Hard Work Region Finals - Wisconsin Standouts

The Hard Work Region Finals took place in the Minneapolis area over the weekend, and some of Wisconsin’s top independent programs were in the gym competing. I was able to catch the action all weekend long, and these are some of the prospects who stood out the most! [player_tooltip player_id="1193234" first="Will" last="Hornseth"] (6’7 2024 PF/C, Wisconsin Blizzard)- Will helped lead his Wisconsin Blizzard team to a 2nd place finish in the 15u platinum bracket, and in doing so he put in a monster performance in the championship game. At 6’7 he was the tallest player on the floor, but didn’t only rely on his size. At times he was able to face up and put the ball on the floor to get to the rim, and he also showcased a nice baby hook turning over his left shoulder and finishing with the right hand. It seemed like just about every time Will touched the ball on the block, he was going to score. He’s mobile enough to defend multiple players on one end, yet strong enough to power through double teams on the other end. A really strong showing from one of the top frontcourt prospects in Wisconsin’s 2024 class. [player_tooltip player_id="994376" first="Luke" last="Bara"] (6’1 2022 PG, ABC Young Lions)- I caught Luke play on Saturday morning, and it was another strong two-way performance from the Muskego prospect. Defensively he was picking up full-court all by himself, and moving his feet to force multiple loose balls/turnovers before the other team decided to have another player handle the ball. That defensive effort and intensity is something that he’s become known for, and additionally he’s the most vocal player on the floor at all times. On the offensive end he took over the game late in the first half, knocking down a handful of threes including one off a crossover that had his defender completely shifted in the opposite direction. His handle is tight and he changes direction quickly allowing him to create space and get off shots with longer players defending him. Terrance McClendon (6’3 2022 G/W, D.F. Elite)- I really only got to watch the second half of D.F. Elite’s big win on Saturday afternoon, but Terrance still made a big impact. He has a great frame at around 6’2-6’3 and is a well rounded athlete that can guard multiple spots on the perimeter. Offensively he can slash to the hoop without the ball, but really impressed with his outside shot in this one. He quickly got into double figures in just the second half, knocking down a mix of catch-and-shoot threes and some pull-up jumpers from mid-range. Terrance should be in for a productive senior season playing for a stacked Tosa West team. [player_tooltip player_id="981201" first="Levi" last="Birkholz"] (6’2 2023 G, Wisconsin Crusaders)- Another weekend, another mention of Levi on a top performers list. The Lakeside Lutheran guard dominated in the 16u semi-finals, helping his team pull off a win in one of the best games of the weekend. Levi just might be the best in the state at moving without the ball, as he’s constantly cutting hard leaving his man chasing behind him. Those cuts lead to plenty of opportunities around the rim, and he consistently showcases his body control to pull off some tough finishes in the air. He also added in some strong attacks off the dribble, a three, and turned a steal into a two hand slam going the other way. [player_tooltip player_id="764101" first="Quentin" last="Bolton"] Jr (6’6 2021 SF, Wisconsin PGC PH)- In the opening game of the weekend, Quentin finished with 12 points in a win for Playground. He fits the mold of a scholarship level player as an explosive 6’6 wing, and adds in a pull-up jumper that is nearly un-guardable when his shot is falling. When defenses throw a smaller player on him Quentin can take them into the post or outrebound them on the offensive glass to get clean looks in the paint. Throw a 6’6 guy at him, and Quentin is almost always the better athlete and can use his handle to blow by to the rim or create separation for his jumper. [player_tooltip player_id="1017075" first="Jalen" last="Womack"] (6’1 2022 CG, D1 Minnesota Prospects)- Playing for a deep and talented team, Jalen doesn’t always get a ton of chances to put numbers on the board. Despite this he still managed to shine with a few strong runs of play. At 6’1 he is capable of playing either guard spot, and is an athletic slasher who can attack the basket hard off the dribble or in transition. His speed in the open floor allows him to turn defense into offense, but he can also slow things down and facilitate in the half court. Jalen puts up big scoring numbers with his high school team during the winter, and this summer he’s proved he can fit in with talented teammates. [player_tooltip player_id="1089686" first="Quinton" last="Lomack"] (6’3 2024 G/W, Kevon Looney Power 5)- Playing at the 15u level there aren’t many players who can match the size and versatility that Lomack brings to the floor. He’s skilled enough to handle the ball, but also strong enough to play a bit bigger than his height on the wing. Time after time Quentin was able to break his man down off the dribble and then navigate his way by help defenders to get to the rim. He’s such a smooth finisher with either hand and seems unfazed by length around the rim. Defensively there weren’t too many spots he couldn’t guard at this age group, and he brought a competitive edge to the floor for his team.