Tony's Takes: The future was present at the State Prelims

While attending the State Prelims, I had a great conversation with an AAU program director about the current state of basketball in Minnesota. As we watched a game featuring players from the Class of 2031, we couldn't help but be impressed by the level of skill and maturity on the court. It's clear that Minnesota is a true hotbed for basketball talent – arguably as strong as it's ever been.   Inspired by what I saw, I took some time to dive into the 2029 and 2030 classes, as well. Below are a few names you'll want to keep an eye on. These young athletes are helping lead the charge for the next wave of elite talent emerging from our great state.   [player_tooltip player_id='939014' first='Addison' last='Campion'] – 2029 forward, [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] Blue   To be as fundamentally sound as Campion is at this age is truly impressive. Throughout the weekend at the Prelims, the forward out of Belle Plaine consistently did all the little things that lead to success. When shots went up, she didn't just sprint to the rim – she sought out contact and executed solid blockouts to ensure her matchup didn't come away with the offensive rebound. Just as active on the offensive glass, Campion rewarded her own effort with put-backs and created second-chance opportunities for her team. Defensively, she showed off her versatility. When switching onto guards, she moved her feet well and disrupted any advantage the offense hoped to gain. With the stakes about to rise even higher at the State Championships this weekend, Campion looks more than ready for the challenge.   [player_tooltip player_id='932145' first='Brielle' last='Denkmann'] – 2029 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] Blue   Standing at 6 feet, Denkmann (pictured above) is a matchup nightmare. There's no wasted movement in her game – the Wayzata product makes quick, decisive reads, whether it's a catch-and-shoot opportunity or using her elite footwork in the paint to generate high-quality looks. She has deep range and does an excellent job creating her own shot off the dribble. On a team stacked with talent, averaging just under 12 points per game during the Prelims is a testament to her efficiency and impact. As the stage gets bigger this weekend, Denkmann will be looking to elevate her game even further under the bright lights.   Jaeanna Lyons – 2030 guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712362' first='Legacy' last='Hoops'] Gold   As just a 7th grader this past high school season, Lyons led her North St. Paul Polars with 11 points per game – an impressive feat in itself. But for Lyons, simply gaining experience isn't enough. She's a certified bucket with one of the smoothest jump shots I've seen at any level. In a tightly contested matchup against Fury 2030 Blue, Lyons led all scorers with 23 points, including four deep threes, each one falling at critical moments when her Legacy squad needed it most. Her jumper is picture-perfect, and she pairs it with a tight handle that allows her to get anywhere she wants on the floor. We may be witnessing the early stages of a 2,000-point career in the making.   Mikayla Johnson-Barnes – 2030 wing, [program_tooltip program_id='712362' first='Legacy' last='Hoops'] Gold   Few players at this age compete with the kind of physicality that Johnson-Barnes brings on both ends of the floor. What sets her apart even more is the leadership she displays every time she steps on the court. She's a true extension of the coach – constantly motivating her teammates, holding them accountable, and communicating at a level far beyond her years. At 5'9", Johnson-Barnes uses her strong frame to dominate the boards and finish through contact around the basket. Offensively, she's starting to show flashes from the perimeter as well, a clear result of the work she's putting in to round out her game. With her natural toughness, vocal leadership, and growing skillset, the upside is undeniable. The pedigree is there too – she's the daughter of former Michigan State standout Mia Johnson, who also happens to be her current coach with the Legacy Gold squad.   Marianna Davis – 2030 wing, MN [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars']   Davis is a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge she can and applying it on the court. The 5'11" wing/post out of Hopkins seems to get better every time we see her. During the Prelims, she averaged just under 13 points per game and made just as big an impact on the defensive end by altering and blocking shots. She uses her long arms to control the boards and her long strides to cover ground effortlessly getting from rim to rim in the blink of an eye. Beyond her shot-blocking and rebounding, Davis is doing all the little things: setting hard screens, making the extra pass, and finishing around the rim with impressive efficiency. And the most exciting part? She's not done growing either physically or in her game. The ceiling is sky-high for this emerging talent.

While attending the State Prelims, I had a great conversation with an AAU program director about the current state of basketball in Minnesota. As we watched a game featuring players from the Class of 2031, we couldn't help but be impressed by the level of skill and maturity on the court. It's clear that Minnesota is a true hotbed for basketball talent – arguably as strong as it's ever been.