Midwest Showdown Tournament MVPs
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What an event! It was stacked with teams, ranked players, and prospects that shouted out that they belong. Each age division had prospects that lead their teams to performing in front a team of scouts and then college coaches. 17U…
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Continue ReadingWhat an event! It was stacked with teams, ranked players, and prospects that shouted out that they belong. Each age division had prospects that lead their teams to performing in front a team of scouts and then college coaches.
17U MVP
Michael McNabb Michael McNabb 6'4" | CG Grafton | 2024 State WI | 6’4” | W | 2024 | Grafton, WI | Chapman
McNabb was superb all weekend with all four games played he could have been a player of the game candidate with each one. He found success getting the ball at the elbow, just outside the arc, and taking the rock towards the rack. This prospect has a deceptive first step that helps him to gain a step on the opponent guarding him. He is good once he gets to the rim where he can use a verity of finishes with either hand. Before this tournament I felt he had a small but fixable flaw in his jumper, but with that being said he utilized his outside shot very effectively this weekend. Including, probably what should have been the biggest game of the weekend with his club taking down PGC. Early on in the game he set the tone when he hits two 3s from the same spot on the floor to help Chapman just pounce on the shoe company team. For the weekend I just felt that this prospect was one of the most active players that I reviewed. He never let up on the production for his team and ensuring that they were competitive each time out. One last point that I wanted to mention from watching him play and that is from body language and observed interaction he looks to be the part of a great teammate.
After a very good high school season where he was able to gain a few offers from low major D1 colleges such as N. Arizona, Western Michigan, Albany. I would say that he could flourish at almost any D2 school with those low majors being an option too. If he continues to play like this weekend look for more to gain interest and for him to solidify himself as that D1 prospect. Moving forward he can use his excellent foundation to improve his overall quickness, his footwork and legs on his outside jumper, and of course his handles, especially if his stays at the 6’4/5” height. Look for this one to continue to work and then improve steadily as his high school career continues. Then do yourself a favor and catch a game or two.
Games of 22pts, 17, 19, & 18pts
Honorable Mention 17U Jaquan Johnson Jaquan Johnson 5'10" | PG Pius XI | 2024 State WI (2 player of the games) Tim Franks Tim Franks 6'5" | SG Homestead | 2024 State WI (1 POG) Cole Hansen (1 POG)
16U MVP
Kia Rogers | 6’10” | C | 2025 | Wauwatosa West | Wisconsin PGC
I along with other scouts felt that Rogers was out to make a statement this weekend, especially in the first Friday night game against Playmakers UA Rise. He came out and was dunking everything even with the opposition were 6’7” and 6’9” players. I believe that the first half of this game was just spectacular on both ends of the floor. A defensive presence with multiple blocks or game changing play, he then turns that it into offense by running the floor faster than anyone else. (Watch the video posted by colleague Evan Flood) This was the best we have ever seen him. The holder of some 14 high major offers he gave us glimpses of what is to come by being comfortable taking a few dribbles to get the break going or by taking a three when the game dictates it. His footwork was unbelievably solid, and for me who loves the interior game it got even better during the weekend, where in one move, he started on the wing took a couple dribbles towards the elbow, then spin move, another dribble and because of defensive pressure another spin move to the hoop. Amazing flow and presence.
His 14th offer came in recently from Marquette, where they measured him at 6’9.5” tall with a 7’1” wingspan, already wears size 17 shoe, which all points to the kid that could be still growing. He made a statement with this tournament but also is coming off very solid performances on the UA Circuit. I witness performances against some of the best players/teams in the country and he certainly played liked he belong.
On recruiting: If the upward trajectory continues expect the blue bloods to get involved. As mentioned, he just received his 14th offer with his latest is Marquette, Purdue, Arizona St, and Iowa St. If I were to create a crystal ball, on a way too early projection: the Arizona St offer meant something because of who else they have offered recently, Minnesota’s offer is solid because of the coaching staff transparency and facilities of the university, Iowa St is building a good relationship and then there is Michigan St (who hasn’t offered yet) is always checking in. The one thing that I do know with Kai is that it is going to be a relationship-based decision and he won’t be influenced by bright lights and bells & whistles.
Honorable Mention 16U: Amari Allen, Brooks Hinson Brooks Hinson 6'1" | PG Marshfield | 2025 State #251 Nation WI
15U MVP
Latrevian Fenderson | 6’4” | W | 2025 | The Prairie School, WI | Wisconsin Playground
Coming off a very solid high school season this young sophomore is having a good spring. He plays hard and has ability that is noticeable. He leads this team in areas that a scout can appreciate, where he seems to be always hustling and then looking in his coaches’ eye when being coached hard. I would consider him a young prospect in that recruiting is just getting started and then the basketball IQ is still developing. What I really appreciate is that with young players, who can make mistakes, the majority of this prospect’s mistakes come from his hustle or plays he is attempting to make through that hustle. By this time next year, I aspect him to be shooting up the charts a few slots in a very loaded class. Also, in this tournament he displayed an ability to get to the hoop and be physical but moving forward to the next high school season he should look to develop his outside jumper.
Honorable Mention 15U: Rashaad Davis, Chris Pohl Chris Pohl 6'6" | PF Marshfield | 2026 State WI