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Observations from the Rick Majerus WBY Shootout

01/16/2022, 11:30am CST
By Mark Miller

Some observations from the 15th annual Rick Majerus Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Shootout, held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Buuck Fieldhouse on the campus of Concordia University in Mequon:

Five Individual Standouts

Andrew Rohde, 6-7, Sr., G, Brookfield Central
Martin Luther entered its game with Brookfield Central with an 0-8 record. But the Spartans proved they were the best winless team in Wisconsin by taking the highly regarded Lancers of Brookfield Central down to the wire before sustaining a 62-57 loss. And if Rohde wasn't on the floor for coach Dan Wandrey's Lancers, Brookfield Central would have suffered its second loss of the campaign. Simply put, Rohde's 29-point performance might have been the most impressive of the entire three-day event. He made eight two-point field goals, four three-point field goals and converted on his lone free-throw attempt. Every time Martin Luther appeared primed to take the lead, Rohde would come through with a clutch basket. In addition to his scoring, Rohde also dished out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds. The University of St. Thomas recruit is averaging 29.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists for a Brookfield Central squad that brings a 6-1 record into its outing at Marquette High School Tuesday.

Alex Sherwood, 6-7, F, Jr., Appleton Xavier
No player among the 32 teams that competed in the 2021 WBY Shootout scored more points in a single game (36) or over two games (57) than Sherwood, a bouncy, athletic and exceptionally mobile forward who can hurt opponents from the perimeter and in the paint. Sherwood erupted for a career-best 36 points in the Hawks' 84-68 win over previously undefeated St. Thomas More. He made 14-of-20 shots from the floor and six-of-seven from the foul line while also contributing 12 rebounds, two blocked shots and three dunks. The next day, the 6-foot-7 forward scored 21 points in a 70-59 victory over The Prairie School. Sherwood also grabbed 16 rebounds in that contest. On the season, the potential scholarship performer is averaging 22.2 points and 11.8 rebounds. 

Luke Haertle, 6-4, G, Sr., Lake Country Lutheran
Probably the best player in the state in terms of handling the pressure and decision making of encountering double or triple teams from opponents, Haertle never seems to be in a rush. Maybe perhaps more than any other player in Wisconsin, the game is never too fast for Haertle, a four-year varsity performer for Lake Country Lutheran and a recent University of Wisconsin commit as a preferred walkon. Facing intense defensive scrutiny from a very good Sheboygan Lutheran squad, Haertle was up to the challenge in a matchup of undefeated teams. The 6-foot-4 guard finished the contest with 26 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals. He also helped the Lightning pull away to an 85-70 victory after Sheboygan Lutheran had taken a 60-59 lead with eight minutes left. Haertle's ball fakes, physical strength with the ball and ability to score and pass make him a threat every time down the floor. He is averaging 23.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.6 steals for Lake Country Lutheran, which takes an 8-0 record into Tuesday's game at University School.   

John Kinziger, 5-11, Jr., G, De Pere
There are more imposing physical specimens on the court every time Kinziger suits up for the Redbirds of De Pere. But at the end of the game, there isn't a better player on the court than the superb 5-foot-11 point guard. At least not to this point. Kinziger helped De Pere remain undefeated with two stellar performances at the WBY Shootout as the Redbirds handed Wisconsin Lutheran its first loss of the season before putting on a defensive clinic in a triumph over a very good Wauwatosa West squad. Kinziger was outstanding in both outings, scoring 26 points, making all 12 of his foul shots, hauling down six rebounds and coming up with four steals against Wisconsin Lutheran. He then had 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals in the outing with Wauwatosa West. Kinziger is an outstanding ball handler, makes excellent decisions with the ball in his hands, and seems to be everywhere on the court. At just 5-11, he leads the 8-0 Redbirds in scoring (23.8 ppg), rebounding (6.1 rpg) and assists (4.8 apg).

Mac Wrecke, 6-5, Jr., G, Arrowhead
Once this freight train gets it going, look out because there is little that can stop him. The muscular wing attacks the basket, makes three-point shots and also gets to the foul stripe for Arrowhead, which turned back Brookfield East 64-51 behind 29 points, five rebounds and an 11-for-14 showing at the foul line from Wrecke. A three-year varsity performer for the Warhawks, Wrecke started a bit slow against Brookfield East, but he turned on the jets late in the first half and continued his onslaught during the second 18 minutes of the contest. His size, strength and skill are impressive and have caught the attention of NCAA Division I programs with Milwaukee coach Patrick Baldwin recently extending a scholarship offer. Wrecke is averaging 22.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and over six free-throw tries per outing for the Warhawks, who take a 7-0 record into Tuesday's game against invading Waukesha South. 

Five Emerging Prospects

Jamiir Allen, 6-0, Jr., G, Wisconsin Lutheran

Allen is sometimes the forgotten man on a Wisconsin Lutheran roster that includes the likes of Kon Knueppel, Prentice Young and Landon Key, among others. But he proved at the WBY Shootout his contributions to the Vikings' success are every bit as important as those of his teammates. A very quick and aggressive backcourt prospect, Allen used his body to ward off defenders and finish in the lane as the Vikings went 1-1 with a loss to De Pere and a victory over Kettle Moraine. Allen scored 18 points against Kettle Moraine and 10 against De Pere as he used his quickness, speed and craftiness with the ball to get around defenders. On the season, Allen is averaging 9.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.5 steals for Wisconsin Lutheran, which takes a 7-1 mark into its game Tuesday at Pewaukee.

Demerius Shakur, 6-3, Jr., G, Martin Luther
Those who have followed the Martin Luther program over the last couple of seasons were waiting. And waiting. And their patience paid off big time at the WBY Shootout. Shakur showed at last why he is such a good collegiate prospect as he used his size, length, skill and aggressiveness to put up solid numbers against two very good opponents in Menomonee Falls and Brookfield Central. Shakur had 19 points against Menomonee Falls and 20 in the outing with Brookfield Central. Although the young Spartans lost both games, Shakur proved he could stay with strong players such as Seth Trimble of Menomonee Falls and Andrew Rohde of Brookfield Central. The key for Shakur going forward is to play with consistency and add some weight and strength to his impressive basketball frame.  

Ashe Oglesby, 6-7, Jr., F, The Prairie School
Oglesby had a less-than-overwhelming outing against Cuba City in the first game for the The Prairie School at the WBY Shootout. He finished with 10 points, but missed nine shots in the contest as the Hawks dropped a 61-56 decision. Two days later, Oglesby came to play as he had 27 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a blocked shot in a 70-59 loss to Xavier. Oglesby made 11-of-18 shots from the field against Xavier, including all five of his attempts from three-point range. He has excellent size, strength and skill and is one of the state's better college prospects in the 2023 class. Oglesby is averaging 18.2 points and 11.0 rebounds for coach Jason Atanasoff at The Prairie School.  

Mason Prey, 6-3, Jr., G, Newman Catholic
Unselfishness might be the most underrated aspect of a player's development. Having that characteristic in abundance can be the different between winning and losing. Newman Catholic is fortunate to have it across its lineup and no more so than with Prey, a talented 6-foot-3 combination guard who passes at a very high level while also possessing the ability to score. Prey helped the Cardinals of coach Cory Marquardt to victories over St. Mary's Springs and Brookfield Academy with his scoring and ability to get the ball to his teammates at the right time in the right place. Prey had 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists in an 80-64 win over St. Mary's Springs and then added 19 points and several assists to red-hot teammate Isaac Seidel in a 60-49 win over Brookfield Academy. Seidel had seven triples and 27 points in the win over Brookfield Academy, and Prey did an excellent job of locating his talented teammate. Prey is averaging 21.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists for Newman, which brings a 9-2 record into outing with visiting Phillips on Thursday.

Carter Olson, 5-11, Sr., PG, Cuba City
Fun to watch players like Olson always make a long day in the gym more enjoyable. That was certainly the case at Concordia University in the annual WBY Shootout. An exceptionally fast and aggressive point guard who makes things go for the undefeated Cubans, Olson had a very good matchup with The Prairie's Asanjai Hunter (5-11) during the Cubans' 61-56 victory. While both players had their moments of besting each other, it was Olson's team that emerged with the victory, one that tasted sweet after The Prairie School knocked Cuba City out of the WIAA playoffs a year ago in a sectional final. Olson finished the contest with 22 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. His speed and ability to apparently never tire are always fun to watch, and should be strong traits for him to bring to a college program next season. 

Five (Plus One) Class of 2024 and 2025 Prospects To Remember

Will Hornseth, 6-8, Soph., F, De Pere

Lots of players improved their stock with college recruiters at the WBY Shootout, but none more so than Hornseth, who was nothing short of outstanding in the Redbirds' wins over Wisconsin Lutheran and Wauwatosa West. Playing off two feet in the post, Hornseth is a powerful jumper who can score over taller defenders with his athleticism and skill. He also is able to step outside and make some shots. He can even clear the glass and bring the ball up the floor for coach Brian Winchester and the unbeaten Redbirds. Hornseth had 13 points, six rebounds and three assists against Wisconsin Lutheran, then finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots in a victory over Wauwatosa West. Hornseth was matched up with Tosa West's heralded 6-foot-10 freshman Kai Rogers for much of that contest, and more than held his own. His strong play thus far this season is a major reason why De Pere is unbeaten and ranked No. 1 among WIAA Division 1 schools in the WisSports.net Coaches Poll.  

Kai Rogers, 6-10, Frosh., F, Wauwatosa West
Rogers couldn't have played any better than he did during Wauwatosa West's 90-76 victory over De Forest. He scored 23 points in the game, making 10-of-11 shots from the field while grabbing seven rebounds and blocking two shots. He even stepped outside and made two three-point baskets in the game. Against De Pere, Rogers had his moments, but was held a bit more in check, finishing with six points and five rebounds. Rogers is a massive young player who plays with a good skill level. He used his body and size to finish above the rim at times, and is a very difficult matchup for opponents because of his size and versatility. 

Jack Daugherty, 6-7, Soph., F, Brookfield Central
Yet another very good young prospect in the Greater Metro Conference, Daugherty appears to be more of a wing prospect than a power player in the post. He moves very well and can make shots facing the basket and from outside the three-point arc. The son of former University of Wisconsin forward Sean Daugherty, Jack Daugherty had 17 points and four rebounds in the Lancers' win over Martin Luther. He made two three-point baskets and is averaging nearly two made triples per game. On the season, Daugherty is scoring at 18.4 ppg and rebounding at 7.6 rpg. 

T.J. Stuttley, 6-3, Frosh., G, Onalaska
The future is exceptionally bright for this young player, who showed his ability to score, rebound, pass and defend during Onalaska's wins over Ripon and Franklin. Already a physically strong point guard as a ninth grader, Suttley finished with 20 points, eight rebunds, three assists and three steals in the Hilltoppers' win over Ripon. He then had seven points, four rebounds and four assists against Franklin. As just a freshman, Stuttley leads Onalaska in rebounding (6.5 rpg) and assists (4.2 apg) while ranking second in scoring (13.7 ppg).

Amari McCottry, 6-5, Soph., G, St. Thomas More
-- An enormously talented player with the ball in his hands, McCottry could emerge as one of the state's top collegiate prospects over the next couple of seasons once he figures out how to utilize his strengths while also making his teammates better with his very good passing skills. He is a more than capable scorer off the dribble and from the perimeter. He had an off shooting night in a loss against Xavier, but bounced back with a solid showing in a victory over Beaver Dam. McCottry needs to play harder for longer periods and become a better rebounder, but his production to date is impressive -- 23.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.6 apg and 2.8 spg.    

Sekou Konneh, 6-7, Soph., F, St. Thomas More
A long, bouncy and skilled forward who needs to add some weight and get stronger, Konneh is definitely a player to watch in the 2024 class. His smooth shooting touch and ability to run the floor and finish well above the rim were on display during his 17-point, eight-rebound showing in the Cavaliers' victory over Beaver Dam. Konneh got into early foul trouble in St. Thomas More's loss to Xavier, which was a big factor in the Cavaliers suffering their first loss of the season. With continued skill development, added weight and strength, and a more complete understanding of the game, Konneh appears headed to big things in his future.

Others who played well ...

TJ Adams, 6-1, Soph., Marquette
Riley Brooks, 6-6, Jr., Ripon
Peytan Clarey, 6-4, Sr., Brookfield Academy
Steven Clay, 6-5, Sr., Menomonee Falls
Carson Cordelli, 6-5, Sr., Oak Creek
Nick Ferge, 6-6, Sr., Marquette
Jake Fisher, 6-3, Sr., Oconomowoc
Colin Hardrick, 6-3, Sr., Wauwatosa West
Jalen Haynes, 6-3, Jr., Martin Luther
Brady Helbing, 5-10, Sr., Beaver Dam
Gabe Herman, 6-3, Jr., De Pere
Ian Hinderman, 6-2, Sr., Cuba City
Asanjai Hunter, 5-11, Sr., The Prairie School
Noah Howard, 6-0, Sr., Lake Country Lutheran
Matthew Imig, 6-1, Sr., Ashwaubenon
Josh Jansen, 6-5, Sr., De Forest
Jaquan Johnson, 5-10, Soph., Pius XI Catholic
Jack Jorgensen, 6-2, Sr., De Pere
Landon Key, 6-3, Jr., Wisconsin Lutheran
Zach Kinziger, 6-1, Frosh., De Pere
Kon Knueppel, 6-5, Soph., Wisconsin Lutheran
Alexander Koenig, 5-10, Jr., Kettle Moraine
Emmitt Konieczny, 6-0, Soph., Columbus Catholic
Conner Krach, 6-2, Jr., Newman Catholic
Jayden Krohn, 6-3, Sr., Milwaukee Reagan
Josiah Moul, 6-3, Jr., St. Mary's Springs
Bennett McCormick, 6-3, Jr., Catholic Memorial
Braeden McGlothlin, 6-3, Jr., Catholic Memorial
Nolan Minessale, 6-5, Soph., Marquette
Nick Odom, 5-8, Jr., Onalaska
Grant Olson, 6-1, Jr., Columbus Catholic
Anthony Peters, 6-3, Sr., Xavier
Charlie Pfefferle, 6-1, Sr., Xavier
Lucas Rameker, 6-3, Jr., St. Mary's Springs
Drew Reindl, 6-0, Sr., St. Thomas More
Ben Schneider, 6-3, Jr., Brookfield East
Cole Sciortino, 6-3, Jr., Menomonee Falls
Isaac Seidel, 6-1, Jr., Newman Catholic
Adam Skifton, 6-2, Soph., Onalaska
Kelton Thiele, 6-2, Sr., Franklin
Seth Trimble, 6-3, Sr., Menomonee Falls
Casey Verhagen, 6-1, Sr., Sheboygan Lutheran
Andrew Verhelst, 6-4, Jr., Sheboygan Lutheran
Max Weisbrod, 6-4, Sr., De Forest

Rick Majerus MVP Plaques

The Majerus Family Foundation purchased Most Valuable Player plaques for each of the 24 games played at the WBY Shootout. The following players were selected as game MVPs:

Day One
Game 1: Lake Country Lutheran 85, Sheboygan Lutheran 70. MVP: Luke Haertle, Lake Country Lutheran, 26 points
Game 2: Catholic Memorial 60, Franklin 49. MVP: Kyle Kober, Catholic Memorial, 9 points
Game 3: Cuba City 61, The Prairie School 56. MVP: Ian Hinderman, Cuba City, 18 points
Game 4: Wauwatosa West 90, DeForest 76. MVP: Colin Hardrick, Wauwatosa West, 21 points
Game 5: Ashwaubenon 45, Cedarburg 44. MVP: Matt Imig, Ashwaubenon, 18 points
Game 6: Marquette 65, Oconomowoc 59. MVP: TJ Adams, Marquette, 17 points
Game 7: De Pere 69, Wisconsin Lutheran 58. MVP: John Kinziger, De Pere, 26 points
Game 8: Oak Creek 78, Pius XI Catholic 58. MVP: Carson Cordelli, Oak Creek, 22 points
Day Two
Game 9: Columbus Catholic 69, Milwaukee Reagan 48. MVP: Emmitt Konieczny, Columbus Catholic, 11 points
Game 10: Newman Catholic 80, St. Mary's Springs 64. MVP: Mason Prey, Newman Catholic, 21 points
Game 11: Marquette 56, Oak Creek 43. MVP: Nolan Minessale, Marquette, 18 points. 
Game 12: Appleton Xavier 84, St. Thomas More 68. MVP: Alex Sherwood, Xavier, 36 points
Game 13: Onalaska 97, Ripon 44. MVP: Nick Odom, Onalaska, 17 points
Game 14: De Pere 51, Wauwatosa West 30. MVP: Will Hornseth, De Pere, 19 points
Game 15: Menomonee Falls 67, Martin Luther 51. MVP: Steven Clay, Menomonee Falls, 19 points
Game 16: Arrowhead 64, Brookfield East 51. MVP: Mac Wrecke, Arrowhead, 29 points
Day Three
Game 17: St. Mary's Springs 55, Columbus Catholic 50. MVP: Sam Baker, St. Mary's Springs, 14 points
Game 18: Newman Catholic 60, Brookfield Academy 49. MVP: Isaac Seidel, Newman Catholic, 27 points
Game 19: Appleton Xavier 70, The Prairie School 59. MVP: Charlie Pfefferle, Xavier, 18 points
Game 20: St. Thomas More 72, Beaver Dam 55. MVP: Amari McCottry, St. Thomas More, 24 points
Game 21: Onalaska 71, Franklin 55. MVP: Michael Skemp, Onalaska, 9 points
Game 22: Catholic Memorial 79, Ripon 45. MVP: Braden McGlothlin, Catholic Memorial, 13 points
Game 23: Brookfield Central 62, Martin Luther 57. MVP: Andrew Rohde, Brookfield Central, 29 points
Game 24: Wisconsin Lutheran 74, Kettle Moraine 59. MVP: Jamir Allen, Wisconsin Lutheran, 18 points

State Championship Outlook

From 2012-19, 22 of 35 eventual WIAA state champions competed in December at the Rick Majerus WBY Shootout.

This time around, the best bets for potentially winning a state championship at the Kohl Center in Madison come March include Arrowhead, Brookfield Central, De Pere, Menomonee Falls in Division 1; DeForest, Onalaska and Wauwatosa West in Division 2; Catholic Memorial, Lake Country Lutheran and Xavier in Division 3; Cuba City and Sheboygan Lutheran in Division 4; and Columbus Catholic and Newman Catholic in Division 5.

Scholarship Award Winners

Congratulations to the following seven senior student-athletes who were awarded scholarships from the Majerus Family Foundation at the 15th annual Rick Majerus WBY Shootout:

Riley Donohue, Marquette
Ethan Emmons, St. Thomas More
Eli Hermann, Ashwaubenon
Brett Lucas, Oak Creek
Isaiah Malison, St. Thomas More
Ryan Scott, Milwaukee Reagan
Cole Timmler, Columbus Catholic

Final Thoughts ...

* Thanks to the Majerus Family Foundation for providing Majerus WBY Shootout T-shirts to all participating players and workers.
* Thanks to the Majerus Family Foundation for the scholarship program that awarded $5,000 scholarships to seven student-athletes from participating schools.
* Thanks to the Majerus Family Foundation for the Rick Majerus MVP plaques for each of the contests.
* Thanks to the athletic administration and men’s basketball program at Concordia University in Mequon for again providing outstanding facilities and support for the Rick Majerus WBY Shootout. Special thanks to Concordia head coach Shawn Cassidy and assistant coach Dan Mueller for all their help.
* Thanks to the athletic department, administration, parents and basketball coaches at St. Thomas More High School for serving as the host school for the WBY Shootout. 
* Thanks to all the workers and volunteers from St. Thomas More who annually help to make the WBY Shootout one of the premier events in the state. 
* Thanks to the fans who attended the WBY Shootout and again supported the greatest game in the country – high school basketball. 
* Thanks to the players, coaches, fans and parents of all 32 participating teams. 
* Thanks to all my family members who continue to give up their time to help run the event.
* Thanks to Aurora Sports Health for providing training services throughout the 24 games. 
* Thanks to the outstanding officials who worked the games at the WBY Shootout. The three-man crews once again did an outstanding job. 
* Thanks to our announcers -- Kent Korth and Jim Ganzer -- along with the clock operators and official scorers -- Mike Goodwin, John Fullerton, Mike Smith, Kevin Smith, Calvin Bailey Jr. and Dan Grusczynski.
* Thanks to Brian Roebke, the official photographer of the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook.
* Thanks to Sarah Hill for designing the game program, and thanks to Jim Ganzer for designing the T-shirts for the Majerus WBY Shootout.
* Thanks to WSSP (1250-AM) and sports insider Mike McGivern for providing media support throughout the Majerus WBY Shootout.
* Thanks to Zaleski Sports for streaming several of the contests for this year's WBY Shootout.
* Next year's dates -- December 28-29-30 at Concordia.

Tag(s): WBY Shootout