Biggest Star: Kobe King, 6’3”, SG, 2017, Wisconsin Playground Warriors
In a semi-final win against the Milwaukee based Playground Elite, rising junior Kobe King went for 31 points. It was just recently that Wisconsin’s top player in the 2017 class started to break out nationally with a few high scoring games in the second live period of the spring and then again in the Spiece Run N’ Slam in Fort Wayne, IN. A smooth looking wing, King exudes a certain sense of calmness and grace on the court. He has a feathery touch from beyond the three point line which he showcased right off the bat in the first-half. He is also a good (not great) athlete which allows him to create his own shots off the dribble and in the paint. While he will need to improve his explosiveness and the lift he gets on his outside shot, there was no doubt that King’s stock is set to rise. He not only knocked in the game winning three in the semi-finals, but he was also named as the MVP of the 16U bracket. Right now, King holds mid-major offers plus one from Iowa State and has interest from several big time programs including Wisconsin and Virginia.
Other Notes:
Freshmen guard Jordan McCabe is well known up north for his fancy ball-handling and passing skills that have earned him the “White Chocolate” nickname. In a close semi-final win on Sunday, McCabe wasted no time showing off his cross-over and step-back skills. He hit his first three point attempt of the game and racked up several no-look passes that ended up as easy assists. Despite the flash to his game, McCabe struggled with the size of the taller defenders and while he possesses the hand speed to execute his fancy dribbling moves, he doesn’t necessarily have the foot speed or athleticism to blow by defenders and get deep into the lane. That being said so far, McCabe has already produced on the varsity level at Kaukana High (WI) and has interest from several Big 10 schools to go along with Xavier, Virginia, and Missouri.
Tre Jones, the brother of NCAA champion Tyus Jones suffered a defeat early in the morning with his 16U team but he just continued to play with the eventual champions in the 15U bracket. The Howard Pulley Panthers took home the championship in Wisconsin with a win over McCabe and the Wisconsin Playground Warriors. This past season the 6’1” freshman helped Apple Valley capture the Minnesota 4A Boys Championship as he began to step out of his older brother’s large shadow. While not as talented, the younger Jones certainly makes an impression with his lengthy wing-span and ability to attack off the pick and roll. Jones hounded defenders and got into the lane for lay-ups or short runners on a regular basis.
With McCabe and Jones playing on side by side courts in the semi-finals, it was natural for the eyes to focus on the two hot shot point guards. Despite their talent, it was 6’4” Wisconsin wing Keshawn Justice that stood out on Sunday afternoon. The lanky wing started off with a three from the right side of the court before taking over the second half of a close win. Always seeming one step ahead of his defender, Justice utilized quick cuts and ball screens to get to the basket and also hit the game winning shot of a tough drive down the left side of the basket. He also added a three in the second half, one in which his tight, compact form was on display.
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