Holiday Hoops are here in Minnesota. While the Land of 10,000 Lakes doesn’t offer much in terms of tournaments pre-Christmas, the days that follow bring a plethora of absolutely loaded events. Held throughout three separate college in Minnesota’s capitol of St. Paul, the Breakdown Capitol City Classic was the biggest of the three events and offered the most hyped matchup of all of the holiday tournaments: Maple Grove versus Tartan.
Macalester College was at near sell out capacity for the aforementioned game, which paired two of the state’s top three teams against one and other. Games were also being played at University of Northwestern St. Paul and at Hamline University (where former legendary coach Don Meyer once walked the sidelines), bringing no shortage of talent on campus to three of Minnesota’s small schools who offer outstanding basketball facilities.
Bouncing between the gyms, here are the top players that we saw from the Breakdown Capitol City Classic:
Baboucarr Ann, 6’5, SG/SF, Maple Grove HS (Minn.), 2027
The best slasher in the state of Minnesota regardless of class, Baboucarr Ann lived up to his reputation in the Capitol Classic with his smooth 27-point performance. The super long swingman is impossible to stop getting to the rim, really knows how to use angles to get around defenders, and is an outstanding cutter. Already a no brainer high major prospect, Babou is continuing to cement himself as Minnesota’s top junior as his jump shot improves.
Emmanuel Oyesanmi, 6’4, SF, Tartan HS (Minn.), 2028
One of the better sophomores in the state of Minnesota, Emmanuel Oyesanmi brought the two way game that college coaches dream of. The long armed wing defended a multitude of positions, converted on straight line drives to rack, and displayed improved accuracy on his 3-point shots with his feet set. While there’s still plenty of room for growth there, Oyesanmi has a number of tools that you simply can’t each.
Briggs Sheridan, 6’8, PF, Farmington HS (Minn.), 2027
One of the hotter names in the junior class, Briggs Sheridan put everyone on notice in the Twin Cities that he’s the truth at the Capitol Classic. The super skilled big man has a remarkable touch from the mid-post, utilizes his one legged fadeaway to create separation, and can kill you from beyond the arc when he’s facing up. Still a bit under the radar, Sheridan has yet to receive his first D-1 offer yet, but that should be changing very shortly before the season is over.
King James, 6’7, PF, Hiawatha Collegiate (Minn.), 2027
The most physically imposing big in the state of Minnesota backed up his reputation by dropping 33 points and 10 rebounds in a W over Minneapolis South. The powerful junior looks to rip the rim off every time that he gets it in the paint, plays with a motor that doesn’t stop, and is continuing to develop his game facing the rack. James’ no nonsense style of play and immense toughness have made him one of my favorite players to watch in the state.
Tyrel Pride, 6’1, PG/SG, Tartan HS (Minn.), 2026
An essential piece to a Tartan squad that is vying for a state title, Tyrel Pride is everything you need out of a senior glue guy. The St. Paul Johnson transfer is an absolute lockdown defender at either backcourt spot, is great jumping the passing lanes, and showed the ability to put points on the board within the flow of the offense. Still wide open with his recruitment, Pride should have no shortage of suitors amidst the local colleges looking for a glue guy in the backcourt.
Bennett Cizadlo, 6’6, SF/PF, Maple Grove HS (Minn.), 2027
Another new piece to Maple Grove’s loaded junior class is Bennett Cizadlo, a 6-foot-6 transfer from Totino-Grace. Able to play either forward position, Cizadlo showed great range as a 3-point shooter, was a presence on the glass, and had no problem sliding to the post when 7’0 Jack Thelen was out of the game. The new home and expanded role at Maple Grove should allow Cizaldo to play more of an integral role than he did his first two years at the high school level.
Editor’s Pick
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