Midwest Showdown: Teddy’s Sunday Takeaways (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1561966' first='Chris' last='Pohl'] has so Much to Prove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'7” and playing a level up, 2026 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='1561966' first='Chris' last='Pohl'] has so much potential. Against 24:UP, Pohl was a heavy presence on the offensive interior. He created several second-chance opportunities and was excellent with the pick and roll. He also drew fouls and converted free throws at a high rate. Defensively, he displayed capabilities of guarding both on the inside and on the perimeter. His longer arms gave him a big advantage defensively and allowed him to make key plays in the second half.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Another Take on 16U 24:Up UA Rise</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite dropping their first few games, 24:Up UA Rise started the morning really strong. They had an early double-digit advantage behind stellar two-way play from Tanner Wankowski. The 6'1” Point Guard hit a deep three early, but the awareness he showed both offensively and defensively was superb. In fact, the team defense by 24:Up was outstanding. In the first half, they only allowed 17 points. More importantly, 24:Up was big in the rebound battle against taller, lengthier players. Overall, the scoring was very balanced offensively. Almost everyone contributed and created chances for one another. Caleb Polling showed plenty of strength attacking the hoop and also hit a three. [player_tooltip player_id='1551682' first='Asher' last='Haas'] was arguably the most consistent shooter. He hit five three's Friday night and hit a handful of midrange and 3-point shots this morning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16U Playground Dominate (Again)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16U Wisconsin Playground ended a dominant weekend with a win against United Hoops. [player_tooltip player_id='1240335' first='Kai' last='Rogers'] had an excellent start to this contest. Not only did he win down low, but he was active at getting his teammates involved too. For a while, he looked on pace for a triple double. But other players stepped up too. [player_tooltip player_id='1853679' first='Liam' last='Lubkeman'] displayed an excellent touch around the rim while also showing tremendous footwork. Andrew Bender got involved offensively too with a put-back finish and a three in the opening half. He hit another three and had a smooth baseline drive to start the second half too, with [player_tooltip player_id='1240335' first='Kai' last='Rogers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1853679' first='Liam' last='Lubkeman'] continuing to win everything inside. Playground beat United Hoops 69-32. [player_tooltip player_id='1240335' first='Kai' last='Rogers'] scored 16 points, [player_tooltip player_id='1853679' first='Liam' last='Lubkeman'] had 8, and Andrew Bender scored 12.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16U Chapman Uses Big Second Half to Down All-Wisconsin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All-Wisconsin was propelled early by [player_tooltip player_id='1289137' first='Preston' last='Fields'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1441613' first='Alden' last='Rogers']. Both guards utilized their speed to attack the rim and get to the line early on. Similarly, [player_tooltip player_id='1412882' first='Luka' last='Momcilovic'] was making big contributions for Chapman. The 6'7” forward was a big factor in the rebounding battle while also stretching the floor for a pair of first half triples. He was just as productive in the second half with another three and a score inside to start things off. [player_tooltip player_id='1432805' first='Zach' last='Behn'] was also highly affective. He had 12 second half points with two triples, while also showing plenty of confidence inside. Chapman used a big second half push to down All-Wisconsin 65-43. Behn scored 14 points and [player_tooltip player_id='1412882' first='Luka' last='Momcilovic'] scored 15.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>No Bigs, No Problem for 16U Clippers Nation Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16U Clippers Nation didn't have the size to match up with MN Heat. But they had the speed, shooting, and defense to make it an enticing game. 2026 Point Guard Cylin Pointer was so fast up the floor no one could catch him. He instigated a massive run in the second half to put them in front. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gianni Feaster converted multiple three's while playing a big role in the passing game later on. But the defense was the best part. Feaster &nbsp; forced a handful of turnovers while making plays up the floor in fast break. Ryan Clemons showed an underrated vertical with numerous blocks down low over taller players. They only allowed four points and one field goal in the first 10 minutes of the second half. A layup from Clemons in the final seconds sealed the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->