Battle at the Lakes Day 2: Otto Opens Eyes
WAYZATA, Minn. — Day two of the 2018 Battle at the Lakes continued on from Wayzata High School on Saturday. As bracket play heated up, a number of Wisconsin AAU programs got sent home early, but not before some strong final impressions across the border…
Jamison Battle – 2019 – SF – D1 Minnesota
He isn’t one of the headliners on this loaded D1 Minnesota squad, but Battle was very consistent and had some terrific offensive spurts on Saturday. The lefty is a deadly shooter from 3-point range and at 6-foot-7, really isn’t fazed by many defenders challenging his shots. Earlier in his career, Battle was limited to being a spot up shooter, but he’s appeared to have added some tools to his game. Battle is a much better ball handler in transition and possesses some scoring ability with his back to the basket down on the block. It’s looking like Battle will wind up at the mid-major level, but he should be a highly coveted prospect in Division 1.
Trevon Chislom – 2019 – PF – Wisconsin Starz
Undersized, but strong and athletic, Chislom played well in a loss to Young and Reckless. Chislom is an imposing presence in the paint that rebounds and protects the rim well. Always like the way he runs the floor. Despite some turnovers, Chislom has the ability to handle it in transition and get coast-to-coast at times. Chislom is a high motor prospect that should be a valuable addition to a small school program at the next level.
Donneil Gray – 2019 – G – Wisconsin Triple Threat
One of the most exciting scorers in Wisconsin, Gray had another big performance in a loss to D1 Minnesota Rise. When Gray touches the basketball, there’s a look in his eye that says, “I’m going to put the ball in the basket, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.” While he’s only about 5-foot-9, Gray’s quickness and three-level scoring ability makes him very dynamic. He’ll lull defenders to sleep with a lazy dribble only to come back hard the other way, setting up his silky pull-up jumper or a drive to the hole. While his measurables aren’t quite what you want from the guard position, Gray will find himself right around No. 30 in our next rankings.
Sam Hepp – 2019 – F – Playground Warriors
Hepp was active and a difference maker in two blowout wins for the Playground Warriors. An athletic, 6-foot-7 forward, Hepp had a couple of eye-opening put backs above the rim. Hepp is good for a few highlight plays per game, notably a put back dunk or slamming home the basketball off a backdoor feed. A kid with some good upside, Hepp can slash from the perimeter some or shoot the ball if given space. While he’ll be somewhat of a project at the next level, there doesn’t appear to be a ton of risk for schools, who would get a hard-working player that at the very least should be a nice glue guy.
Donovan Ivory – 2019 – F – Wisconsin Blizzard
A kid that Division 2 schools will want to track closely over the next year, Ivory continues to show flashes. The athletic, 6-foot-6 combo forward has terrific handles for his size and can play a point forward role. He was defended by guards on Saturday and still broke them down and got to the hole. A unique prospect, Ivory is a junkyard dog on both ends of the floor. He works the glass hard and relishes doing the dirty work. Showcasing his high upside, Ivory knocked down a 3-pointer and also had a nice floater from mid-range as he continues to expand his offensive skill set. There were a handful of Division 2 and 3 programs in attendance on Saturday as Ivory has been one of the biggest stock boosters in Wisconsin this spring.
Jared Kallenbach – 2019 – PG – North Dakota Phenom
Kallenbach plays with good pace and can push the tempo. A skilled floor general, Kallenbach can get into high percentage areas on the floor, probing through soft spots of the defense. He’s also equipped with a smooth jump shot off the dribble. Kallenbach isn’t gun shy about pulling up in transition or taking shots early in possessions. In a win over the Wisconsin Crusaders, Kallenbach generated a lot of quality offense for himself and his teammates Saturday morning.
Jake Kettner – 2019 – SG – D1 MN Rise
Kettner was steady and clutch during a win over Wisconsin Triple Threat. Every time the opposition made their run, it was Kettner who silenced it. Finishing with a game-high 24 points, the skilled guard showed off his versatility. The 6-foot-3 junior can play in the post or on the perimeter. He’s not only an offensive creator with exceptional hang time around the rim, he’s a glue guy that hits the glass, makes hustle plays, gives up his own looks in order for great ones for his teammates.
Jaden Kreklow – 2019 – PG – Wisconsin Academy
Continuing to boost his stock this spring, Kreklow was fantastic down the stretch despite a loss to Young and Recklenss. Kreklow had the ball in just about every key moment and always seemed to deliver until the opponent decided to ensure he couldn’t touch the ball in triple overtime. Kreklow hit a huge 3-pointer from about 22 feet to give Academy a late lead in double overtime, however. A high-IQ floor general with good quickness and body control, Kreklow wasn’t fazed all game, despite a fast, athletic backcourt really trying to get after him.
Reid Larson – 2019 – SG – Wisconsin Academy
One of the more underrated snipers in the state of Wisconsin, Larson displayed his sweet stroke in a loss to Team RWA on Saturday. Larson connected on five triples, displayed a quick, smooth, and effortless stroke. The 6-foot-3 guard takes a “hand down, man down” type approach. As soon as he catches on the perimeter, Larson is looking to to potentially fire. His strong second half helped keep Wisconsin Academy around against a quality opponent.
Tyreke Locure – 2019 – PG – Beyond Ball 24K
He can be a little thirsty and take too many shots, but it’s hard to blame him when you see what he’s capable of as a scorer. Locure went for 27 points to knock off the Wisconsin Blizzard on Saturday. An incredible shot maker, Locure is a threat from anywhere and his range extends well beyond the 3-point arc. A guard that loves to size defenders up and go iso, Locure’s handles and shiftiness put the opposition into a blender. Next thing you know, he’s either by them going to the rim or snapping off quick trigger 3’s. When Locure gets into a zone, there’s not a shot he can’t hit.
A.J. Makinen – 2019 – G – Playground Warriors
Makinen made a number of plays to lift the Playground Warriors to an easy win over the Iowa Cornsharks. Scoring a game-high 13 points, Makinen shot the ball well from all levels and his crafty scoring ability carved up the defense. A solid shooter and floor spacer, Makinen can play either guard position effectively. Despite being undersized (5-11), he’s better off the ball as a shot hunter who can come off screens and either let it fly or curl and get to the rim.
Gage Malensek – 2019 – PG – Iowa Barnstormers
By the end of July, it would be somewhat of a surprise if Malensek didn’t hold at least one Division 1 offer. He’s certainly earned it with his play. The Brookfield Central standout continues to have a fine spring, leading the Iowa Barnstormers to three wins on Saturday. It’s very easy to appreciate the way Malensek runs his team. He plays very fast without being out of control and has a great feel for his teammates. A guard that can score from coast-to-coast, Malensek puts a ton of pressure on defenses with his constant attack mode style.
Jack Monis – 2019 – F – Wisconsin Crusaders
Loved the energy and effort level from Monis. During Saturday’s loss North Dakota Phenom, Monis helped keep the game close with a number of hustle plays. The 6-foot-5 forward is a banger that plays a physical brand of basketball. He believes every rebound is his and doesn’t take plays off. Monis has some skills down on the block. He showcased a good jump hook and can also score going away from the basket. Able to handle and pass the ball a bit as well, Monis distributed well from the top of the key and the high post, dumping it inside for high percentage looks.
Nick Otto – 2019 – G/F – Wisconsin Crusaders
Otto shot the ball well in a loss to North Dakota Phenom. The 6-foot-4 wing is a strong catch-and-shoot presence with good size. He did a nice job of coming off screens, getting his feet set, and if the defender had a hand down, he was letting it fly. Despite his size, Otto isn’t much of a slasher, although the Appleton Xavier standout did generate a couple of nice mid-range buckets off the bounce, finishing with 17 points. Appearing to be a strong Division 3 prospect, Otto can play his way to the next level if he improves his lateral quickness on the perimeter and cuts down turnovers.
Sam Risley – 2019 – G – Wisconsin Playmakers North
Risley is a crafty scoring guard who caught fire Saturday morning. The 6-foot-1 junior has strong handles and can operate in traffic. He excelled as a pull-up jump shooter from mid-range, getting good lift on his shot and rising over the top of defenders. Handling both the point and off-ball duties, Risley also spotted up well from beyond the arc and connected on a few catch and shoot 3’s. He scored 10 of his team’s first 14 points en route to a strong scoring performance.