2017 Wisconsin Top 250 Expo: All-Event Teams
First Team
William Mahoney (G, 6-1, 2019, Appleton West) – Mahoney put on a show like a lead guard should: he orchestrated offensive movement, scored in a variety of ways (including at the rim) and played stifling perimeter defense. Nothing fazed him all day. Very impressed by his performance, and I bet Appleton West is excited for two more years of him.
Darryl Brooks II (G, 6-0, 2019, Menomonee Falls) – The sturdy and athletic Brooks was in control on both ends Saturday. His physical build gave off some peak Raymond Felton vibes in the way he controls his body to finish and takes advantage of angles. I have a feeling he’ll be a pesky defender with his quick hands and feet.
Grant Smith (F, 6-4, 2019, North Crawford) – Smith has fantastic dimensions for a junior and right away he started firing off three-pointers in his games to push his team to early leads. His quiet confidence was refreshing as he didn’t try to hype himself up; he just did what he knows how to do. Definitely an Expo MVP candidate thanks to his consistency.
Jacob Chilson (F, 6-6, 2018, Altoona) – Another long body, Chilson stepped out to knock down multiple jumpers all over the floor for his team and showed some great vision when facilitating from the top. Though he probably projects as a stretch 4, Chilson was able to alter shots when anchored in the post on defense.
Tanner Brandt (F, 6-7, 2018, Wisconsin Dells) – Nothing was too difficult for Brandt on Saturday. He possesses great lateral quickness for his size and had several passing lane jumps for layups throughout the day. He protected the rim, drove from the wing with explosiveness and hit set shots from midrange. Definitely a name to keep an eye on this year.
Second Team
Donovan Ivory (G, 6-3, 2019, Kaukauna) – Expect Donovan and his brother Brayden to step into good roles for Kaukauna this season. Donovan showed great athleticism Saturday, skying high for defensive boards and looking to push in transition. He had good balance in the air and finished at a good rate as well. His length will be a problem for smaller guards.
Earl Lewis (G, 5-10, 2018, Madison East) – This guy’s got some fire in his belly. Lewis is a straight competitor, desiring to defeat his opponent with no doubts left behind. His defensive instincts are top-notch and he can finish at the rim well for his size. Best suited as a penetrating off-ball threat. Really enjoyed watching him compete.
Reid Larson (F, 6-2, 2019, Fennimore) – A mismatch on the wing who can deliver over the top of defenders. Larson’s got a great wingspan and his jumper is smooth. He was best off the bounce going into a pull up, which is rare to see on a consistent basis at the high school level. He bothered a lot of ballhandlers with his quick first step too.
Rance Kendrick Jr. (F, 6-1, 2018, Racine Park) – Nobody worked harder on the glass than Kendrick. Very Rodman-like; vastly undersized, but no shortage of determination and willpower. Kendrick was running into benches and baselines, scooping up every loose ball and rebound. That was absolutely enough to make his mark on Saturday.
Cayleb Mosley (F, 6-2, 2020, William Horlick) – Another outstanding intangibles player I saw at the Expo. Mosley’s got great strength for a sophomore and with a few more inches could be a force. He showed good touch around the rim and set some bone-crushing screens as well. He flew after stray rebounds better than anyone else on his court and stood out because of it.