PH Midwest Showdown: Mark's Friday standouts

Had the opportunity to watch four games at the annual Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown Friday at the Champions Center in Appleton. Here are some players who performed well in the 17U and 16U brackets of the event.    Coming off a terrific showing for Madison Memorial in the Division 1 WIAA State Tournament two weeks ago, Cross was at it again Friday while helping the [program_tooltip program_id='2494181' first='Wisconsin' last='Dynasty'] 17U squad post a 60-58 win over the [program_tooltip program_id='2075258' first='ABC' last='Young Lions']. Cross showed the ability to handle the ball in the half court and in transition, score in the paint with his size and strength, and step outside and make three-point jump shots. Cross finished with 15 points and eigjt rebounds to lead Dynasty. He continues to come into his own as a young junior (age wise) who figures to be one of the better interior players in the Big Eight Conference next season.     Another junior with a bright future for a very strong Madison Memorial program, Boyd played a strong game for the [program_tooltip program_id='2494181' first='Wisconsin' last='Dynasty'] in its narrow triumph over the [program_tooltip program_id='2075258' first='ABC' last='Young Lions']. The combination guard finished with 12 points and scored well in transition and off the dribble. He has a strong body to absorb contact in the lane while also competing with puprose and energy on both ends of the court. Boyd earned substantial playing time as a junior for the Spartans and likely will contend for a starting spot in 2026-27.     One of the more pleasant surprises of Friday evening, Calloway spearheaded a huge comeback for the [program_tooltip program_id='2075258' first='ABC' last='Young Lions'] in their 60-58 loss to [program_tooltip program_id='2494181' first='Wisconsin' last='Dynasty']. Trailing by close to 20 points at points in the game, Calloway got hot in the second half, scoring the majority of his game-best 23 points after intermission. The Lions managed to cut their large deficit to one point on one occasion but just couldn't over the hump to take the lead. Still, Calloway's shooting, quickness in the open court, solid basketball instincts and highly competitive nature fueled the Lions' impressive comeback.     A sharpshooter from deep who averaged 6.8 points per game as a sophomore at Brookfield Academy, Petropoulos went for 19 points and five three-point baskets in the [program_tooltip program_id='2224082' first='Milwaukee' last='Trail Blazers']' convincing win over the Wisconsin Players Gourlie in a 16U contest. Petropoulus has a smooth touch from deep and also showed the ability to get to spots on the floor where he could score from two-point range. A solid backcourt prospect in the 2028 class, Petropoulos fit in well with a deep and talented Trail Blazers' squad.     A first-team all-league pick in the Trailways West Conference as a sophomore, Vredeveld possesses good size, length and skill. He averaged 15.0 points and 6.1 rebounds for Markesan as a sophomore to help the Hornets win the league championship. Although his squad was soundly defeated by the [program_tooltip program_id='2224082' first='Milwaukee' last='Trail Blazers'], Vredeveld overcame a slow start to score 14 points. He scored in the paint, from the foul line and from three-point range as the lone [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers']' player to reach double figures.     A complete player who scores, defends, rebounds and moves the ball, Hendricks was the best player on the floor for much of [program_tooltip program_id='2078394' first='Team' last='1848']'s win over [program_tooltip program_id='2517147' first='Wisconsin' last='Breakaway'] in a 17U game. Hendricks knocked down two triples, completed five drives to the basket and made all five of his foul shots en route to scoring 21 points. Moreover, he just made one winning play after another on both ends of the court as [program_tooltip program_id='2078394' first='Team' last='1848'] posted a 71-50 win over a good Breakaway squad. AJ, his twin brother, Austin, [player_tooltip player_id='2416199' first='Maddix' last='Gulseth'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2140894' first='Cal' last='Calhoon'] form a terrific backcourt for [program_tooltip program_id='2078394' first='Team' last='1848'].     You better account for Gulseth on every defensive possession or he will make you pay for the lack of attention. He is an outstanding three-point shooter with extremely deep shooting range. He buried four triples and scored 16 points for [program_tooltip program_id='2078394' first='Team' last='1848'] and his long-range marksmanship helped [program_tooltip program_id='2078394' first='Team' last='1848'] pull away from [program_tooltip program_id='2517147' first='Wisconsin' last='Breakaway'] in the second half. Gulseth's ability to knock down shots helped him earn Player of the Year laurels in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference for a Roncalli squad that went 21-6.     Prewitt scored 11 points for [program_tooltip program_id='2225511' first='All-Wisconsin' last=''] in its win over Dfpt Elite NXTPRO. Moreover, the steady backcourt prospect handled the ball against pressure, guarded well on the perimeter and used his physicality and basketball smarts to control things for his team. Already a three-year varsity player for Madison La Follette, Prewitt is one of the better backcourt performers in the Big Eight Conference and is looking to have a big spring and summer for a deep and talented [program_tooltip program_id='2225511' first='All-Wisconsin' last=''] squad. He got off to an impressive start in that regard on Friday.     Skill is the name of the game for White, a three-year varsity player for Kenosha Bradford who has the ball on a string, can bury shots from deep and has a picture-perfect release on his jump shot. White went for 15 points and three triples while handling the majority of ball-handling duties for Dftp Elite in its loss to All-Wisconsin. He did not turn the ball over, made shots, defended with his impressive lateral quickness on the perimeter and found open teammates once he got into the lane.     Of all the players I saw on Friday, Corn was the most pleasant surprise. This guy can really play. His quickness, length and basketball feel are big assets. So, too, are his ability to make shots, drive to the basket and use his defensive prowess to get into passing lanes for steals and deflections. He finished with 12 points and a couple of three-point baskets in All-Wisconsin's win over Dftp Elite.

Had the opportunity to watch four games at the annual Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown Friday at the Champions Center in Appleton. Here are some players who performed well in the 17U and 16U brackets of the event.