i am starting basketball I had softball state and we won in teir 1 and i am going to NAFA Nationals this up and coming weekend Professional basketball or volleyball player
makenna hohbein holdingford 2024 SF Some of my strengths include finishing, creating shots, and finding the open player for a shot. I’m trying to improve on my shot consistency, defense, and overall strength. Steph Curry because he was always seen as a weakling, but he proved everyone wrong and is the best shooter ever. Also Lindsay Whalen because she proved that girls can be just as good as guys. I also play volleyball and softball. The thing I’m doing most this summer is lots of lake days! I would love to play a sport professionally, but a job job I would enjoy being an occupational therapist.
Mari Ryberg BOLD High School 2023 SF I am able to see the floor well so when I attack, if help comes I can dish it to the open person. I am also good at anticipating so I can I get in passing lanes easily on defense. I am trying to get a quicker shot. I admire Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers because they are able to share the ball well but they can also create for themselves. Volleyball and track I am going to Colorado and I love spending time at our cabin. Elementary Teacher and coach
Mason Schirmer Maple river 2023 PG Speed and coordination My drive pull up game Hayden he finish’s really well in the paint Track , football, and serteen Go to the MBCA showcase for basketball, work In the gym and weight room. Aviation, corporate pilot
Max Iversen Delano 2026 PG Shooting Finishing Stephen curry because of his hardwork and shooting ability Football Cabin NBA player
Noah Stommes Eden Valley Watkins 2024 PF My post moves and help defense Getting better at Free throws setting valuable screens Shaq O Neal he was extremely dominant in his era Football Track and Choir yes I can sing Working on the farm and at the campground. Also playing AAU with my boys Basketball professionally
Olivia Harazin Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial 2023 PG Good passer, shooting, being vocal and being a good teammate, rebounding and dribbling skills Defense Lindsay Whalen because she is such a good role model, teammate and all around person on and off the court. Softball, volleyball Going to my cabin with my family, hanging out with my friends and playing AAU! Dentist
Olivia Walsh Austin high school 2023 G/F Driving and finishing and defense. Shooting Arike Ogunbowale because she is incredibly dedicated and fast. Swimming and Track Going on vacation to gulf shores Alabama A clinical therapist
Rayna Spanier Paynesville 2025 PG quickness ball handling Volleyball and track hanging on the lake with friends and family Teacher
Sam Senske Hawley 2023 SF I’m a big guard that can go in and out side the arc. Good mid range pull up. I’m trying to become a better defender Luka Doncic because I play a bit like him and he always is competing and playing to win. Track and field Plan to be at the lake and hang with friends Something in the medical field because I like helping people.
Savannah Borowicz Jordan 2025 PG shooting, floor leader, ball handler using my right hand i admire Kobe Bryant because of his work ethic. He worked hard no matter what and had the I’m going to beat you mentality yes, volleyball and track Traveling to California to see family and traveling to Georgia to see my best friend! Orthodontist
Shaun Wysocki Rochester Century 2024 SF Ability to get to the rim and score as well as spread the floor and push tempo. Also getting teammates open and finding them. Finally able to block and contest shots well and the play solid D. Consistent outside shot to be able to knock down whenever and lateral quickness so players don’t get around me. Kevin Durant how he’s able to use his lanky frame to spread the floor and can score wherever whenever. I try to model my game like his. Track Went to Kentucky for a mission trip for my church. Also sometime soon planning a trip to upper Mn for a week on the lake. Probably a sports med. trainer on coach of some kind . Something the revolves around sports.
Tate Olson St. Peter 2024 SG Creating shots for myself and my teammates. Making threes beyond the arc helps get all of us opportunities. I can finish in the lane, pull up or find open teammates across the court. I'm continuing to improve midrange, development in basketball intelligence and simplifying my game while still adding new skills. All of this on the court but I'm also in the weight room to improve strength and speed. I very much admire Steph Curry. Though some people look solely at his basketball ability, I like to acknowledge the fact that he has had so much success without the advantage of crazy athleticism or towering height. I play baseball and football as well A trip to the boundary waters with my Dad and brothers. I'm definitely looking to pursue a career surrounding basketball. Whether it be playing, coaching or training, my ultimate goal is to be in and around the game.
Taylor Shelstad Lac qui parle valley 2023 PG
Timmy Guler Pelican rapids high school 2024 PG Defense and pull up jumpers Shooting threes and ball handling Ryan bruggeman because of the way he plays the game and I’ve been looking up to him since I was a little kid Football and baseball Playing baseball and football and chill at the lake At the time I would say prolly a gym teacher and coach
Trak Swenson St Cloud Tech 2027 SG Shooting and defense Aggressive on offense Ja Morant - all around skills Football, baseball and golf Go to the lake NBA
Tray Lenzen Chaska 2025 PF Driving and defense Trying to get better with going to my left and using my left hand Steph curry because he’s the best shooter there is and I want to try and get better daily Yes, baseball Going out to my grandmas lake and going fishing Electrical engineer
Tysen Gerads Albany High School 2023 SG Getting to the rim and finishing above and around players. Getting to spots on the floor to hit my pull-up jump shot, also can knockdown the open three. Getting a more consistent three point shot and driving to the right side of the hoop. Jayson Tatum, he gets buckets. Football Having fun days on the lake with my friends. CFO of a bank
Zack Wells LCWM 2023 PG Good ball handler, good on ball defender, and good in the paint. Shooting LeBron James because he is a great ball player. Baseball and Handball Vacationing NBA player