NY2LA Next Level Invitational Recap: Day 1
MEQUON — Kicking off the July evaluation period, the 2018 NY2LA Sports Next Level Invitational tipped off Wednesday from Homestead High School.
TOP PERFORMANCES
Levi Borchert – 2019 – PF – Wisconsin Blizzard
Borchert had two solid outings on Wednesday that landed him a junior college scholarship from Bryant and Stratton. Working hard down low, Borchert cleaned up the glass and scored consistently on the interior. He was particularly impressive in a loss to Quad City Elite, out-working a much bigger and more athletic front line. Offensively, Borchert has good footwork and uses his strength well to back down defenders. He’s also able to handle the ball on the perimeter, get to the rim, and occasionally knock down perimeter shots.
Ace Evans – 2019 – G – Wisconsin Shooters
It was a tough game offensively for the Wisconsin Shooters, who just couldn’t buy an open jumper in Wednesday’s loss to the Illinois Irish, but Evans was fantastic at creating opportunities. The 6-foot-1 senior is ball dominant and very tough to stay in front of. Using a quick, deadly crossover and numerous change of pace dribbles, Evans can get into the paint at will. When he gets to his left hand, it’s already over. Evans made good decisions in the pick n’ roll. The Shooters often like to clear out for the Martin Luther standout and just let him break down the defense. Evans finished with 17 points in the defeat.
Cameron Paske – 2019 – PF – Wisconsin Swing
Paske came up big in the second half, scoring a majority of his game-high 16 points to help the Wisconsin Swing hold off the Colorado Titans in. The 6-foot-7 forward hit a handful of timely 3-pointers, stealing momentum back after just about every opponent run. A big body that plays a lot on the perimeter, Paske can get to the rim a bit off broken plays or if the lane presents too good of an opportunity to pass up. Getting some Division 3 interest this summer, Paske looks like a fine small school prospect.
Quintin Winterfeldt – 2019 – SF – Wisconsin Blizzard
Winterfeldt has some of the best upside in Wisconsin’s 2019 class. The 6-foot-4 wing is a strong, athletic prospect that has plenty of ceiling left when you consider how much he can still improve his skills. During his 23-point performance in a win over the Illinois Bears, Winterfeldt showed some nice flashes, finishing off some creative, off-balance lay-ups and taking defenders off the dribble in the half court. Winterfeldt needs to improve his ball handling and shooting ability past 15 feet, but even when he struggles on that end of the floor, the Waupun native brings it in other areas. His motor defensively was key and Winterfeldt made some strong hustle plays that helped keep the Blizzard in front.
STOCK BOOSTERS
Kaden Clark – 2019 – SF – Wisconsin Blizzard
A crafty small forward that can shoot from all over the floor, Clark was a handful for opponents on Wednesday. The 6-foot-4 senior scored 20 points to help the Wisconsin Blizzard get past the Illinois Bears in the opener. Clark was also in double figures during a loss to Quad City Elite. A sharpshooter from 3-point range, Clark can score with a hand in his face. He’s not overly strong or athletic, but has a knack for getting into the paint, getting defenders off balance and shooting over the top.
Malcolm Reed – 2019 – G – Wisconsin Swing
Reed looks vastly improved since the spring. Able to shoulder the load as the team’s point guard, primary creator, top defender, and rebounder, there isn’t much Reed doesn’t do for his team. An intriguing 6-foot-5 guard, Reed has great size and athleticism for a Division 2/3 prospect. When he pushes in transition, Reed has a ton of gitty-up and blows by defenders in the open floor. Reed is limited as a scorer right now. If it’s not a straight-line drive to the rim, Reed isn’t all that comfortable with his jumper, but as previously stated, he does so much else that he’ll have plenty of value at the next level. In fact, Reed grabbed 16 rebounds in Wednesday’s win.
Will Knatz – 2019 – PG – Wisconsin Swing
Knatz stepped up in Wednesday’s win over the Colorado Titans. A speedy guard that always seems to be in the right place at the right time, Knatz made some tough transition buckets, including a few 3-point opportunities that helped blow the game open. Knatz didn’t just get it done at the rim. He spotted up well in the corners that led to some perimeter jumpers, scoring 13 points in the first half alone.