NY2LA Summer Jam Recap: Day 4
MEQUON — The top standouts and stock boosters from day four of the NY2LA Sports Summer Jam…
TOP PERFORMERS
Zac Johnson – 2021 – W/G – Wisconsin Playmakers
Johnson missed some key shots late, but it was overall a solid performance in a double overtime loss to Wisconsin Rap. The 6-foot-2 wing is a smooth 3-point shooter. Every time he catches, Johnson is ready to shoot. Taking a hand down, man down approach, Johnson either wants to catch and shoot or take an initial jab step and see if he can create space for a triples. While his 3-point shooting caught attention during his freshman season at River Falls, Johnson is pretty impressive as a slasher as well. Johnson has quicker than expected handles and has the ball on a string. The lefty will break people down occasionally, but we’d like to see him attack the basket more rather than settle for 3-pointers as Johnson has a strong enough frame and the right motor to get more buckets around the rim. Johnson finished with a game-high 16 points in Saturday’s loss.
David Joplin – 2021 – F – Phenom University
Joplin continues to come into his own offensively. A skilled, strong, and athletic forward, Joplin can do some special things. The 6-foot-6 sophomore is a big mismatch problem with his ability to handle the ball. Joplin can get into the paint and even if he can’t get to the rim, has some special mid-range ability, able to fall away and drain off-balance jumpers. Joplin’s ceiling is very good as well. He’s a decent 3-point shooter and still needs to improve his back-to-the-basket game. With as much as he handles the ball as well, Joplin could be a better creator for his teammates as well. A lot of years, this would be the top ranked player in the state and his rapid development continues to be exciting to watch.
Jadon Melvin – 2021 – F – Wisconsin Rap
Melvin had a team-high 15 points to lead Wisconsin Rap past the Wisconsin Playmakers and then 19 later that night in a victory over the Wisconsin Shooters. A physical forward with an advanced frame, Melvin can score inside and out. He’s very tough around the rim, using a nice blend of strength and finesse. Melvin has some advanced footwork down on the block and was able to score against the Playmakers’ twin 6-foot-7 forwards. Melvin can also take people outside and shoot from most areas of the floor. Really just looking for the right matchups, Melvin also has some guard skills where he can take bigger, slower posts off the dribble or even work off the ball and catch and shoot a little bit. A top 10 prospect in the state of Wisconsin, Melvin continues to be solid in July.
Calvin Schmeling – 2021 – PG – Wisconsin Rap
A guy we didn’t know about yet, but was maybe the best prospect in the floor against the Wisconsin Playmakers Saturday morning, Schmeling definitely opened some eyes. An intriguing 6-foot-4 guard with exceptional scoring and creating skills, Schmeling took over the extra session, leading Wisconsin Rap to a big win in bracket play. Schmeling’s size and ball handling make him a difficult cover. He’s a got a terrific crossover dribble that goes into his pull-up jumper or a drive into the lane. Schmeling connected on some difficult shots Saturday and scored or assisted on all six points in overtime. Schmeling finished with 13 points, scoring 11 after halftime.
Isaiah Stewart – 2020 – PG – Wisconsin Dynasty
Stewart continues to put up big numbers and led the way for the Wisconsin Dynasty in a win over the Illinois Stars. Stewart impressed with his breakdown ability off the bounce, getting to the rim at will. When the defense converged, Stewart’s drive and kick ability generated plenty of open shots for his teammates. Also a pest defensively, Stewart was getting after people, causing havoc, and getting his hands on the basketball. Stewart dropped a game-high 25 points as Dynasty advanced to Sunday.
STOCK BOOSTERS
Jayden Jackson – 2021 – SG – Young Lions
Jackson is physically advanced for his age. Going up against Meanstreets, the sophomore shooting guard certainly held his own and was able to create some things. While he didn’t score a ton, Jackson wasn’t far from having a solid effort offensively. The Whitefish Bay standout is a smart, strong guard that can put his head down and get to the rim. Going up against what’s usually one of the more fast and athletic AAU programs in the country, Jackson seemed to compare favorably in that area.
Jordan Jahnke – 2022 – F – Wisconsin Blizzard
Playing up in 15U, Jahnke showed some things in a high level matchup against Phenom University. The first thing that stands out about Jahnke is his athleticism. The 6-foot-5 freshman can play above the rim in transition and also nearly put home a put back dunk off a missed shot. Expected to be one of the state’s top freshman next season, Jahnke had a very impressive summer in the NY2LA GNBA circuit.
Sam Kick – 2021 – PG – Wisconsin Playmakers
Kick doesn’t take a ton of shots, but his impact on the game is noticeable. A quick, savvy floor general, Kick is always probing and looking to set up his teammates. He gets into areas and just forces help-side defenders to react and get out of position, which generally leads to an open shot for the Playmakers. Kick is under six-feet, but rebounds exceptionally well for his size. The sophomore guard had around 10 boards in Saturday’s loss to Wisconsin RAP.
Huberto Platz – 2019 – SG – Ray Allen Select
Ray Allen Select really struggled offensively during Saturday’s loss to Inland Empire. While they didn’t get the normal production from their top four players, RAS did get a nice effort from Platz. The senior sharpshooter connected on five 3-pointers, which accounted for all of his 15 points. With Ray Allen’s playmakers unable to create much against Inland Empire’s zone, Platz’s shooting helped them overcome a large deficit and make the game competitive in the second half.
Azarien Stephens – 2019 – G – Wisconsin Shooters
The Shooters fell to New York Rens out of the EYBL, but were able to hold their own for stretches. With Ace Evans not in action, Stephens was forced to take more shots and force the issue. Stephens had some good moments. A fast combo guard, Stephens’ stop and pop shooting was impressive on Saturday. Off a miss, Stephens loves to push the tempo and get the defense backpedaling, allowing him to pull up from 3-point range.