NY2LA Next Level Invitational Opening Night Preview: 16U
MEQUON — The 2018 NY2LA Sports Next Level Invitational, featuring the NY2LA Association championships, kicks off on Wednesday. Looking ahead to the action in the 16U Division, Prep Hoops Wisconsin previews opening night in the first week of the evaluation period.
NY2LA Association Opening Round Games
Young Legends vs. Marcus Denmon Elite
After a 2-6 regular season, the Young Legends will have to take on the West Division champions on opening night. Marcus Denmon Elite went 7-1, with a 5-0 mark in division play. Sleeper Leontae Scott had an impressive sophomore campaign for Milwaukee King, averaging 11 points per game and will need a big effort on Wednesday to push the Young Legends through to the next round.
Ray Allen Select vs. Breakaway Basketball
Ray Allen Select finished third in the North Division after a 5-3 overall record. They’ll get a Breakaway Basketball squad who had a 3-5 mark. 2020 point guard Karter Thomas was red hot in the month of June and is one of the fastest rising prospects in Wisconsin’s 2020 class. Sam McGath and J.T. Hoytink round out a squad that has a chance to make a nice run this week.
Wisconsin Shooters vs. Jets-Ramey United
The Wisconsin team with arguably the best chance to take the 16U title, the Wisconsin Shooters have a surplus of depth. Ranked players such as Evan Lilly, Declan Ciurlik, Cole Dakovich, Lucas Finnessy, Harry Grams, and Carson Smith make up one of the strongest cores in the NY2LA Association. Standing in their way on opening night is a 4-4 Jets-Ramey United squad.
Wisconsin Blizzard Kuranda vs. Martin Brothers
One of the biggest surprises in the NY2LA Association, the Wisconsin Blizzard finished second in the South Division with a 6-2 overall record. Jake Buchanan had a fine spring and is the straw that stirs the drink of this squad. His running mates Max Klesmit and Jayquon Owens are two tough matchups that give opponents fits. Martin Brothers comes in with a 3-5 overall record.
Wisconsin Swing vs. All-In Figuero
Two Division 1 prospects headline the Wisconsin Swing in Anthony Washington and Caden Boser. After a 4-4 overall record in the spring, the Swing will get All-In Athletics, who have an identical 4-4 record in the North Division, which was arguably the best from top to bottom. Delaware Hale and Colin Schaefer round out a Swing group that also has title potential this week.
Open Division Opening Round Games
*Games Begin Thursday
WI Swing Bredesen vs. ET21 Buckeyes
Two teams with some hidden talent in their respective states face off on opening night. Max Beuthin, Sam Dodge, and Garret Locy make up what could be one of the stronger teams in the open division. They’ll have to get through a borderline top 25 prospect in the state of Illinois, Chris Conway who leads the Buckeyes.
All Iowa Attack vs. Wisconsin RAP
One of the state’s top class of 2020 prospects Gerald Gittens will lead Wisconsin RAP into an opening night matchup with All-Iowa Attack. An athletic, high motor guard, Gittens is one of the better kept secrets in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Dynasty vs. All-In Athletics Williams
Isaiah Stewart has been on a tear as of late and takes the floor for Wisconsin Dynasty to kick off July. The rising sophomore is coming off a 34-point and a 29-point performance at the Mr. Basketball Invitational in Nebraska.
Other Games of Note
WI Hoops Select Gilkes vs. Wisconsin Playmakers Strege
WI Blizzard Leland vs. Milwaukee Sharks
Young Lions vs. Mercury Elite Payan
WI Focus Blue vs. Golden Touch Basketball
Gain Elite vs. Randolph Boys Club
Wisconsin Blizzard Sosinsky vs. Wisconsin Swing Morovits