Recap: Wisconsin Team Camp Day 2
MADISON — Wisconsin team camp came to a close on Saturday. Coming across the border, Lakeville North knocked off Howard Pulley in the Platinum Division championship in an all-Minnesota final…
A.J. Ambroso – 2019 – SG – Oshkosh West
Ambroso did some nice things in a loss to Mineral Point. The senior guard spotted up well from mid and 3-point range, knocking down his open shots. He also was able to get coast-to-coast a few times in transition. A blue collar player that provides toughness, Ambroso dislocated his finger before checking back into and finishing the game. Able to help West in a variety of ways, Ambroso does a lot of things that don’t end up in the stat book.
Ben Carlson – 2020 – PF – East Ridge (MN)
It was tough to get a real feel for what Carlson can do on the block as defenders just swarmed him throughout camp, coming with constant double teams, but there’s a lot to like about the rising forward. He’s a solid 3-point shooter that seems be getting more consistent. Carlson also has a terrific frame and a motor to go with it. Carlson impressed by his ability to win 50-50 rebounds and generate second chance points.
East Ridge 2020 power forward Ben Carlson (@bencarlson23) picked up a Wisconsin offer after his play at #Badgers team camp. @D1Minnesota pic.twitter.com/O4fM39Qo3v
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) June 17, 2018
Max Christie – 2021 – W/G – Illinois Wolves
In terms of shot creating, Christie is special. A smooth guard that can shake and bake in the open floor, Christie can already get just about any shot he wants. The high-scoring sophomore falls in love with the 3-pointer a little too much and needs to get stronger in order to finish at the rim, but the talent is undeniable. What perhaps stood out most about this young star is that when his shot wasn’t falling, it didn’t affect the rest of his game. Christie was hustling on both ends of the floor and still contributing despite some rough shooting stretches.
Brayden Dailey – 2021 – F – Mineral Point
Dailey was just a scoring machine on Sunday. The 6-foot-4 combo forward can knock down shots from all over the floor. He doesn’t get much lift on his jumper, but the unorthodox release behind his head doesn’t allow defenders to get a good contest on it. You don’t see a lot of forwards, particularly this young, able to come down the floor and launch off the dribble the way Dailey does. He’s also impressive at scoring going away from the rim, using a fall-away jumper when defenders try and crowd him. Able to handle the ball and create mismatches, Dailey can take slower bigs off the dribble. He doesn’t look it, but Dailey has some deceptive athleticism and can play above the rim, particularly in transitions.
David Hayden – 2019 – SG – La Crosse Central
We always use to see Hayden come in and play well in spot minutes. Entering his senior season, Hayden looks like he’s ready for a bigger role and could help push La Crosse Central over the top this season. The 5-foot-10 guard is a good-looking 3-point shooter that spots up in the corners and makes defenses pay for keying in on Central’s stars. He’s also added some strength and athleticism, capable of hanging and finishing in traffic. A player that would probably get more recognition in other programs, Hayden appears to have had a light come on and should be a name to know on this loaded Central squad.
Trejuan Holloman – 2022 – PG – Howard Pulley
There will be plenty of time to talk about how good this kid is. It’s so difficult for a kid of his age to come in with a 17U group and not just be accepted, but be a leader. Holloman was the alpha dog of this group and he did similar things at this camp a year ago. Putting Howard Pulley into the title game, Holloman had the game-winning steal and assist in a triple overtime, sudden death victory over East Ridge.
Triple overtime. Sudden death. As soon as Trejuan Holloman (@Tretrehoops) got this steal, he knew it was over. @PulleyHoops pic.twitter.com/sexGGbMbl5
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) June 17, 2018
Looking like an elite prospect in 2022, Holloman is a savage of a point guard. A rare breed that wants to demoralize his opponent, yet make others around him better, Holloman is extremely fun to watch. If schools want to start offering soon, it’s probably not a reach. Holloman looks to be a sure thing.
Tommy Jensen – 2019 – PG – Lakeville North
Tyler Wahl will get a lot of the headlines, and rightfully so, but Jensen was a big reason why Lakeville North won Wisconsin’s team camp as well. A relentless attacker, Jensen killed defenses on Sunday by slicing through driving lanes and getting to the rim. He’s not overly big or athletic, but Jensen understands how to use the rim as a shield or use his body to jump into defenders so they can’t block his shot. While Jensen is a pass-first floor general, he can carry some of the load offensively and was very consistent from 3-point range throughout the weekend.
Isaac Lindsey – 2020 – SG – Mineral Point
Lindsey shot the ball at a very high level throughout Saturday to lead Mineral Point into the Silver Division championship game. In a tight win over West Bend West, Lindsey scored 18 alone in the second half. In the semifinal victory over Oshkosh West, Lindsey hit the game-winner with just under a minute to play, coming off a screen and connecting on a tough triple with a hand in his face. When he’s in a rhythm, Lindsey has no problem of coming right down the floor and just launching. He’s also terrific moving without the basketball, using screens, and freeing himself for open shots. The 6-foot-3 sniper continues to sit right on the fence of being a really strong mid-major prospect with the chance to bust through to the power-five/high major level.
Noah Parcher – 2019 – PG – La Crosse Central
Playing in the Under Armour Association has quickly advanced Parcher as a prospect. He plays alongside three other Division 1 prospects, but Parcher might be the most important piece to the puzzle. For the second consecutive day, Parcher showcased his new offensive skill set. He’s always been consistent, but now has some take over ability and was breaking down defenders and getting to the bucket all day long. Parcher has good body control in traffic and can connect on some difficult off-balance floaters that make defenders just shake their heads. Receiving a mixture of Division 2 and 3 interest this summer, Parcher looks to be on the rise and capable of leading the Red Raiders to a state title next season.
Will Pytleski – 2019 – SF – Green Bay Southwest
Despite a lopsided loss to La Crosse Central, Pytleski showed some things. A high-IQ wing, Pytleski took advantage of some over-aggressive defense and got easy drives to the rim. He also knocked down his open triples, simply taking what the defense gave him. Being recruited at the Division 3 level, Pytleski has a tendency to rise to the level of his competition, as he did Saturday against one of the state’s top teams.
Karter Thomas – 2020 – PG – Oshkosh West
Simply put, Thomas had one of the best two-day performances, if not the best. Although Thomas and Oshkosh West went down in the Silver Division semifinals to Mineral Point, Thomas went down swinging. The junior guard shot the heck out of the ball all weekend. Built like a truck, Thomas is imposing physically, but he’s got a smooth game from the outside. He’s terrific in the pick n’ roll, particularly getting defenders to go under screens to free him up for 3-pointers. Thomas has deep range and a quick trigger, forcing defenders to pick him up well beyond the arc. One of the best kept secrets in Wisconsin, Thomas appears poised for a breakout season for West in 2018-19.