WBY Shootout: Top Underclassmen Performers
The WBY Shootout featured some of the biggest names in Wisconsin high school hoops, and was a proving grounds for some of the top freshmen and sophomores in the state. Which new names stood out, and which players backed up…
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Continue ReadingThe WBY Shootout featured some of the biggest names in Wisconsin high school hoops, and was a proving grounds for some of the top freshmen and sophomores in the state. Which new names stood out, and which players backed up their status as top players in their class? Prep Hoops Wisconsin gives you ten of the best freshmen and sophomores from the event.
Max Kunnert (6’3 2021 G, Brookfield Academy)- Brookfield Academy won both of their games at the WBY Shootout, and Max Kunnert played a key role in both wins. With games of 11 and 24 points, Kunnert proved to be an offensive threat, and also impressed on defense.He limited Mineral Point’s Isaac Lindsey to 13 points, well below his season average of 20 ppg. Kunnert displayed a smooth pull-up jumper from mid-range, including the game winning shot at the buzzer against Mineral Point. Max was also able to get inside and finish off the drive with confidence.
Ben Nau (6’1 2021 G, Brookfield Central)- Faced off against the talented backcourt of Martin Luther, Ben Nau stepped up to deliver a nice game for Brookfield Central in the win. Ben was his usual self on defense, drawing multiple charges with his quick feet and scrappy style of play. On offense, he scored 12 points showing off a quick release on his three pointer that he knocks down with consistency. Coming off screens, Ben has phenomenal footwork to set himself up to shoot with a defender trailing close behind. Ben also picks his moments to attack the rim, where his quickness allows him to separate from his defender and finish with either hand.
David Joplin (6’6 2021 F, Brookfield Central)- Another sophomore playing a key role in Central’s success was forward David Joplin. At 6’6, David has a mixture of size and athleticism that make him a versatile piece, and he put that versatility on display at the WBY Shootout. He was able to score inside, displaying a quick post-spin to get a bucket early in the game, and also knocked down a three pointer, further signifying his offensive versatility. David looks the part of an improved athlete since last season, with the ability to finish above the rim in half court sets, which makes him an increasingly dangerous player moving forward. He finished with 10 points in the win over Martin Luther.
Mark Wade (5’10 2021 G, Brown Deer)- New to the team this year after transferring schools, Mark looked the part of a dangerous offensive player against Oshkosh West. Scoring 13 points, the sophomore appeared lightning quick and had a smooth jump shot off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. A shifty guard with a ball handling and some playmaking ability, Mark could be a really good player down the road for Brown Deer who will once again graduate a talented senior class this year.
Armani Jones (5’7 2022 G, Milwaukee Academy of Science)- Just a freshman, Armani put up some electric scoring performances against Kettle Moraine Lutheran and Mineral Point at the WBY Shootout. Scoring 33 and 19 points respectively, Armani left a lasting impression on those watching. Armani came off the bench for MAS and immediately made an impact with his deep shooting range. Whether off the catch, or creating for himself off the dribble, Armani found himself in open space to knock down shot after shot. At just 5’7, Armani also showed the ability to finish inside, going over defenders with floaters, or going under them with scooping finger-rolls.
Donald McHenry (6′ 2021 G, Milwaukee Academy of Science)- Adding to the young talent at MAS is sophomore guard Donald McHenry. What stood out most about Donald was his fluid and deceptive ball handling, with a hesitation move that allowed him to shift and blow by his defender. His handles opened up space for him to drive to the hoop where he was able to use his long arms to finish inside. Scoring 38 points over two games against tough opponents, Donald looks the part of a budding offensive threat.
Brayden Dailey (6’5 2021 W, Mineral Point)- One of the state’s highest ranked sophomores backed up his reputation with two big games against some quality opponents. Brayden looked the part of a lethal three point shooter, knocking down shots from well beyond the arc on his way to games of 31 and 27 points. His long arms combined with a high release point on his shot make him difficult to defend when he’s in shooting range, and Brayden excels at getting defenders in the air when they overplay his shooting ability. Dailey showed a strong inside game as well, demonstrating his smooth post footwork to create easy looks that he was able to finish with either hand.
Jacquez Overstreet (6’3 2021 G, Oshkosh West)- Jacquez didn’t put up any big numbers or deliver any flashy performances, but what he did do was deliver consistent production off the bench which led to him receiving big minutes during the final minutes of both games Oshkosh West played. At 6’3 Jacquez ran some point guard, providing great length and athleticism at that position. He played with great composure as an underclassmen, and never seemed to force his own shot but wasn’t afraid to take what the defense was giving him. He scored 7 points in each of his two games as a key contributor off the Oshkosh West bench.
Casey Verhagen (5’11 2022 G, Sheboygan Lutheran)- All eyes were on big scorer Jacob Ognacevic, but Casey Verhagen quickly turned heads with his play at the point guard spot for Sheboygan Lutheran. In two wins Casey scored 22 points to go along with 24 assists and 8 rebounds. Casey used his quickness to penetrate opposing defenses, where his passing vision allowed him to find open teammates all around the court to lead to easy scores. When looking for his own shot, Casey had some tough finishes through contact in the lane to prove that he can create for himself as well.
Cam Palesse (6’4 2021 G, Waukesha West)- Another highly ranked sophomore, Cam Palesse ran the point for a loaded Waukesha West squad in two contests. At 6’4 Cam has a good feel for the game, and has the ball handling skills that allow him to run the offense against smaller and quicker defenders. Whether it was stepping in to take a charge, or hustling for loose balls, Cam was doing all of the little things needed to get a win for his team. On offense his mid-range jumper looked to be his most effective method of scoring, but that range also extends outside to beyond the arc. Cam scored 35 points over two games while pulling in rebounds and dishing out a handful of assists, proving to be one of the top young floor generals the state of Wisconsin has to offer.