Additional Performance from Prep Hoops Hardwork Region Tipoff
In this article:
To put the finishing touches on the Hardwork Region Tipoff Event this last weekend in Appleton, WI., I watched other players that either showed that they can play, have a few tangible positives, or a glimpse into the future stars.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingTo put the finishing touches on the Hardwork Region Tipoff Event this last weekend in Appleton, WI., I watched other players that either showed that they can play, have a few tangible positives, or a glimpse into the future stars. The below players showed out and gave us strong efforts with their play or demeanors.
Tosa West Trio: Roman Long, DJ Hennings, Messiah Chambers
The weekend saw this trio playing for ABP Athletics out of Milwaukee area. It was kind of cool that high school teammates stick together during the spring / summer for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, their team ran into a buss saw a bit for the weekend when it was matched up with a top 2026 team right out of the gate. But if one paid attention you could see glimpses of talent that might make this group special over the next three years.
I find Roman Long and DJ Hennings to be very skill players who can do several things well. They get to the hoop or hit the long threes, possess a higher IQ for the game, Then, together run the game like a dual point guard tandem. They are undersized and need to add strength, like all freshmen do, but if they continue to work, they could help keep Tosa West near the top of the Greater Metro Conference for the next few years.
With Missiah Chambers you have an athlete with a smooth shot. I see him run the floor at times and then he puts in work on the boards. He too is a bit undersized but appears to be having a growth spurt. Needs to keep developing his skill and do the finer things but if he adds those 10-15lbs we might be talking about one of the better athletes on the court during those hard-fought GMC games.
Parker Burns | 5’11” | G | Waterloos West HS | Waterloo Salvation 2026
Again, with teams running into tough game, they just ran into top teams and got beat. But why I am pointing out Parker Burns is his maturity & composure. The first game I checked out Waterloo and they were running their offensive sets, cutting correctly, passing to teammates and then the wheels came off with a lopsided victory for the competitor. Move to their second game, Parker is a different player, more composure and maturity, I thought. He handed the lead guard slot well. His team still came out on the short end, and I don’t know if the prospect knows it or not, he just seemed to handle the pressure and game speed better than the first game. This is something to build on and hard to instill in young players, not taking one game or mistake to the next play or game. I noticed it and appreciated his play.
Andrew Jensen Andrew Jensen 6'9" | C Kaukauna | 2026 State WI | 6’9″ | W | Kaukauna HS | All Wisconsin 2026
Already a proven shoot blocker who played on Kaukauna’s varsity this past season. The progression of improvement is there, this is visible. Plus, the glimpses of a special player are coming out already. He moves up and down the court well for a big and can be an active player in and around the paint. On occasion he pops out on the parameter to take a long-distance shot. I like how he goes about his game. What he needs to do to be that special top of rankings guy is to add strength. Everything comes with adding more physical strength, more athleticism, more fluid movement, better jumper, more rebounds, etc. His outside jumper can tend to be flat so work on getting the arc needed to be consistent there. He hasn’t had too much interest yet in the recruiting department but that will come soon enough and there is not a doubt that this is a player at the next level. But for now let’s just all watch and enjoy his play and development.
All Wisconsin 2026 Other Bigs | Ben Zdzieblowski Ben Zdzieblowski 6'7" | PF Appleton North | 2026 WI 6’6″ Kimberely | Ethan Joling Ethan Joling 6'6" | PG Hortonville | 2026 State WI 6’5″ Hortonville
Imagine a 2026 AAU team can trot out a line-up of 6’9″, 6’6″, 6’5″ and they all can play. With Andrew Jensen Andrew Jensen 6'9" | C Kaukauna | 2026 State WI developing nothing should be taken away from the other bigs who displayed talent and a whole lot of hmmm of the future could bring for them and this particular team. I saw players that work together, have fun together, and have a ton of talent. Whether it was working to find the best shot, the pick & roll, the boards. This duo had it working and deserve to be called out for their efforts. Since only freshman now, a lot can change between now and senior seasons, we, as fans should know their names and keep checking back in on the progress.