Rock Spring Classic Superlatives
STOUGHTON — Wisconsin prospect (and former Wisconsin prospect) superlatives following the 2018 Rock Spring Classic…
Best Three-Day Performance
Mason Madsen (Playground Warriors)
Attacking some of his weaknesses since July, Madsen looks like a much improve prospect. Last year, Madsen’s calling card was his defense. His offensive skill set has now caught up. Madsen was hitting shots from all over the floor. His ability to create space, rise and fire off the dribble is much improved. A legit three-level scorer, Madsen scored 25 points in the 16U title game win over the Iowa Barnstormers. A floor general that can also carry the load offensively, Madsen is developing into a high priority mid-major prospect with a much improved chance to play his way to the high major level.
Runner-up: Johnny Davis (Playground Warriors), Cole Nau (Ray Allen Select), Gage Malensek (Iowa Barnstormers)
Best Prospect
Johnny Davis (Playground Warriors)
We know Davis is going to be a standout defender at the next level. A tenacious prospect with an extremely high motor, Davis shuts his man down and also causes a ton of havoc with his pressure style. Working hard to expand his offensive skill set, Davis also scored the ball at a high level. He’s also been an effective slasher, but the touch on his mid-range jumper is much improved. Davis is also learning to be a creator with the ball in his hands. Even if he’s not a big scorer at the next level, Davis is going to have a ton of value as a lock down defender and toughness presence.
Runner-up: Gabe Madsen (Playground Warriors)
Breakout Performer
Gage Malensek (Iowa Barnstormers)
Down by 15 in the 17U championship game, Malensek led the Iowa Barnstormers back by scoring 36 points. A guard that plays with excellent
pace, Malensek puts a ton of pressure on defenses. Always in attack mode, Malensek lives in the paint and forces defenders out of position where he can either get to the rim or kick out to open shooters. Malensek’s quickness was on full display over the weekend. As soon as his team gains possession, Malensek is a threat to go coast-to-coast. Drawing some mid-major attention this spring, Malensek continues to trend upwards.
Runner-up: Jaden Kreklow (Wisconsin Academy), Conner Meyer (D.C. Blitz)
Top Sleeper
Rocky Martinez (Young Legends)
Martinez might not wow you with anything he does, but the junior wing just put up solid numbers all weekend and had college coaches talking. Martinez averaged in double figures in each of the last two seasons on a very balanced Waukesha West squad and showed he can be a go-to guy with the Young Legends. Martinez knocks down his open shots, creates in the open floor, and finishes well in traffic. He’s a little long and lanky for 6-foot-4, suggesting there’s still quite a bit of ceiling left and Martinez’s best days could still be ahead of him.
Runner-up: Samuel Meerstein (Wisconsin Crusaders), Javeon Tolliver (Wisconsin United)
Best Shooter
Gabe Madsen (Playground Warriors)
Wouldn’t be surprised if Madsen ends up being one of the top snipers in the 2020 class, if he’s not already. A guard with an extremely quick trigger, Madsen only needs an inch of space to fire off a shot. What makes him special is his ability to also shoot consistently off the dribble
or off-balance. He’s not just a spot-up shooter and is just as effective coming off screens or shaking defenders and then pulling up.
Runner up: Keaton Ferris (Wisconsin Crusaders), Trey Zastrow (Playground Warriors)
Top Post Presence
Kade King (D.C. Blitz)
Built like a brick house, King sets the tone on the interior. A big body at 6-foot-6, King was generally the strongest player on the floor. He owns the glass, cleans up with second chance opportunities, and protects the rim well. The Monroe standout isn’t a stiff either. He can get up and down the floor and slide his feet defensively.
Runner-up: Rich Byhre (Ray Allen Select)
Top Floor General
Dalton Banks (D1 Minnesota)
Banks really managed his talent well throughout the weekend. Playing up in 17U, Banks didn’t appear rattled despite facing a number of high-level guards. The Eau Claire North standout did a nice job of getting into high percentage areas, forcing defenders to help, and finding open teammates. Drawing a handful of mid-major interest, Banks shoots it well from deep and has excellent body control around the rim when it’s his time to finish.
Runner-up: Cole Nau (Ray Allen Select), Jaden Kreklow (Wisconsin Academy), Lucas Stieber (Team 1848), Abe Scruggs (World Hoops Elite)
Biggest Upside
Donovan Ivory (Wisconsin Blizzard)
An athletic, 6-foot-6 forward with plus-length, Ivory affects the game in a lot of ways. He blocks and alters plenty of shots, runs the floor in transition, and works the offensive glass. If he develops a well-rounded offensive skill set, there’s quite a big ceiling here. Ivory showed some signs throughout the weekend, knocking down perimeter shots and slashing from the high post. Defensively, this is a prospect who’s got the lateral quickness to stay with guys on the perimeter and the strength/length to hang with the bigs on the block.
Runner-up: Reed Miller (Playground Warriors), David Skogman (Ray Allen Select)
Most Versatile
Marcus Domask (Ray Allen Select)
For 6-foot-5, Domask has an extremely advanced post game. That was on full display in a quarterfinal win over D1 Minnesota. Domask hadn’t been shooting the ball well most of the weekend, but took the game over down on the block. RAS fed him time and time again and Domask put on a show with some terrific footwork. Able to play inside and out, Domask also stretches the floor with reliable 3-point shooting and is improving as an off-the-dribble mid-range shooter.