Tony’s Takes: Breakdown Fall League at Hopkins

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Breakdown Fall League games at Hopkins High School on Sunday brought plenty of energy as players hit the court eager to compete. With the high school season just about a month away, it was clear everyone was ready to shake off the rust, test their skills, and start building momentum for what's ahead. Below are some chiseled vets, rising stars, and fresh faces ready to make their mark. Enjoy the ride!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Onyx Idoko","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12120","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"DeLaSalle","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ec809128a7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Onyx Idoko is a name to remember for DeLaSalle this season. The 6-footer transferred in from Osseo and had to sit out her junior year, but she's ready to make up for lost time. Idoko is a strong rebounder who uses her size and positioning to control the glass on both ends. Her footwork in the paint is polished, allowing her to establish deep position and finish efficiently. What separates her is her vision – she's a willing passer who can read the floor and kick out to shooters when the defense collapses. Expect her to be a key piece in DeLaSalle's success this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992385"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ec809128b13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shaffa is stepping into a major role this season as she takes over point guard duties with <strong>Aneisha Scott </strong>moving on to the University of Richmond. Those are big shoes to fill, but Shaffa looks ready for the challenge. The class of 2028 guard (pictured above) is super quick with a strong frame and a focused mindset. She's clearly put in the work, and it showed during the Breakdown where she looked composed as she's wrapping her mind around running the offense. Shaffa has a natural feel for when to push the pace and when to settle things down, showing maturity beyond her years. Expect her to grow fast and make an immediate impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["478350"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ec809128b7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Creighton commit isn't new to the scene, but after missing her entire junior season due to injury, her return felt like a reintroduction. Amelotte looked sharp and confident, playing with the kind of edge that reminds everyone why she's a top 10 prospect in the 2026 class. She didn't rush the comeback, and that patience is paying off. On Sunday, she showed off her versatility – handling the ball comfortably on the perimeter, mixing it up in the post, and impacting the game on both ends. Amelotte looked stronger, more composed, and simply everywhere. She's back, and she looked better than ever.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["567387"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ec809128be2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wismer has quietly been one of Benilde-St. Margaret's most dependable players. Playing behind big-time Division I recruits the last few years, she's embraced the role of doing whatever's needed to win. She doesn't seek the spotlight, but her impact is undeniable. During the Breakdown, she once again proved why she's so valuable – using her length to finish around the rim and make herself an easy target when guards drew extra defenders. Defensively, her timing and length make her a natural shot blocker who alters everything in the paint. As BSM pushes for a fourth straight 3A title, Wismer will be right in the middle of it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["717676"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ec809128c49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryfczynski a senior in the class of 2026, looked strong and confident during Sunday's Breakdown games. The lefty attacked the basket with purpose, finishing through contact and showing the physicality she's known for. She was active on the glass, fighting for rebounds and keeping possessions alive. What stood out was the confidence she showed shooting the ball from the outside – never hesitating when she got a clean look. Bryfczynski played with poise and energy on both ends, setting the tone for her team. Waconia will count on her leadership and toughness to help drive a big season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other players that impressed: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='782553' first='Amelia' last='Schwendimann'] - 2026, forward, Orono</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='529334' first='Isa' last='Griefenhagen'] – 2027, forward, DeLasalle</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='667491' first='Monica' last='Stang'] – 2026, guard, Maple Grove</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='644896' first='Logan' last='Miller'] – 2028, post, Andover</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='558627' first='Erma' last='Walker'] – 2027, wing, Hopkins</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->