Battle at the Lakes 17U Previews
In this article:
All City Bulldogs Kamrath
Players To Watch:
Elvie Johnson – Elvie is a strong all around guard with solid ball handling passing and defense.
Stock Raiser:
Ramon McNish – Ramon is a 6-foot-2 high energy strong big who can play multiple positions. Excellent defender and rebounder.
All City Bulldogs Madsen
Players to watch:
Colin Jones – Colin is a sophomore 6-foot-5 solid big from Mounds View who finishes with both hands, plays above the rim, and is a powerful rebounder and defender.
Brian Stone – A junior at Mounds View, Brian is a 6-foot-5 high energy big who can play multiple positions. Nice jumper great defender and powerful rebounder.
Bryce Madsen – Bryce is an undersized pure point guard from Hopkins with an oversized heart and energy. Solid ball handling with both hands equally.
Stock Raiser:
Boye Mafe – Boye is an athletic 6-foot-5 big from Hopkins who defends in the paint and open court. Strong rebounder and who gets a couple dunks a game.
All-In/Young & Reckless (IL)
This is one of the more athletic and talented squads in the state of Illinois. They have multiple division one players and guys that are emerging on the radar.
Players to Watch:
SG Demarius Jacobs – One of the state’s top shooting guards the 6’3” wiry wing is super athletic and knows how to use his athleticism to his advantage. Explosive off the bounce and in the open floor. Jumper is also starting to become a more consistent weapon. Tons of upside for the mid-major to low-major prospect.
PF Jameel Alausa – Long and angular 6’7” combo forward that is athletic and active on the interior. He runs the floor tremendously well and rebounds with his length snatching boards out of the air. Mobile around the hoop scoring on put backs and quick passes. Being recruiting by mid-major and low-major programs.
PG Teyvion Kirk – The biggest stock riser on the team has been this Joliet West point guard. Kirk is a smooth operator with his long and rangy frame. Plus mid-range shooter that can stretch it out to three on occasion. Elevated his stock by getting others involved in the half court as well as being a presence on the defensive end against opposing point guards. Mid-major and low-major schools are tracking him.
Barnstormers (IA)
Players to Watch:
Devontae Lane – The 6-foot-2 guard’s future is at the point, though he often plays off the ball. He’s a strong, explosive athlete with a great first step. He could play his way into high major offers this summer.
Austin Phyfe – A Northern Iowa commit, the 6-foot-9 center is a load to deal with on the block. He’s skilled inside and plays with a good motor that helps him control the glass.
Abraham Kinrade – The 6-foot-6 small forward has been extremely impressive of late has is making is way up the Class of 2017 rankings in the state of Iowa.
Note – Connor McCaffery, Iowa commit and son of Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery, will not be playing with the Barnstormers this weekend as he attends his high school prom.
Stock Raiser:
Joe Smoldt – The 6-foot guard is one of the top point guards in the state, but plays in Class 2A. He is, though, one of the best guards in the state, able to score inside and out. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc is what makes him someone who could really turn heads.
Comets K (MN)
Players To Watch:
Rob McClain – The son of a sheriff plays with the demeanor you want, the all around numbers that coaches love, and an explosive finish that fans cherish.
Thunder Heyer – A tough point guard that doesn’t turn the ball over and will attack lanes to create any chance he can get.
Stock Raiser:
John Towner – A 6-foot-11 big who has more skill than people though. Somebody has definitely been working with him on footwork and a variety of post moves.
Crossfire Singh (MN)
Players To Watch:
Jacob Streit – The Eden Valley-Watkins double-double producer has played more on the wing for Crossfire and has done a nice job of adopting this role while contributing his normal numbers.
McKinley Gehlhausen – The 6-foot-7 thick post from Watertown-Mayer is a high percentage finisher and tough to deal with when he turns his shoulder into a player.
Stock Raiser:
Dylan Gilmer – A tough guard from Delano that is back from winter injury and is starting to play quite well.
Crossfire Weege (MN)
Players To Watch:
CJ Woda – A scorer that must be game-planned for each night. From Heritage Christian and at 6-foot-4 with skill off the dribble he’s a tough match-up.
Logan Rezac – Scored 17-18 a game this winter and is the guy that could put up Jack Stensgard like numbers next winter (top five in metro). Tough kid who knows how to produce.
Stock Raiser:
Devon Schultz – About 6-foot-9 from Sibley East Schultz turned a corner this winter to get his eight a game and now he’s starting to produce down low against some of the better bigs at the Grassroots level.
D1 Minnesota (MN)
Players to watch:
McKinley Wright – One of the toughest guards in the Midwest Wright is a guy that players follow, his handling ability is top notch, he defends with the best, and is one of the best rebounding guards you will ever see.
Nathan Reuvers – Rare for a post to put up double digit numbers in Grassroots play but Reuvers does it while giving his team quality percentages. Has about 25 D1 offers.
Goanar Mar – One of the top defending forwards out there Mar is also scoring his ten a game with D1 Minnesota shooting good percentages and this is after a Class AAA MVP year and a state title.
Matthew Hurt – The hottest prospect name in the nation right now in the 2019 class Matthew is adding offers and getting consistent on floor results playing at the highest level.
Stock Raiser:
Jericho Sims – Sims has earned recent offers from Texas, Florida, and Memphis on top of a dozen other high major offers because he has a combination of length, explosive bounce, and size at 6-foot-10 that is incredibly rare.
D1 Minnesota Prospects (MN)
Players To Watch:
Walt McGrory – One of the strongest guards in the state Walt can lead a team at PG but then slide over and produce with skill or power. Bigger than most lead guards.
Dedoch Chan – Chan spent his younger years getting double-doubles on a bad team and this winter he played a worker role. Now Dedoch is putting it all together.
Stock Raiser:
Isaih Walden – The list of guys playing as well as Walden right now is short. The Rochester JM guard is lights out at the arc right now and playmaking at a high level.
ECI Nagel (Dakotas)
Players To Watch:
Jack Schaefer – An explosive scorer from New Rockford-Sheyenne who seems to be fast approaching a top ten player in the state area after some huge games as a junior.
Nate Symens – Nate was a long athlete the last time we saw him but since then he has added some strength to his frame but is still skilled with the ball plus has agility.
Stock Raiser:
Collin Trottier – A 6-foot-7 back to the basket player who does a nice job getting position for the baby hook and an even better job powering up buckets in the paint for ECI.
Fundamental U Grey (IL)
High academic kids that have the ability to play at the small college level.
Players to watch:
Austin Clamage – Tough combo guard that is versatile. Elite academic kid.
Matt Lynch – Another high academic student that on the court does a little bit of everything.
Jack Miscinsky – Combo guard that is a plus athlete and can really shoot it.
Teddy Mcgregor – Long and lanky combo forward with skill. Stretches floor with shot.
Fury Kallman (MN)
Players To Watch:
Rocky Kreuser – The 6-foot-6 face-up big is a match-up nightmare at times because he can play you with power or he can out-skill you inside and out.
Andrew Kallman – We’ve seen him handle and create for others, we’re now seeing him hit in big numbers from the arc. Playing both guard spots well.
Stock Raiser:
Mykal Howard – There is a smoothness to his game that people like. Mykal has a trusted touch at the arc and the right approach when it comes to decision making.
Grassroots (MN)
Players To Watch:
Jalen Suggs – The 2020 guard getting national headlines for his poise, body control during attack, and high skill level playing up three grades.
JaQuan Sanders-Smith – A strong, dribble attacking guard who has turned things up as a shooter this spring as well.
Stock Raiser:
Aaron Gill – A 6-foot-5 2018 forward who moved to Minnesota from Indiana and has captured the attention of many with his ridiculous bounce and strong rebounding numbers.
Heat Bui
Players To Watch:
Peter Brookshaw – Prescott, Wisconsin guard who has played very well for the Heat this year. Making plays on the wing regularly.
John and Matt Bezdicek – The brothers had a great year for Osseo coming off the bench to hit open shots at the arc, working off ball to score, and always defending.
Stock Raiser:
Max McNellis – The 6-foot-8 big moves fairly well and is really long. Needs more experience with the ball in his hands in game competition but has the potential to be worked with and find success.
Heat Coker (MN)
Players To Watch:
Nolan Sullivan – A St. Thomas post that played in every game this year for the Cadets off the bench bringing toughness and work ethic.
Jack Nusbaum – A guy to watch as Jack has a tendency to catch fire and score in bunches at times.
Stock Raiser:
Spencer Mortensen – Spencer was the third leading scorer for Renville County West this year as a 6-foot-5 power forward.
Heat Henderson (MN)
Players To Watch:
Jackson Odegard – You may recall Jackson coming off the deep bench at state and hitting a trey and some free throws much to the excitement of the Blaine crowd.
Dayo Lawal – A double figure scorer at Coon Rapids this past winter who is scoring regularly for Heat Henderson.
Stock Raiser:
Tyreeon Johnson – Johnson has already once been named all tournament from one team and the Coon Rapids talent is having a nice spring overall with both.
Heat Lucas (MN)
Players To Watch:
Jake Van Wyk – Top scoring option for Heat Lucas which is a team of Eagan players. Jake is Eagan’s top returning scorer next season.
Grant Weis – Grant was a rotation guy for the Wildcats last year coming off the bench in support and he’s a starter for this team.
Stock Raiser:
Rohail Raza – Raza is the post for this team at 6-foot-4. He played JV last winter.
Icemen (IL)
The Icemen 17U are led by a trio of under the radar wings in the class of 2017.
Players to Watch:
SG Carlos Toliver – 6’3 combo guard has great court vision and can really shoot the three. Also able to take defenders off the dribble
PG Steven Ross – 6’2 Combo guard who is a prolific scorer. Can shoot it from anywhere and also has explosive hops
SG Craig Beaudion – 6’3” shooting guard from Whitney Young. Great mid-range game and silky smooth scorer.
Iowa Cornsharks (IA)
Perhaps the best group of guys the ‘Sharks are bringing to Minneapolis, this team is lead by a stable of tall and athletic wings. Brayden Washington can be the best player on the team at times, he’ll hit from long-range or get to the bucket, and Kyle Nevitt is an athletic defensive-stopper who can score from all three levels. Janier Puente is a bruiser in the paint, a 6-foot-5 well-built center who plays bigger than he is.
Players to Watch:
6’5 C Janier Puente (Perry) – He’s solid muscle and is a guy who only started playing basketball his freshman season but has exponentially gotten better. He will snare offensive boards if you don’t box him out, and has a knack for high percentage shots and getting buckets on the paint.
6’4 G/F Kyle Nevitt (Perry) – An athletic wing who, when engaged, is the best defensive player on the team; particularly on-the -ball defense. He is a high percentage shooter, and is adept at the mid-range, while also being able to knock down triples.
6’3 G/F Brayden Washington (Urbandale) – At times, Washington can be the best player on this team, and is a threat to bury you from deep, or to blow by you and finish at the rim. He’s got good height and plus-length and is an better than average athlete. Don’t let his nonchalant demeanor fool you, the kid can play.
6’ PG Trey Tucker (Greene County) – He’s faster than he looks and his strengths lie in beating his man off the dribble. Tucker plays point guard for this team, and can be a good passer when he wants to be — even flashy at times. But his main focus is putting the ball in the hoop.
Iowa Dynasty (IA)
This group has had a fairly successful first month on the grassroots circuit, led by a strong group of guards in Naeem Smith, Max Smith-Drahos and Marshawn Yarbrough. While they don’t have a ton of size on the interior, the tough tandem of Chuck Johnson and Jacquese Parks give Dynasty a nastiness on the glass that not many teams match. This group is balanced, with a number of players who can score from anywhere on the floor, and a willingness to defend.
Iowa Mavericks (IA)
There is a good amount of talent on this roster, led by sharpshooting guard Connor Gholson, who is capable of getting as hot as anyone in the state from behind the arc. This group has a few other guards who can really shoot the ball in a pair of Linn-Mar products, Tyler Voves and Dylan Hand. Tirique Randolph is a tough, physical scoring guard who is always playing downhill and excels at getting into the paint, where he uses his strength to finish at a high level. This group also has a pair of playmakers on the wing in Nate Disterhoft and Jack Moore, a pair of efficient scorers. Big man Niko Gosnell is an intriguing piece on the interior – the athletic, lanky big had a six-inch growth spurt before last high school season and is still learning how to play in the paint, but he’s capable of blocking shots and making a big impact on the defensive end.
Iowa Mavericks Orange (IA)
Always one of Iowa’s most competitive programs, the Iowa Mavericks come into this tournament with a full fleet of teams. This 17U Orange squad consists of a solid roster of eastern Iowa D3 and NAIA prospects. With plenty of size and a stable of steady guards, opponents will have their hands full with this Mavericks bunch.
Players to Watch:
6’6 F Cole Grothausen (Bettendorf) – A steady big-man who plays with grit. This hard-nosed banger will provide the punch in the post that many teams just don’t have. He’s poised with his post-moves and should thrive this weekend against less gritty opponents.
5’9 PG Garrett Rickels (Calamus-Wheatland) – Supreme quickness and plus-athleticism make this small but bouncy guard a handful. He had a very nice junior season of high school ball; averaging 13.3 points while connecting on 41 percent of his 3-point attempts.
6’5 G/F Alex Martens (Midland, Wyoming) – He’s the highest ranked player from Iowa’s 2017 class on the roster, and rightfully so. Martens was sensational last season for the Eagles averaging 20 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He also led his team in blocks and 3s made.
Minot Cheezers (Dakotas)
Players To Watch:
Trevor Banks – Point guard with outstanding speed, one of the best defenders in the state. Great floor leader good mid range shooter, great with his floaters in the lane.
Luke Moen – Excellent shooter from three point range and mid range. Also great pick and roll player who can hurt teams who can’t recover quick enough.
Max Oltoff – At 6-foot-5 he is a good mid range shooter and a strong rebounder with a very high motor, never quits.. Hard worker, the hardest on the team.
Stock Raiser:
Dalton Stead – At 6-foot-8 inside every move is calculated. Has a smooth post game and is a good mid range shooter.
MN Bulldogs (MN)
Players To Watch:
Dreem Kelly-Jabbar – Has great athleticism (6’4) and bounce around the basket. Good mid range 8-18 ft jumper and is challenges at the rim, defensively.
Michael Carter, Jr. – Good ball handling guard with ability to attack basket and consistently hit the 3 pt. shot. Has long arms with good length (6’2) and plays with good poise.
Stock Raiser:
Matt Kaul – Good fundamental shooter from mid-range to 3 pt. (6’2) Increased vertical jumping ability and has improved as a rebounder.
MN Ice (MN)
Players To Watch:
Jace Klinker – A graduating senior off-guard that scored 11 a game this year. Jace can get hot from the arc and playing against younger players he’s had nice numbers this spring too.
Jake West – A tough lead guard that is strong enough to hold you off but then quick enough to change direction to space and playmake.
Stock Raiser:
Michael Carter – The guy on the Ice squad that we thought showed no fear when it came to catching and hitting in given space and attacking a team of known players.
MN Lace Up (MN)
Players to watch:
Trajan Grimsrud – 5’10 (11th) Lead guard from Mayo High School; Excellent shooter and great court vision; can be used at both guard spots; starting to gain more confidence in his own scoring & showing growth in guarding quicker guards
Ray Adams – 6’3 (11th) wing from John Marshall; Great off the dribble, quick first step, good handle and body allows him to get to the cup; Starting to get a little more springy & working on getting a more consistent jump shot; great on the ball defender
Solomon Antoine – 6’0 (10th) great young guard from John Marshall who’s starting to show some maturity on the court; gifted scorer on all 3 levels; hoping to grow a little more
Program notes:
First-year program based out of Rochester, MN … players in the program are from Rochester, Byron, St. Charles, Austin & Pine Island … 17U team has had a rough outing so far, as they have only had a full roster for 2 out of the first 4 tourneys … has participated in the D1 MN Jamboree, Best of the Midwest in Madison, WI, Meg Vang & MN Comets Spring Shootout.
MN Nice (MN)
Players to watch:
Tyler Raiman – C/PF, NRHEG — Long, strong, rebounds well, has post moves, high energy.
Brady Isebrand – PF, Lake Crystal — Long, rebounds & runs the floor well, high energy
Josh Janike – PG/SG, Janesville — Fast, strong good leadership skills, Nice Jump shoot, good defender, high energy
Program notes (from the Nice website):
“Established in 2014, a dedicated group of passionate basketball coaches who believe in making a difference in our youth of tomorrow through family values and hard work. It is the mission of the Mn. Nice Basketball Program to educate and empower today’s youth with confidence, commitment and integrity, so they can live a productive and successful tomorrow.”
MN Swish Dahl (MN)
Players to watch:
Jake Kutina – (6’5 Shakopee) and Carter Damlo (6’5 Waconia) were mentioned by NHR in the Select Classic.
Derek Feltmann – (Waconia) is the top 3 point shooter.
Henry Weisman – (Chanhassen) is the top defender and a solid playmaker from the guard spot.
Program notes:
MN Swish Dahl earned 2nd place in MN Ice Spring Freeze (3-1 and lost to Ice-Sammy in a close championship battle) and went 1-3 in Select Classic last weekend, but had two close defeats and could have been 3-1 … This is a West metro group with kids from Waconia, Chan, Hutchinson, Shakopee and Chaska.
MN Warriors (MN)
Players to Watch:
Jameson Bryan – Athletic, smart and tough PG from Eastview. Verbally committed to Augustana.
Alec Loehr – 6’7, skilled, sharpshooter, wing-type from Rosemount. Offered by Navy with other D1 and D2 interest. 4.0 student.
Luke Loehr – 6’7, tough, skilled wing/post from Rosemount. Offered by Navy with other D1 and D2 interest. 4.0 student.
Tyler Riemersma – 6’7 wing with 7’0 wingspan from Bloomington Jefferson. Offered by Navy with other D1 and D2 interest. 4.1 student.
Stock Raisers:
Joe Hird – strong combo guard from Bloomington Jefferson with solid stroke and tough defensively. Some D2 interest, strong D3 interest
Mason Carpenter – 6’4 sharpshooter from Eastview. Strong MIAC interest. 3.9 student.
Jack Tillotson – 6’4 shooter with strong post moves from Bloomington Jefferson. 4.0 student.
Peter Gathje – 6’7 wing from Bloomington Jefferson. Strong D3 interest.
ND Phenom (Dakotas)
Players To Watch:
Aanen Moody – One of the most explosive shooters in the Midwest, Moody scored 33 points per game this year and went over the 50 point total three times. One of the quickest releases out there.
Austin Slaughter – A versatile forward that has played every position in Grassroots and high school basketball in the past twelve months and has likely defended them all as well.
Stock Raiser:
KyJuan Johnson – When the Phenom was last in the Twin Cities KyJuan had some huge scoring outputs in front of the NSIC and he hopes to do that again this weekend.
Real Athletics Miller (MN)
Aaron Tamte (Minnetonka) is a leader for RA Miller offensively. He can score in a variety of ways and can get hot from deep in a hurry, but is a great rebounder from the perimeter. Tamte is a three-point threat in every contest. They’ve also got nice pieces in Connor Thelemann (Prior Lake) and Dyante Jordan (Maranatha) who are both more than capable scorers and committed, sound defenders.
Shot-It (IA)
Players to watch:
Levin Jungling – He stands just 5-foot-10, but Jungling is one of the most dynamic guards in Iowa. He can fill it up and keep his teammates involved. His jumper is something that needs to be taken into account by defenses as well.
Ryan Van Wyk – As a 6-foot-4 guard, Van Wyk is a very dangerous drive and slasher to the basket. He shot 67.4 percent from the floor as a junior, averaging just under 15 points per game. He’s also a great rebounder that hits the glass both on offense and defense.
Stock Raiser:
David Kacmarynski – He may be an undersized forward at 6-foot-4, but Kacmarynski plays with a great motor and can make things happen with hustle.
TC Finest Gold (MN)
TC Finest is a first-year program seeing a lot of success this spring. They’re led by TyRee’on Johnson and Lionel Warner Jr, a perimeter duo from Coon Rapids. They’re 6’6 and 6’5 respectively and starting to garner interest from a handful of schools. Johnson is a finesse player and fills the stat sheet with a relentless intensity on the boards. Warner uses his strong build to get to the rim when people close out on his reliable jumper. TC Finest is held together by Adam Busch (New Life Academy). He’s a four-year starter at NLA and will shine for the Eagles who lost a lot to graduation. This spring, he’s making plays and shots for TC Finest. DaQuan Grimes and Jovan Christian are both 2019 guys playing for TC Finest this weekend.
Team Rose (IL)
Team Rose has been a mainstay on the Adidas circuit throughout the years. They have several talented prospects to watch in the class of 2017.
Players to Watch:
SG Elijah Joiner – The Curie standout has steadily saw his stock rise over the last three years to where he is now a consensus top 10 prospect in the state. The scoring combo guard can really shoot it from the perimeter with a plus jumper from both mid-range and three. Explosive with the ball and his speed in the open floor. Mid-major plus prospect.
PG Dwayne Rose – The 6’3” guard can hit an array of jump shots including threes and pull up jumpers. Jumper has good form. When he does drive shows quickness off the bounce and strength in the paint. Cuts well away from the ball. Improving as a passer. Worth consideration by low-major D1 programs.
PG Allante Pickens – Pickens is coming off a strong junior campaign at Curie where he was a part of the three guard monster that led them to a 4A state championship. The 5’10” guard can let it fly from deep as he is very effective as a spot up shooter.
Tri-State Steam (IA)
Like the 16U squad, this 17U Tri State Steam team should not be taken lightly. We saw them play in Des Moines last weekend at the Kings of the Court, and boy did they impress. Connor Duax and Lucas Duax are a dynamic brother duo at point guard and wing. And 6-foot-5 small forward Keith Johnson is poised to blow up by the end of the summer. Pool R in the 17U division has been warned.
Players to Watch:
6’5 SF Keith Johnson (Dubuque Hempstead) – A candidate to be a breakout player in this tournament. He is a very long and atheltic wing who uses great length to snare rebounds and guard bigs effectively in the paint. Offensively he can score from slashing or hitting a deep ball. Watch out for this intriguing 2018.
6’1 PG Louis Psihoyos (Dubuque Senior) – If you like European-style hoops then this kid will be a treat to watch. The Greece native is a slick and savvy point guard, who could be described as a mini Manu Ginobili.
6’5 SF Connor Duax (Dubuque Hempstead) – Like Johnson, the older of the Duax brothers is a long and versatile wing. The two of them on the perimeter together will wreck-havoc defensively, and should grab a handful of offensive rebounds to boot.
6’ PG Lucas Duax (Dubuque Hempstead) – The young point guard is – like Johnson – playing up a grade, and rightfully so. Like his brother he’s got great length, and uses it well to disrupt on defense. He averaged 8.8 points, 2.1 assists, 1.9 steals and 2.8 rebounds as a sophomore last season.
Twin Ports Pride Burtnyk (MN)
Twin Ports picked up Cody Carlson, a 6’9 interior scorer from Duluth East, in a move that is sure to make them a team to watch in 17U. The addition of Carlson just might allow a good team to take the next level. They’re led by three guards from Wisconsin that all averaged over 20 points per game last season. Trevor Cook is from Washburn High School (WI) and Riley Stauwers is from Northwestern (WI).
Twin Ports Pride Ramberg (MN)
Twin Ports’ second team, TP Ramberg is coming off a strong weekend at the Select Classic. They’ve had the same core group of guys for a few years and play exceptional team-oriented basketball. What they lack in standout talent they make up for in coehesion, selflessness and movement.
Wisconsin Academy – Buss (WI)
Players to watch:
Hunter Schultz, 6-0, G, Columbus Catholic — Schultz has an explosive first step to the basket and is tough to contain off the dribble. He is also a streaky three-point shooter who can knock down multiple shots from that range. He is a bit turnover prone at times, but his quickness and strength are positives to go along with his ability to score.
Nathaniel Buss, 5-11, PG, Verona — Buss has to do a lot for his team in terms of handling the ball against pressure and getting his teammates involved. He does a good job of not turning the ball over and can make long-distance shots as well. The son of Verona coach Alan Buss, Nathaniel Buss is skilled in terms of shooting, passing and handling the ball. Adding some weight and strength will help him adjust to the game at the next level.
Wisconsin Academy – Fermanich (WI)
Sam Fredrickson, 6-8, F, Fond du Lac — Emerging big man who figures to have coaches from scholarship schools watch closely in July, Fredrickson is very effective in the post with his back to the basket and finishes well thanks to his excellent footwork. He can also step outside and make shots outside the three-point arc. He averaged 13.4 ppg and earned honorable mention all-Fox Valley Association honors as a junior at Fond du Lac.
Matt Caropreso, 6-6, F, Madison Memorial — A quickly emerging forward prospect who does an excellent job of using his speed to cut to the basket and finish at the rim, Caropreso gives maximum effort on both ends of the floor. He averaged 9.1 ppg as a junior at Madison Memorial as a junior.
Potential Breakout Performer
Tyler Hughes, 6-2, WG, Onalaska — Recovering from knee surgery last fall, Hughes still wears a brace on his knee, but he appears to be rounding into top form for Wisconsin Academy. He is strong going to the basket and getting to the foul line, which has been his trademark the past three seasons with the Onalaska program. But he also shoots the ball extremely well from outside the three-point arc.
Wisconsin Blizzard – Hawley (WI)
Players to watch:
Garrett Nelson, 5-11, PG, Beaver Dam – Exceptionally quick point guard who can score from deep and off the bounce, Nelson is a returning first-team all-league pick in the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference and one of the quickest point guard prospects in the state’s class of 2017.
Jakob Tordsen, 6-4, F, Wausau West – Physical and aggressive forward who scraps for loose balls, rebounds at a high level and scores around the basket. A three-year varsity performer at Wausau West entering his senior season.
Stock Raiser:
Max Huddleston, 6-7, F, De Pere – Powerful and athletic forward prospect who missed the majority of his junior season at De Pere because of an injury, Huddleston could be a breakout performer in the state’s class of 2017 because of his size, athleticism and potential for skill development.
Wisconsin Jets (WI)
Players to watch:
Zach Hasenstein, 6-3, G, Sheboygan North — The first-team all-Fox River Classic Conference backcourt performer is a tough matchup as he uses his quickness, shiftiness and ability to drill three-point shots to his advantage, keeping defenders off balance. Hasenstein is an aggressive offensive player who can score and set up his teammates.
Tristan Van Ess, 6-5, F, Oostburg — An active, mobile and skilled wing forward who makes perimeter shots while also out-jumping opponents for offensive rebounds and putbacks, Van Ess is a unanimous first-team all-Big East Conference performer and a player college coaches will want to watch this summer.
Stock Raiser:
Neal Cerveny, 6-2, G, Gresham — You always wonder about a player who averages 27.1 ppg playing against a schedule that is heavy on schools with under 150 students. But there is no doubt Cerveny can play. He can score off cuts to the basket, from beyond the three-point arc and off of drives to the basket. He has good size, a good feel for the game, and can defend and rebound.
Wisconsin Playground Warriors (WI)
Players to watch:
Kobe King, 6-4, WG, La Crosse Central – The University of Wisconsin recruit has missed the first month and a half of the club season while recovering from an injury, but is excepted back for the Battle at the Lakes Tournament. A smooth, skilled and athletic wing player who is ranked as the No. 1 player in Wisconsin in the class of 2017.
Bailey Kale, 6-0, PG, La Crosse Central – Kale can make shots from beyond the arc and also score off the dribble. He moves the ball and found open teammates, and he was able to push the ball in transition. A very good player many scholarship schools will be tracking this spring and summer.
Luke Loewe, 6-3, G, Ripon – Loewe is very productive when posting up smaller guards and often finds himself at the foul line off of his aggressive moves to the basket. He is a solid perimeter shooter who recently picked up scholarship offers from St. Joseph and Rutgers.
Owen Hamilton, 7-0, C, Prescott – Ever-improving big man who has received NCAA Division I offers from Utah State and Vermont this spring, Hamilton has outstanding size and a solid ability to score around the basket. He can also make mid-range jump shots and gives excellent effort on the glass on both ends.
Stock Raiser:
Joseph Meyer, 6-9, F, Shullsburg – Meyer isn’t a big offensive threat, but he can score in the post and is excellent on the glass and on the defensive end of the court. He has very good size and strength while competing with plenty of hustle and energy. His father, Jeff Meyer, was a standout player at Wausau East and later played at UMass.
Wisconsin Playmakers – Burns (WI)
Players to watch:
Cody Osborn, 6-1, G, Eau Claire Regis — Osborn was on fire from deep all weekend for the Playmakers at the Team Duke Tournament May 7-8 in Waunakee, Wis. He had seven triples in a victory over Wisconsin Blizzard — Thomas and then added six more in a victory over Illinois Attack and another six triples in a loss to the Wisconsin Shooters. Osborn averaged 11.3 ppg and 2.5 apg as a junior at Regis and can play either guard spot.
Ben Olson, 6-3, F, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln — Aggressive and physically strong wing player who makes effective cuts to the basket and finishes through contact, Olson has three-point shooting range. He averaged 10.4 ppg as a junior for coach Dan Witter at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln and is one of the top returning players in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.
Stock Raiser:
Brady Booth, 6-4, F, Stanley-Boyd — A returning first-team all-league performer in the Cloverbelt West Conference, Booth has the ability to score in the paint, from mid range and from the foul line for the Playmakers. A solid all-around player who rebounds, defends and passes the ball at a consistent level. He averaged 16.9 ppg as a junior at Stanley-Boyd.
Wisconsin Playmakers – Strege (WI)
Players to watch:
Riley Peterson, 6-0, D.C. Everest – Earned first-team all-conference honors in the Wisconsin Valley Conference after averaging 11.5 points per game for a D.C. Everest squad that went 16-9. “Riley is a big shooting guard who can score from three-point line and in. He is a three-year starter for D.C. Everest and our ‘go-to’ player. He can get his shot at will.” – Coach Ron Strege
Matt Carlson, 6-7, Pittsville – A second-team all-league pick in the Southern Division of the Marawood Conference after averaging 10.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg for a Pittsville squad that went 18-6 under first-year coach Mark Denniston. “Matt is a new player to our team. He is a strong post player who has range out to 20 feet to stretch the defense. He is a good defender who can play in the post or on the wing at the next level.” – Coach Ron Strege
Stock Raiser:
Alec Hinson, 6-0, Marshfield – A first-team all-league selection in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, Hinson averaged 12.7 ppg while helping his team to a 14-9 record. “Alec is very strong with the ball and he has always been an exceptional outside shooter when his feet are set. This year, he has added the element of getting his shot off the dribble and is attacking more and more. He is also a tireless defender.” – Coach Ron Strege
Young Legends (IL)
Young Legends are one of two Illinois based teams on the 17U level in the UAA circuit. They have a talented roster filled with prospects ranging from the D1 level to quality D3 prospects.
Players to Watch:
C Cameron Krutwig – Krutwig is trending toward being the top center in the state of Illinois in the class of 2017. At 6’9” the big bodied post plays physical around the hoop, has a sound skill level scoring on the block, and is an excellent passer out of the post. Very good area rebounder. Projects as a mid-major prospect at the next level.
PG Jacob Keller – This Fenwick lefty combo guard is a dual sport athlete that has looks from college for both basketball and football. He is a slick handling lead guard that is slippery in traffic with the rock. One of the more intriguing combo guards at the next level with his improved jump shot and defensive ability. Mid-major and low-majors are tracking him.
PG Jimmy Sotos – We have been very impressed with this point guard during the spring. He is a high IQ guard that does everything with a purpose and is a tremendous leader. Shot maker from deep off the bounce or in the catch and shoot. Makes crisp passes setting up his teammates. Low-major prospect.