Battle at the Lakes: Opening Night Standouts

<p><strong>PLYMOUTH, Minn. -- </strong> Breaking down the top individual standouts from Friday night’s action at the 2021 Battle at the Lakes...</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="950644" first="Marshaun" last="Harriel"] - 2022 - PG - Wisconsin Playmakers  Milwaukee<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Marshaun-Harriel.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1187987" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Marshaun-Harriel-300x155.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="155" /></a></p> <p>Harriel jump started his team after they got off to a slow start. The Janesville Craig lead guard had a couple of steals that dug the Playmakers out of an early hole. From there, things started to click offensively.  Harriel is an elusive guard with some explosion on the ball. He’s got make-you-miss ability in the halfcourt and lives in the teeth of the defense. Harriel can score with an effective mid-range game and also sees the floor very well, catching defenders when their eyes are glued to the ball and hitting his teammates for backdoor scores. Harriel utilizes change of pace very well,  lulling defenders to sleep before pushing the gas pedal down.  After the Playmakers nearly squandered a 21-point lead, once again, it was Harriel who calmed things down with a timely basket to help preserve the victory.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1017076" first="Daniel" last="Hornacek"] - 2022 - PG  - Team 1848</p> <p>Team 1848 cruised to an easy win on opening night. It was Hornacek that blew the game open. The Notre Dame floor general was very opportunistic defensively. He would pressure for 94 feet and was able to generate a number of turnovers or get his man to pick up his dribble very early, disrupting the entire flow of the offense.  Turning defense into offense, Hornacek attacked the rim and was able to convert against contact. A guard that can put his foot on the gas pedal, Hornacek showed good ability to finish at top end speed.</p> <p><strong>Courtney Davis - 2022 - PG - Wisconsin Playmakers Milwaukee</strong></p> <p>Lucas really sparked the Playmakers against Minnesota Fury. Trailing by double digits, Lucas got his team back in the game. A quick, speedy guard, Lucas broke down the defense in transition and got some easy ones at the rim. A kid that doesn’t shy away from contact, Lucas finished amongst the trees well, including a couple of 3-point plays. Liked what he did off the ball as well. Lucas hit the defense  with a few backdoor cuts and was just constantly working his man. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1039385" first="Karson" last="Mitchell"] - 2022 - PG - Wisconsin Playmakers Milwaukee</p> <p>Mitchell was flying around in the opening game against Minnesota Suns. Liked that he didn’t let a couple of early misses impact the rest of his game. Mitchell sparked his offense by pressuring guards up the floor and creating a couple of turnovers. That turned into some hot shooting from  3-point range on the other end as the Playmakers were able to generate some breathing room after battling back from an early deficit.  Mitchell is a speedy guard that plays with high intensity on both ends.   He’s got terrific lateral quickness defensively and is willing to hound his man for every second of a possession.  Offensively, Mitchell is a get-it-and-go guard who’s looking to get coast-to-coast, but if not, will reset the offense. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1139376" first="Andre" last="Renta"] - 2022 - PG - Wisconsin Playmakers</strong></p> <p>An unranked prospect that jumped out, Renta and the Playmakers rolled to an easy win over Minnesota Heat. Renta had a couple of flashy plays offensively where he shook defenders and got to the rim. The Hudson native had the ball on a string and just left his man helpless at times.  The 6-foot guard has above the rim athleticism and when he sees a driving lane, really shoots it quickly. Liked Renta defensively as well. He’s got quick reflexes, hands, and anticipation, able to get his hands on a number of passes during Friday’s win. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="761411" first="Najashi" last="Tolefree"] - 2022 - SF - Wisconsin Playmakers Milwaukee<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Najashi-TOlefree-2.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1187989" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Najashi-TOlefree-2-300x155.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="155" /></a></p> <p>Tolefree did a lot of nice things in an overtime loss to Minnesota Fury. The West Allis Central forward  sent the game into overtime with two clutch free throws.  At 6-foot-5, Tolefree plays a lot of point forward. He pushes the tempo and sees the floor at a high level.  Love what he can do on the block or the high post. Tolefree has an excellent fall away game and has an intriguing blend of length and strength to slash to the bucket.  Tolefree also protected the rim at a high level, sending a few shots back with authority. A high academic prospect, Tolefree is catching Division 1 looks this spring, including from Ivy League programs.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="988981" first="Landon" last="Van Calster"] - 2022 - SF - Team 1848</p> <p>There were a couple of attempts he’d like to have back, but Van Calster still had 18 points in a blowout win for Team 1848.  The Northern Michigan commit did what he does best -- shoot the ball from 3-point range. The 6-foot-6 forward has a sweet and effortless stroke with a high release.  Thought Van Calster also had a lot of unselfish plays. He got the ball swung to him in rhythm, but made the extra pass and passed up good shots for great ones. Van Calster is developing his scoring ability off the dribble, but looked better off the ball on Friday, coming off screens and freeing himself for some open triples. </p>