2024 6’4 Nolan Minessale – Chapman Academy Gold 16U
No prospect helped their stock more at WI Spring Showdown than sophomore Nolan Minessale of Chapman Basketball Academy. Minessale had one of the top performances of the weekend on Saturday, scoring 26 points in a win over WI Crusaders Premier. Minessale has some wiggle to his game, able to break defenders down and get into the paint where he has great functional athleticism to play above the rim without unnecessary gather steps. In one sequence he caught the ball in right corner, ripped through and got to the rim in one dribble where he finished with a big time 2-hand dunk. Minnesale also flashed perimeter shooting, knocking down a couple threes.
2023 6’0 Austin Villarreal – Pro Lane/Team Herro 17U
Austin Villarreal had an impressive weekend for Pro Lane 17U, helping his team to a 3-2 record and Gold Bracket championship at WI Spring Showdown. Villarreal has great footwork and was able to score in the midrange with pull up jumpers. He was active defensively and brings high energy every time he is on the floor. Villarreal also proved to be a threat from deep, knocking down threes of the catch. He scored 16 points in a wild game Saturday night vs Movement Hoops.
2025 6’1 Tyler Haney – United Hoops 15U
Tyler Haney was the top stock booster in the 15U division playing with United Hoops. Haney has a motor that doesn’t stop and was relentless attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line. He impressed as an on-ball defender and made a couple of really nice passes creating for teammates. Haney is flying under the radar in Wisconsin’s 2025 class but saw minutes for Sun Prairie HS at the varsity level as a freshman and is a prospect to watch closely over the next couple of years.
2023 6’2 Darius Chestnut – RIT Elite 17U
Darius Chestnut had some big-time scoring performances for RIT Elite at WI Spring Showdown, including a 32-point outburst in matchup with Team Herro EYBL. Chestnut is a strong and explosive athlete on the wing and is at his best playing downhill to the rim where he has a nice finishing package to his game. He also was able to impact the game defensively and on the glass. Although he did not see a ton of team success over the weekend, Chestnut improved his stock with his individual performance and is an intriguing player to watch the rest of the spring and summer.
2022 6’5 Tashun Pender – Movement Hoops 17U
Tashun Pender is a freak athlete, plain and simple. At 6’5 he has incredible leaping ability and was a walking highlight – putting down an in-game 360 dunk to go a long with windmills on the break and catching lobs in the half court. Pender has a lighting quick second jump and did major work on the glass on both ends of the court for Movement Hoops. He needs to improve his jump shot mechanics and continue to work on his skill set but Pender has a very high ceiling with his physical tools and athletic abilities. Pender is considering taking a prep year and reclassifying into the 2023 class.