War For The North: Froncourt Standouts

The War For The North was filled with talented up-and-coming prospects competing in the Chicago area. I was in attendance all weekend, and these are some of the post prospects who stood out most! <strong>Maks DePalo (6'7 2026 C, Full Package)- </strong>Not sure there was a better shot blocker at the event than Maks DePalo. The 6'7 eighth grader immediately catches your eye with his height, but he's also a talented basketball player who's more than just someone who sits under the rim. He excels as a passer, and does so in a variety of ways. When breaking a press he can stand at half-court, catch up high, and see the floor to deliver some accurate overhead passes up the floor. Maks also has the ability to pass out of the block or high post to slashing teammates. When he catches around the rim he does well to keep the ball high and catch his balance before finishing off two feet. Defensively he had to average 5+ blocks per game as he has solid lateral mobility, showed great timing to leave the floor, and does a nice job of not swinging his arms too much which allows him to avoid fouling. <strong>Braden Petzel (6'7 2026 C, Team Tyus Black)- </strong>Braden was the most physically imposing prospect I saw this weekend. At 6'7 he ranked with the tallest, but he also has a well built frame that allows him to push guys around a bit and play through contact. He did a nice job of establishing deep post position, and has good hands to catch and secure the ball in traffic. Showed some touch around the basket and even when he did miss, he was quick off the floor to go back up for the offensive rebound. Set some hard screens to free up his guards as well. Defensively he has the mobility to slide into position to block shots, and that shot blocking ability was key in leading his team to a win in the semi-finals game. <strong>Jalen Boyd (6'7 2026 C, Paradise 8th)- </strong>If you were looking at pure potential, Jalen ranks among the highest at the event. With his height at 6'7 combined with long arms and a mobile frame, the ceiling is high. Still a bit raw on the offensive end, but he's able to make an impact defensively with his mobility to hedge on screens, slide into position to block/alter shots, and rebound out of his area. At the 14u level you don't see many players 6'7+, and most of them aren't able to move like Jalen can. Intriguing prospect to keep an eye on. <strong>Isaiah Darfus (6'1 2026 F, ItsNthn Elite)- </strong>Isaiah is a versatile forward prospect who has some skill on the perimeter but the length to make an impact inside. At his size he was a difficult mismatch because he's too quick for most taller forwards, but his frame is so long that it's difficult for wings to contest him. Against Wisconsin Academy he had a pair of clutch shots late in the game, stretching the floor for a three as well as knocking down a baseline jumper. Rebounds well, offers defensive versatility, and could end up projecting as more of a small forward depending on how he continues to grow over the next few years. <strong>Maceo Collins II (6'3 2026 F, Wisconsin Elite)- </strong>Maceo Collins II is pure hustle in the paint. He's just a grinder who fights for every loose ball or missed shot, and more often than not comes out with possession. He finishes at a high rate due to his long frame and explosive athleticism inside. Has excellent body control to maintain his balance and finish through contact. I liked how well he runs the floor as well. Will be one to watch coming out of Racine, Wisconsin. <strong>Dominic Webster (6'2 2026 PF, Team Tyus Blue)- </strong>Really like the versatility that Dominic Webster brings to the floor for Team Tyus. He has a strong and physical frame which allows him to defender taller forwards, but he's still light on his feet with the agility to hedge screens and help out on the perimeter. Offensively he's a physical presence down low with touch around the rim, but he's not afraid to step out and handle it on the perimeter either. Liked his passing ability also, as he sees the floor well and he's a very unselfish player. <strong>Nicholas Shubkegel (6'4 2027 C, M14 Hoops Rising Gold)- </strong>One of the better prospects I saw at the 13u level over the weekend, Shubkegel just goes out and works hard. It didn't matter if he was getting a bunch of touches on offense, he was going to find ways to contribute. He did so with his defensive work ethic and rebounding ability. Nicholas fought for every missed shot that came his way, and once he got a hold of the ball he wasn't going to cough it up. Had some nice outlet passes to get his team going the other way as well.