Mequon, WI –  DAY 2 of the NY2LA Sports Next Level Invitational was full of big shots and guys making plays.   Like yesterday here is a recap of those who stood out, those who we saw as stock boosters, and those who might be what some would call sleepers.  And we added a few in who don’t need to be put into one of those categories but definitely deserve to be recognized.   

 

 

Boser jumped onto the scene last year for the WI Swing and he has been steady throughout the spring and now into July for the Swing.   He dropped 20 points to help the Swing win their early game on Friday.  He is a highly coveted player for many in the Midwest.

 

Peters has shown he can score the ball and do it in a variety of ways.  We saw him hit deep threes, pull ups, and get to the line as he dropped 27 and 19 in 2 games on Friday.  It’s easy to see why we originally thought he was a 2020…..but the fact that he’s a 2021 guard makes his work on the 17U side even more impressive.  

 

Listen, Jaden Zackery has put up quality performances more than once since the start of the Next Level Invitational and his 32 point effort Friday night is more the norm than a one-time thing.  Programs looking for help on the frontline need to get eyes on this impressive big. 

 

Hunter again showed why he’s one of the top underclass point guards in the Midwest.   Going for 19 points he made sure that Phenom would move onto the Platinum Bracket.  

 

We try not to highlight guys on back to back days but sometimes the production means we can’t ignore it.   Klesmit is one of those cases.   Leading the Blizzard in scoring with 24 and 20 on Friday, Klesmit also earned an offer from North Dakota.   

 

Garner is playing like a man possessed.  He has hit deep threes and manned the glass for an undersized 3D team.   They don’t make it to bracket play without his heroics Friday as he dropped 20 points to advance. 

 

It’s easy to forget the young wing is playing up but when you consistently produce it’s also easy to take notice.   Podziemski was fantastic on Friday for WI Rap.  He had 14 and 18 and helped push them into the Platinum Bracket. 

 

Wetzel showed Thursday was not a fluke as he led Gain Elite in scoring both games Friday.  The guard from MN is putting his name out there as a major bucket getter through the 1st two days of the Next Level Invitational. 

 

Ready to go at 8am Brookshire was a key in getting Yanders out of pool play Friday.   He controlled the pace and broke pressure for layups multiple times against a physical and active Team Ramey.

 

 

Graham showed the potential that coaches rave about.  He was a force with 25 points and his work on the glass is a big reason why the 16U edition of Phenom University is in the Platinum Bracket. 

 

As one of the names who blew up on the NY2LA Association this spring some might find it hard for Hebb to boost his stock but with all eyes on him he poured in 31 and 15 leading 3D to the Platinum Bracket.   His play caught the eye of DePaul as they extended an offer Friday night. 

 

Schultz had the coaches section buzzing Friday with his ability to get out and handle the ball in transition and a college ready frame.  Before suffering a knee injury in the last game for H.I.T he was anchoring the post and showing a basketball IQ that left many asking who is that?  Hopefully Schultz will be back playing soon but he showed he is a name to track in his time this week.

 

Jones is a long and wiry wing who helped WI Premier into Bracket play on Friday.  His aggressiveness was clear as he attacked off the bounce and showed confidence in his outside shot that opened up driving lanes. 

 

 

Some might say a kid who committed to NDSU prior to the live period is not a sleeper but if what we saw Friday is any indication Nelson is a major steal.  6-9 and able to handle the ball on the break and shoot the three the long forward was all over the court for ECI.   The Bison got a huge steal in the big man from the plains.  His upside is huge when paired with his skillset. 

 

We saw Hall in April for Breakaway and his game is a perfect fit with backcourt mate Nate Shockey.  On Friday Hall was terrific leading Breakaway into bracket play.  He finished with 21points and his play is huge for Breakaway going forward. 

 

Govek was lights out from deep on Friday for Phenom.  He hit 7 3’s in the first half for Phenom and was on target again in their tough loss for against 3D.   Shot makers are always in demand and Govek put his name on the list.

 

Justice has a big frame that makes you think he’s an undersized power forward but it was his perimeter stroke that caught our eye on Friday.  His ability and willingness to make and take big 3’s helped WI Premier get to bracket play.  He is an intriguing guy to keep an eye on going forward.  His size allows him to be a factor on the glass as well. 

 

 

Finnessy is going to Minnesota on a football scholarship but we have to acknowledge his toughness on the court.  6-4 and strong as any post he is a huge reason why Phenom can play any style and hold their own.   He will make some intramural team in the Twin Cities very happy and opposing quarterbacks very worried.

 

If you pop you shoulder out it hurts.  If you pop it out twice, go to the hallway and pop back it in, then dive on the floor for a loose ball we don’t know what to say.   One thing is that this kid is the epitome of toughness.   He did what a lot of players say they are all about.   After putting his shoulder back in, Price proceeded to help 3D Empire into Bracket play with big shots great defense.  This is a guy you win with.