Wisconsin Week In Review: Week 8

After a couple shortened weeks due to the holidays, Wisconsin high school basketball was back in full swing with plenty of rivalry games and high level match-ups throughout the state. From a player scoring 70 points in a game, to a city rivalry going into double overtime, Prep Hoops gives you a summary of all the action from last week. Players of the Week Dalton Banks (6'2 2020 G, Eau Claire North)- The junior guard continued his rise as one of the state's top junior guards, leading his team to two wins behind a couple of box score stuffing performances. Starting off Tuesday against Rice Lake, Dalton scored 29 points behind some hot three point shooting, while also grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out 9 assists. That was followed up by a win over Eau Claire Memorial in which Dalton finished with 32 points, once again finding success from beyond the arc. He finished off the double-double with 10 rebounds, while adding in 5 assists. Dalton has developed into one of the state's best all-around players, with the ability to put up big scoring numbers while also doubling as a distributor. While his three point shooting numbers haven't been the best this season, Dalton does have the ability to score from outside as evident by his 10-18 shooting from beyond the arc last week. Riley Le Tourneau (6'4 2019 F, Brookfield East)- After coming off the bench for East in their state tournament run last season, Riley has emerged as a dominant scoring post player, averaging over 20 points a contest. Last week Riley had perhaps the two best games of his career, starting off with 34 points in a win over Menomonee Falls. Later that week in a win over Germantown, Riley topped that game with a 38 point performance. An undersized post player, Riley compensates for his height disadvantage with high level footwork, physical toughness, and a great touch inside to finish. Though most of his success comes inside, he also has the ability to step outside and knock down some threes. In his two games last week he knocked down a combined 5 threes, and also found success getting to the line, finishing on 15-19 of his attempts from the line. A breakout player this season, Riley has helped Brookfield East get off to an 8-2 start this season. Cam Palesse (6'4 2021 G, Waukesha West)- Waukesha West is 11-1 on the season, and a large part of that success has been the emergence of Cam Palesse at the point guard spot. Cam started off the week with 16 points on an efficient scoring night, while also chipping in with 4 assists. He followed that up with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in a win over Mukwonago. At 6'4 Cam has great length at the guard spot, and is an extremely versatile player. He can score inside off the drive, pull up for mid-range jumpers, and knock down shots from beyond the arc. Cam is always willing to make the exrtra pass, and can use his scoring ability to open up opportunities for his teammates, and from there his is capable of putting them in good positions to score with his passing. His ability to contribute in multiple aspects of the game makes him an intriguing prospect going forward. Kaleim Taylor (6'3 2020 G, Milwaukee Academy of Science)- One of the top players in Milwaukee, Kaleim had three big games this past week, while eclipsing the 1,000 point milestone on his career. On Wednesday in a win over Milwaukee Collegiate Academy, Kaleim scored 24 points with 11 rebounds. On Friday in a win over Young Coggs Prep, Kaleim registered a triple-double by scoring 19 points, gathering 18 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists. The very next day, in a third straight win, he scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead his team past Chicago Legal Prep. At 6'3 Kaleim is a physical guard who excels at attacking the rim and getting out in transition. In the half court he is also capable of pulling up from mid-range and knocking down open jumpers. Last week was a big one for Kaleim, and more importantly a big week for his team that has gotten off to a slow start to the season. Jacob Ognacevic (6'7 2020 F, Sheboygan Lutheran)- Jacob Ognacevic has been making a name for himself this season with his big time performances at Sheboygan Lutheran, and this past week was no exception. On Thursday Jacob registered 25 points and 17 rebounds in a win over Ozaukee. Following that up on Saturday, Jacob scored a career high 40 points to go along with 15 rebounds, while also going over the 1,000 career point margin. Jacob has been an extremely efficient scorer inside this season, using his long frame to shoot 73% from the field. He is a developing three point shooter, and the progress in his perimeter game has been making him increasingly dangerous as a player, and an attractive college prospect. Sheboygan Lutheran remains undefeated, and Jacob is looking to lead them back to Madison come March. Team of the Week Mineral Point- Mineral Point came into the season with high expectations as arguably the top contender for the Division 4 title. The Pointers however got off to a rocky start, dropping a few close games. This past week Mineral Point found their groove, knocking off a quality opponent and going 2-0. Taking on state-ranked New Glarus on the road Monday, Mineral Point made a statement win by a score of 72-57. Isaac Lindsey was dominant on the night, scoring 33 points and helping lead a second half charge that allowed Mineral Point to pull away late. Brayden Dailey also had a big game by scoring 24 points. That success carried over to Thursday when Mineral Point dominated against Riverdale with a 93-39 win. Dailey and Lindsey combined for 35 points, while Garrett Wendhausen stepped up and had a big game with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Dailey and Lindsey make up one of the top duos in the state, and with contributions from their role players, Mineral Point remains a big contender to be playing at the Kohl Center this March. Statement Win of the Week Racine Park knocks off Racine Case 81-75 (2OT)- Racine Park came into the season with high expectations, but needed to prove that they could close out tough games when it matters. Taking on their city rivals in Case, the game turned out even better than expected. It was back and forth the whole night, and eventually went into overtime. With the game on the line Larry Canady hit a tough shot in the lane to tie the game up for Park, forcing double-overtime. From there it was all Park, as Larry Canady was able to ice the game on free throws to fend of Case. Dropping 30 points, Larry led the game in scoring while coming up with some big stops on the defensive end. Zyiere Carey provided a scoring spark with his outside shooting and quickness getting to the rim, scoring 19 points. Nobal Days struggled shooting on the night, but scored 16 points while reeling in 17 rebounds. He also knocked down some key free throws late in the game. This win could prove to be a momentum builder for Park as they continue their tough schedule. Sleeper of the Week Jermaine Tomlin (6'5 2020 F, Racine St. Catherine's)- Though a talented player in his own right, Jermaine often goes overshadowed by some of his bigger name teammates. Coming off the bench for St. Cat's this season, Jermaine has played a big role in his team's success. After scoring 6 points against Prairie in a win, Jermaine followed that up with a big game in an important match-up against Dominican. Jermaine came off the bench to score 14 points and snag 17 rebounds in a win. Jermaine showed confidence in shooting from outside going 1-2 from beyond the arc. A lot of his scoring comes around the rim however, where he can score by posting up or using his athleticism to drive to the hoop. He gets physical on the glass to reel in some tough rebounds. Against Dominican also proved to be a good defender, making some big stops against Dominican's Alex Antetokounmpo. Freshman of the Week Andrew Alia (6'2 2022 G, Kenosha St. Joseph's)- Andrew Alia has the future looking bright at St. Joes as he is among the state's elite freshmen, and has been producing at a high level already this year. On Tuesday against Shoreland Lutheran, Alia put up 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in a close game. Later in the week against Prairie, Alia helped lead his team to a win with 19 points on an efficient scoring night. Andrew shoots at a high percentage from the field, with a smart shot selection and a strong finishing touch around the rim. Currently averaging 17.3 ppg on 67% shooting, he has only been getting better as the season goes on and he has the potential to be a dominant scorer in southeastern Wisconsin for years to come. Other Storylines Qwan Jackson (5'8 2020 G, Milwaukee Lifelong Learning)- Scored 70 points in a win over Milwaukee Juneau. Deontay Long (6'5 2019 F, Milwaukee Washington)- Scored 42 points in a win over Milwaukee Pulaski. Caden Boser (6'7 2020 F, Eau Claire Memorial)- Finished with 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists against River Falls. Armani Jones (5'8 2022 G, Milwaukee Academy of Science)- Scored 35 points vs. Young Coggs Prep.