First-Team
1. (MVP) Henry Ellenson - 6-9, Rice Lake
Ellenson went up against the best junior in the country, Diamond Stone, and handled him easily as the Warriors beat Dominican by double digits. Ellenson, who has offers from both Wisconsin and Marquette, impressed me so much by his ball-handling skills for a big man and his ability to rebound and shoot a terrific jumpshot, especially from beyond the three-point arc.
2. Chandler Diekvoss - 6-6, West De Pere
Diekvoss had two impressive games against D1 teams, as the Phantoms beat Racine Case on Day 1 and Milwaukee Washington on Day 2. Diekvoss had 18 points against Washington and can bring the ball up the court if needed with his impressive ball-handling skills. The Richmond recruit and wing impressed me by his smooth three-point shot as well as his underrated passes into tight spaces for assists.
3. Matt Heldt - 6-10, Neenah
Heldt transferred to the Rockets his sophomore year after playing at Appleton West as a freshman. This junior is such a sleeper in the state because of his ability to run the floor as a 6-10 big man in the post, and that ability leads to layups and dunks on the other end. His rebounding and blocking ability are his strengths, but Heldt must get stronger and bigger if he wants to be an elite player in the future.
4. Lamonte Bearden - 6-2, Germantown
The catalyst of the undefeated Warhawks is clearly Bearden. I loved watching his defensive pressure as he was a defender who moved his feet, had his arms out wide, and followed his assignment in the Warhawks' press. Bearden's size as a point guard can't be overlooked, and the Buffalo recruit's ability to get to the basket impressed me as he had two dunks in the first quarter. His athleticism is his best asset.
5. Nathan Toenjes - 6-7, Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran
Toenjes had an impressive one-handed follow-up dunk on Day 1. He runs the floor well for a big man and can easily grab offensive rebounds and put them back up for easy points. Also a great defender who can block shots and grab boards with no trouble. The Concordia Nebraska recruit leads the Blazers, who have not lost a Packerland Conference game since January 27, 2012.
Honorable Mention
Diamond Stone - 6-9, Dominican
The enormous junior had eye-popping dunks in this shootout. Outplayed by Ellenson on Day 1, Stone has a sweet-looking mid-range jumpshot and can grab rebounds from anybody with ease.
Nathan Neveau - 5-10, Oshkosh North
Not only is Neveau an outstanding quarterback on the football field, he is also a floor general on the basketball court. Though he is rather small, Neveau makes up for it with his determination and ability. The Hillsdale recruit could make just about every pass imaginable and is deadly from behind the arc. His exceptional man-to-man defense wreaked havoc on opponents and his quickness allowed him to get to the rim for an easy layup with ease.
C.J. Polk - 6-0, Wisconsin Lutheran
The Minnesota State-Moorhead recruit is a fast and electric guard who drives hard to the basket and finishes easy shots. A great defender on the Vikings' press as he comes up with steals because of his quickness. Also, he has a pretty-looking three-point shot that is highly accurate.
Joe Sherburne - 6-6, Whitefish Bay
A long, athletic wing who could deflect passes on defense because of his length. Could also handle the ball for a tall athlete and could stroke the three-ball at will.
Ethan Bublitz - 6-1, Kettle Moraine Lutheran
This underrated prospect positively surprised me by his passing abilities and his shooting. Had multiple assists to wide open teammates and also shot the mid-range jumper and three-pointer extremely well. Went off for 25 points in the Chargers' Day 1 victory over Brookfield Academy.
