PH Summer Challenge: Max’s Wing Standouts

Darshan just couldn’t be stopped on Sunday against Corey Graham Elite. He put up bucket after bucket, and was doing so in a variety of ways. Was cutting hard off the ball to open up scoring opportunities, but could also take his man off the dribble from the wing or high-post, showing good mobility at 6’6 in the process. Such a patient finisher who was never rushing up off-balanced shots, and instead played off two feet which allowed him to power up to score. Flashed a smooth outside jumper in the process. Big time rebounder who plays bigger than 6’6 in that regard.

It may not always show in the form of big numbers, but Aleks skillset at 6’9 is so impressive. He can take a defensive rebound and handle it the length of the floor with ease. Three point shot wasn’t falling like it usually does, but he was still able to get defenders jumping with a quick shot fake before putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. With his long frame he doesn’t need to elevate much to throw down a two hand slam, something he did on three occasions when I watched. Fluid athlete at 6’9, and that showed on one play where he sprinted across the width of the floor, took off, and snagged a deep pass attempt out of the air with one hand. Right after that he effortlessly threw a pass back up the court resulting in an open three point shot. Very intriguing prospect because there’s not much he can’t do at his size.

Theo has always had some intriguing physical tools as a strong and explosive 6’5 prospect. Used to operate a lot more in the paint, but has really expanded his game out to the perimeter. In the game I watched on Saturday he drained two 3’s within the first few minutes of the game, and continued to stretch out the floor for the remainder of time. Was hitting from college range with ease all while keeping his shooting form consistent. Can still mix it up in the paint as well, and likes to utilize a turnaround jumper to score in the lane.

Ashton is such a gritty defender. At 6’2 he could defend guards while also utilizing his strength and heart to defend bigger wings/forwards. Was able to switch off and guard just about any spot on the floor when I was watching. Has great instincts to trap/double-team in dangerous spots, and those instincts helped force a bunch of turnovers on Saturday morning. Offensively he’s not going to put up huge scoring numbers, but I was very impressed with his passing ability. Against a zone defense he was positioned at the free throw line and did a great job of facing up to see the floor, and zipping in passes to his bigs down at the block.

Mitch has been huge for Greater Purpose Athletics all spring and summer. Once again he came up in a big game, as he shot the lights out from three against Mac Irvin Fire to help lead his team to a win. Does almost all of his scoring without even putting the ball on the floor, as he’s a big time catch-and-shoot threat. At 6’6 can run off screens and quickly get his feet set to catch and shoot off the move. Brings a ton of extra energy to the floor for his team as well.

Davion was hitting some tough pull-up jumpers in the two games I watched, helping Mac Irvin Fire go 2-0. At 6’5-6’6 he has a smooth handle with the ability to break his man down and then elevate for a mid-range jumper. Not much you can do to contest with his high release point and long arms. Defensively he moves his feet well on the perimeter, and has the length to impact the game by getting up in passing lanes and also providing an extra shot blocking threat. Not afraid to mix it up on the boards or get on the floor for a loose ball either.

Playing for such a talented team, Jakari may not always get a bunch of looks offensively but he makes the most of the ones he does get. Smith runs the floor so hard searching for transition opportunities, and as an explosive athlete he thrives when he gets a lane to the rim. Threw down an explosive two hand dunk in the first half against M14, showing why he may be the most explosive 2026 in Wisconsin at this stage. Provides an extra rebounding threat from the wing because of his ability to sky for loose balls, and is capable of defending multiple spots on the floor with his length and athleticism.