Saturday, Jan. 2, 11:00 a.m.
Contributed by Ryan James | Twitter
Maple Grove (MN): The Crimson has blown out just about every opponent they've faced this year winning their first six straight including a win over Wayzata which was key after the Trojans knocked them out of sections a year ago. Five Maple Grove players are scoring in double figures this year including Mizzou signed senior Reed Nikko, junior lead guard Brad Davison (offers from Nebraska, Northern Iowa, and others), leading scorer junior Tywhon Pickford, talented senior guard transfer Taron Pickford, and junior shooter Jack Hutchison (offers from Montana State and Sam Houston State). Davison, Hutchison, and Pickford are all top-20 ranked juniors by Northstar Hoops Report. The Crimson have just about every piece needed to make a run at state and so far this season they've looked like one of the top three or four contenders.
Iowa City West (IA): ICW has overwhelmed everybody they have played in Iowa this year so they are coming back to Minnesota once again for a big event. They lost to Apple Valley but eight points in early December at the Tip Off Classic despite 28 points from Iowa bound Connor McCaffery who is the No. 1 ranked junior prospect according to Prep Hoops Iowa and the son of Iowa Head Coach Fran McCaffery. Connor is putting up 18 points a contest while fellow junior Devontae Lane (ranked third amongst Iowa juniors) is scoring 11 points a contest. Wali Parks and Tanner Lohaus (the son of former NBA player Brad Lohaus) are top-five ranked Iowa talents also scoring in double figures each contest. Lohaus has signed to play at Northern Iowa next season.
Key Match-Up: Connor McCaffery vs Brad Davison.
These are both strong ball handlers with great vision who double as outstanding shooters. McCaffery has a size advantage on Davison which will help to get more open looks but Brad will likely create for others at the highest rate of anybody in the game.
Top Prospects:
Maple Grove: Brad Davison (6-ft-3, Jr, point guard), Taron Pickford (6-ft-0, Sr, point guard), Jack Hutchison (6-ft-1, Jr, shooting guard), Tywhon Pickford (6-ft-4, Jr, small forward), Reed Nikko (6-ft-9, Sr, center)
Iowa City West: Connor McCaffrey (6-ft-5, Jr, point guard), Tanner Lohaus (6-ft-7, Sr, power forward), Davontae Lane (6-ft-0, Jr, point guard), Wali Parks (6-ft-5, Sr, small forward), Patrick McCaffery (6-ft-6, Fr, small forward)