Mequon, WI – As the 2019 Version of the NY2LA Sports Next Level Invitational tipped off we were on scene to take in the action. Here is a recap of who stood out, who boosted their stock, and who caught our eyes as Sleepers on the first day of wall to wall action. With over 250 coaches in an attendance the basketball on display was a great opportunity to see who is ready to take their game to the Next Level.
DAY 1 STANDOUTS
2020 F Caleb McGill – Colorado Chaos
Caleb McGill is listed as PF but he did a bit of everything for the Colorado Chaos on Thursday. He had a double double while at times bringing the ball up and showed a versatility to go with his high level toughness. One of the top forwards in the NY2LA Association, McGill showed no signs of slowing down.
2020 G Wendell Green Jr. – Michigan Playmakers
Green was the spark for his Michigan Playmakers squad on Thursday. With 22 points and 7 assists it’s easy to see why many of the top programs in the Midwest are following him.
2020 F Frank Jakubicek – Quad City Elite
The recent Belmont Commit didn’t disappoint as he was a force all night for Quad City. His strength and skill combination was on full display. Belmont fans will be happy with this big man.
2021 G Tyrese Hunter – Phenom University 16U EYBL
Going up against the backcourt of 3D empire Hunter was huge as Phenom rallied to win their opener. A bouncy lead guard with more than one gear, Hunters defense and timely outside shooting was a huge reason the 16U squad playing up was able to get the victory.
2020 G Max Klesmit - WI Blizzard
Klesmit came out on fire Thursday pouring in 26 points to pace the WI Blizzard. The big guard has a chance to be special and he showed his strong performances in April and June were the norm.
2020 G Isaiah Stewart - WI Dynasty
Stewart was effective off the bounce, in transition, and with the jumper in both outings Thursday for WI Dynasty. Schools looking for a lead guard who can put the ball in the basket should take note.
2020 F Garry Clark – Team Ramey CCM RED
Garry Clark caught my eye at 8am on Thursday as he ran the flow and finished with a toughness that made it feel like 8pm. He was everywhere for Ramey and a big reason why they got the win to start the day off.
2022 G Steven Clay – Phenom University
Playing up 2 age groups Clay was a big time performer on Thursday night chipping in 15 points as Phenom Universe pulled out a nail biter. The long guard oozes potential and it was on full display as he scored at the rim and in the mid-range.
2020 G Anthony Washington – WI Premier
Washington is steady and patient and he imposed his will with his ball pressure and by forcing the tempo in transition. Long for a guard he is able to use his size at the rim and in passing lanes.
2021 G Anton Brookshire – Yanders Law
The point guard from MO was dynamite on Thursday night for Yanders Law. He hit deep threes and pushed the rock when needed showing a feel for the position that many guards don’t have. His added strength was clear as he attacked the paint and finished through contact multiple times.
DAY 1 STOCK BOOSTERS
2021 G – Kobe Johnson - Phenom University EYBL
Johnson is a long armed lead guard who answered the challenge against 2 of the best guards on the 17U version of the NY2LA Association. He helped bring his team back and ultimately beat 3D Empire in one of the best games of the day. His defense was outstanding and he made great decisions with the ball. His ability to get into the lane was a major key for Phenom Universe.
2020 F – Kip Clark – Motor City Grizzlies
Clark picked up where he left off in April for Motor City Grizzlies, slashing to the paint and living on the glass. His activity is what stands out as he is constantly on the break and around the ball. At 6-7 Clark has shown the ability to play inside and in transition. Colleges looking for a guy that competes should take note.
2021 F –Brandon Hunt – Legacy Elite 2020
Hunt was a revelation today as he jumped out on a Legacy Elite Roster that was undermanned but not short for talent. The young big showed patience and a refined post game while staying active and running in transition.
2020 G Jalen Boyd – Team Ramey CCM RED
Boyd has the luxury of having multiple 6-5+ wings to play with but someone still needs to run the show for Team Ramey and he did just that both in the morning and evening session on opening day. Getting out in transition this solidly built guard made the right pass and paced the tempo in the AM, and came back and chipped in 17 points in the evening session showing he can score and run a team.
DAY 1 SLEEPERS
2020 F Austin Garner – 3D Empire
Garner was a huge reason why 3D was able to jump out to a big lead in their 1st game. Hitting 4 3’s on his way to 18 points the talented Texan showed a skillset that many schools covert as a stretch forward. Shooters are always a priority and when you rebound the way Garner does it’s easy to take notice.
2020 G Noah Pruitt – Legacy Elite 2020
Noah Pruitt was very good in a tough loss to Full Package on opening day. He hit multiple mid-range jumpers off the bounce and catch. With a solid build and tight handle I expect more colleges to catch a glimpse of him this weekend.
2020 G Alec Millender – ET21 Buckeyes
Millender came to play on Thursday at Homestead High School. With a 22 pt. outburst followed up by a 19 point game its clear why this lead guard is being talked about in Chicago and beyond. Definitely someone to watch the rest of the weekend.
2020 F Chris Okeke – SYF
Okeke was active on the offensive glass with tip dunks and strong finishes out of the P&R. Defensively he altered shots and patrolled the paint. His upside is very clear and he will be a name to watch moving forward.
2020 G – Jack Wetzel – Gain Elite
Jack Wetzel can score the basketball. With 23 and 26 in 2 games on Thursday that much was clear. The guard from MN will be needed for GAINELITE to make a run once bracket play starts.