Prep Hoops Hard Work Region Tipoff Event: Day One Top Team

Photo: PrepHoops

Michael Hansen

April 2, 2023 @ 10:37 AM

This year's event was in Appleton, WI and hosted by the amazing facility of the Community First Champion Center. Concentrating on the 15U / 2026 division, I saw teams with a wide range of ability, but the event did not disappoint with competitiveness and skill. For the most part players appeared in mid-season form and gave it their all. Not to discount any team or players efforts, there was one team that set itself apart from others in day one of the event.   Vikings United, out of Homewood Flossmoor High School of southwestern Chicagoland. The roster was constructed well and balanced in that they had some athletes, some ball players, high IQ players, some height, and then some that just played faster than most others.   They came out pressing and very aggressive on defense creating points off of turnovers, which saw them score the first 16 of the game. When they weren't creating turnovers, they controlled the boards in a dominating performance.   #24 [player_tooltip player_id='2105369' first='Jacob' last='Thompson'] 6'6" W 2026   This player, who I listed as a Top Performer of day one, played the role of the big and he went to work. I was impressed with several things on this one. Early, as they jumped on their opponent, he had three quick put-backs and another paint bucket. He looks the part of a ball player, long and lean. and processed solid enough athleticism.   #23 Caden Dixon 6'3" G 2026   Oozing athletic ability, this guard prospect just moved with ease up and down the court. I believe he could excel in almost any athletic endeavor that he would choose to do. Thought his finishing ability was superior and then his body strength was more advanced than his competitors.   #3 Miles Ellis 6'0" G 2026   This is a nice guard prospect who was setting up his teammates well, with his passing ability and quick decisions. Athletic and active which fit real nice into the framework of this team.   Evan Wells G 2026   This prospect played effortlessly, but in the same breath did everything on the floor. Had advanced finishing skills off the drive, even finished down low, which meant he could score in multiple ways, and was a willing passer. His first game was just an all-around performance. One of the best viewed for the day, if you were a scout and was looking at different aspects of the game.   Jaymon Hornsby 5'9" G 2026   Flow! That's the word to use when watching this game this prospect. The game just flowed better when he was in the game, in my opinion. Thought he could finish, he was athletic, and saw some nice passing on display. On a team where multiple players could handle the rock, I liked him in the lead guard role.   Quick Hitters on Other Teams   Waterloo Salvation: even though they ran into a couple of tough competitors this worked, they executed early on offensive, they seem to display solid enough team chemistry.   All Wisconsin 2026 Ivory Platinum: they have some big-time players on this squad. Size & playing ability. A couple might just be in the top tier of the rankings in a couple of years.   ABP Athletics: These guards can get after it, including the Tosa West 3 freshman players that made an impact on JV, at that high school. Then were on the team that won a share of the varsity conference at the end of the year.   Wisconsin Elite: Had at least 3 players that made an impact on the games I watch. Nice squad.

This year's event was in Appleton, WI and hosted by the amazing facility of the Community First Champion Center. Concentrating on the 15U / 2026 division, I saw teams with a wide range of ability, but the event did not disappoint with competitiveness and skill. For the most part players appeared in mid-season form and gave it their all. Not to discount any team or players efforts, there was one team that set itself apart from others in day one of the event.