NY2LA Next Level Invitational Opening Night Preview: 17U
MEQUON — The 2018 NY2LA Sports Next Level Invitational, featuring the NY2LA Association championships, kicks off on Wednesday. Looking ahead to the action in the 17U Division, Prep Hoops Wisconsin previews opening night in the first week of the evaluation period.
17U NY2LA ASSOCIATION PLAY-IN GAMES
Illinois Bears vs. Wisconsin Blizzard Hawley
After an 0-8 regular season in the NY2LA Association, the Wisconsin Blizzard look to atone for a lackluster spring. This group isn’t deep, but has potential to make a run, led by their 1-2 punch of Chombi Lambert and Quintin Winterfeldt, two Division 2 prospects in the class of 2019.
Wisconsin Playmakers Strege vs. Grand Rapids Storm
Malachi Athnos was one of the big surprises during the regular season. The West Salem guard averaged in double figures scoring in the spring, leading the Wisconsin Playmakers to a 3-5 record. They’ll have to get through the interior duo of Jaivian Fowler and Gunnar Gustafson of Grand Rapids Storm.
Wisconsin Swing Gibbs vs. Colorado Titans
The Wisconsin Swing had a disappointing spring, finishing last in the East Division after a 1-7 campaign. Malcolm Reed is a rising prospect in the class of 2019 and picked up an offer from Northern Michigan. Jake Poetzl, Darryl Brooks, and others make the Swing a dangerous opponent despite their record. The Colorado Titans also come in with a 1-7 record and were led by Tanner Baird in the spring.
OPEN DIVISION
*Games begin Thursday
Wisconsin Crusaders vs. AUSA Hoops KD
The Wisconsin Crusaders are a threat to win the open division without question. Luke Haasl, Samuel Meerstein, and Nick Otto already made this team a threat. Playing up in 17U, 2020 prospects Keaton Ferris and Jacob Ognacevic will give the Crusaders even more firepower.
Young Legends vs. Minnesota Bulldogs
The Young Legends feature one of the biggest sleepers in the state in Rocky Martinez. The Waukesha West standout had a fine spring and climbed in the recent class of 2019 rankings with potential to go much higher if he continues to produce.
Milwaukee Spartans/Rebels vs. ET21 Buckeyes
This will be one of the best opening night matchups, regardless of division. The Spartans/Rebels have one of the state’s top class of 2019 prospects in Carlos Ramsey. The high scoring wing had a terrific spring and cemented himself as a clear cut Division 1 prospect. He’ll have plenty of help from the likes of Jaylon Gentry and a few standouts from Illinois as well.
Wisconsin Dynasty vs. West Michigan Lakers
The Dynasty have added Donneil Gray, one of the fastest rising class of 2019 prospects in the recent in-state rankings update. Gray should form a nice 1-2 punch with 2020 forward Tyrell Stuttley, who’s been a double-double machine during the travel season.
Wisconsin Swing Bredesen vs. All-In Old School Elite
The Swing have a couple of players demanding Division 2 attention. Justin Kuehl and Austin Westra are two sleepers worth keeping tabs on this summer.
Wisconsin Blizzard Ivory vs. Mercury Elite Bogumil
Donovan Ivory has emerged as a Division 2 caliber player. The Kaukauna standout recently picked up his first offers from Winona State and Minnesota-Duluth. A versatile, almost positionless talent, Ivory has the potential to take the Blizzard deep in the open division.
Other Games of Note:
Wisconsin Attack vs. MKE Elite
Wisconsin Swing Bredsen/Mills vs. Minnesota Comets Kirschner
Wisconsin Bluebirds vs. MBA Hammer
Wisconsin RAP vs. All-In Athletics Rogers
Young Lions vs. Grand Rapids Storm Jefferson
Randolph Boys Club vs. Sauk Valley Magic
Ray Allen Select Donaldson vs. SW Minnesota Stars
Wisconsin Swing Schieve vs. Mercury Elite Binder