Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook

Observations from the 14th annual John Chekouras Classic, held January 25, 2020 at Homestead High School in Mequon:

The All-Chekouras Classic Squad

JaKobe Thompson, 6-1, Jr., G, Racine Case
The smooth left-handed wing guard scored at a high rate in transition during the first half of Case's 96-70 win over Beloit Memorial. In the second half, he showed off his soft shooting touch as he hit two three-point baskets along with a couple of mid-range jumpers. Thompson finished the contest with 25 points as Case improved to 11-3. One of the state's premier juniors, Thompson has a nose for the basket and is strong enough to finish through contact. He is averaging 19.4 points and 2.8 assists for coach Jacob Berce and the Eagles, who lead the Southeast Conference standings by one game over second-place Kenosha Bradford.


Antuan Nesbitt, 6-4, Jr., G/F, The Prairie School
A cerebral player who does a bit of everything, Nesbitt had two impressive one-handed dunks for The Prairie School, which pulled away late to record an 80-64 victory over Living Word Lutheran. He also drilled three shots from beyond the three-point arc on the way to scoring 25 points. He set up his teammates with quality assists, ripped down rebounds and impressed onlookers with his overall impact on the contest. He is averaging 20.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists for coach Jason Atanasoff. Nesbitt is a talented and athletic wing prospect in the 2021 class who figures to be on the recruiting radar of scholarship schools this spring and summer. 

Kody Krekling, 6-3, Jr., F, The Prairie School
Krekling got off to a hot start, scoring 10 points in the first eight minutes of the game, mostly off strong cuts to the basket for layups. He then got hot from three-point range as he connected on two in a row and three for the contest. He finished with a career-high 29 points -- shattering his previous career high of 16 points set earlier this season in a victory over Shoreland Lutheran. A wing player with good size and strength, Krekling is averaging 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds for The Prairie School, which rebounded from its 76-57 loss to Martin Luther on Friday with a strong offensive showing against Living Word Lutheran.

Deshawn Webb, 6-3, Frosh., F, Living Word Lutheran
Coming off the bench for a young but promising Living Word Lutheran program, Webb made his presence felt immediately by scoring off the dribble and off strong cuts to the basket. A good, rangy athlete with solid finishing skills, Webb ran the floor and filled the lanes for the Timberwolves. One of the state's better class of 2023 prospects, Webb finished the contest with 25 points and was able to draw six fouls on The Prairie School. Webb scored 33 points in a Friday night loss to Hope School and is averaging a team-high 16.7 ppg. 

Robert DeLong 6-0, Jr., G, Janesville Parker
Always a threat to score from deep and thus a player able to spread the defense, DeLong's big three-pointer from the right wing late gave Parker the cushion it needed to hold off West Bend West. A three-year varsity performer for the Vikings, DeLong led Parker in scoring with 16 points. He made three triples and also drew several fouls. DeLong moves well without the basketball and looks for his shot when given space. He leads a young team in scoring at 13.6 ppg and went off for a career-high 27 in a loss to a very good Sun Prairie squad earlier this season.

Cole Booth, 6-1, Sr., PG, Plymouth
Consistent, talented and ultra-tough, Booth made play after play on both ends of the court for Plymouth, which improved to 11-3 with a 76-59 victory over West Bend East. Booth scored 28 points, made all six of his foul shots, buried two three-point shots and drilled multiple mid-range jump shots while also constantly looking for his teammates and delivering pinpoint passes. One aspect of Booth's game that, at times, gets overlooked is his strong on-the-ball defense. His physical strength and lateral mobility make him a very tough defender, one capable of contributing early at UW-Oshkosh next season. On the campaign, Booth is averaging 22.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists for coach Tim Schultz and the Panthers.

Kamari McGee, 6-0, Jr., PG, Racine St. Catherine's
If there is a loose ball on the floor, McGee is going to get it. And nobody will take it away. A true lead guard who involves his teammates with his ability to penetrate and dish, McGee is one of the top defenders in the state, regardless of division or year in school. His physical strength and mental toughness, not to mention his lateral quickness and hustle, make him a terrific player on the defensive end of the court. Offensively, McGee had 18 points while finishing well in the post against taller defenders. He also knocked down two three-point shots for the undefeated Angels. A definite NCAA Division I prospect due to his leadership, ball handling, passing and defensive ability, McGee will be a player to watch this spring and summer on the circuit.

Jameer Barker, 6-2, Jr., WG, Racine St. Catherine's
While classmates Kamari McGee and Tyrese Hunter get more acclaim in the Angels' talented backcourt, Barker certainly contributes in a positive manner as while for the Angels. He finished with a game-high 21 points and drained four three-point baskets in the win over West Allis Central. The left-handed wing guard has good size, strength and skill, and teams with Hunter and McGee to form perhaps the state's top backcourt. Like all of the Angels, Barker plays both ends and is a tough-minded competitor. He is averaging 14.8 ppg while shooting 58 percent from the field, 74 percent from the foul line and 48 percent from three-point range for the unbeaten Angels.

Greyson Pritzl, 6-3, Soph., WG, West Allis Central
A pure shooter from deep, Pritzl has stretched out over the past year and now is a lanky 6-foot-3 wing guard with an impressive wing span. The son of former Manitowoc Lincoln and UW-Ohksosh standout Scott Pritzl, Greyson Pritzl connected on three triples and scored 13 points for the Bulldogs in their loss to St. Catherine's. As he continues to grow into his body and add some weight and strength to his frame, Pritzl figures to be a player to watch in the 2022 class due to his size and very impressive shooting skills. He is averaging 9.1 ppg and scored 19 in a recent victory over New Berlin West.

Stevie Henderson, 6-3, Sr., F, Racine Park
Though he fouled out and did not score in the second half, Henderson provided a calming influence on the court for a Park squad that withstood a late Milwaukee Vincent rally to notch a 48-44 triumph. Park's third victory of the season against 12 setbacks got off to a very good start as the Panthers took a 26-19 lead at intermission against a Vincent squad that was 9-5 overall and 6-0 in the Milwaukee City Conference entering the contest. And Henderson fueled the quick start with 12 points, including a three-pointer and making three-of-four foul shots. A key player for a Park team that went 17-6 a year ago, Henderson is averaging 10.8 points per game for first-year coach Tray Allen.

Miles Davis, 6-3, Sr., F, Homestead
After making just four three-point shots in 13 games heading into the Highlanders' contest with Oak Creek, Davis erupted for four three-point baskets and a career-high 20 points as Homestead smothered Oak Creek with a terrific defensive effort in a 47-31 victory. Davis made four three-point shots before adding three regular field goals and two made foul shots as Homestead improved to 7-7 under coach Sean Crider. Davis and senior classmates Ethan Kelly, Ethan Endres and Declan Cirulik spearheaded a strong half-court defense that limited Oak Creek to just 12 points in the first half and a season-low 31 points for the contest.

2018 JOHN CHEKOURAS IN-DEPTH PREVIEWS
At Homestead High School
Saturday, February 10, 2018

Observations from the 12th annual John Chekouras Classic, held Saturday at Homestead High School:

The 10 Player All-Chekouras Classic Squad

Desmond Polk, 6-3, WG, Soph., New Berlin West
Ranked No. 5 among collegiate prospects in Wisconsin's loaded class of 2020 by WisSports.net, Polk continues to elevate his game. He has developed into a good perimeter jump shooter and is aggressive with the ball in his hands. A good athlete with excellent length and height on his jump shot, Polk scored 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and had four assists in New Berlin West's victory over Milwaukee Messmer. Polk owns a scholarship offer from Green Bay, and is drawing serious interest from Cincinnati, Marquette and Santa Clara, among others. There is little doubt Polk has a very bright future on the hardwood as he continues to mature physically. 

Ryan Waddell, 6-0, G, Jr., Homestead
An emerging class of 2019 prospect who scored a career-high 28 points against a Brookfield East squad that improved to 18-1 with a 74-63 victory over Homestead. Waddell possesses outstanding body control and is able to finish over taller defenders and get to the foul line. He is also a good long-distance shooter. Waddell has played outstanding for Homestead coach Sean Crider of late as he also had 25 points Friday in a North Shore Conference triumph over Nicolet.

Patrick Cartier, 6-7, Sr., F, Brookfield East
The NCAA Division II recruit for Hillsdale College turned in the play of the entire day when he stole a pass on the wing, sprinted out with the ball to the other end, avoided a defender by dribbling behind his back and then finished with a one-handed dunk, much to the delight of the crowd at Homestead. But even more impressive than that flashy play is the productivity and consistency Cartier plays with for Brookfield East coach Joe Rux. He has outstanding footwork in the post and very good strength, which means that he finishes around the basket at a very high rate. He scored 21 points in the Spartans' victory over Homestead and proved why his strong performance in 2017-18 is a big reason why Brookfield East sits at 18-1 heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.

Jay Gentry, 6-1, Sr., G, Brown Deer
Talk about putting a team on your back. The performance turned in by Gentry during the second half of Brown Deer's come-from-behind 70-65 victory over Stoughton was absolutely remarkable. He scored a whopping 27 of his game-high 32 points during the second 18 minutes, including most of the Falcons' points down the stretch with the game on the line. Gentry was almost impossible to guard as he utilized his powerful body, quick burst and aggressiveness to virtually score at will as Brown Deer improved to 17-2 under coach Kelly Appleby. Gentry is turning in a extremely prolific senior season as he is averaging 29.2 ppg. 

Keyron Gouveia, 6-0, Sr., G, Milwaukee Messmer
After missing the first 11 games of the season while recovering from an injury, Gouveia appears to be getting into top basketball shape as he came off the bench to score a season-best 26 points in the Bishops' loss to New Berlin West. Gouveia scored from distance, at the line and from mid range as he helped rally Messmer from a 16-point halftime deficit. Gouveia can play either guard spot, is a strong student and would be a steal for some NCAA Division III programs looking for a quick, heady and versatile backcourt player.

Mason Herkstroeter, 6-2, Sr., G, Winnebago Lutheran
Herkstroeter stepped into six catch-and-shoot three-point shots in the Vikings' 73-42 victory over Kewaskum to match his season high for most three-point field goals made in a game. Herkstroeter finished with 22 points for Winnebago Lutheran, which improved to 16-3 under coach Marty Nell. Herkstroeter leads a balanced and very talented lineup in scoring at 16.4 ppg while also contributing 4.0 rpg and 2.6 apg. Herkstroeter has good size, excellent strength, a deadly shooting eye and the desire to play college basketball. Concordia of Mequon and Wisconsin Lutheran College are among the schools expressing recruiting interest. 

Shon Ford, 6-3, Sr., F, Milwaukee South Division
Ford helped the Cardinals get off to a strong start by scoring 13 of his team's 15 points in the first half. He added six points in the second half en route to finishing with a game-high 19 points in the Cardinals' 40-38 setback. Ford used his quick jumping ability and physical strength and size to continually score around the basket for coach Ty Moseler and South Division.

Larry Canady, 6-2, Jr., G, Racine Park
Canady is a scoring wing guard with good length and the ability to score in a variety of ways. He had two three-point shots, finished off some strong cuts to the basket and drained both of his free-throw attempts on the way to scoring a game-high 18 points in Racine Park's 65-53 victory over Muskego. Canady is a potential scholarship player who has a nose for the basket.

Tommy McClain, 6-4, Sr., F, Stoughton
McClain and his teammates played very well for a good chunk of Stoughton's contest against Brown Deer. The Vikings built as a big as a 15-point lead before the Falcons rallied for a 70-65 triumph. McClain battled the Falcons' inside player well on defense and also contributed 19 points, including a pair of three-point shots. McClain has committed to play college football at NCAA Division II St. Cloud State. 

Tyler Rieck, 6-2, Sr., F, Burlington Catholic Central
It's been a rough season for the WIAA Division 5 Hilltoppers, who are in the same league and thus must play home-and-away games with WIAA Division 3 powers Martin Luther, Dominican and Racine St. Catherine's, not to mention Division 4 power The Prairie School. Nonetheless, the rugged competition helps Catholic Central come playoff time and Rieck appears to be playing some of his best basketball down the stretch for coach Kyle Scott. He finished with 14 points to lead an extremely balanced attack in an easy win over a short-handed Eastbrook Academy.

Others Who Played Well

Riley Le Tourneau, 6-2, Jr., F, Brookfield East
Le Tourneau absolutely killed Homestead with his ability to score in the paint and from the foul line. He finished with 20 points and made eight of 11 foul shots as the first player off the bench for Brookfield East coach Joe Rux. It seemed every time Homestead was poised to make a strong push to perhaps put big game pressure on the Spartans, Le Tourneau would come up with a big offensive rebound and basket.

Sam McGath, 6-2, Soph., G, Brookfield East
McGath is one of several talented and young guards in the Brookfield East program and he did his part in helping the Spartans hold off Homestead by scoring 13 points and playing a solid all-around floor game.

Nobal Days, 6-9, Jr., F, Racine Park
Days scored the first point of the game in Park's win over Muskego and then didn't score again until late in the second half. He finished with a mere three points with University of Wisconsin coach Greg Gard watching from the front row. However, Days impacted the Panthers' victory in other ways as he finished with 12 rebound and seven assists. Indeed, Days' passing ability is without question one of his primary strengths. 

Rance Kendrick, 6-1, Sr., G, Racine Park
Perhaps the unsung hero of the Park program, Kendrick does an excellent job of setting the table for his talented teammates while also looking for his own scoring options. He finished with 12 points, including two triples and eight assists as Park improved to 14-3 under coach Jim Betker. 

Wes Kwapick, 6-0, Jr., G, Muskego
Kwapick helped the Warriors remain within striking distance of Racine Park for most of the contest as he led his club in scoring with 16 points. Kwapick is a good perimeter shooter who teams with backcourt mates A.J. Makinen (13 points) and Sam Greenthal (6 points) to give coach Andy Capes solid guard play.

Brady Schipper, 6-1, Sr., G, Stoughton
The University of Wisconsin football recruit is a tough backcourt player who can defend and brings excellent physical and mental toughness to the Vikings' lineup. Schipper finished with 13 points in the Vikings' loss to Brown Deer.

Jaylon Gentry, 5-8, Jr., G, Brown Deer
The younger brother of Jay Gentry, Jaylon Gentry turned in a strong showing in his own right against Stoughton as he scored 12 points and provided strong defensive pressure. 

Ajani Sprewer, 6-2, Sr., F, Milwaukee Messmer
Sprewer and teammate Jalen Brown-Morrow each scored 15 points to back up the strong game of Gouveia as Messmer competed for the full 38 minutes and made things interesting down the stretch against New Berlin West. Sprewer did an excellent job on the glass for coach Ken Klatkiewicz and also scored in the paint for the Bishops.

Joe Robey, 6-1, Sr., G, New Berlin West
A super aggressive straight-line drive backcourt player who put extreme pressure on the defense with his relentless attacks of the basket, Robey had 17 points, 13 rebounds and three steals for New Berlin West against Messmer. 

Tyler Torosian, 6-4, Sr., F, New Berlin West
Torosian made cuts to the basket all night long against Messmer and was able to finish by using his jumping ability and agility. He finished with 21 points and four rebounds for the Vikings.

Jared Van Bramer, 6-6, Sr., F, Sturgeon Bay
Van Bramer scored the game-winning basket with four seconds left in Sturgeon Bay's two-point triumph over Milwaukee South. He had 10 points in the game to lead a balanced attack for the Clippers. 

JoJo Keith, 5-10, Sr., G, Milwaukee South Division
Keith ran the show for the Cardinals and also got heavily involved in the scoring column, registering all 12 of his points after halftime. It's been a tough season for South Division, but Keith's strong play and leadership has been a bright spot for the Cardinals. 

Alex Kuehl, 6-7, Sr., F, Winnebago Lutheran
Versatile, athletic and skilled wing forward prospect with size and the ability to shoot, pass and defend, Kuehl had 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists against Kewaskum. Kuehl is averaging a double-double (13.9 ppg, 11.3 rpg) for the Vikings and is a strong potential NCAA Division III prospect for the likes of Concordia, Marian and Wisconsin Lutheran, among others. Kuehl, senior Noah Lorenz (6-7) and promising junior Gabe Pruss (6-8) give WLA one of the tallest frontline trios at the WIAA Division 4 level in the state.  

Jared Chesak, 6-0, Sr., G, Kewaskum
Chesak had a strong game for the Indians' in their loss to WLA as he finished with a game-high points.

Frank Koehnke, 6-2, Sr., G, Catholic Central
Koehnke is having a big senior season for the Hilltoppers, averaging 17.4 ppg and 8.3 rpg while competing against a rugged schedule. He had 13 points against Eastbrook Academy and showed off his overall athleticism and physical strength.

Final scores ... 

Catholic Central 81, Eastbrook Academy 26
Winnebago Lutheran 73, Kewaskum 42
Sturgeon Bay 40, Milwaukee South Division 38
New Berlin West 88, Milwaukee Messmer 78
Brown Deer 70, Stoughton 65
Racine Park 65, Muskego 53
Brookfield East 74, Homestead 63

Thanks ...
To Homestead athletic director Erich Hinterstocker, Homestead basketball coach Sean Crider and the family and friends of the late John Chekouras for an excellent day of basketball. Details pertaining to next year's John Chekouras Classic will be released over the summer on www.wbby.com. The date is set for February 2, 2019.

2021 John Chekouras Classic 
Presented by the WI Basketball Yearbook
February 6, 2021
At Homestead High School

11:00 a.m. -- Milwaukee Academy of Science vs. Lake Country Lutheran
12:30 p.m. -- St. Thomas More vs. Living Word Lutheran
2:00 p.m. -- Hartford vs. Green Bay Southwest
3:30 p.m. -- Janesville Parker vs. Grafton
5:00 p.m. -- Wisconsin Lutheran vs. Sun Prairie
6:30 p.m. -- West Bend West vs. Beaver Dam
8:00 p.m. -- Homestead vs. Appleton East

2020 John Chekouras Classic 
Presented by the WI Basketball Yearbook
January 25, 2020
At Homestead High School

11:00 a.m. -- Milwaukee Vincent vs. Racine Park
12:30 p.m. -- The Prairie School vs. Living Word Lutheran
2:00 p.m. -- Beloit Memorial vs. Racine Case
3:30 p.m. -- Janesville Parker vs. West Bend West
5:00 p.m. -- Plymouth vs. West Bend East
6:30 p.m. -- Racine St. Catherine's vs. West Allis Central
8:00 p.m. -- Homestead vs. Oak Creek

2020 John Chekouras Classic Results

Racine Park 48, Milwaukee Vincent 44

The Prairie School 80, Living Word Lutheran 64

Racine Case 96, Beloit Memorial 70

Janesville Parker 50, West Bend West 44

Plymouth 76, West Bend East 59

Racine St. Catherine's 90, West Allis Central 57

Homestead 47, Oak Creek 31
 

2019 John Chekouras Classic Results

Milwaukee Golda Meir 76, Beloit Turner 67

Lake Country Lutheran 70, Sturgeon Bay 51

Grafton 63, Stoughton 40

Racine Park 84, Milwaukee Vincent 56

Monroe 54, Milwaukee Academy of Science 52

DeForest 51, Milwaukee Marquette 50

Pewaukee 74, Homestead 65


2018 John Chekouras Classic Results

Catholic Central 81, Eastbrook Academy 26

Winnebago Lutheran 73, Kewaskum 42

Sturgeon Bay 40, Milwaukee South 38

New Berlin West 88, Milwaukee Messmer 78

Brown Deer 70, Stoughton 65

Racine Park 65, Muskego 53

Brookfield East 74, Homestead 63

2017 John Chekouras Classic Results

Kenosha St. Joseph 53, Milwaukee Messmer 51

Barneveld 42, Manitowoc Roncalli 38

St. Thomas More 67, HOPE Christian 50

Waupun 77, Racine Case 60

Brown Deer 62, Homestead 59

Oak Creek 54, Sheboygan North 44

2016 John Chekouras Classic Results

The Prairie School 50, Winnebago Lutheran Academy 41

Appleton Xavier 68, Milwaukee Messmer 45

Catholic Memorial 76, Manitowoc Roncalli 53

Waterford 57, Port Washington 44

Dominican 54, Homestead 41

Oak Creek 48, Waukesha North 39