Preview: Chekouras Classic
MEQUON — Many of the state’s top teams and prospects will flock to Homestead High School on Saturday for the 2018 annual John Chekouras Classic presented by the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook.
Top Games to Watch
Brown Deer (16-2) vs. Stoughton (12-5)
This will be one of the best offensive teams in the state, Brown Deer, matched up with one of the top defensive units in the state, Stoughton.
The Vikings lead the Badger South by a game. Despite five losses, Stoughton has hung with some of the top teams across multiple divisions. Arguably the favorite in their sectional, this is a team that could find its way to Madison in Division 2.
One of the favorites in Division 3, Brown Deer is rolling. The Falcons come in having won 10 of their last 11 and are getting insane numbers from senior guard Jay Gentry 29.3 ppg).
Brookfield East (16-1) vs. Homestead (10-7)
Homestead is second in the always stacked North Shore Conference. The Highlanders have won three of their last four and managed to put together a successful season despite losing Gonzaga commit Greg Foster Jr. to transfer.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in Division 1, Brookfield East is tied atop the Greater Metro Conference. Hillsdale commit Patrick Cartier is putting up big numbers as a senior, averaging better than 20 points per game.
Schedule
10 a.m. – Burlington Catholic Central vs. Milwaukee Eastbrook Academy
11:35 a.m. – Kewaskum vs. Winnebago Lutheran
1:10 p.m. – Sturgeon Bay vs. Milwaukee South
2:45 p.m. – Milwaukee Messmer vs. New Berlin West
4:20 p.m. – Stoughton vs. Brown Deer
5:55 p.m. – Racine Park vs. Muskego
7:30 p.m. Brookfield East vs. Homestead
Top Players to Watch
Larry Canady (Racine Park)
Canady leads a 13-3 Park squad in scoring at over 15 points per game. Picking up Division 1 interest from a host of high and mid-major programs, Canady is developing into a well-rounded playmaker and defensive stopper.
Patrick Cartier (Brookfield East)
A dominant interior prospect, Cartier is averaging above 20 points per game as a senior. The Hillsdale commit can score from all areas of the floor and is an imposing shot blocking presence on the other end.
Nobal Days (Racine Park)
Days continues to make a case as the state’s top 2019 prospect. A do-it-all big man, Days contributes across the board and is steadily expanding his offensive package. A top 100 player nationally, Days has offers from Illinois, Kansas State, Marquette, UNLV, Boston College, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Northwestern, and more.
Jay Gentry (Brown Deer)
A top unsigned senior, Gentry could play his way onto a Division 1 roster this season or down the road should he go the prep/JUCO route. He’s certainly helping his cause, averaging better than 29 points per game this season. A gamer that always elevates his play in the biggest moments, Gentry has takeover ability offensively and has helped Brown Deer slay some giants across the state this season.
Desmond Polk (New Berlin West)
Polk is averaging 18.5 points and 3.3 assists per game this season. A riser in a strong 2020 class, Polk has an offer from UW-Green Bay with interest coming from Cincinnati, Nebraska, and a host of mid-major programs. A plus-length, athletic lead guard, Polk is an aggressive slashing perimeter prospect and pairs that with a 3-point game that heats up quickly.
Others:
Jalen Brown-Morrow (Milwaukee Messmer)
Jordan Carlton (Kewaskum)
Declan Ciurlik (Homestead)
John Drake (Milwaukee Eastbrook Academy)
Max Fernholz (Stoughton)
Jaylon Gentry (Brown Deer)
Mason Heckstroeter (Winnebago Lutheran)
Corey Jones (Milwaukee Eastbrook Academy)
JoJo Keith (Milwaukee South)
Frank Koehnke (Burlington Catholic Central)
A.J. Makinen (Muskego)
Babatunde Otukoya (Milwaukee Messmer)
Joe Robey (New Berlin West)
Carson Talbert (Sturgeon Bay)
Tyler Torosian (New Berlin West)
Ryan Waddell (Homestead)