The 2026 Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) Showcase is now officially behind us.
MBCA Chairman Tom Critchley and his staff did an outstanding job of putting together the top players from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, North Dakota, and South Dakota under one roof for a weekend of high-level basketball. Over 100 college coaches made their way through the doors of White Bear Lake High School, scholarships were earned, and new names emerged on the radar.
We already examined the top players from day one and day two from the MBCA Showcase, as well as some of the best 2027 prospects and 2028’s who caught our eye. The upperclassman-laden event offered less than a dozen rising sophomores, but here are six second-years who showed their upside:
The MBCA welcomes 2029 Noah Woods, 6'8", Sioux Falls Washington, as MBCA 2026 June Scholastic Event DI Showcase registrant; June 12-13 at White Bear Lake Area HS. pic.twitter.com/gWnqGINpb4
— MN BB Coaches Assoc (@MN_BCA) May 9, 2026
Noah Woods, 6'8, SF/PF, Sioux Falls Washington (SD)
One of the highest upside bigs in the Midwest for 2029, Noah Woods (pictured above) showed the diverse skill set that has people buzzing. At nearly 6-foot-9, he plays much closer to a small forward than he does a power forward, much less a center. He is incredibly fluid. The physicality of the older competition at MBCA seemed to get to Woods at times, but it didn’t hinder him from showing the immense potential that he possesses.
The MBCA welcomes 2029 Jed Keenan, 6'5", Chaska, as MBCA 2026 June Scholastic Event DI Showcase registrant; June 12-13 at White Bear Lake Area HS. pic.twitter.com/Zah95038YU
— MN BB Coaches Assoc (@MN_BCA) May 19, 2026
Jed Keenan, 6'5, SG/SF, Chaska (MN) HS
Fresh off winning a state title at Chaska, Jed Keenan showed why many have him in the conversation for the best Class of 2029 entrant from Minnesota. At nearly 6-foot-6, Keenan has ideal size for a young wing, is a serious three-point shooter with his feet set, and constantly produces at a high level. Keenan has firmly put himself atop the 2029 wings in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
The MBCA welcomes 2029 Justus Dayee, 6'5", Tartan, as MBCA 2026 June Scholastic Event DI Showcase registrant; June 12-13 at White Bear Lake Area HS. pic.twitter.com/WXFzQJLplC
— MN BB Coaches Assoc (@MN_BCA) May 11, 2026
Justus Dayee, 6'6, PF, Tartan (MN) HS
The most physically imposing Class of 2029 post man at the MBCA Showcase was undoubtedly Dayee, a broad shouldered forward who plays with a motor. Dayee was great finishing through contact in the paint, rebounded his area well, and made a number of quick attacks to the basket. Playing significant minutes for a loaded Tartan team as a freshman, Dayee continued to strength his reputation with his play for Grassroots Sizzle this spring.
Mal Jock impressed this weekend in a win for D1 Minnesota 15u at #PHMadnessInTheMidwest! Highlights of the 2029 wing playing up in the 16u bracket @MalJock2 @PHCircuit pic.twitter.com/e6Pk9A8kBF
— Fresh Coast Hoops (@FreshCoastHoops) April 19, 2026
Mal Jock, 6'4, SG/SF, Mankato (MN) West
A refined swingman, Jock just gets it done at every level that he plays at. The sophomore showed off a smooth shot from deep, had a really nice touch on his finishes, and threw defenders off with his ability to change speeds. His mature frame allowed him to fit in from the jump against older competition at MBCA.
Mekhi Abner is tough inside for @PulleyHoopsE15 2029 today. @PrepHoopsNext #NextNHRstate pic.twitter.com/QkPTShcuN8
— StreetHistory Videos (@streethistory) June 2, 2024
Mekhi Abner, 6'6, SF/PF, Minnehaha (MN) Academy
Another rising sophomore who produces at a high level, Abner has gotten it done at the high school ranks since he was in middle school. The combo forward has outstanding hands, brings a ton of energy every time he's on the floor, and is expanding as a shooter with his three-point consistency. Abner already won a state title at Minnehaha and is a building block in the program's future moving forward.
The MBCA welcomes 2029 Ethan Payne, 6'7", Park-Cottage Grove, as MBCA 2026 June Scholastic Event DI Showcase registrant; June 12-13 at White Bear Lake Area HS. pic.twitter.com/udClyAWF8l
— MN BB Coaches Assoc (@MN_BCA) May 19, 2026
Ethan Payne, 6'8, PF/C, Park of Cottage Grove (MN)
The younger brother Maryland of big man Pharrell, Payne looks like he’ll be following in his brother’s footsteps as a D1 prospect. The developing post has a massive frame, embraces playing through physicality, and was able to carve out space on both ends on the block. Playing with Minnesota Select, Payne is one of the more intriguing 2029’s in Minnesota playing independently.
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MBCA Showcase: 2028 Elites