Rock Spring Classic Recap: Day 1
STOUGHTON — The 2018 Rock Spring Classic opened up play on Friday. Opening night gave us a chance to see some of the state’s top sleepers and up and comers…
Jaden Kreklow – 2019 – PG – Wisconsin Academy
Kreklow was lights out in Friday’s win over D.C. Blitz. The New Glarus standout came out and hit three triples in the first half. Kreklow plays a fast brand of basketball. He’s not a point guard that necessarily needs the ball in his hands, but is constantly looking to move it around the floor. Surrounded by shooters, Kreklow did an excellent job of attacking gaps and driving and dishing to his teammates. When help doesn’t come, Kreklow has a very quick first step and excellent body control to score even if his momentum isn’t going directly towards the basket. He finished with a game-high 17 points in short work.
Rocky Martinez – 2019 – SF – Young Legends
Every time Wisconsin Dynasty made a run, it was Martinez who snatched the momentum back. The 6-foot-4 junior hit timely shot after timely shot to give the Young Legends an opening night win. Martinez is a smooth shooter that rises up with confidence. Against the zone, he moved well without the ball and floated into the corners for open looks. A native of Waukesha, Martinez played well in transition. He sees the floor well and found streaking teammates for easy buckets.
Mason Martinson – 2021 – F – Wisconsin Academy
Martinson is a physical interior presence, but also possesses some skill. He’s patient in the post and will pump fake 2-3 times or until the defender leaves his feet. Martinson can shoot the basketball from the outside a bit, but he’ll make his calling around the rim. The freshman forward likes to create contact and goes right through the chest of his defender. Martinson will run the floor as well. He got a couple easy buckets late with his willingness to spring all 90 feet after his team secured the rebound.
Conner Meyer – 2019 – F – D.C. Blitz
Like the face-up and mid-range game. Meyer is a built prospect, but will hit defenders with a soft pull-up jumper from 12-15 feet. He’ll use
his strength in the high post, catching in high percentage areas and looking to slash. A high-motor prospect, Meyer moves well without the ball, working inside and out to try and make himself available. Despite a loss to Wisconsin Academy, Meyer impressed with his toughness and mid-range game.
Troy Reeves – 2019 – PG – Wisconsin Triple Threat
Reeves got hot in a loss to Team 1848 on Friday. A speedy, smooth guard that can fill it up, Reeves did a nice job of keeping defenders on their toes. He’s got a nice pull-up game from all areas of the floor and his hesitation move set up plenty of clean looks. Also a pest defensively, Reeves picked the pocket of unsuspecting ball handlers, which led to run outs the other way. While Reeves can create a ton of shots for himself, he also distributed the ball well on Friday. Feeding off his aggressive play, Reeve’s teammates did a nice job of back cutting when he put the ball on the ground and the junior guard found them often behind the defense. Reeves finished with 22 points in the loss.
Gavin Ralph – 2021 – SF – Wisconsin Academy
Ralph played varsity as a freshman and averaged 13.2 points per game for Wauzeka-Steuben. The 6-foot-3 freshman could develop into something promising. Ralph has a nice skill set as someone who can shoot from the perimeter or put the ball on the deck and score over the top with his length. Ralph has some bounce to him and used it well on the defensive end to block and alter shots. When he’s attack mode, Ralph gets places on the floor. From the wing, he often needs just one dribble to get to the rim and keeps his head up to avoid playing in a crowd. Ralph has some intensity about him too. He’ll work the offensive glass and away from the ball, deny his man for long stretches of time.
Lucas Stieber – 2019 – PG – Team 1848
Stieber can really dish the basketball. A floor general with good size (6-2), Stieber dropped a number of no-look and behind the back dimes during Friday’s win over Wisconsin Triple Threat. Stieber wasn’t fazed by pressure throughout the game. Defenders tried to get into him and pick his pocket, but the Green Bay Southwest standout never got off track. It can sound insignificant, but Stieber’s ability to deliver passes right into the shooting pocket keeps Team 1848 in rhythm. Whether he’s driving and creating, surveying at the top of the key, or pushing the tempo in transition, Stieber puts the basketball right where it needs to be.