The 13U level featured plenty of outstanding games throughout the three days and a very high level of basketball for that age group. Here are the first piece of standouts for them from the Generation Next Invitational.

Lou Diener – PG – Wisconsin Blizzard

Whether it was with his scoring ability or his stellar point guard play, Diener greatly impressed in each of his games helping the Blizzard win the 13U title. His scoring included 21 points in the semifinals and 16 points in the championship. He was often beating the defense with ease getting all the way to the basket but also shot it well both in the mid-range and three. Even with his high scoring output, Diener impressed even more with all his point guard skills that are very advanced as a middle schooler. He is a high IQ point guard who reads the floor so well along with his decision making. As well he plays strong with the ball and showed a very good passing ability too.

Amarie Johnson – PG – Team Hali Speights

Johnson is a guard with good size as well to a well-rounded game. In his teams run to the championship game, he did a bit of everything. With his size, athleticism, and skill set, Williams was consistently making a ton of plays including his tough on ball defensive play, attacking the glass to rebound at a high rate, and his scoring ability. This last part was really shown to start the championship game where he scored 11 points in just the first 9 minutes. Johnson showed a very good ability to score on the attack both getting all the way to the basket finishing through contact as well as his shot creation in the mid-range including his step back jumper.

Zion Ogunsola – F – Team Hali Johnikin

Ogunsola was a standout throughout the tournament including his do it all play in their opening game in a dominant win. This included 10 points in just the first half of that game finishing it well all around the paint at a high percentage. Ogunsola in an athletic forward with some size at 6’2” to be a highly versatile and active defending being able to match up well with anyone on the floor. This included being effective atop the press or inside as a true paint protector.

Bennett O’Malley – G – ALL IN E32

O’Malley had one of the top scoring performances of the entire tournament with a 31-point outburst. The combo guard showed a versatile scoring ability getting it done from all three levels while also being able to create for himself. He shoots it well off the dribble both getting into the mid-range as well with his range from three. He hit three threes in that game as well to a few jumpers in the mid-range too. While he shot the ball at a high percentage to do the buk of his scoring with his jumper, O’Malley also moves well with the ball getting all the way to the basket and finishing there.

Mason Shields – F – Davis Brothers Elite

Shields has a nice blend of size and a well-rounded offensive game. He was one of the better scorers at the 13U level helping his team to the semifinals. Shields scored it efficiently inside posting up with his height and length, moving well to the basket and showing a nice spin move right around a defender, as well as being able to spot up and hit threes. He also contributed with his tough rebounding ability, high energy, and making some good passes out of the post.

Jerry Williams – F – 24UP P32

Williams was one of the most consistent and impactful players at the 13U level to help get his team to the semifinals. He already has some size at 6’2” in addition to his great length as well showing skills with the ball and a big motor. Williams impressed as a forward who also played well off the dribble getting to the basket with his handle to help him score 18 points in a quarterfinal win. He also showed the ability to control the glass on both ends with all his abilities plus be a real shot blocker covering a ton of area all around the paint.

Nolan Wollersheim – PG – Chapman South

Wollersheim truly shined in a quarterfinals game in which he led all scoring 25 points. He scored it effectively both in the half court as well as transition. This included a trio of fast break baskets off his own steals. He is a shifty guard who did the bulk of his scoring getting all the way to the basket but also hit a three off the dribble. While he is such a skilled scorer, Wollersheim still looked to distribute the ball too while he was often getting into the defense.