Battle at the Lakes: Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PLYMOUTH, Minn. -- </strong>Breaking down some of the top individual performers from the 2023 Prep Hoops Battle at the Lakes...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1203029' first='Evan' last='Anderson'] - 2024 - SG - [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid just continues to ascend. Anderson is picking up Division 2 offers at a good rate. From my vantage point, he's starting to teeter on Division 1 status. Anderson certainly has D1 bounce. Pair that with his long, lanky frame and outside shooting ability and you can see why a low major might take a shot here. Anderson is good in the paint as well. He's got a deep bag of tricks when he gets into traffic able to use long strides, spins, play low to the ground, behind the back dribbles -- whatever he's gotta do to get to the rim. Off the catch, Anderson is one of the best in the state as well, if not the Midwest. He's got tremendous footwork to use either a blow-by first step, a jab and go, or an unorthodox fake where Anderson looks like he's going to pick up his pivot foot and go, only to play off the other. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1203029"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6acc5d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1418511' first='Drew' last='Daoust'] - 2025 - PG - [program_tooltip program_id='2076029' first='Wisconsin' last='Crusaders']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daoust scored 19 points or more in all four games. He ended the weekend with a 30-point effort in a win over Capital City Teamwork, closing things out late with five crucial points. Daoust embodies the 'play fast, but never in a hurry' mantra. The Southern Door guard is so smooth that he makes the game and these monster scoring performances look effortless. You probably wouldn't describe Daoust as a plus athlete, but for whatever reason, he's always got an angle on defenders and has them on his hip. The 5-foot-11 sophomore just feels the game differently and always seems to be one step ahead. While he's a deadly outside shooter that can size people up, Daoust also has a unique game in the mid-range on the block. He has no problems taking defenders down there, playing with his back to the basket, and hitting fall away jumpers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1418511"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6accc3"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1144570' first='Ty' last='Fernholz'] - 2024 - SG - [program_tooltip program_id='2076027' first='Wisconsin' last='Blizzard']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You give Fernholz the green light and let him loose, he's gonna deliver. Fernholz really is the silent assassin. He doesn't say a word even after a big shot and his facial expressions just don't change -- signaling he's not surprised by his own success. With arguably the quickest trigger in Wisconsin's 2024 class, Fernholz is a solid Division 2 prospect. Few, if any prospects in the state, move without the ball better than Fernholz either. If the shot is there, it's going up. If not, he's moving it around the horn and relocating. Fernholz looks a little more athletic and faster than he did a year ago as well. Saw him in two high-level games against D1 Minnesota's program with guards and wings that are going to the Division 1 level. Fernholz was still able to create his looks without having to force anything. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1144570"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6acd09"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561944' first='Jacob' last='Hibner'] - 2026 - SG - [program_tooltip program_id='2076023' first='Wisconsin' last='Academy']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='2076023' first='Wisconsin' last='Academy'] went 4-0 in Minnesota. Hibner is a physically advanced prospect that looks really good coming off screens and shooting the basketball or knifing to the bucket. One of the better freshmen people aren't talking about right now, Hibner made things look easy at times. Hibner can work off the ball in the halfcourt or simply go isolation and make something happen. Really like the back to the basket game as well. Hibner uses his size in the post and will bring guards down there with him. While he's a scorer that can take a lot of shots in spurts, Hibner does do a great job of moving the basketball. Definitely not a black hole that loses sight of the other four guys on the floor and that thing gets moving when he's on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561944"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6acd5f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1244808' first='Brooks' last='Hinson'] - 2025 - PG - [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hinson was just cooking all weekend. He's the type of prospect that just doesn't get rattled and isn't cognizant of who's defending him or what the circumstances in the game are -- he's always the same player. A knockdown shooter, pick n' roll maestro, and high quality decision maker that plays mistake-free basketball, Hinson possesses a lot of winning traits. Saw him explode for 32 points on Saturday, but he also had games where he sat back, ran the show, and set up his teammates for success. Just really like the way Hinson carries himself on the floor as someone who's never too high, never too low, and brings a calming presence from the point guard spot. Somebody you want at the controls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1244808"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6acdbe"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1853648' first='Gavin' last='Gores'] - 2025 - PF - [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gores reminds me a little of former Monroe star Cade Meyer, now at Northern Kentucky. They've both got that track and field build. Gores is a little bigger at 6-foot-9, but elevates similarly and might shoot it a little better from the outside. Gores is very under ranked right now in 2025. He's going to be highly coveted by Division 2 programs and has a chance to reach D1 when all is said and done. An athletic power/stretch forward, Gores has a very intriguing frame. He elevates well, gets off the ground quickly, and can really run the floor in transition. Was surprised how tough Gores finished around the rim against contact and how well he shot it from distance. While he's got a high ceiling, this isn't a super raw project type prospect that needs years behinds the scenes at the collegiate level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1853648"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6ace26"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1258392' first='Joey' last='LaChapell'] - 2024 - PG - [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Always been a fan of this kid. Saw him for the first time with this Playmakers squad. Like he was for Appleton East's strong squad two years ago, Lachappel is a connector. Maybe not the guy you run a lot of offense for, but you definitely give him the freedom to make those decisions. A pass-first floor general that plays with excellent pace, Lachappel really elevated his team throughout the weekend. The 5-foot-11 guard shot the ball from 3-point range at a high level. While he's not a plus athlete, Lachapell has an enate ability to finish around the rim and adjust his shot mid-air if needed. He may not be brazen or outlandish about it, but Lachapell competes as well. Don't let the baby face fool you. There's definitely a savage under that jersey. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1258392"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6ace8b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1142122' first='Michael' last='McNabb'] - 2024 - G - [program_tooltip program_id='2076501' first='Chapman' last='Basketball Academy']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McNabb has clearly been drilled very well. No matter if he's on the block or on the perimeter, McNabb will throw a series of fakes and pivots at a defender until they make a mistake and is maybe the most patient prospects I've ever evaluated. McNabb has the best shot fakes in the state. I even know it's coming and still bite with the camera. That sets up his drivers to the rim. McNabb covers ground quickly and can elevate above the rim off one foot without a huge head of steam. I like him more as a scoring two-guard, but McNabb definitely has some combo guard ability. He's got excellent positional size for that at 6-foot-4, sees the floor very well, and tends to have a high rate of success when he attacks and makes plays for others. McNabb also rebounds the ball very well for a guard. He knows how to time and high-point the basketball, an underrated part of his game on the defensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1142122"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6acef4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1203205' first='Nolan' last='Minessale'] - 2024 - SF - Champman Basketball Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Is he a great dunker? Yes. Is the athletic ability and length exciting? Of course. But you need more than that to be successful at this level, let alone get a Division 1 scholarship offer. Minessale seems to be trending that way. The 6-foot-5 wing gets his hands on the ball a ton defensively. He's a terrific open floor passer. Minessale can also wipe away points as a weak-side shot blocker. Not a guy that's going to shoot from the outside a ton, but Minessale will knock it down at a good clip if left open. He's also going to get on the glass and battle for second chance opportunities. The most subtle thing Minessale brings to the table? He gets to the free throw line a ton and racks up fouls, which can't be undervalued at the collegiate level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1203205"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6acf60"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1193234' first='Will' last='Hornseth'] - 2024 - PF - [program_tooltip program_id='2076027' first='Wisconsin' last='Blizzard']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hornseth has really backed up a top three ranking in Wisconsin's 2024 class. Talked about him a lot over the weekend, but think he's put himself in the conversation for high major offers in July. At 6-foot-8, Hornseth is the total package as a prototypical power forward. You don't see many post prospects this well-rounded at this point in their careers. Hornseth scores over his left shoulder with ease, he's got the footwork, counters, touch, feel for the double teams, and now has added the ability to score while fading away from the rim. That's not all Hornseth has added to his game. He looked really good from the high post and in transition while putting the ball on the deck, even taking guards off the bounce at times. He's also a solid interior post defender with wide shoulders that plays defense by showing his hands and staying away from fouls. At this point, I just think Hornseth is too good of a basketball player not to end up at a high major program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1193234"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6acfd5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1289073' first='Keegan' last='Van Kauwenberg'] - 2025 - SF - [program_tooltip program_id='2076029' first='Wisconsin' last='Crusaders']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hand down. Man down. Expect Van Kauwenberg to emerge as one of the state's top shooters next season. The 6-foot-5 wing is looking to let it fly whenever he comes into contact with the ball. With his high-arcing release, there's little a defender can do to make Van Kauwenberg uncomfortable. He's more than just a shooter though. Van Kauwenberg made some outstanding passes from the high post and in transition all weekend. Still very raw physically, could see Van Kauwenberg being a late bloomer and really taking off by his senior year. He's got some serious mismatch potential with his ability to handle the ball in the open floor and see the entire court. Could be a guy defensively too that can guard four positions given his length if he buys in on that end of the floor and fills out that lanky frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1289073"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6464eab6ad03e"} /-->