Midwest Collision – Max’s Wisconsin Standouts
The Midwest Collision brought together teams from throughout the Midwest to compete in Appleton last weekend, and it was a good chance to catch up on some sleeper prospects as well as some of the more known names throughout the…
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Continue ReadingThe Midwest Collision brought together teams from throughout the Midwest to compete in Appleton last weekend, and it was a good chance to catch up on some sleeper prospects as well as some of the more known names throughout the state. These are seven of the players who stood out most from Wisconsin!
MJ Stackhouse (6’6 2024 PF, World Hoops Elite )- Perhaps the most physically dominant 2024 player in the state at this stage, no one at the 15u level stood a chance at stopping MJ in the post. He’s 6’6, has a strong frame, possesses long arms, and is explosive off both one of two feet. I caught his final game of the weekend against a team that featured a 6’7-6’8 post, and MJ went at him from the start, putting up three post scores in a matter of minutes on his way to a 29 point game. He’s a strong finisher with both hands, and that allows him to turn over either shoulder and power his way up to score even through contact. In transition he runs the floor as well as a guard, able to beat defenders up the court and elevate for some explosive dunks (had three in the game I saw). Defensively he’s tough to move off the block, can move his feet on the perimeter, and is a major shot blocking threat. One of the more intriguing 2024 prospects in the state.
Gabriel Byrd II (6′ 2022 G, HeatElite)- The Milwaukee Riverside prospect showed he’s capable of heating up in a hurry, putting together some impressive stretches at times. Shot selection wasn’t always the best, but he showed he can hit some contested jumpers from both three and mid-range. A dangerous isolation scorer, he has a handful of tricks up his sleeve to create space or get into the paint, and showed some nice post footwork to pivot around the rim to get a good look inside. Wasn’t able to play in the high school season as a junior due to the City Conference not having a season, but he looks the part of someone who could put up solid scoring numbers as a senior.
Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI (6’2 2023 G, Wisconsin Crusaders)- Levi’s name popping up on a top performers list has become a common occurrence, as he’s just so consistent every weekend. The muscle he’s put on over the past few years has allowed him to not have to rely on his athleticism when attacking the basket, because he’s now able to absorb contact and easily keep his balance to make tough finishes look routine. He’s still got some hang-in-the-air ability when needed, and showed he can still throw down in transition with ease. Defensively he brings some toughness to the floor, and is always an active presence off the ball keeping his head on a swivel. Levi also proved to be a consistent shooter from beyond the arc.
Kenny Garth Kenny Garth 6'2" | CG Westosha Central | 2022 State WI (6’2 2022 CG, World Hoops Elite )- Kenny Garth Kenny Garth 6'2" | CG Westosha Central | 2022 State WI continues to be one of the most exciting players to watch in the 2022 class, as he’s a highlight waiting to happen. He’s a flashy playmaker with the ball in his hands, able to crossover his defender to create separation for a jumper, or attack the basket and drop a dime to a cutting teammate. During one of Saturday’s games Kenny took off flying up the floor and elevated for a powerful dunk with a defender trailing behind. Was also impressed with how he shot the ball from outside over the weekend, being less reliant on his ability to create off the dribble. His length and agility can cause problems for opposing ball handlers at times as well, as he shows great instincts to poke the ball free and create transition opportunities for his team.
Termarion Brumby (6’1 2024 G, Wisconsin Rise)- Part of one of the top 2024 backcourts in the state, Termarion is a consistent performer who brings plenty of toughness to the floor. He’s stronger than just about every guard he comes up against, and that allows him to do some damage around the rim. Brumby’s quick burst to attack allows him to get by his man, and that strength allows him to pin his man on his shoulder and then extend to finish at the basket. He also showed some flair to use a euro-step to get by the help defender, and also showcased a quick spin move in the lane. Termarion isn’t entirely reliant on his ability to get to the rim either, as he’s shown flashes of a mid-range game and has a nice looking stroke from three.
Josiah Butler Josiah Butler 6'3" | CG Fox Valley Lutheran | 2022 State WI (6’2 2022 G, Wisconsin Crusaders)- One of the most consistent performers for one of the best teams in the state, there’s not much Josiah doesn’t do. In a last second loss to Sacred Hoops, it was Josiah who was making big plays down the stretch to help his team close the deficit. That included a tough and-one finish through hard contact, and then some clutch free throws with the game on the line. Before that, Josiah showed off his smooth shooting stroke knocking down multiple threes from different spots on the floor. I also like his vision and willingness to pass the ball up the floor rather than trying to dribble it up every possession. A steady contributor who never seems to have an off game.
Keviyon Price (6’5 2022 F, DF Elite)- Though he’s about 6’4-6’5, Keviyon plays even bigger than his size in the post, providing a strong frontcourt presence for a guard heavy team. His long arms and effort allow him to make constant plays on both ends. Keviyon is a tough competitor on the glass, always making sure to find a body to box out and then attacking the ball out of the air to pick up rebounds in bulk. Offensively he’s dangerous rolling to the basket as he has great hands to receive a pass through traffic, and then the coordination to gather himself and go up balanced to score. Also made some nice plays running the floor in transition and beating other players with his long strides.