Minnesota HS All-Star Standouts!

Players in this post:
Chris Paul Jalen Suggs

Minnesota was one of the very last states throughout the nation to wrap up their high school season, but there was one final stop to wrap things up for the class of 2023 in the Land of 10,000 Lakes: The postseason all-star games.

Between the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Series and the Twin Cities Senior Expo, we were able to take in eight games filled with seniors writing the final chapters on their high school career. Dissimilar to most spots in the country, the seniors in Minnesota played the games like they were playing for money because in fact, many of them were. The bulk of the high major players in the state took some time off to rest, so this gave some of the lesser known D1 talent a chance to shine and show their games in front of the 50+ college coaches in attendance between the various events.

Here are the top performers from the MNBCA All Star Series and Twin Cities Senior Expo:

Patrick Bath, 6’9, PF/C, Totino Grace (Fridley, Minn.)
The best big left on the board in Minnesota, Patrick Bath ended his legacy on top again as a state champion with Totino-Grace. Playing with a high motor on both ends, the D1 Minnesota senior owns a super quick baseline spin on the block and has become increasingly more confident as a scorer. The North Dakota native has already taken multiple visits to D-1 programs with a decision possible to come any day now.

Erick Reader, 6’8, PF, New Life Academy (Woodbury, Minn.)
Consistently adding to his game throughout his high school career, Erick Reader ended things with a spot in the state title game with New Life Academy. The J-Suggs Sizzle forward has great mobility defensively, has a promising frame that can add weight, and has continuously expanded range on his jumpshot. Reader is Big Ten bound and will be for the University of Minnesota.

J.J. Ware, 6’6, SF, Park Center (Brooklyn Park, Minn.)
A player whom I had seen prior to entering high school, JJ Ware put on a show at the CP3 Rising Stars Camp before entering 9th grade, then was faced with a series of unfortunate injuries that forced him to miss a considerable amount of time. The road to recovery seemed like it was getting there for the coach’s son (father is former Texas Tech player, D-1 college assistant, and current Park Center coach James Ware) finally got back to his usual self for his final campaign. Owning ideal size for his position, Ware showed the ability to create mismatches with his sturdy frame and ability to take slower defenders out on the wing. His three point shot has reached new levels in terms of consistency and JJ will be able to show that running with Howard Pulley in the EYBL.

Adam Jenkins, 6’9, PF/C, Moorhead (Minn.)
Given the insanity that is the NCAA transfer portal, there are no shortage of D-2 guys who make their ways to the D-1 level and contribute immediately. Adam Jenkins has the potential to be one of those guys. Jenkins is a quick leaper who plays above the rim at both ends, has an intriguing three point shot, and has the tools to develop for Minnesota D2 power Moorhead State in the NSIC

C.J. O’Hara, 6’4, SG/SF, Park Center (Brooklyn Park, Minn.)
A dude who has been getting it done at a high level ever since he entered high school, CJ O’Hara produced at three of Minnesota’s perennial powerhouse programs. O’Hara has shown that he can defend all three perimeter spots, is a great finisher in transition, and has made strides as a three point shooter. CJ is another one of the transfer portal casualties who you will ultimately see at the D1 level.

Dylan Omweno, 6’1, PG, Eastview (Apple Valley, Minn.)
One of the most electric players in the state of Minnesota, Dylan Omweno finished out his high school career by acting as the catalyst for an Eastview unit that made that MSHSL Final Four. Possessing a great change of speed, Omweno is an absolute blur in transition who has deep range on his jumpshot. Dylan’s blend of speed, ability to get to the paint, and capability as a three point shooter make him the best point guard left on the board in Minnesota.

Molley Komara, 6’6, PF, Champlin Park (Champlin, Minn.)
Molley Komara is one of those developmental prospects who you really have a chance to hear from down the road. He has a great frame, is an explosive athlete, and offers a ton of versatility on the defensive end. Komara is still weighing his options as far as next year, but is definitely a player who you could hear about down the road via the transfer portal or with a post grad year.

							

2 Replies to “Minnesota HS All-Star Standouts!”

  1. I know Erick Reader very well.
    Give him some time and he will contribute with a diverse game for the Minnesota Gophers Programs growth.
    A smart and capable player. I’m excited to see his growth over the years ahead.

  2. Oh, you betcha, this article on Minnesota's high school basketball standouts hit home! It's great to see local talents like Erick Reader and JJ Ware getting the recognition they deserve. I've watched these kids grow and develop their skills on the court, and it's just amazing. Erick's journey to the state title game and JJ overcoming injuries to shine again are true testaments to Minnesota's resilient spirit. Can't wait to see where these young stars head next – they're making us all proud here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

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