Friday: Five Takeaways From the WBY Tournament
The offseason is nothing if not advantageous. Developments are made, offers are dished out, and in today’s case, tournaments give scouts multiple windows to sniff out new talent. Below you’ll find five takeaways from Friday’s action at the WBY Kaukauna tournament. Which players performed? Did anyone bolster their stock?
The Chippewa Falls Duo is College-Bound: Peyton Rogers-Schmidt and Joe Rueter came into today inexplicably under the radar. Their 11 O’Clock matchup quickly became their overture into hopefully a more bustling summer of college interest. Rogers-Schmidt, the senior point-forward, used his body to for positioning, as well as a fear of being postered, to score inside. He’s an adept shooter when left open, safe for a few well-deserved heat checks. And his strength and bounce led to a highlight-reel poster jam that sent bodies flying.
Rueter, who poured in 37 points in his second outing, came into the day unranked, to which I can offer a head-shaking response. But, it’s his scoring ability, quickness, and prowess on offense that’ll prop him into the upper half of Prep Hoops’ junior class. He knocked down six threes in that outing, using his corded arms and jab-step to blow by defenders and finish.
Kaukauna’s Offense is Built Around Spacing: Kaukauna reeled in Chris Morgan to their core of Keaton Ferris, Logan Jedwabny, and Jacob Newhouse this offseason. The difference from last year is their spacing and movement. Each of the four aforementioned players are sharpshooters, but it’s not as much catch-and-shoot as it is constant movements and playmaking. With the talent on this roster, finding their stride could mean a rhythm that takes them far into the postseason.
The Baldwin, Resch, Hoytink Trio is Capable of a State Title: Patrick Baldwin Jr., the number one player in the nation, will have ample help next season. Yes, the division one field should be put on notice, as Tanner Resh has become a superstar beside Baldwin and JT Hoytink has become a road-runner-like point guard that adds another facet to this team. Resch scored 29 points in today’s matchup against Eau Claire Memorial, not shying away from 25-foot bombs or a scoop layup in the paint. Hoytink decided the pace Hamilton would play at in every matchup today, his speed creating up-tempo offense and a handful of fast breaks. As long as he’s dictating their flow, Resch is scoring, and Baldwin is playing like a potential number one pick, Hamilton will be the favorite for the Gold Ball come March.
Kimberly is in Good Hands with a Replenished Supporting Cast: Jake Buchanan holds the reins to this Kimberly team, but in their dominating win over Eau Claire Memorial, one that put them into triple digits on the scoring column, he was hardly the focal point. Their production from a supporting cast that’s migrating chiefly from the JV squad is welcome — and a tad surprising — indication. Logan Pearson solidified himself as next year’s sharpshooter, scoring 27 points as a catch-and-shoot threat. Jackson Paveletzke showed an offensive toolset that hints at him taking the reins after Buchanan’s departure. He played with poise beyond his age and was savvy with the ball in his hands. Grant Asman showed he can be Kimberly’s starting center for the next two seasons, showing great skills outside the paint and touch on his jump shot. They’ll have to compete with Kaukauna and Neenah in the FVA next season, but if they can maintain the consistency and production from their bench shown in today’s matchups, they’re right up there as a top contender.
Isaac Lindsey Adds Perimeter Scoring to UNLV: Days after his commitment to UNLV, Lindsey scored 25 points in Mineral Point’s win over Sturgeon Bay, making six three-point shots. That outing reinforced what we’ve seen from Lindsey over the past three seasons, that he may be Wisconsin’s top outside threat. He can convert on open threes, but in today’s game that’s become an easily-obtainable skill. It’s his ability to create shots through movement and escaping, at least today, double or triple-teams and unchecked fouling persisting 94-feet.