Observations from the 2023 WBY Games in Kaukauna
Once again the goal is to bring attention to the kids that don’t normally get the recognition or write ups. The kids that are flying under the radar and deserve credit for the great basketball players they are. Whether they're overshadowed or just haven't been noticed yet. Call this the Owen Pawlikowski awards.
Pryce Gregoire, 6'5” Junior - De Pere
If the De Pere Redbirds want to win back to back State titles this year there's a good chance it will mean big contributions from two returning starters, Will Hornseth and Zach Kinziger. But after watching De Pere this weekend I'm convinced they can't do it without Gregoire. De Pere was down three players and Gregoire had no problem taking on more of a role for the team. An excellent shooter from deep Pryce also attacked the rim when defenses closed out and either finished or found an open teammate. Some players jump off the page when you watch games and that's exactly what Gregoire did.
Will Sweeney, 5’9” Sophomore - Appleton North
If Will Sweeney is going to play like he did this weekend when the regular season starts in November, Appleton North is going to be a huge problem for the rest of the FVA. Sweeney did a little bit of everything this weekend for his team and at times when they needed it most. He was able to get to the rim and also consistently hit threes but his rebounding was by far the most impressive thing I saw out of the guard. The Lightning are once again going to be a much watch this season.
Mikey Wildes, 6’2” Junior - Kimberly
So many times I'll watch players and just wish they would be more aggressive and push the ball up the court with their speed. That is not the case with Wildes as he got out in transition time and time again in every game over the weekend and was able to score with ease. An excellent athlete who attacks defenses relentlessly Wildes was able to knock down jump shots over the weekend as well, including a game tying three against Kiel with seconds left that led to an overtime win in the Championship. Kimberly has a lot of dudes but Wildes looks like he's the one that's going to make this team go.
Other Players To Keep An Eye On
Chris Pohl - 6'8" Sophomore - Marshfield
Peyton McKenna - 6'1" Senior - Germantown