AAU Preview: Wisconsin Crusaders 16U
With the AAU travel season now in full swing, Prep Hoops Wisconsin takes a look at the Wisconsin Crusaders 16U squad, loaded with top talent from across the state… Quotes courtesy of program director Adam Maulick #5 Caeden Holly, 5’11”,…
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Continue ReadingWith the AAU travel season now in full swing, Prep Hoops Wisconsin takes a look at the Wisconsin Crusaders 16U squad, loaded with top talent from across the state…
Quotes courtesy of program director Adam Maulick
#5 Caeden Holly, 5’11”, G, Class of 2023, Brillion – Caeden started all 25 games for the 16-9 Lions. Holly is a quick unselfish guard that can attack, find the open man, and hit the three-ball. Holly can put great on-ball pressure on opposing guards. Holly averaged 9 points, 2.8 assists, and 3 rebounds a game alongside teammate Lorenz. The roaring young Brillion Lions lost to the state qualifier Wrightstown in the sectional finals by one point.
#9 Carson Hehli, 6’2”, G, Class of 2023, Xavier – Carson is a versatile player who can play the 1-3 positions. Hehli can handle, see the floor, and shoot the three ball well. Off the bench Hehli helped state qualifier Xavier to a 23-5 record averaging 5 points a game.
#10 Cole Uhlenbrauk, 6’4”, W/F, Class of 2023, ST. Mary’s – Cole started all 25 games for the 17-8 regional champion St. Mary’s varsity team. Cole is a first-team All Conference two- year varsity starter averaging 16.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Uhlenbrauk is a three-point assassin finishing in first place in the WIAA three-point challenge in D-3 at 45.3% overall. Cole’s length, ability to post, and three-point shooting ability make him a tough matchup for guards to cover.
#11 Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI , 6’2”, G Class of 2023, Lakeside Lutheran – Levi is a two year varsity starter for the Spartans varsity team averaging 19.4 points, 6.2 boards, 2.4 steals, and 2 assists per game in 20-21. Levi had a 43 point game this year, was named first-team All -Conference, and honorable mention all-state. Birkholz’s great athletic ability allows him to play the 1-4 positions to attack the basket, shoot the three-ball, and set up teammates for easy shots. Levi is a tenacious defender, extremely high motor, and plays above the rim.
#12 Ethan Heck Ethan Heck 6'5" | SG West Depere | 2023 State WI , 6’4”, G/F, Class of 2023, West De Pere – Ethan was the sixth-man for the Phantoms varsity team this season and was the third leading scorer on the team at 9.3 pts, 4 boards, and 2 assists. Ethan has an outstanding stroke from the outside, plays above the rim, and his length makes him a tough matchup in the paint for guards to stop. Ethan brings many intangibles including a team-first mentality, high-IQ, and coachability.
#13 Caleb Glaser Caleb Glaser 6'6" | SF Appleton East | 2023 State WI , 6’6”, F, Class of 2023, Appleton East – Caleb a two-year varsity player started 21 of the 22 games for the Patriots varsity team this season. Glaser averaged 12.3 points, 5.7, and 1.6 assists for East. Glaser received all-conference honorable mention in the FVA. Caleb possesses the ability to score with his back to the basket, handle the ball on the perimeter, and shoot the three-ball. At 6’6” he will continue to be a matchup nightmare for opponents. Glaser can defend the 2-5 positions on the floor which brings added value to his outstanding skill sets.
#21 Elijah Meerstein, 6’2”, PG, Class of 2023, GB New Lutheran – Elijah is a two-year varsity starter for the Blazers state qualifying varsity squad. Meerstein averaged 8.2 points, 6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game in the 20-21 season. Meerstein was No. 10 in the state in assists per game for all divisions and set a season school record with 178 assists. Elijah can handle the ball very well and is a pass-first point guard. His size at the point guard position allows him to see the floor well and his ability to create for others with high IQ are valuable to his team.
#23 Andrew Verhelst, 6’4″, F, Class of 2023 Sheboygan Lutheran – Andrew is a two-year varsity performer who averaged 14 PPG, 9 RPG, and a first team all con selection in his 20-21 Sophomore season. Verhelst‘s versatility allows him to play inside out with a strong post game and three point range. Verhelst had a 30 point and a 20 rebound game this season. Andrew helped his team to a regional championship this season.
#24 Alex Sherwood Alex Sherwood 6'4" | SF Xavier | 2023 State WI , 6’7”, F, Class of 2023, Xavier – Alex is a two – year varsity performer and started all 28 games for the talented Bay Conference champs and state qualifying Hawks team this season. The extremely versatile forward averaged 17.4 PPG, 10.3 RPG, APG, 2.0 Block. Sherwood was named First-team all-conference in the Bay. Alex’s ability to shoot the three, post up, and handle the ball makes him a matchup problem for opposing teams.
Team Notes (From Coach Wockenfus and Adam Maulick):
“We have assembled a talented and deep roster that will allow us to put different combinations on the floor. One of our biggest team strengths is the ability to play inside out and stretch the floor with our length and shooters. Our length and our athletes allow us to defend and switch if need be on defense. Overall, we have high basketball IQ players that compete whistle to whistle.”
SCHEDULE
Mar. 26-28: Rock Spring Classic (Wisconsin Dells) — Won Championship
April 9-11: Prep Hoops Live SZN Kickoff (Lincoln, Neb.)
April 23-25: Prep Hoops Live: (Kansas City, Missouri.)
May 7-9: NY2LA Spring Showdown (Milwaukee, Wis.)
May 14-16: Prep Hoops Midwest Collision (Appleton, Wis.)
June 24-26: Great Plains Alliance (St. Cloud, Minn.)
July 8-11: Prep Hoops The Platform (Birmingham, Ala.)
July 16-19: NY2LA Summer Jam (Milwaukee, Wis.)
July 30-Aug. 1: Prep Hoops Hard Work Finals (Minneapolis, Minn.)