Basketball is a simple game. Mitch Johnson over complicated it, the entire series, in three ways: 1. Exotic coverages: Brunson can’t beat you from the mid range, much like Shai couldn’t last series. Way too many traps, matchup zones, blitzes, etc. leading to the Knicks attacking long closeouts all series long. 2. Transition to build the lead, and then walk the ball up the floor and play not to lose, with the lead. There was a clock in every single game of the series where you could see the Spurs shift from fast to slow. 3. The Kornet minutes. Mitch chose a guaranteed negative 10 minutes on a game by game basis versus getting creative with his personnel. We’ve never a series more negatively impacted by a coaching staff than this Spurs squad in the NBA Finals. And it was all EXTREMELY predictable and preventable. Mike Brown was INCREDIBLE. No coach more deserving of a title than him.

Which wings and forwards stood out at Live at the Lakes? @AzaBaartman2029 and Jacey Sodeman of @MNRiseGirls, @AliyaReiman and Sophia Dryburgh of @WCUgirlshoops, @BGMiller2030, and Siri Richardson and Josephine Steinhoff of @FuryPremier prepgirlshoops.com/2026/05/l…

Strictly basketball skill would be shooting. Defending, decision making, finishing & ball handling would round out my top 5. But more important, I’d emphasize daily habits. How they eat/sleep/lift/train/practice/etc. So many players aren’t consistent enough & it holds them back.

We had a glimpse of the future at the State Prelims, including a 6'4 8th grader with big upside. These kids are so new none has an X account! Ingrid Hippe, Maggie Bramwell, Arianni Shaffa, Makayla Neumiller, Hannah Carlson, Annika Smith & Chloe Wortz. prepgirlshoops.com/2026/05/a…

Part 2 of our Class of 2030 Watch List is up! Check out or evaluations on @KendallMalmgren, @EveSchupp, @ElinRetzlaff, Zion Nnaji of @CrossfireGHoops, and Taylor Lippert of @SWMNFury! prepgirlshoops.com/2026/04/i…