Las Vegas Day 1 Standouts
LAS VEGAS — The top performers and stock booster from day one of the Las Vegas Classic…
TOP PERFORMERS
Reed Gunnink – 2020 – SG – Wisconsin Swing
Talk about a performance we did not see coming. Gunnink dropped 23 points in a win over Powerhouse Hoops Arizona. Not only did Gunnink’s explosion help the Swing pull away in the second half, but the Laconia standout kept his team alive and was instrumental in overcoming the 19-point first half deficit. A tough, hard-nosed guard, Gunnink was terrific around the rim. The 6-foot-3 guard has an excellent frame for slashing and went right through defenders en route to the cup. Gunnink is also a smooth mid-range shooter than can invert himself in the offense as well, playing down on the block against smaller guards. We’re not sure if it’s a big part of his game, but Gunnink also had some huge assists that shifted the momentum of the game.
Carter Lancaster – 2021 – SF – Wisconsin Swing
A kid we’ve probably slept on a little bit, Lancaster was able to show more of what he can do with the likes of Brayden Dailey and Grant Flory not in action. What we found is that Lancaster is a good athlete with a strong all-around skill set. The 6-foot-2 wing can play above the rim, brings a physical slashing presence, can stretch the floor from 3-point range, and has some unique post footwork for his size/age. Lancaster’s playmaking ability was also impressive. Defended by smaller, quicker guards, the Darlington native took advantage of aggressive defense and got into the paint where he could either get to the rim or drop the ball off to his teammates.
Carlos Ramsey – 2019 – SG – Milwaukee Spartans-Rebels
Ramsey was in beast mode from start to finish on Wednesday. Helping his team throttle the Southern California Renegades, Ramsey dropped 30 points. The Milwaukee Destiny standout got to the rim at will. In transition, Ramsey is like a runaway freight train. A powerful, but smooth finisher, Ramsey accelerated the pace all game long. Holding one Division 1 offer from UW-Milwaukee, Ramsey continues to make a case for more.
Anthony Washington – 2020 – W/G – Wisconsin Swing
Washington had some moments in Wednesday’s win over Powerhouse Hoops Arizona. The Madison East star is a high-upside wing that’s still just scratching the surface. Washington can play anywhere on the perimeter, including point guard. He was exciting bring the ball up in transition and making things happen around the rim. A plus-length, athletic prospect, Washington also has a knack for turning defense into offense. The 6-foot-3 junior plays the passing lanes well and can also pick the pocket of ball handlers. Right now, Washington is mostly a scoring threat in the paint. Division 1 schools will likely take a chance on Washington regardless, but if he improves the consistency of his jump shot…watch out.
STOCK BOOSTERS
Jalawn Farrell – 2020 – G – Milwaukee Spartans-Rebels
Known more for his driving ability, Farrell is starting shoot the ball much better. Knocking down shots he wasn’t comfortable taking in the spring, Farrell contributed 16 points in a win over the Southern California Renegades. Playing against the zone, Farrell got into the teeth of the defense and pulled up nicely from 12-15 feet. He was also able to stretch the floor from 3-point range a bit as well. If he continues to shoot the ball like he did Wednesday, Farrell will only continue to add Division 1 offers.
Delaware Hale – 2020 – PF – Wisconsin Swing
Hale was probably the unsung hero of the Swing’s comeback win over Powerhouse Hoops Arizona. The 6-foot-6 forward played terrific interior defense, blocking and altering shots inside. Hale also flashed his high upside en route to a double figure effort. The Sun Prairie native created some transition offense, grabbing rebounds and going coast-to-coast. Hale loves to run the floor and had an exciting poster dunk in the fast break.
Adam Hobson – 2020 – F – Wisconsin Swing
Hobson’s passing ability is an underrated component of this Wisconsin Swing 16U team. When he touches the ball, good things seem to happen. Hobson loves to find cutting teammates under the rim. If he’s on the block, Hobson can float skip passes over the top of the defense, right into the shooting pocket. In transition, Hobson always seems to make the right play and knows how to bait defenders in order to open up where he wants to go with the basketball. A hybrid playmaker/stretch forward. Hobson scored in double figures during Wednesday’s win.
Jake Martin – 2021 – C – Wisconsin Swing
Immediately, you notice Martin’s 6-foot-9 frame. Also a wide body that can move, Martin figures to have some of the best upside in the 2021 class. Like most young bigs, Martin needs a lot of development and he’s still getting comfortable in his body, but the Whitewater native is rather coordinated and even if he doesn’t give you a single point, can still rebound and protect the paint well. In a blowout win over Virginia Select, Martin had a number of putbacks, camping out under the rim and getting his team second chance points.
Ben Probst – 2020 – G – Wisconsin Swing
Probst didn’t show up much in the box score, but his defensive impact was felt in the Swing’s come from behind win over Powerhouse Hoops Arizona. The opposition got off to an extremely hot start shooting the basketball, including one sniper in particular. Probst accepted the challenge and really flustered the offensive flow for Powerhouse Hoops. He did an excellent job of shadowing the opposition’s sharpshooter, fighting through screens, and not allowing easy catch-and-shoot opportunities.