Max’s Midweek Standouts – Week 4

With no Jaquan Johnson Jaquan Johnson 5'10″ | PG Pius XI | 2024 State #238 Nation WI , Maurice stepped up to help lead Pius XI past Pewaukee. As Jaquan has the ball in his hands a lot, it was Maurice who filled in as that player for Pius XI, getting his team into their offense and creating a good amount of the shots for himself and his teammates. He could make the simple passes just to keep the ball moving, but also showed he can penetrate, get into the paint, and find an open man when the defense collapsed on him. Gets good elevation on his pull-up jumper to get shots up over taller defenders, and when his team needed him most Maurice stepped up to hit the game winning shot with just seconds remaining to knock off Pewaukee. Finished with 14 points in the win.

Now in the 6’5-6’6 range, Anthony has a ton of length and a solid skillset. The lefty showcased excellent touch around the rim, and was able to get there off the drive, from the block, or with his effort on the offensive glass. Just continued to find ways to get good looks at the basket, and finished them off with either hand. Also showcased a short/mid-range jumper with a high release point that makes it difficult to contest. High IQ player who puts himself into the right spots on the floor and is a high effort rebounder.

Omar has been one of the most productive freshmen in the state this winter. He’s already solid on offense, but where he sticks out the most is on the defensive end. Fofana seems to be in multiple places at once as he’s constantly putting himself into the right spots to cut off ball handlers, slide into help-side position underneath the rim, or trap and force a turnover when the opportunity arises. He has quick hands, isn’t afraid to get on the floor for a loose ball, and is quick off the floor to block shots. Offensively he has a quick burst getting to the rim but can stretch the floor as a catch-and-shoot threat as well. Finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 blocks against Brookfield Academy.

Jaden has been electric this winter for Whitefish Bay. The senior sleeper has been scoring at will, and Tuesday night was no different as he put up 31 points in a win over Grafton. He’s not overly flashy, and instead takes his time to create high percentage looks. Jaden found a lot of success getting to the rim, and because he plays off two feet he’s an efficient finisher. If the lane wasn’t there to get all the way to the basket, he could plant and utilize his pivot foot to get defenders in the air or create and angle to elevate and finish. Showcased a smooth lefty jumper as well.

Pewaukee was missing arguably their top three players, so someone had to step up against Pius XI to keep them competitive. It was the freshman Tyler Tiutczenko who gave them a chance and kept them in the game. The 6’4 wing is a lights out shooter who drained five shots from beyond the arc on his way to 15 points. He hadn’t played a ton all year but showed on fear stepping in and immediately firing up some shots. Started off 3-3 from deep to keep Pewaukee in it, eventually finished 5-8 from 3P on the day. Will be one to keep an eye on in the 2026 class.

With Maurice Gibbs facilitating, Julian was the one finding the most success scoring for Pius XI. He’s a big time shooter who doesn’t let the ball stick in his hands for very long. Julian works hard off the ball to get into space, and is great at getting his feet set and body squared coming off a full sprint before elevating to get a shot off. Also showed he’s not afraid to create his own shot, but would only need one or two dribbles to do so. Was excellent cutting to the rim on BLOB plays to pick up some easy buckets. Defensively he’s a scrappy player who drew a charge and also tied up his man to force a jump ball.

Juan’s outside shot wasn’t falling, so he made it a priority to get into the lane to create good looks for himself and his teammates. You don’t find a lot of guys with Juan’s length that have the quickness and shifty handle that he possesses, and it makes him a difficult matchup. Most guys his height can’t stick with him, and it allows him to get into the paint and finish over the top or dump the ball off last second. Always kept his eyes scanning the floor looking for a last second pass to one of his teammates around the bucket. Finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in the close loss to Whitefish Bay.