For the majority of the game, it was a tight one between Stevenson and Wauconda. Down the stretch, Stevenson proved to be too much as they pulled away late for the 63-47 win in the opening round matchup of the Wheeling Hardwood Classic.

Austin Carlsen – 2027 – F – Wauconda

As well to having some size at 6’6”, Carlsen is an extremely skilled scorer. He finished this game with a team high 18 points getting it done in a variety of ways. As well to hitting a pair of threes, he is extremely tough to defend in both the mid and low post. He works well in space around the paint with good touch and using his body to create space. He also shot it well in the mid-range with a couple of fade away jumpers.

Quinton Frakes – 2027 – F – Stevenson

With his toughness and energy inside, Frakes recorded himself a double-double in the win. The tough 6’5” forward finished the win with 10 points and 11 rebounds. He was extremely efficient offensively shooting 5-6 from the field while scoring on multiple put backs. Frakes also showed some good footwork and moves while scoring with his back to the basket. The junior has a solid build and uses and it well aggressively attacking the glass and being able to grab rebounds in traffic. He also showed a good passing ability out of the post as well.

Rocco Pagliocca – 2026 – G – Stevenson

Pagliocca is a high IQ guard with a well-rounded skill set and knows how to play. He finished with a key 12 points in the win getting it done in a variety of ways. The senior showed his shot making ability hitting a pair of threes as well to a pullup jumper in the mid-range as well to also getting all the way to the basket. He plays strong with the ball in his hands, sees the floor well, and was beating his man off the dribble effectively with some moves and quickness.

Tony Salemi – 2026 – G/F – Wauconda

Salemi really impressed with his versatility doing a bit of everything in the game. He finished the game with 15 points but also added in 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block. The 6’3” senior is a good spot up shooter who also showed some playmaking ability off the dribble. He hit a pair of threes spotting up as well to another off the dribble. He used his physicality to get to the basket and finish as well to showing a good passing ability on the move. Salemi is also a high energy defender and on the glass.

Donovan Williams – 2026 – PG – Stevenson

The game of Williams has continued to grow recently as he turned in another star performance in his senior season to lead Stevenson to the win. He did it all as not only did he lead all scorers in the game with 23 points but also added in 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals, and 2 blocks. He started hot from the outside hitting a trio of threes in the first quarter in just a stretch of four plays with a pure jumper when spotting up from deep. Williams greatly impressed with his shot making ability as he went 4-8 from three but also created his own shot well in the mid-range with a pair of pullup jumpers. The lengthy guard was also a standout with his defensive play getting all over opposing ball handlers. Both of his blocks came while defending the ball as well to coming using his length and quick hands to just pry the ball away from his man on three occasions. With his development, Williams continues to look more like a scholarship player.