Rick Majerus WBY Shootout: Max's Standouts

Both in-person and on film I was able to catch a majority of the action from last week's Rick Majerus WBY Shootout, and these are seven of the prospects who impressed in those games!    Zach certainly didn't disappoint on the big stage last week, leading De Pere to wins over MAS and Tosa West behind a combined 59 points. The Wisconsin committed guard showed no fear competing in a packed gym, making smart decisions on the ball, working for high percentage looks, and competing defensively. You rarely see him making a mistake offensively, and his IQ and unselfishness is a big reason why this De Pere team operates with such efficiency on the offensive end. Always willing to pass up a good look to get a teammate an even better shot, Zach simply does what it takes to win.     Carsen took home the game MVP award on Thursday morning in the first game I attended, leading The Prairie School past Kettle Moraine Lutheran with a big of flair. Carsen has impressive vision, and delivered some flashy passes to set his teammates up with good looks around the basket. So dangerous coming off a screen as he has the quick burst to get all the way to the rim, can pull up for a jumper if his man goes under, and he also has the passing accuracy to thread the needle to a big rolling to the rim. Finished with 18 points and 6 assists in the win.     Not sure there's a better passer in the state at 6'6+ than Jack. He sees the floor incredibly well, particularly out of the block. Jack is so dangerous in the post because he has the footwork and body control to go to work for high percentage looks at the rim, but also seems to have eyes in the back of his head to find teammates cutting hard to the rim. In a rematch with Freedom, Jack was making big play after big play out of the block, while also competing defensively against another top 2027 prospect to lead his team to a revenge win.     Though perhaps known more for his play on the football field, Tommy impressed in a win for Marquette during the final game of the week. He has one of the quickest first steps in the state, and excels at getting into the paint to create for his teammates. He always seemed to have his eyes scanning the floor, and as soon as a help-defender stepped in to cut him off, Tommy delivered an accurate pass to an open forward around the basket. Racked up a handful of assists while also showcasing some impressive finishing ability to help Marquette defeat Milwaukee Juneau.     One of the most explosive athlete in the state, Amare was a key reason why MAS held off Eau Claire Memorial on Thursday. Defensively he's used to guard a number of spots on the floor, as he can move his feet with just about anyone, and has some length at 6'4 to get a hand up and contest shooters. When he was able to get out in the open floor he was just about automatic, as he can streak ahead and then fly to the rim for acrobatic finishes. With [player_tooltip player_id='1447228' first='Jamarion' last='Batemon'] ice cold in the first half, Amare's finishing ability way key for MAS until Batemon got going in the second.     I'm not sure I've ever seen [player_tooltip player_id='1351718' first='Aaron' last='Womack'] have an off game. He's one of the most consistently productive players in the state, and has been for the past three years. On Thursday he helped power Dominican to a big win over Milwaukee Juneau behind 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. Now much more than just a shooter, he was weaving through defenders to get to the rim, where he does a nice job of playing off two feet and going up balanced to finish through traffic. The Syracuse commit sees the floor well, and does a nice job of utilizing his 6'6 frame to zip in passes over the top of the defense, and can also launch deep outlet passes off a defensive rebound leading to easy transition buckets.     Although he's still new on the scene in Wisconsin, Ja'Meir looks to be establishing himself as one of the better wing/forwards in the state's 2027 class. A long and athletic slasher, Hayfort was flying up the floor in transition buckets against West Allis Central, and was battling on the glass against a 6'10 big to help lead his team to a win. The explosive sophomore threw down arguably the best dunk of the week, scored 17 points on an efficient 7-9 shooting performance, and also used his long frame to block a pair of shots inside.

Both in-person and on film I was able to catch a majority of the action from last week's Rick Majerus WBY Shootout, and these are seven of the prospects who impressed in those games!