NY2LA SummerJam Day 1: Wisconsin 17u Under-The-Radars
It was the first day of the NY2LA SummerJam and teams from all over the United States and abroad were on hand to showcase their talents during the second live weekend of July. My focus was primarily on the under-the-radar type players from the state of Wisconsin. These weekends are all about getting found by the perfect college and these unknown players definitely rose their stock tonight.
Austin Westra-DeForest High School-6’6″- Westra is prototypical D3 big with size and athleticism. He ran the floor hard, showed good footwork on his moves and showed he can space out and knock down a 15 foot jumper. Defensively protected the rim for the Wisconsin Swing and just overall played hard. In a time where people get praised for playing hard Westra never game up or quit no matter the score in their matchup against Kessel Heat.
Riley Dobbs-Hayward High School-6’3″-Dobbs came off the bench for his Wisconsin Playmakers squad but used his minutes very well. Showing a sweet shooting streak from 3 especially late during this game, he displayed that he can score at all three levels also hitting pull-up jump shots and an easy one hand dunk in transition. Dobbs can be a plus scorer for a D3 school.
Ryan Waddell-Homestead High School-6’1″-Not really filling up any stat Waddell just controlled the game like a point guard should do. He controlled the pace of the game and just set up the offense. Waddell also showed a nice shot from the 3 hitting one off of a hand-off and another catch and shoot. For this Wisconsin Shooters team Waddell sets the table for the other players and that is all you can ask out of your PG.
Ace Evans-Martin Luther High School-6’2″-Evans with his left hand just had a knack to get to the rim at ease especially in the first half. Showing an athleticism finishing with different spins and angles off the glass. When Evans was playing hard nobody could stay in front of him. Showing the other team that he could indeed shoot especially off the dribble he just made it a tough matchup all night for Colorado Premier.