Stomping Grounds: 2026 Top Wings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Sioux Falls, South Dakota – On May 6th &amp; 7th, teams packed the Sanford Sports Complex to showcase their talent!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The prospects in the complex were in their bag. Springing into circuit season, there are many players to keep an eye on going into the Summer. In both blowouts and nail biters, athletes came to compete and get exposure. It's not always about what is on the scoreboard but the high-level skills displayed at such a developing age. Below, I've highlighted the “Top Wings” that I watched compete at “Stomping Grounds”.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sasha Vladykin| E1T1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vladykin proved to be multifaceted in his attack for E1T1. The wiry forward found himself open time and time and knocked down shots after setting sturdy screens for his teammates. His skill set gave him many options on the catch due to his handle and shot making ability. Most impressive was his motor that willed him boards and deflections when his team needed them the most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maverick Maros| Real Phenom</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maros was a huge target for Real Phenom in the post. He was a threat each time the floor when he sealed his man and pulled attention from help defenders. His activity in the paint allowed his teammates to get great looks on the perimeter. Most impressive was his soft touch regardless of which direction he spun towards the rim.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1959415' first='AJ' last='Rodriguez'] | Sandford Sports&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rodriguez led with his energy and allowed the game to come to him. He spaced the floor well being a threat on the perimeter. His willingness to fill lanes led to transition baskets before the defense could get set up. His understanding of spacing allowed him to hit some big shots when in the clutch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1959423' first='Kelman' last='Said']| South Dakota Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Said did most of his damage off of the ball for South Dakota Elite. His quick first step on drives made for high IQ shots and visits to the free throw line. His wing span and athleticism impacted the game on each end of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1808755' first='Ben' last='Weber']| Team Warwick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weber showed out for Team Warwick over the weekend. His ability to finish at the rim was apparent, his teammates found him for a few lob passes that turned into dunks for Team Warwick. Weber proved to be an all-around prospect who could handle and create for others off the dribble as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blake Elwein| Team Warwick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elwein was a reliable target for Team Warwick all weekend. The lengthy forward has a wide wingspan and great hands. He was able to see the floor well and find teammates early and often at a high level. Elwein has a high motor and moves very well in transition. Most impressive was his ability to anticipate in the passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->