Prep Hoops Circuit Program Profile: Wisconsin Crusaders
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With the high school basketball season wrapping up, college programs are beginning to shift their attention to the AAU circuit. And in the 2022 AAU season, the sidelines of Prep Hoops Circuit events will be lined with college coaches. Many of these coaches will be watching the Wisconsin Crusaders, one of the premier programs that will be competing on the PHC this spring and summer.
Notable Wisconsin Crusaders Alumni:
Owen Pawlikowski Owen Pawlikowski 6'3" | SG Kimberly | 2022 State WI — Saint Leo D2
Tyler Borowski Tyler Borowski 6'2" | PG Appleton East | 2022 State WI — Winona State D2
Nate Gapinski — Winona State D2
Jack Jorgenson — UW-Oshkosh D3
Carter Thomas Carter Thomas 6'5" | PF Neenah | 2022 State WI — UW-Oshkosh D3
Grant Asman — Lipscomb D1
Ryan Claflin — UW-Green Bay D1
Keaton Ferris — Incarnate Word D1
The Crusaders have put together a very good 17U squad this season that will no doubt catch the eye of some top college programs.
“We have assembled a talented and deep roster that will allow us to put different combinations on the floor. One of our biggest team strengths is the ability to play inside out and stretch the floor with our length and shooters. Our length and our athletes allow us to defend and switch if we need to on defense. Overall, we have high basketball IQ players that compete whistle to whistle,” said program director Adam Maulick.
Crusaders 17U Premier:
Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI — 6-foot-3 — G — 2023
Anybody that watched Birkholz play last summer knows how special of a player he is. Combining next level athleticism with elite skill, the guard has developed into one of the best prospects in Wisconsin’s 2023 class. Birkholz had a terrific junior season, as he averaged 22.8 points, 7.7 boards, 2.4 steals, and 3.3 assists per game. College coaches need to keep an eye on Birkholz this spring/summer.
Seth Miron Seth Miron 6'4" | SF Kimberly | 2023 State WI — 6-foot-5 — G/F — 2023
Miron has the potential to become a real matchup nightmare this AAU season. Standing at 6-foot-5, Miron is an effective shooter that defenses have to keep an eye on from behind the arc. In his junior season, Miron averaged 11.3 points per game on a very solid Kimberly team.
Jamariea Dalton Jamariea Dalton 6'3" | SG Fond Du Lac | 2023 State WI — 6-foot-2 — PG — 2023
Dalton is going to be a really nice addition to this Crusaders program, and I suspect he will make an immediate impact. The point guard is an athletic slasher that thrives when he gets downhill and attacks the rim. Averaged 15.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game at Fon Du Lac as a junior.
Caleb Glaser Caleb Glaser 6'6" | SF Appleton East | 2023 State WI — 6-foot-7 — F/W — 2023
Glaser has the potential to become a true mismatch nightmare. Glaser is able to play wing or forward with no issue. The 2023 prospect can stretch the floor and knock down triples. He is also able to use his size and strength to finish in the paint. Averaged 15.6 points per game as a junior for a very good Appelton East team.
Alex Sherwood Alex Sherwood 6'4" | SF Xavier | 2023 State WI — 6-foot-7 — F/W — 2023
Sherwood is a three – year varsity performer and first team all Bay selection his Sophomore and Junior season. The extremely versatile forward can shoot the three, post up, and handle the ball. Sherwood’s skills and playmaking ability makes him a matchup problem for opposing teams. Alex averaged 18.3 points per contest at Xavier in his junior campaign.
Ethan Heck Ethan Heck 6'5" | SG West Depere | 2023 State WI — 6-foot-5 — G/F — 2023
Heck is a long rangy slashing guard/wing that shoots the three ball extremely well and can create his own shot with his length. The 2023 prospect is a potential mismatch for defenders because of his size and versatility. Look for Heck to take a big leap this AAU season.
Team Notes on 17U Elite (From Adam Maulick): “We have assembled a talented cohesive roster that plays well together
as a team. The roster strengths bring us the ability to play fast in transition, space the floor for threes,
and use our size plus speed to defend extremely well.”
Tristan Johanknecht — 6-foot-9 — F — 2023
Johanknecht is a true post prospect that can use his strength and height to dominate in the paint. The 6-foot-7 forward doesn’t just get his work done down low, though. He has also shown an ability to step outside and knock down contested mid-range shots. Johanknecht averaged 9.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while being awarded with an honorable mention in the Fox Valley Association.
Al Deang — 6-foot-3 — G/F — 2023
Deang is an explosive athlete who uses his athletic gifts to lock down opponents on defense. Standing at 6-foot-3, the 2023 prospect can play either guard or forward with no problem. He is a strong attacker and has the ability to set up his teammates for open looks. Deang averaged 9.2 points, five rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game as a junior.
Mateo Jimenez Mateo Jimenez 5'10" | PG Edgewood | 2023 State WI — 5-foot-10 — G — 2023
Jimenez is a versatile guard that can play either position. He is a high IQ prospect that always seems to make the right play. When he doesn’t have the ball in his hands, Jimenez is a pesky defender and willing rebounder. The guard was able to average 9.7 points per contest as a junior, earning all honorable mention honors in the Badger conference.
Team Notes on 16U Premier (From Coach Joe La Chapell, Scott Janssen, and Adam Maulick): “We have put together a very HI-IQ group that plays basketball the right way. The squad will shoot the
ball exceptionally well from the three-point line and attack the basket with great effectiveness. This
group of players enjoys the defensive side of the floor and will limit opponent’s opportunities.”
Crusaders 16U Premier:
Joey LaChapell Joey LaChapell 5'10" | PG Appleton East | 2024 State WI — 5-foot-11 — PG — 2024
LaChapell is a true point guard that can get in the lane at will. He plays the game with a high IQ and creates well for others. The Appleton East standout is a sniper from behind the arc, and he will no doubt impress with his efficiency this AAU season.
Jaden Mckellips Jaden Mckellips 6'5" | PF Lourdes Academy | 2024 State WI — 6-foot-4 — W/F — 2024
McKellips is a versatile stretch four who can play facing up or with his back to the basket. The 6-foot-4 wing/forward has a smooth shot from behind the arc and also is an efficient midrange shooter. Averaged 10 points per game as a sophomore on Lourdes Academy.
Grady Geiger Grady Geiger 6'6" | PF Brillion | 2024 State WI — 6-foot-6 — F — 2024
Geiger is a very promising prospect that no doubt has a bright future. The 6-foot-6 forward is a versatile prospect that can put pressure on defenses in many different ways. He can make outside shots, or he can break down the defense and get into the lane. On defense, he is a physical force that uses his size to make scoring difficult for his opponent.
Team notes on 15U (From Adam Maulick): “We have assembled a talented and deep roster that will allow us to put different combinations on the floor. One of our biggest team strengths is the ability to play inside
out and stretch the floor with our length and shooters. Our length and our athletes allow us to defend
and switch if we need to on defense. Overall, we have high basketball IQ players that compete like
upper classmen.
Crusaders 15U Premier:
Drew Daoust Drew Daoust 6'1" | PG Southern Door | 2025 State WI — 6-foot-1 — PG — 2025
Daoust is a prospect that has a lot of potential. The 6-foot-1 point guard out of Southern Door had a tremendous freshman season. He scored 19.5 points per game to go along with 3.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per contest. Look for Daoust to make a big statement this spring and summer.
Keegan Van Kauwenberg Keegan Van Kauwenberg 6'3" | CG Kaukauna | 2025 State WI — 6-foot-3 — G — 2025
Van Kauwenberg has special versatility with the ability to play positions one through five. Van Kauwenberg can play with his back to the basket, hit the
mid – range and is an absolute assassin from three – point line. Van Kauwenberg can distribute his
team using his length and great court vision.
Oscar Kangas — 6-foot-5 — F/G — 2025
Kangas is a true three level scorer that brings special versatility to the court. Began to be recognized for his talents when he tallied a season high 32 points in a contest against Ishpeming high. Finished the season scoring 19.5 points and grabbing 11.4 rebounds per game.
Why did Wisconsin Crusaders choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
“I chose PHC because they have always treated us well and provided the right exposure environment while putting kids first. That is our program philosophy so it just makes sense to play with them and grow with them.”