This past weekend I was in Bloomington, Minnesota for the Midwest Kickoff Classic. There were various teams from Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and I saw a lot of good performances. For this past weekend, I will be dividing players up into "upperclass" and "underclass" and breaking them down by guards, wings, forwards. This will help me hit on more players in a different type of categorization rather than "best shooters", "best defenders", etc. The reason I am doing this is because there were so many players who showcased a complete game. This also allows me to hit different states effectively. To start, here are the top underclass guards (performance-wise) that played this weekend.
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<strong>Ali Karels - 5'5 PG - E1T1 2020 / Rogers HS (MN) - 2020</strong>
Karels was one of the first players that I saw on Friday evening and I was instantly captivated by her game. She has good change of pace to her game and the ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor. Very solid court vision and was playing more of a distributing role. Definitely has some grit and flair to her game, and can see her being a very valuable contributor.
<strong>Gus Boyer - 5'10 G - MN Rise 2020 / Waseca HS (MN) - 2020</strong>
I watched Boyer play twice this weekend and both times I was surprised with what I saw. Hearing that she is one of the best shooters in Minnesota, I thought she would shoot a lot. She didn't but she really impressed me with her ability to command an offense and ability to get to the rim. Boyer is a lengthy guard and has the ability to play great defense.
<strong>Mackenzie Kramer - 5'9 PG - MN Fury UAA 2020 / STMA HS (MN) - 2020</strong>
Kramer was a treat to watch. She is so smooth with the ball and has the ability to create space for herself really well. Kramer is a guard who you just like to watch because you aren't sure what she's going to do next. Great nose for the ball with the ability to create havoc on the defensive end of the floor. Definitely a player to see if you have the chance. <em>Committed to Lehigh.</em>
<strong>Lauren Jensen - 5'9 G - North Tartan EYBL 2020 / Lakeville North HS (MN) - 2020</strong>
While I don't think Jensen was "on" this past weekend, I thought she played very well on both ends of the floor. Jensen is a high level scorer who has the ability to affect the offensive end even when she isn't scoring. I loved her ability to see the floor and pass the ball, something that is going to help her at the next level. One of the top players in Minnesota. <em>Committed to Iowa. </em>
<strong>Presley Case - 5'5 PG - Lady Martin Bros 2020 / North Scott HS (IA) - 2020</strong>
Case is one of my favorite pure point guards in the state of Iowa. She's small but really quick. One of the best entry passers that I have seen at the high school level. She adds a bit of a scoring touch to her game and is a player who really has the ability to change the game with speed. Very good on defense with quick hands and feet. A very nice scholarship player who might end up getting some LM looks.
