Saturday, March 16, 2013

WACG March Madness Showcase Game Recap: Wisconsin Playground Elite Wins Thriller

 
Donovan Billings (WPE)

The We All Can Go March Madness Tournament gets underway tomorrow but tonight they had a few showcase games featuring some of the top teams in the country. Basketball Spotlight was present for the 5th Grade game as Wisconsin Playground Elite defeated We All Can Go All Stars 73-71. Here are the players that impressed us. 

Top Performers 

Donovan Billings Forward (WPE)- Billings took home MVP honors and it wasn’t close as the post player dropped 39 points and about 20 rebounds. He was a dominate force in the paint as WACG had no answer for him close to the basket. He understands where his bread is buttered so he doesn’t waste time on the perimeter. This squad is the defending national champs and I can see why with Billings controlling the paint. 

Tyre Terry Guard (WPE)- Terry likes to dance with the but shows some quickness and point guard instincts. He made some big plays while penetrating and dishing the rock to Billings. He was very effective against the aggressive WACG defense. 

Jalen Suggs Guard (WPE)- Suggs wasn’t spectacular but I can see he’s one of the lead catalyst on this squad. He has good size for this grade level and knows how to maneuver in the lane. His outside wasn’t bad even though he uses two hands in his release. I think we will be reading a lot about him in the future. 

Jareon Tolliver Guard (WPE)- The pint size guard played big down the stretch. He made a few big drives into the paint and even snatched a couple of key rebounds. His quickness was definitely present on the press which helped WPE get the comeback win. 

Ray Tyler Guard (WACG)- This small southpaw showed tremendous toughness and clutch skills. He buried the trey ball from NBA range and even showed he had a floater in the arsenal. In the big moments he wanted the rock in his hands and wasn’t scared to fire away. 

Jawan Carpenter Guard (WACG)- I think Carpenter has a chance to be special one day. But right now his body isn’t strong enough to complete plays that his mind is trying to translate. So sometimes he over dribbles or tries to make to spectacular pass, but when everything comes together he should be a good one. 

Marcus Bagley Guard (WACG)- Bagley is another kid I think has a good upside. He strokes it with ease and I love his poise when playing. If he get anywhere near the size of his older brother Marvin things could get scary. I do think he needs to be pushed a little more so e doesn’t take plays off. 

Marcus Fitzgerald Guard (WACG)- Fitzgerald lit up the net in the second half. He shot some deep treys with ease that helped WACG go stay in the game. I can tell he’s quality shooter because when he let a shot go the crowd reacted like they expected it to go in. 

Namari Burnette Forward (WACG)- WACG almost got the win after Burnette went to work in the second half. He was hard to guard off the dribble and has an array of moves to get around shot blockers. He will ultimately be a guard but playing this position will improve his toughness.