What to Watch: NY2LA Championships
MILWAUKEE — The 2018 NY2LA Sports Association championships kick off on Wednesday. Can any Wisconsin AAU programs bring home titles in the 17U, 16U, 15U, and open divisions?
Can Ray Allen Select repeat?
Domask and RAS Milwaukee are looking for back-to-back titles.Ray Allen Select went 7-1 in the NY2LA Association regular season, but sit in second place in the North Division with their lone loss coming to Harlond Beverly and the first place REACH Legends.
The balanced attack of Cole Nau (8.4 ppg), David Skogman (11.4 ppg), and Marcus Domask (12.3 ppg) have formed one of the best trios in the league. The new additions of Rich Byhre and Will Mahoney have increased the firepower of a squad that won the 16U title a year ago.
Who will make a run in the 16U division?
There’s a number of Wisconsin teams in the 16U division that are title contenders.
Wisconsin Swing (4-4), Wisconsin Shooters (7-1), Wisconsin Blizzard (6-2), and Ray Allen Select (5-3) are all sitting towards the top of their divisions going into Wednesday.
After an impressive regular season, the Wisconsin Shooters might be best built to go the distance. Carson Smith (Sussex Hamilton), Evan Lilly (Port Washington), Harrison Grams (Whitefish Bay), Lucas Finnessy (Sussex Hamilton), Declan Ciurlik (Homestead), and Cole Dakovich (Catholic Memorial) give this team excellent skill and depth.
However, the Wisconsin Swing might have the best top tier talent and played in arguably the toughest division. Caden Boser (Eau Claire Memorial), Delaware Hale (Sun Prairie), and Anthony Washington (Madison East) are all Division 1 prospects.
Leading Ray Allen Select is the red hot Karter Thomas who had a huge month of June. Jake Buchanan is one of the better guards in the league and will take the reigns for the Wisconsin Blizzard.
Can the Wisconsin Swing win a top heavy 15U division?
There are six teams with one loss or less in the 15U NY2LA Association. One of those squads is the Wisconsin Swing, who won the North regular season division title.
The duo of Brayden Dailey (Mineral Point) and Grant Flory (Neenah) is one of the best 1-2 punches in the league and are both top 10 ranked prospects in the state of Wisconsin.
Which prospects in the open division will shine?
While the spotlight is on the NY2LA squads, the open division across all levels should be very competitive. Some of the top players in the state will suit up, including, but not exclusive to:
Eli Considine (Randolph Boys Club)
Keaton Ferris (Wisconsin Crusaders)
Donneil Gray (Wisconsin Dynasty)
Gerald Gittens (Wisconsin RAP)
Luke Haasl (Wisconsin Crusaders)
Bryan Halambeck (Wisconsin Playmakers)
Mayson Haezaert (Wisconsin Swing – Bredesen)
Donovan Ivory (Wisconsin Blizzard Ivory)
David Joplin (Phenom University)
Rocky Martinez (Young Legends)
Jacob Ognacevis (Wisconsin Crusaders)
Carlos Ramsey (Milwaukee Spartans-Rebels)
Preston Ruedinger (Pack Attack)
Isaiah Stewart (Wisconsin Dynasty)
Luke Taylor (Wisconsin RAP)
Austin Westra (Wisconsin Swing – Bredesen)