The 2019 NY2LA Sports Swish N’ Dish came to a close on Sunday as title were awarded in the 15, 16, and 17U divisions. Here’s a look at some of the players who elevated their games on day three in Milwaukee…

Malik Abdul-Wahid – 2020 – F – Ray Allen Select
A sleeper that looks like he’s starting to scratch the surface of his high ceiling, Abdul-Wahid showed some flashes for Ray Allen Select this weekend. An athletic combo forward, Abdul-Wahid seems to have improved his handles and had some impressive takes off the bounce on Sunday. The 6-foot-5 junior was a role player for Brookfield Central during their state title run, but will see his minutes and production increase greatly next season. Abdul-Wahid did most of his damage in transition and above the rim, but now appears more equipped to score in the half court as well. 

Cole Booth – 2020 – G – Wisconsin Swing Bredesen/Morovits
8 a.m. games on Sunday morning are generally tough to get up for…not if you were Booth. The junior guard hit five 3-pointers, including four in a row in the second half to lift the Swing past the Blizzard in the 17U silver bracket quarterfinals. The 6-foot-1 guard was unconscious from beyond the arc. Most impressively, you didn’t see him attempt heat check shots, just because he was rolling. Booth stayed within the system and took what was available en route to a game-high 19 points. 

Lucas Finnessy – 2020 – F – Phenom University NY2LA 
He might be headed to play football at Minnesota, but Finnessy brings plenty to the hardwood. The junior forward was outstanding in a high-level matchup with Ray Allen Select in the 17U gold semifinals. A hard-nosed, blue-collar forward, Finnessy sets the tone in the paint. He can slash from the high post, put his shoulder down, and finish through contact. Finnessy also has some skills and doesn’t just rely on brute force. He can handle the ball on the perimeter and in transition. He’s also a willing playmaker who’s a much better passer than he gets credit for. 

David Joplin – 2021 – F – Meanstreets
Joplin and Meanstreets won the 16U title on Sunday. Playing more on the perimeter this spring, Joplin’s transition to the wing will be interesting to watch. He may be an undersized power forward in high school, but the 6-foot-6 sophomore has nice interior footwork, which he’d like to still see him take advantage of. However, Joplin does look more explosive in the open floor and has always been able to shoot the rock consistently from 3-point range. Joplin posted 12 points in the semifinals and 16 points in the title game to aid Meanstreets’ run. 

Max Klesmit – 2020 – SG – Wisconsin Blizzard
Klesmit and the Blizzard didn’t go down without a fight on Sunday to Wisconsin Swing Bredeson-Morovits. The Neenah standout got off to a slow start, but steadily picked up his play and if it weren’t for the hot hand of the opposition, probably would have went deep into the silver bracket. Klesmit is becoming a strong Division 2 prospect with his ability to play on and off the ball. A scoring guard, Klesmit is comfortable from all three levels and shows more of a willingness to use his 6-foot-3 frame down on the block and create mismatch problems. A terrific shooter, especially off the bounce, Klesmit will be one of the top players in the NY2LA circuit this summer.

Ben Nau – 2021 – G – Phenom University
It’s probably safe to say that Phenom University doesn’t walk away with the title in 17U if it weren’t for Nau. With his team in a sizable early hole against EG10, Nau awoke his teammates with a flurry of triples and timely defensive plays. The 6-foot-2 sophomore is a deadly perimeter shooter with great lift and a quick stroke. When he rises and fires with confidence, Nau can rip off triples at a high rate. Also one of the toughest players in the state, Nau loves to sacrifice his body and drew a couple of game-changing charges in the quarterfinal victory. 

Sincere Parker – 2020 – SG – Mac Irvin Fire
Parker is a killer and if you can’t match his intensity, he’ll eat you alive. The 6-foot-4 wing is a terrific shot creator with a knack for scoring off-balance and with a hand in his face. Parker has great length, which allows him to see over the top of defenders. Holding a couple of early offers, look for Parker to begin generating high major looks during the live period as he seems EYBL ready. 

Jordan Rice – 2021 – PG – Quad City Elite NY2LA
Another quality guard coming out of Rock Island, Rice has some intriguing skills. He’s only listed at 5-foot-8, but has terrific handles and speed on the ball. Rice plays downhill for 30 minutes and just continues to come at you. A fearless lead guard that’s not afraid of the big shots, Rice doesn’t get too high or too low throughout a game and easily forget a rough shooting stretch. If he can improve his shot selection and create more for his teammates, Rice has a bright future and schools will certainly overlook any size deficiencies he may have in the coming years. 

Donovan Williams – 2020 – SG – Brad Beal Elite
Williams played the game with energy and passion as Brad Beal Elite reached the 17U semifinals. With his team trailing against Mac Irvin Fire in the quarterfinals, Williams dismantled the opposition on both ends of the floor, shutting the other teams best player down and getting hot offensively. Williams capped off a couple of beautiful 3-point plays at the rim. A sharpshooter with a quick, smooth stroke, the Nebraska commit helped put the game away with a couple of triples in the second half. A terrific two-way player with size, athleticism, and strength, Williams looks like quite the steal for the Huskers.