Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown: 16U standouts

A look at some of the 16U standouts from Wisconsin who competed Saturday at the Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown in Appleton.    One of the better point guards in the state's 2027 class, Geiger was exceptional in a victory for [program_tooltip program_id='2517147' first='Wisconsin' last='Breakaway'] over Powerhouse Minnesota. He scored 15 points in the game, making shots off the dribble and from outside the arc. But he was even more impressive with the way he carried himself on the court, always poised and in charge. His ball handling, passing and shooting are all rock solid, and his decision making also is an asset for Breakaway. An honorable mention all-Badger Large performer for a Fort Atkinson squad that tied Waunakee for the league title, Geiger averaged 7.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists for coach Mike Hintz as a sophomore. He figures to be one of the elite backcourt players in the highly competitive league over the next two seasons.     A skilled backcourt prospect who handles the ball with ease, finds open teammates with his passing skill, and can make shots from outside the arc, Kuepper is a key part of an excellent guard rotation for [program_tooltip program_id='2517147' first='Wisconsin' last='Breakaway']. He is patient on offense and waits for the defense to breakdown before attempting a shot. He can also guard with his lateral quickness and quick hands. Like Geiger, Kuepper earned all-league honors as just a sophomore in a very respected conference, the North Shore. The third-team all-conference honoree led Hartford in scoring at 14.5 points per game and made 67-of-172 tries from three-point range for 39 percent.     One of the more pleasant surprises in the 16U bracket, Washetas was locked in from the get go for [program_tooltip program_id='2517147' first='Wisconsin' last='Breakaway'] in its win over Powerhouse Minnesota. He proved to be a strong defender, both on the perimeter and along the baseline. He moved well without the basketball, and when the ball found him, he was accurate with his jump shot, both from mid range and from outside the arc. Washetas as good size and skill, and has emerged as one of the better wing prospects in the 2027 class.     It's been an interesting 12 months for Yuenger, who scored at a high level and earned first-team all-league laurels while playing for Dodgeland as a freshman. He made the transfer to a much bigger school in Beaver Dam and got better as the season progressed while adapting to more rigorous competition in the Badger Large Conference. Yuenger has changed his jump shot a bit from a year ago and now has a higher release point and a quicker release. Both were on display for [program_tooltip program_id='2517147' first='Wisconsin' last='Breakaway'] in Appleton at the Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown, and he knocked down jumper after jumper. Yuenger is a versatile wing who can score outside the arc, off the bounce and around the basket with his length and jumping ability.     Bezares helped the [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers'] Showcase Appleton squad to a 3-2 record at the Midwest Showdown. He played both guard positions at different times for the Playmakers, and he excelled with his ball fakes, his smooth jump shot and his strong passing ability. Bezares displayed a good feel for the game and defended well with his athleticism and quickness. Coming off a sophomore season where he earned plenty of playing time for one of the state's elite programs in Neenah, Bezares figures to be a key performer for coach Lee Rabas and the Rockets over the next two seasons after averaging 4.5 ppg this past season.     A long, tall, thin player with surprising skills and the ability to elevate around the basket to block/alter shots and finish above the rim, Suehs figures to be a player college coaches will track over the next two years due to his size and skill package. He's going to win the jump ball against almost every other player in the state, and his length to get deflections and steals is a major problem for opponents. Suehs needs to get stronger and add weight to his frame, but his future is very promising as he continues to mature and fill out.     Lemke got off to a hot start for [program_tooltip program_id='2225511' first='All-Wisconsin' last=''] in its 16U game with the [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers'] Appleton Showcase outfit. He knocked down a couple of threes during the first four minutes of the contest, and that seemed to put a spring in his step and he moved exceptionally well without the ball in an effort to get additional looks at the basket. His strong play was a bright spot for [program_tooltip program_id='2225511' first='All-Wisconsin' last=''] in its setback, Lemke averaged 5.7 ppg as a sophomore at Denmark and made 39 three-point shots for the Vikings.     It's not easy getting big minutes at Appleton North, especially for a sophomore. The Lightning have so many talented juniors that PT is at a premium for guys like Kuehl. But that doesn't mean Kuehl isn't a very good basketball player. He proved his value to All-Wisconsin at the Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown as he was constantly around the ball, rebounded at a high level and score in different ways for his club in a loss to the [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers'] Appleton Showcase squad. Kuehl figures to work his way into additional varsity action next winter for an Appleton North program expected to contend for the Fox Valley Association championship. Kuehl did appear in 23 games for coach Chris Kellett's squad as a sophomore and averaged 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds.

A look at some of the 16U standouts from Wisconsin who competed Saturday at the Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown in Appleton.