PH Madness in the Midwest: Pick's All Around Performers

This weekend was loaded with talented teams and exceptional prospects in the 16u Division. Throughout this event, I was able to identify players that made impactful plays for their teams in many different ways. This article will breakdown the best all-around performers in the matchups I took in this weekend. Let's analyze these all around performers from this weekend in the Madness in the Midwest event in Appleton, WI.    Catlin is still developing, but I was impressed with the front court player's potential this weekend in Appleton. Camden's height and physical presence stands out on the court, and he was able to make a difference in the paint for the Blizzard. In their game against MN Lace Up, Catlin showcased his ability to catch passes off of PNR to finish at the rim. On post touches, Catlin was able to utilize good footwork to convert tough finishes around the bucket. Catlin is a good rebounder and created extra opportunities for his team on the glass. Camden was able to disrupt some shots on the defensive end as well. A developing big, but he has a lot of potential with his size, instincts, and solid hands.     Gister is part of a talented MGC Elite Basketball AAU club based out of the Milwaukee Area. Jakson impressed me on Saturday morning his overall feel for the game and unique skill set. Gister is six feet tall, but he is extremely physical and bruising in the lane with his ability to finish through contact. When he cannot finish, there is a good chance Jakson is at the line to convert the free ones. In addition to his finishing ability, Gister is a knockdown shooter and is able to heat up quickly from downtown. Defensively, Gister has a lot of confidence which translates in his ability to lockdown his matchup and anticipate reversals to pick passing lanes. The prospect from Wisconsin Lutheran, poured in 18 points in a decisive victory over the [program_tooltip program_id='2839421' first='Milwaukee' last='Young Bucks']. MGC Elite was 4-0 on the weekend in Appleton.     Clark was one of the more fun prospects I was able to watch this weekend at the Champions Center in Appleton. Cornell's quickness and energy is the first thing that stood out to me when I was able to watch his game on Saturday morning. Clark is the best defender I saw this entire weekend. The backourt player who attends Wisconsin Lutheran, was a menace on the ball in the full court, and a disruptor in passing lanes. Frankly put, Clark can solely impact opposing offenses by himself with his defensive skillset. Offensively, Clark commanded the offense with his poise and his tight handle. When he got downhill, Cornell was extremely unselfish and was looking to dish the ball to his teammates for kick out threes and layups.     Verhagen is a versatile prospect that competes for [program_tooltip program_id='2614144' first='Mammoth' last='Basketball']. In the games I was able to see Ben play, he was able to showcase his high basketball IQ and diverse skillset. Verhagen is physically strong and able to use this strength to finish through defenders around the rim. He uses this physical mindset to help generate extra possessions for his team on the offensive glass. Ben was great at doing this throughout the tournament. Verhagen is able to knock down triples consistently and has smooth shooting mechanics. Ben is one of the many talented options for his AAU club, and figures to step into a more prominent role at Sheboygan Lutheran next season.     Birschbach is a true two way player for Mammoth and was impressive though the weekend in Appleton. What stands out the most about Owen's game, is his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his length and instincts defensively. Several times throughout the event, Birschbach was in passing lanes, generating deflections, and pressuring his on ball matchup to force instant offense the other way for his squad. Offensively, Birschbach has a good skillset to score at any level. He can finish through contact, has a sweet stroke from downtown, and can get downhill easily with his intelligence in reading closeouts. An interesting prospect going into next year, Birschbach will be one to keep an eye on moving forward into next season for New Holstein, but also this spring and summer.     I was able to check out the Rochester Mayo wing in a few games this weekend. Aguer is an explosive playmaking wing and competes very hard for his MN Lace Up AAU team. Akech has a lot of size and length, but that does not stop him from initiating offense and making the right reads in the half court and transition. Aguer has a good feel of when to make a pass to his teammates and when to hunt his shot. Akech's ability to score at all three levels was impressive. He is a consistent three point threat, can rise up to hit mid range jumpers, and can get to the rim at will. Aguer plays with intensity and max effort on every possession on both sides of the ball. Akech is a prospect you want to see in Prep Hoops events the rest of the spring and summer.

This weekend was loaded with talented teams and exceptional prospects in the 16u Division. Throughout this event, I was able to identify players that made impactful plays for their teams in many different ways. This article will breakdown the best all-around performers in the matchups I took in this weekend. Let's analyze these all around performers from this weekend in the Madness in the Midwest event in Appleton, WI.