Go Sports America Holiday Classic Preview

Go Sports America hosts their annual Holiday Hoops Classic at Carthage College this week, with teams from across Kenosha and Racine, as well as a few outliers, competing over a four day stretch. I’ll be taking a look at 10 prospects to keep an eye on throughout the event! Keep in mind this isn’t necessarily a list of the "top" prospects, but a good mix of some of the big names as well as under-the-radar players to look for. The full schedule can be found here: <a href="https://www.gosportsamerica.org/game-schedules">https://www.gosportsamerica.org/game-schedules</a> [player_tooltip player_id="1143632" first="Tyson" last="Skalecki"] (6’6 2022 F, Union Grove)- Union Grove has produced a handful of Division 3 players over the past few years, but for at least 15 seasons no one has had the type of scoring season that Tyson is having. The 6’6 forward is a major threat from deep, as he’s a mid-40% shooter from 3P on his career. Averaging 22.9 ppg this season, Tyson has proven that he’s more than a shooter as he utilizes his size well in the post, and has improved his ability to put the ball on the floor and attack from the wing. Kamauri Leavell (5’11 2024 G, Kenosha Reuther)- Reuther is a small public school in Kenosha that only offers basketball in terms of sports, so many may not be familiar with them. If you’ve been following Wisconsin hoops for a long time though, you may remember Detario Scott who averaged 30, 10, and 10 for Reuther in the 15-16 season. I’m not saying that Kamauri is that level of talent right now, but as a sophomore he currently leads Reuther in scoring, rebounding, and assists. He’s a player I’m looking forward to seeing in person for the first time. [player_tooltip player_id="865834" first="Amari" last="Jedkins"] (6’8 2022 F, Racine Case)- Amari may be the most exciting player at the event, as the 6’8 forward can fly towards the basket. His athleticism makes him extremely dangerous in the open floor as he can finish above the rim in a way that not many players in the state can. He’s also shown some potential attacking from the perimeter and knocking down open threes. Defensively there aren’t many spots he can’t guard, and his quick leaping ability makes him a major rim protector. Part of a Case senior trio who are all averaging 16+ ppg this year. [player_tooltip player_id="945811" first="Kenny" last="Garth"] (6’3 2022 CG, Westosha Central)- Kenny is one of the more intriguing unsigned seniors in the state. His numbers aren’t anything crazy as Westosha hasn’t really been tested this season, so he hasn’t been called upon to produce a lot. But when faced against talent I’ve really seen him take games over. He’s a long and explosive athlete with a shifty handle to get to the basket. Once inside he’s a tough finisher with both hands, and has some above-the-rim ability. Impressive passer as well who can look guys off and deliver an accurate pass to an open big on the block, or kick it out to a shooter. Defensively he has great hands to pick his man’s pocket or jump passing lanes to get in transition. Gavin Zawicki (6’2 2022 W, Racine Lutheran)- Racine Lutheran graduated a stacked 2021 class, and it’s been on Gavin to help pick up on lost production this season. He’s responded by averaging 16 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game through the first month of the year, including a 32 point game against Prairie. He’s a strong and athletic wing who plays a bit bigger than his size. Really tough to keep out of the paint and he scraps for every loose ball that he can get to. Bryce Wallace (6’7 2022 F, Kenosha Indian Trail)- The long and athletic forward leads ITA in scoring at 10 ppg this year. Bryce runs the floor hard both ways, often times able to beat opposing forwards up the floor for easy dunks/lay-ups. Defensively he’s athletic enough to switch on screens, and his long frame makes things difficult for opposing players around the rim. Does a nice job of attacking missed shots off the rim to pull in rebounds. Still a bit raw offensively but has shown he can score in the post and occasionally take players off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id="1012672" first="Will" last="Starks"] (6’4 2023 SF, Kenosha Tremper)- Will may just be the best rebounder under 6’5 in the state, as he has an impressive work rate, and fights for every single missed shot on both ends. A lot of games he’ll approach double digit scoring just on second chance buckets alone, because he’s that much of a worker on the offensive glass. Will is a tough finisher with the strength to maintain his balance through contact. Whether he’s getting to the rim with off-ball cuts, offensive rebounds, or attacking from the wing, he just has a nose for getting to the basket. [player_tooltip player_id="727972" first="Andrew" last="Alia"] (6’3 2022 SG, Kenosha St. Joseph)- Andrew is one of the top unsigned seniors in the state, and a scholarship level talent. He has a strong and athletic frame, combined with a versatile offensive skill-set. Has proven to be dangerous creating for others off the dribble this season, as he does a nice job of drawing a second defender and quickly locating the open teammate. Alia is deadly in the mid-range with his ability to stop on a dime and elevate before his man has the chance to react. Hits the open three at a high percentage and has the athleticism to makes plays in transition as well. [player_tooltip player_id="1267649" first="Alijah" last="Matthews"] (5’11 2022 PG, Racine St. Catherine’s)- Alijah is having a breakout year in the Metro Classic Conference for traditional powerhouse Racine St. Cats. The shifty point guard has proven to be a threat as a scorer and facilitator. He gets nice elevation on his pull-up jumper, and has the athleticism to hang in the air for some tough finishes inside. Really dangerous once he gets into the paint because of his ability to see the floor as well as his threat as a scorer. Defensively he’s so good at moving his feet on the ball, and he rebounds extremely well for his size due to his explosiveness. Really like his feel for the game as a ball handler. Juan Guererro Hernandez Jr. (6’ 2025 G, Grafton)- As just a freshman, Juan leads his team in assists, while also being second in scoring in rebounding. He has a really impressive feel for the game at his age, and uses his shooting and handle to make plays. Like how he competes defensively, and has a long and lanky frame to get up in passing lanes to create turnovers. Part of a loaded 2025 class throughout the state.