Over the course of the two days at the Generation Next Tip-Off, there was plenty of talent on hand and this was especially true at the 14U division. Here are the players who were the top performers over the weekend. 

Cole Christian – 2028 – F/C – LVL Platinum

Christian was a big reason LVL was able to make it to the semifinals. In addition to having good length and size at 6’3”, the big man showed a lot of abilities over multiple games. As well to playing tough down in the paint on both ends, he moves well for his size and can put the ball on the floor. In a game on Saturday, Christian had some big buckets down the stretch finishing inside leading to a win. 

Will Foley – 2028 – G – Kessel Heat

In a game on Saturday, Foley greatly impressed with his play with the ball in his hands in addition to hitting the game winning free throws with just 1.2 seconds to play. He showed a good ability to run the point but also score it well himself. The young guard is quick with the ball and showed good court awareness reading the floor. Whether getting to the basket, hitting threes, or facilitating the ball, he kept producing. Foley was a big reason Kessel Heat was able to make it to the semifinals with his great play. 

Halbert Jackson – 2028 – G – Team Iowa

Over the course of multiple games, Jackson continued to impress with his all-around skill set. He is an athletic guard who was a standout on both ends of the floor. With his blend of size, energy, and quickness he was getting all over opposing guards and shutting them down. Offensively, he is very well rounded with being able to handle the ball, create for others, hit shots from the outside, and get to the basket. 

Kinston Knueppel – 2028 – F – Wisconsin Lutheran

It was a big weekend for Knueppel who was able to lead his team to the 8th grade title. Game after game he continued to impress with play and upside. He already has some size and length but also a high IQ and an advanced offensive skill set. A true three level scorer with a smooth jumper, can attacking the basket, and has soft touch around the basket. Not only did he put up some big number all tournament but did so incredibly efficiently. While still very early in his basketball career, a name to know in Wisconsin’s 2028 class. 

DJ Laye – 2028 – PG – Hoopademix

One of the top point guards of the tournament who had a dominant performance on day one of the tournament. A skilled and crafty playmaker who was constantly getting into the paint with his quickness, handle, and moves. Whether it was in the half court or in transition, Laye showed a great ability to attack the defense and either score the ball or distribute it out. He sees the floor well and can both finish around the paint or pull up in the mid-range. 

Jaquan Turner – 2028 – SF – Wisconsin Lutheran

As well to having great upside with his size, length, and athleticism, Turner is already a skilled and impactful wing. He is a very tough defender with all his tools and has the ability to defend anyone on the floor. Turner was also big on the offensive end having himself a 20-point game in bracket play getting it done mainly going to the basket. The wing was a huge piece of his team’s championship.  

Derrion Wallace – 2028 – G/F – Illinois Central Elite

Wallace had some big games on Saturday to start off the tournament and only continued to do more and more to help get his team all the way to the championship game. The tough 6’0” wing did a bit of everything throughout the tournament and was always making plays. He impressed the most with play attacking the basket beating defenders with his moves as well as playing through contact in addition to being impactful with his pressure defensive play.