The Generation Next Invitational Championships took place on Saturday and Sunday as a host of Midwest teams took to the courts for two days looking for middle school supremacy at the annual hoops event for 4th-8th grade teams. While Jack Brady powered DTA to the 8th/14U Championship, Artese Stapleton guided the Mac Irvin Fire to the 7th/13U Championship in Wisconsin.  Here is a look some of the top performers from the 7th and 8th grade division on Sunday…

8th Grade
The DTA Devin Harris Superstars used great shooting to blow by the Wisconsin Shooters in the 8th grade championship. 5-foot-11 Jack Brady was leading the charge for DTA. His first half gave DTA a big cushion at halftime. He scored 18 points in the first 16 minutes of game action. Four three-pointers were included in those 18 first half points.

Cade Garcia – 5-10 – SG – DTA – Devin Harris Superstars
Although overshadowed by Brady's huge first half, Garcia was very good as well. He tallied 13 points in the deciding first half for DTA. The duo of Garcia and Brady proved to be too much for the Wisconsin Shooters.

Bryce Miller – 6-0 – SG – Wisconsin Shooters
Miller is a lanky shooting guard for the Wisconsin Shooters. He was limited since the game was shortened due to blow out. He is a skilled player that shoots well and can put the ball on the floor a little bit as well.

Warren Else – 5-2 – PG – Wisconsin Shooters
Quick point guard that has the ability to hit shots from the perimeter as well. Else was one of the top performers for the Wisconsin Shooters in the title game.

Derek Sabin – 6-6 – C – Wisconsin Shooters
At 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds, Sabin has a lot of upside to his game. He was limited in the title game but he has many tools to build around. He moves well from his age and size. He plays with good energy and should develop into a very touch player on the boards.

7th Grade
Mac Irvin Fire defeated Wisconsin Academy 71-63. 5-foot-1 point guard Artese Stapleton led the Fire with 20 points in the title game. He is extremely quick off the dribble. He is also creative and skilled around the basket despite his size. 

Michael Salter – 6-0 – SG – Mac Irvin Fire
Salter has great size for his age. He is best when slashing to the basket. He turned his game up in the second half of the game against Wisconsin Academy to help the Fire win the title.

Fred Cleveland – 4-10 – PG – Mac Irvin Fire
The pint-sized guard has great ball-handling skills and quickness. Like Salter, he elevated his game in the second half of the title game. He was great when going to the basket.

Jaden Kreklow – 5-4 – PG – Wisconsin Academy
Kreklow scored from inside and outside in the 7th grade championship game. He led Wisconsin Academy with 20 points. He has a smooth outside stroke from the perimeter and he is also skilled once he gets to the lane.

Cade Ellington – 5-11 – SF – Wisconsin Academy
Right behind Kreklow in the scoring column for Wisconsin Academy was Ellington. His effort was strong on Sunday. He tried to get WI Academy the title with everything he had but it was not enough. He had a mix of inside and outside buckets. He has good size for his age group.