Prep Hoops 2k21: All Wisconsin Team
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Fresh off enjoying an NBA title. The state Wisconsin was well represented at the Prep Hoops 2k21. Here is the all tournament team with a bit of a caveat. I’m going to give Wisconsin a four guard lineup around a…
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Continue ReadingFresh off enjoying an NBA title. The state Wisconsin was well represented at the Prep Hoops 2k21. Here is the all tournament team with a bit of a caveat. I’m going to give Wisconsin a four guard lineup around a new school stretch five.
PG- Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI 6-3 2023 Lakeside Lutheran (pictured at top of article) The very first game I saw at the event was a highly competitive and intense OT win for the Wisconsin Crusaders against the Tulsa Hawks. Birkholz got off to a slow start in that contest but came on strong late and in the extra period to seal the win. It remained one of the better all around performances I saw on the weekend. Finished with 26 points and did it in a wide variety of ways. Frankly I struggle to really define his game. Just a straight baller who is good at just about everything. Has the skill set to excel at both the 1 and 2 positions. After the first contest I wondered about top shelf athleticism. Well let’s just say he extinguished that quickly in one fell swoop Sunday. A huge one handed flush in transition against D1 Minnesota took care of that. Finished that tough loss with 24 and 10 rebounds. Has the full package. Scores at all three levels with positional versatility and a competitive streak. A special prospect.
SG- Jack Jorgensen Jack Jorgensen 6'2" | SG Depere | 2022 State WI 6-2 2022 De Pere Not the only Crusader guard who had a big weekend. Jorgensen had an equally impressive performance for the undefeated 2022 unit. Jorgensen is sturdy well put together two guard with an excellent outside shot. Opened my eyes with 20 point output against NEBC (NY). Did his damage mostly from beyond the arc. With four first half threes. But saved his best for last. In gritty intense come from behind victory against Oklahoma Eagles Elit finished with a game high 28 points. Beyond the scoring touch. Provided a steady leadership hand in what was an emotional game. These qualities along with a solid handle provide upside as a point guard prospect as well.
SF- Terrance McLendon Jr 6-2 2022 Wauwatosa West Gets the nod at three due to his bouncy athletic game. Good ball handler who was able to easily get to his spots. At 6-2 also had elevation to get his traditional jump shot off against taller defenders. Led DF Elite to a 2-2 record on the weekend. The two losses were heartbreakers. First caught my eye in the OT loss to Indiana Gams. Posted 22 points and 6 rebounds in this contest. Scored 16 points in a equally close loss to Hoopsync. Even though the results in both of these contest were not ideal. McLendon showed good composure and wanted the ball in the clutch. A competitive player who did not take those losses well. Finished the weekend with a nail biter that came out in DF Elite’s favor. A good way to end the weekend for this wing prospect.
PF- Tyran Cook Tyran Cook 6'1" | SG Waukesha South | 2023 State WI 6-2 2023 Waukesha South A true power guard for my fake power forward position. Cook is so powerfully built that I forgot at times he is a 2023 prospect. Kept Team Halliburton in a tight back and forth contest with Tipping Point Elite. In this contest defenders seemingly bounced off him as he drove to the basket. I hope this doesn’t make him sound like some brute. He is skilled with a tight handle and good court vision. Looks for teammates first but is a capable scorer. Especially in transition. Half court execution and an improved outside shot are the next steps in his development. But a lot of physical skills to work with.
C- Peter Latos 6-7 2023 West Salem This well put together thick post caught my eye in a Saturday evening victory over MPJ Elite (MO). The physical skills were striking in this contest. Strong and mobile he really had his way down low. But he really turned it on in the last contest of the weekend. An epic triple— that’s right triple OT loss to a very good Griffin Elite (KY) squad. Latos had a decided size disadvantage in this one. As Griffin Elite featured a long seven foot center in Reece Potter. Latos response to this was to take his game outside. Showed a confident and smooth release from three. Finished the game with four threes and 16 points. But more impressively showed his defensive chops by holding the seven footer largely in check. Did this by using his strength to keep him away from the basket.
Honorable Mention
Bennett Fried Bennett Fried 6'6" | SF La Crosse Central | 2023 State WI 6-6 2023 La Crosse Central Latos’ front court partner with Coulee Country. Fried is s different type of player. Was the best athlete on court against MPJ Elite (MO) Bouncy and long Fried effortlessly glides around the court for a player his size. Like Latos also has smooth release on the perimeter. Accordingly his future is most likely not in the paint. That being said could add some strength to a skinny frame. But a lot of athletic upside in this prospect.