NY2LA Summer Jam Recap: Day 1
MEQUON — Day one of the 2018 NY2LA Sports Summer Jam featured some intriguing opening night battles…
TOP PERFORMERS
Marcus Domask – 2019 – SF – Ray Allen Select
Domask came out firing in a loss to REACH Legends. The 6-foot-5 small forward was draining shots from all three levels and looked really impressive against some solid athletes. Domask scored a game-high 22 points, once again taking advantage of just about every possible mismatch. You can go big, you can go small — either way — Domask will find ways to get the ball in the basket.
Jalen Johnson – 2020 – G/F – Phenom University
In a high-level matchup with the Illinois Wolves, Johnson was once again the alpha dog on the floor. Johnson came out and dominated from the get go on both ends of the floor. He was able to get coast-to-coast and either finish all the way at the rim or make a beautiful assist to a teammate. Defensively, Johnson just smothered people and caused a ton of havoc. He was getting his hands all over the ball and turning defense into offense at the drop of a hat. Continuing to look like a potential top five prospect in the country, Johnson’s ability to impact the game across the board is arguably unmatched nationally.
Isaiah Stewart – 2020 – G – Wisconsin Dynasty
Continuing his big travel season, Stewart went for 25 points in a one-point loss to All-In Athletics. A quick guard that can break people down and get to the rim, Stewart creates a ton of offense at the basket. While Stewart’s scoring numbers have been big this spring/summer, he does other things well too. Stewart kicks out of traffic to open shooters well rebounds surprisingly well for his size. He also grabbed a team-high seven boards Wednesday night.
Jaeden Zackery – 2019 – G – Kessel Heat
Easy to appreciate the all-around impact that Zackery makes on a game-to-game basis. There’s no task too big or too small for the senior combo guard, who led Kessel Heat to a win over Wisconsin Swing-Bredesen on opening night. Defensively, Zackery can be a lock down perimeter defender. He’s also a willing rebounder and presence on the help side. Offensively, Zackery is unselfish and willing to make the extra pass. His eyes are always looking up and ahead, wanting to pass up his own good looks for great ones. When his team needs it, Zackery can score the ball. He’s an exceptional mid-range shooter off the dribble and can absorb and finish through contact at the rim.
STOCK BOOSTERS
Bryce Hacker – 2019 – F – Wisconsin Playmakers Eberhart
Hacker averaged about 11 points per game last season at Luck High School. In a loss to the Iowa Mavericks to open the tournament, Hacker did some nice things on both ends of the floor. A fundamentally sound prospect, Hacker can catch and shoot from mid-range and create for others in the half court. A solid face-up forward, Hacker is a good passer from the high post and makes sound decisions with the basketball. When he gets second chance opportunities on the glass, Hacker does a great job of keeping the ball high and going up immediately after a rebound.
Justin Kuehl – 2019 – SG – Wisconsin Swing-Bredesen
The Wisconsin Swing had a rough opening against Kessel Heat, but Kuehl showed some more promise. Although he struggled at times finishing around the rim, the shot creating ability of this senior guard continues to impress. A bouncy, 6-foot-4 wing with good handles, Kuehl got to the cup quite a bit and tends to draw a lot of contact. He’s able to play above the rim and often serves as a momentum changer with his highlight ability. Definitely trending upwards this summer, Kuehl has a chance to play with his way into some Division 2 offers.
Isaac Lindsey – 2020 – SG – Phenom University
Lindsey came out and drilled five triples en route to a game-high 17 points in a win over the Illinois Wolves Wednesday night. Lindsey has really developed a great feel for his teammates and he’s always ready to catch and shoot. While Lindsey is primarily a spot-up shooter right now, he’s able to shoot off the bounce and take advantage of over-aggressive defenders who fly out at him on the close out. A kid that’s been shooting the heck out of the ball since June, Lindsey has been on a tear and keeping himself viable for power-five conference offers.
Vlado Zrnic – 2019 – SF – Wisconsin Shooters
Originally a class of 2018 prospect that’s going to reclassify, Zrnic had 18 points in a win over Colorado Premier. A high-motor forward with some budding versatility, Zrnic did a nice job of facing up and attacking the basket. Defensively, Zrnic is a prospect that can switch onto numerous different people and hold his own. He’s quick and long enough for the perimeter and as mentioned, his motor on the interior will keep opponents off the glass for the most part. Zrnic will attend Don Bosco Institute next season.