Hard Work Region Preview: Wisconsin Blaze
We may be on the tail end of high school basketball season but it’s not too early to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. Over the next few months we will be taking a look at the teams that will be participating in the Prep Hoops Circuit Hard Work Region and here’s a look at the Wisconsin Blaze.
The Blaze will compete in the 15U, 16U and 17U age divisions of the Hard Work Region and will be at the Hard Work Season Kickoff, Hard Work Live and the Hard Work Region Finals.
I recently caught up with Blaze Director Lisa Van Wyk to learn more about the program and what to expect from the program this season:
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
Lisa Van Wyk started the Wisconsin Blaze AAU basketball program in August 2013. Lisa started the Wisconsin Blaze program to provide athletes with a more comprehensive approach to the competitive sports experience. Wisconsin Blaze is more than just a club team; we focus on training our athletes mentally, physically and spiritually to help prepare them for the future, no matter what life may bring. We also help them balance their sports, family, school and faith, while still competing at elite levels.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
The goal for Wisconsin Blaze in 2019 is to compete at a high level with teams from across the region. Our goal is always to help each one of our athletes grow to reach a new level with their technical basketball skills as well as with their interpersonal skills such as communication, respect, leadership and teamwork.
What is your program’s mission each year?
Our program’s mission is to Train Champions for Life! We focus on engaging, encouraging and empowering athletes to lead enlightened and inspired lives full of peace, purpose and power.
The Wisconsin Blaze approach provides elite, custom sports and fitness training that empowers each of our athletes to excel athletically as well as mentally and spiritually. We support athletes wherever they may be on their journey.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
Our Wisconsin Blaze 17U Boys, 16U Boys and 15U Boys teams will be competing in the Prep Hoops Circuit this year.
17U Boys
#12 Joshua Butler
#23 Camden Bowe
#3 Austin Thur
16U Boys
#23 Cam Mauel
#5 Ashton Corn
#14 Anthony Hesse
15U Boys
#4 Josiah Butler
#24 Michael Cronce
#50 Ryan Eckes
#25 Cooper Juedes
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We chose the Prep Hoops Circuit to provide our teams with quality competition and more exposure for our Wisconsin Blaze athletes looking to be recruited to compete at the collegiate level.