Madness In The Midwest: Guard Standouts

Madness In The Midwest was filled with under-the-radar talent last weekend, and these are some of the guard prospects who stood out the most in the games I watched! [player_tooltip player_id="1183906" first="Ayden" last="Carter"] (6’3 2023 G, Hopson Elite)- Hopson Elite made the trip from Ohio to come compete in Wisconsin, and [player_tooltip player_id="1183906" first="Ayden" last="Carter"] made the most of the weekend as he put on a show in the game that I watched. Arguably the best prospect I saw, Ayden has positional size combined with elite athleticism that saw him throw down a windmill dunk, a high flying alley-oop, and nearly posterize a defender driving down the lane. When he gets going downhill there aren’t many players athletic or long enough to contest him at the rim. He’s more than just an athlete though, as Ayden has a nice looking shot from beyond the arc, and is so dangerous getting into the paint and locating an open teammate to pick up assists. Hard working defender as well who excels at jumping passing lanes. [player_tooltip player_id="1382140" first="Miles" last="Barnstable"] (6’1 2022 G, Chapman-North)- The unsigned senior from Howards Grove put on a show over the weekend, and I think he could be an absolute steal at the next level. He reminds me so much of former Wild Rose standout Caleb Williams, who just had a big time sophomore season at Macalester College in Minnesota. At 6’1 he can absolutely jump out of the gym, and he showed that with two baseline drives leading to emphatic dunks, including an and-one finish over the top of a defender. Just as impressive is his outside shooting ability, as he shot over 40% from three during the winter, and in the game I saw he drained four straight triples in the second half to help rally his team. Has the ability to play either guard spot as he can handle the ball well or stay active off the ball to get into space for open shots. Capable of applying heavy ball pressure defensively and fighting to get over screens on the perimeter. [player_tooltip player_id="1285254" first="Micah" last="Bays"] (6’1 2024 PG, Hopson Elite)- Micah was one of the top performers at the 16u level this past weekend, as he’s a high level ball handler who can shoot it and sees the floor really well. Defenders had a hard time sticking in front of him, as he has a variety of combo moves he can pull out to create space or get to the basket. Knocked down a pair of threes early in the first half forcing his defender to guard him tighter, which then allowed him to get in attack mode and get into the paint. Always had his eyes up when attacking the lane, allowing him to find an open teammate on the block or for a kickout to the three point line. Showed some touch finishing at the basket as well. Jon Weah (6’ 2023 PG, E2E Elite)- Jon Weah had a breakout weekend with E2E Elite. Explosive and quick point guard who can really get under guys on the defensive end. He sits deep in a stance and is so quick laterally, which allowed him to pick up full court and apply a ton of ball pressure. On one instance that saw him take a steal and go the other way for a dunk right before the first half buzzer. Doesn’t always score a ton, but is so dangerous getting into the paint to create for his teammates. Finishes the ball extremely well for his size as he has good body control and can float in the air to adjust and finish in a variety of ways. [player_tooltip player_id="1456954" first="Riley" last="Mueller"] (5’11 2025 G, All Wisconsin AAU)- Riley was a big time scorer at the 15u level, as he has a high level of skill and is a dangerous shot maker. Found success creating space off the dribble to shoot from mid-range, and was also a catch and shoot threat from deep. Really active off the ball which earned him open looks on the perimeter, as well as scoring opportunities at the rim with some hard off-ball cuts. Riley never looked sped up no matter what the defense threw at him, and that calm demeanor helped him score efficiently in a win for All Wisconsin AAU. Promising young prospect out of Hortonville. Justin Jones (5’11 2025 PG, Gallo Sports Center)- Racine Lutheran has a promising core of young players, with Justin being among them. He played up a year at the 16u level, and showcased advanced change of pace and a good handle that made it difficult for defenders to stick with him. Has a dangerous crossover to create some space to get downhill, and is an unselfish player who was always looking to get his defenders good looks. Has long arms to make plays defensively, and looks like he still may grow a bit more down the road. Will be one to track out of Racine. [player_tooltip player_id="1043750" first="Jamariea" last="Dalton"] (6’3 2023 SG, E2E Elite)- Another one of the top overall performers from the weekend, Jay showed why he’s one of the most athletic guards in Wisconsin. So explosive around the rim with speed in the open floor to beat defenders to the basket in transition. Defensively he was protecting the rim with his timing and quick leaping ability, while also being able to move his feet laterally against smaller guards. Started off high school as mostly a slasher, but showed off an improved jumper with range extending to the college line. Big time scorer off the ball but can also use his handle to get downhill and create his own scoring opportunities going at the rim. AJ Uttech (6’2 2023 G, Wisconsin Academy)- AJ is a tough-as-nails guard who just gets after it defensively. Not afraid to scrap with size for rebounds or step in and take a hard charge in the lane. Was one of the craftier finishers I saw on the weekend, able to go up and under for a reverse lay-in, and put the right amount of spin on the ball to score with finesse. Has a strong frame which will help him step in and compete against older players in college. Also a threat from beyond the arc with a nice looking jump shot.