Hard Work Region Finals: Sunday Standouts
The 2019 AAU season was a memorable one on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Prospects like Matthew Mors and Chucky Hepburn became top targets for multiple D1 schools, D1 Minnesota proved how good they were in May with a Battle At The Lakes championship, and, most recently, Wisconsin RAP snatched the Prep Hoops Summer Challenge championship. Sunday at the Hard Work Region Finals was the perfect end to the 2019 AAU season. The intensity was high at Bloomigtion Kennedy high school as teams battled to be crowned Hard Work Region Champs
Jeffery Brazziel- Wisconsin Playground Club White 15U
Tre White has earned the number one spot in Wisconsin’s 2022 class, but Jeffery Brazziel has proved that the gap may be closing. In Wisconsin Playground Club’s win over Hopson Elite, Brazziel scored 13 points. At 6’5″ with long arms and legs, Brazziel has all of the potential in the world. The wing can score in multiple different ways, but he excels as a slasher. When decisive, the 2022 prospect is nearly unstoppable when taking the ball to the rim. Tre White may be the better player right now, but Brazziel could catch up to him later in his high school career.
Andrew Alia- Wisconsin Playground Club White 15U
Jeffery Brazziel stands out as the prospect with the most potential on PGC Black, but Andrew Alia claimed the top performance. Alia scored 19 points in PGC Black’s win over Hopson Elite in the 15U Elite Eight. Alia was aggressive on offense, as he attacked the basket frequently during the second half. He was unable to convert many of his layup attempts but got fouled a lot. The ball found its way into the next on six of Alia’s FT attempts in the second period. Ranked as the 16th best player In Wisconsin’s 2022 class, he is primed for a big junior season.
Bradley Bell- Wisconsin Playground Club White 15U
PGC Black’s Jeffrey Brazziel and Andrew Alia already got mentioned for their great game. Now, add Bradley Bell to the list. At 6’6″, Bell showed signs of what could come in the future. Dominating the paint, he was able to snatch rebounds and block shots. In addition to playing well inside, the forward also briefly showed that he can do it from outside, too. He scored 12 points, including a made three.
Sean Craig- Hopson Elite 15U
Hopson Elite was not able to get the job done, but Sean Craig was a bright spot for Hopson in the loss. Craig led his team in scoring with 15 points. Craig did tremendous work in the paint on both ends of the court. His 6’5″ frame allows him to finish above smaller defenders on offense and block shots on defense. When things are not clicking on the inside, Craig can take a couple of steps out. He showed that he is more than just a true post player, making a couple of mid range jumpers.
Shilo Bowles- Wisconsin RAP 17U
Gritty, junkyard dog, tough, and winner are all accurate descriptions of Shilo Bowles. Bowles and West Allis Central fell up short at the Wisconsin State tournament in March, but he redeemed himself today. Leading RAP to the 17U championship, Bowles dropped 18 points in the title game. He did everything for RAP throughout three days of play. The forward was aggressive and physical inside, grabbing rebounds and showing his post moves. Outside the paint, he displayed his shooting touch. With multiple D2 colleges in attendance this weekend, Bowles should start to reap what he sowed.
Danilo Jovanovich- Wisconsin Playground Club Black 15U
Scoring 18 points and leading WPC 15U Black to a win over Team Flyght Ohio, Danilo Jovanovich showed his ability to finish with his left hand around the rim. Benefiting of off some great Jack Campion passes, Jovanovich had 11 made field goals in his team’s final two games. The forward has become a top 2022 prospect after a great spring and summer.
Jack Campion- Wisconsin Playground Club Black 15U
Wisconsin Playground Club’s fast-paced offense would not work without Jack Campion. Team Factory’s Chucky Hepburn was crowned as the best passer in the tournament by many, but Campion was just as impressive. The speedy point guard kept all of his teammates happy by giving them plenty of open looks on Sunday. In the semifinals and finals, Campion only scored a combined two points, but he was extremely valuable as a passer. Campion’s ability to create for others helped Playground get to the 15U championship.
Greg Brown- Team Factory 16U
Chucky Hepburn is Team Factory’s superstar, but Greg Brown’s performance on Sunday was not too shabby. He shot the ball well from deep and had some strong finishes at the rim. As a bigger guard, Brown can be a matchup nightmare for defenders. His athleticism and versatility make him hard to stop. Brown is a prospect that some D1 programs should take a look at.