Brookfield Central Fall League Recap: Oct. 28
BROOKFIELD — The Brookfield Central fall league came to a close on Sunday, offering one final look at some of the state’s top teams and players before the 2018-19 season officially kicks off…
Chris Bready – 2019 – G – Waukesha West
The 2018-19 season can’t come soon enough for this kid as the state will finally find out how good Bready is. In a huge matchup with Nicolet, Bready scored a game-high 21 points. Bready is shooting the ball exceptionally well. He has a long stroke, but a high release that’s tough to contest. Bready stepped into 3-pointers with confidence and continued to pull-up from mid-range with ease. Combined with his smooth, yet explosiveness athleticism, Bready can score from all areas of the floor. Able to play on and off the ball, Bready has quickly developed into a dynamic scoring weapon.
Trequan Carrington – 2019 – PG – Martin Luther
There’s little doubt anymore that Carrington belongs at the Division 1 level. Carrington played very well in two high level matchups against Brookfield Central and Kimberly, both of which, have some of the better guards in the state. Carrington’s quickness, elusiveness, and explosiveness on the ball have strongly negated any physical shortcomings. The 5-foot-9 guard can get to the rim in the blink of an eye and if he’s met by defenders, has the strength and hang time to finish in traffic. Combined with his consistent three-level scoring ability and defensive intensity, it’s not a huge risk for Division 1 schools who still need a point guard, to pull the trigger. In two games on Sunday, Carrington scored nearly 50 points.
Steven Clay – 2022 – SF – Menomonee Falls
At some point, this kid is going to turn a corner and there’s going to be nothing anybody can do to stop him. The 6-foot-5 freshman has some ridiculous length and an advanced offensive skill set. Clay is a consistent outside and mid-range shooter. When he puts it on the deck, his length is often too much for upperclassmen to handle as Clay can pull-up over the outstretched hands of defenders or see over the top and find teammates for easy buckets. Clay’s physical tools and shooting stroke will allow him to be come a dangerous offensive weapon in the coming years.
Marcus Domask – 2019 – SF – Waupun
The Northern Kentucky commit led the Warriors to an easy win over Brown Deer. Domask got his teammates involved early and when it was his time to take control, he did just that. Domask got things going with 3-point shooting. He continues to look more athletic than ever. Domask can get to the rim from the 3-point line in one dribble and slam it home. No reason to think that he’s not the frontrunner for Mr. Basketball in 2019.
Tylan Huff – 2019 – F – University School
Really liked the energy and effort that Huff brought to the table Sunday. The 6-foot-4 forward runs the floor like a deer and has some impressive above the rim athleticism. The long, athletic forward changes the momentum of the game by generating fast break opportunities. In the half court, Huff can step out and shoot the ball a little bit. He also attacks the glass forcefully and creates second chance opportunities and trips to the foul line. Huff wasn’t one of the top four scorers for University School last season, but looks to be one of their most important players.
Jaylon Gentry – 2019 – G – Brown Deer
Gentry will take over the leadership role for Brown Deer this season, taking the place of his older brother. Gentry is constantly talking on the floor, guiding the Falcons on both ends. In rebuilding mode to some extent, Gentry understands he needs to put up big numbers this season and he appears capable of doing so. In a tough matchup against Waupun, Gentry went all out and delivered a big performance. Waupun is an outstanding defensive team and isn’t going to give up many easy things. Gentry was able to knock down tough, contested shots off the dribble throughout the day. An underrated prospect in the state, Gentry has given us no reason to take him out of the top 15.
Jalen Johnson – 2020 – G/F – Nicolet
If Johnson is hitting from 3-point range, it’s probably going to be a long day for the opposition. Johnson came out firing from the opening tip and got Nicolet in front early, a lead which eventually grew to double digits against Waukesha West. Facing a zone, Johnson’s shooting opened everything else up offensively. As defenders had to get up into him on the arc, Johnson showcased his elite passing ability and shredded the defense. Johnson had 19 points and six assists in Sunday’s win.
Gage Malensek – 2019 – PG – Brookfield Central
Malensek had the hot hand in a win over Martin Luther. There were times during the first half when the senior guard just wouldn’t miss from beyond the arc. Picking up an offer from Division 2 Wayne State recently, Malensek will push for first-team All-State honors in 2018-19. Malensek catches defenders off-guard with his speed and pace on the ball. He’s much more athletic than he looks and has blow-by ability as well as a deadly stop and pop jumper to mix things up. Malensek finished with 26 points in a win over Martin Luther.
Reed Miller – 2019 – SF – Kimberly
In perhaps the performance of the day, Miller went off against Martin Luther. The senior forward went bananas from downtown, connecting on six 3-pointers, including four consecutively. A versatile, 6-foot-5 senior, Miller makes defenders pay who aren’t glued to him tightly. He’s also got the strength and athleticism to slash to the rim and be a threat around the rim. Over the last month, Miller has seemed to really be clicking with Kimberly and has made some noticeable strides with his game. Miller would be a great prospect at the Division 3 level, but he may be on the verge of cementing himself as a scholarship player. Division 2 Minnesota-Crookston believes so as they recently extended an offer.
Cole Nau – 2019 – G – Brookfield Central
Nau committed to Division 2 Hillsdale on Monday. This is an excellent pick up for them as Nau is maybe the best two-way player in the state. Nau may end up being better suited for the point guard position at the next level, but his ability off the ball is nothing to scoff at. Alongside Malansek, Nau is a deadly catch and shoot threat. On the ball, his pull-up jumper from mid-range is as consistent as it gets. Nau won’t overwhelm anybody athletically or physically, but he’s a very high-IQ talent with tremendous instincts. Defensively, he has no problem giving up a few inches or a handful of pounds. Nau will just get the job done and has stifled some of the better guards in the Midwest over the last two years.
Cameron Palesse – 2021 – SF – Waukesha West
He may not have the measurables or skill set most look for in a top five prospect, but we’re not moving Palesse out any time soon…if ever. He’ll be overlooked because he doesn’t have the length or athleticism as some of his classmates, but nobody in 2021 plays harder and wants it more than Palesse. That was proven in a matchup against five-star G/F Jalen Johnson. We’ve seen a lot of guys chirp at Johnson and not be able to deliver. Not only did Palesse talk the talk, he walked the walk. Palesse was physical with the top five prospect and forced him into tough looks while not allowing anything easy. Offensively, Palesse had a hot hand from the outside and mid range, which kept Waukesha West within striking distance. The post up ability is also special and he continues to get better and better down on the block. Palesse can score going away from the basket or just bully people down low and power home buckets. Palesses finished with 16 points in the loss.
T.J. Simpson – 2019 – SG – West Bend East
Simpson was efficient from the floor in a close game against Wauwatosa East. Averaging around 13 ppg as a junior, Simpson has good range and quick stroke. Simpson likes to size up his man with a little jab step and if a hand is down, he’s comfortable pulling the trigger. He’ll invert himself in the offense occasionally and shows some ability to fade from the basket and score. This may be a prospect small schools want to check out this season.