Midwest Showdown: Day One Standouts
The Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown tipped off on Friday afternoon. Here are seven prospects that stood out on day one in Appleton: Tayshawn Bridges — G — Wisconsin Playground Club UA Future 14U Not sure that I have ever seen…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown tipped off on Friday afternoon. Here are seven prospects that stood out on day one in Appleton:
Tayshawn Bridges — G — Wisconsin Playground Club UA Future 14U
Not sure that I have ever seen a prospect that is head and shoulders above the competition like Bridges is at this point in his career. The 6-foot-2 guard out of Brookfield East can do whatever he wants, and the opposing squad simply can’t do anything to stop him. In Friday afternoon’s blowout victory over the Iowa Mavs, Bridges flashed his ridiculous athleticism with multiple monster dunks. He also did a great job of passing the rock and slashing to the hoop when the opportunity presented itself. Bridges already holds scholarship offers from Florida State, Iowa, Maryland, Auburn, and Grambling State. As he continues to dominate the competition, more offers should continue to roll in for the star guard.
Kai Rogers — C — Wisconsin Playground Club UA Future 14U
Standing at 6-foot-10, Rogers is already a formidable opponent. However, the 2024 center doesn’t just rely on his height. He has a lot of skill. Rogers rebounds the ball very well, is a great scorer on the block, and he has pretty good handles for his size. In Playground’s win over the Iowa Mavs, Rogers had two big dunks while also serving as a great rim protector. The center could be the next star big man to come out of Wisconsin.
Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI — SG –Wisconsin Crusaders AD 15U
After the Crusaders got off to a bit of a slow start, Birkholz was able to pick up the slack. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard out of Lakeside Lutheran is a hard-nosed guard who excels when he is attacking the rim. Birkholz got off to a great start at the Midwest Showdown on Friday. The guard is currently ranked as the 23rd best prospect in Wisconsin’s 2023 class.
Brogan McIntyre — F — JH1 Elite 15U
McIntyre was very impressive for JH1 Elite in his first game of the weekend. The 6-foot-5 forward started the game by drilling two threes. After that, he showed the rest of his well-rounded game. McIntyre played well in the paint, passed the ball, ran the floor, and even briefly showcased his dribbling skills. He is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on in Wisconsin’s 2023 class.
Gus Yalden — PF — Wisconsin Playground Club 15U
Yalden dug deep into his bag of tricks on Friday night. The 6-foot-9 power forward started by dominating in the paint. He rebounded the ball very well and couldn’t be stopped on the block. Then, in the second period, Yalden displayed his dribbling ability and quick feet. SD Attack attempted to slow the WPC star down by double-teaming him, but it didn’t work. Yalden was able to pass out to open teammates. After his stellar game, it is easy to see why so many high major programs are making the Wisconsin native a priority.
All aboard the Gus Bus.@gusbus2023 @WisconsinPGC @PHCircuit pic.twitter.com/pM3WgiN2eh
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) July 18, 2020
Logan Arndt Logan Arndt 6'2" | SG Oconomowoc | 2023 State WI — G — ABC Young Lions 15U
I really like the energy and effort that this kid plays with. Arndt is always playing at full speed, never missing a chance to make a big play. On Friday, he was able to lead his team to two wins. The guard is terrific when he is attacking the rim and also has proven to be very good as a scorer in the mid-range. Arndt could be in for a breakout season at Oconomowoc if he continues to get better over the summer AAU season.
Luther Smith Luther Smith 6'1" | SG Sussex Hamilton | 2023 State WI — SG — ABC Young Lions 15U
Smith could be the most dangerous spot-up shooter in Wisconsin’s 2023 class. Put simply: if you let the guard get off a clean shot from behind the arc, the ball is probably going to fall through the net. He still has a long way to go in terms of reaching his full potential, but for now, Smith is a very good prospect. Watch out for him to make a big jump as a sophomore at Sussex Hamilton.