Hardwood Classic: Day 1 Top Performers (17U)

<p>TODAY'S CONTENT</p> <p>Hardwood Classic: Day 1 Top Performers (17U)</p> <p>LAWRENCE, Kan. — The opening day of the 2019 Hardwood Classic tipped on Thursday at the Kansas Sports Pavilion with a host of players raising their profile the 17U pool play.</p> <p>Here, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several of Thursday's top performers.</p> <p><b>8 — Lonell Lane, 6'0, PG, 2021, Harmon, MoKan Elite EYBL 2021 (pictured)</b></p> <p>Lane is among the state's top prospects in the 2021 class and is currently ranked No. 2 in the latest Prep Hoops class rankings. Known for his creative ball handling, court vision and ability to play above the rim, Lane broke out another aspect of his game that he has been working on — long range shooting. He knocked down an NBA 3-pointer and threw down an eye-opening one handed slam in traffic during a runaway win over Marcus Denmon Gold.</p> <p><b>30 — TJ Fritz, G, 2020, Sunrsise, Carroll GoLive</b></p> <p>Fritz has taken his game to new heights this offseason, showcasing an all-around game in Lawrence. Fritz has good size and is a solid athlete and has become known for a smooth, left handed shooting stroke with a quick release. On Thursday, he showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the basket, using an array of scoop shots and soft floaters in the lane. </p> <p><b>10 — Alex Littlejohn, 6'5, G/F, 2021, Bisphop Carroll, KS Pray N Play</b></p> <p>A talented rising junior, Littlejohn has taken his game to new heights this offseason and is poised for a breakout junior season at Bishop Carroll. He has earned a reputation as a knock down shooter with Kansas Pray N Play and has transformed his game into a bona fide wing prospect after primarily playing in the paint as a youngster. He can handle the ball, can create some offense for himself or others in the half court or in transition, and was money from distance for Pray N Play against Mid-Mo Elite on Thursday.</p> <p><b>33 — Jaylin Richardson, 6'3, G, Schlagle, Marcus Denmon Gold</b></p> <p>Richardson is a FBS football recruit who has announced his commitment to play at Kansas, but is also a standout basketball player who could easily play at the next level in that sport as well. He is a strong, physical player with good guard skills and the ability to bounce off defenders as he carves a path to the basket. Richardson can step out and make 3-pointers, score around the basket and  is a standout finisher attacking the basket. Defensively he can guard multiple positions and plays the game with a big motor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>5 — Peyton Weixelman, 6'0, G, 2020, Manhattan, SSA Elite Black</b></p> <p>Weixelman impressed this weekend with his calm, steady play, bringing leadership and solid ball handling to the floor. He is a good passer, capable of finding the open man and is a strong outside shooter. Weixelman is a heady player who takes pride in helping his team do whatever it takes to win and on Thursday, he led his squad with 19 points, knocking down five 3-pointers.</p>