#PHMadnessInTheMidwest: Max’s 2026 Standouts
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Seven of the 2026 prospects who stood out in the games I watched at Prep Hoops Madness In The Midwest! Tony Johnson POS N/A CLASS 2026 View Profile Tony Johnson State: Minnesota School: Lakeville North Tony got off to a…
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Continue ReadingSeven of the 2026 prospects who stood out in the games I watched at Prep Hoops Madness In The Midwest!
Tony got off to a strong start in the game I watched on Sunday. The Lakeville North PG had a strong take to the rim for two points, dished out two assists, and earned a trip to the free throw line all within a couple of minutes. The opposing defense just couldn’t rattle him with their ball pressure, as he was a calming presence on the floor who couldn’t be forced into mistakes. Throughout the game he was getting into the paint to make plays as a facilitator, and did a nice job of playing off two feet to give himself the option to pivot and kick it back out to the perimeter if needed. Solid on-ball defender as well.
Playing up at the 17u level, Raheem showed plenty of poise and was a knockdown shooter for Bradley Elite. He never got sped up by opposing ball pressure, and was consistently able to get to his spots off the dribble. Dangerous catch-and-shoot threat from three, and he also excelled at getting to the elbow area for a mid-range jumper. So good at getting his body squared up to elevate and shoot.
Highlights
Jacob had a strong performance on Saturday helping lead his Wisconsin Academy team past a very good All Wisconsin team. The lefty guard is one of the best pure shooters in the state’s 2026 class, and it showed as he knocked down a handful of jumpers both off the catch and dribble. I continue to be impressed with how he’s become more than just a catch-and-shoot player. Jacob was creating his own shots off the dribble, driving and kicking to open shooters, and using his added muscle to defend against a 6’6 wing. Just goes out and makes winning plays for this Wisconsin Academy team.
Donovan’s game against All Wisconsin in Friday night’s opener was one of the best performances I saw all weekend. He came out hot with a pair of finishes at the rim and a three point make in the first few minutes of the game. From there he was a problem for the All Wisconsin defense, as he just kept finding ways to get to the basket and finish against their size. Flashed his ability to create space for an outside jumper as well. His Manitowoc United team came up just short in the end, but it was a strong showing for Donovan against one of the best 16u teams in Wisconsin.
Highlights
In a matchup with All Wisconsin on Saturday, Wes proved himself to be one of the top forwards in Wisconsin’s 2026 class. At 6’7, he’s added on muscle since last spring/summer, and was tough to move off of the block. Did a nice job of limiting a 6’9 player’s looks around the basket, while creating a few good shots of his own with his footwork on the block. Showed a quick leap as he threw down a two handed dunk towards the end of the game. Has the physical attributes to dominate a game in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Ethan is one of the more versatile players in the 2026 class. At 6’6 he spends time playing point guard, on the wing, and posting up smaller defenders. When he looked to take over, there wasn’t much opposing players could do to keep him out of the paint, and he rarely misses a chance around the basket. Joling has tremendous touch, able to get all the way to the rim to finish off the glass, or score with a floater from a variety of angles. On Friday night he closed out the game with 4 or 5 late buckets, helping his team complete a comeback win over Manitowoc United. Averaged 16.1 ppg as a sophomore at Hortonville playing in the always tough Fox Valley Association.
Highlights
Tyler was playing up at the 17u level with Team Herro-Hailey, and was one of their top performers over the weekend. Michalak showed he can stretch the floor with his outside shot, showcasing a quick release off the catch. On Saturday afternoon the opposing team went to a zone defense, and Tyler showed a side of his game I hadn’t seen before. He was so clever finding ways to get into the gaps in the zone, and despite being one of the smaller players on the floor he was finishing shot after shot in the paint. Great touch on his floater to score over opposing length. Helped lead his team to a 3-1 record over the weekend.