Here is a look at the under the radar prospects that stood out this past weekend in Hammond.
Bryer Putman | 6’5″ 195 | F/Wing | Class of 2027 | Waukee Jam Basketball 17U | Wilton High School (IA)
Putman has a good length and showcased his slashing ability over the weekend in Hammond. He plays off two feet powerfully and proved he can finish strongly. Putman possesses quality length, which he used to crash the offensive glass for multiple put-backs. Putman was an Iowa 2A second-team all-state selection in 2026. He averaged 22 PPG and 12 RPG along with 3.5 steals. His strength, length, and ability to slash and finish off two feet stood out in Hammond. He is a prospect worth monitoring. Putman will stand out more when he shows he can make perimeter shots at a high rate.
Carsen Gary | 6’0″185 | PG | Class of 2028 | Waukee Jam Basketball 17U | Cedar Falls High School (IA)
Gary is a fundamentally sound point guard who averaged 12.3 PPG over the weekend, helping lead Waukee Jam to a 3-1 record. He can read the on-ball defender and attack him when an advantage opens. He did a good job attacking off the dribble when his man turned his shoulders to the sideline. Gary is capable of making an open three off the catch. He is a proven winner, having gone 25-0 and won the 2026 Iowa state championship at Cedar Falls High School.
Mason Woltz | 6’3″ 185 | G | Class of 2027 | Waukee Jam Basketball 17U | Cedar Falls High School (IA)
Woltz stood out in Hammond displaying his ability to make shots on the perimeter off the catches. He made multiple threes in a game against Illinois Express. Woltz is capable of attacking off the dribble and finishing at the rim off two feet. He scored off a strong drive with a jump stop and up-and-under move. Woltz can drive middle and finish at the rim. Woltz, a teammate of Carsey Gary at Cedar Falls High School, won a 2026 Iowa state championship on an undefeated 25-0 team.
RJ Clem | 6’7″ 260 | PF/C | Grand Park Premier 17U | Class of 2027 | Logansport High School (IN)
Clem is a big body low post with impressive size and strength. The big man can seal in the post and crash the offensive glass, generating put-back opportunities. His size and strength gave his team a physical presence in the middle. He was able to get to the free-throw line consistently. Clem is a raw prospect with room to develop. He can improve by becoming more skilled in the low post. Clem’s sheer size and strength stood out, and he is worth monitoring if he develops his game.
Kason Mangum | 6’6″ 205 | Wing/F | Class of 2027 | MTXE Premier 17U | Wauwatosa West High School (WI)
Mangum is a versatile wing who can shoot off the catch from the arc and finish in the post over his left shoulder. He attacked once off the dribble to finish off a spin move. Mangum scored 11 points against Illinois Express 17U. Defensively, he can contest vertically at the rim without fouling. Mangum has a strong, solid frame. His size and length give him the ability to switch and guard multiple positions on the defensive end. Mangum will stand out more as he shows the ability to make perimeter shots at a high rate. Mangum is a proven winner, shown by being a member of the Wauwatosa West 2025 Wisconsin Division 2 state championship team.
Max Gogin | 5’10” | G | Class of 2027 | MTXE Premier 17U | Wauwatosa West (WI)
Gogin is a good perimeter shooter off the catch. He has nice form and consistently made perimeter shots all weekend in Hammond. Gogin plays hard on both ends. He is capable of attacking off the dribble and finishing at the rim in the half-court and transition. Gogin is willing to defend on the ball and plays with a strong chest. He is a proven winner, shown by being a member of the Wauwatosa West 2025 Wisconsin Division 2 state championship team.
Nigel Mosley | 6’4″ | G | Class of 2027 | MTXE Premier 17U | Shorewood High School (WI)
Mosley is a long guard who played hard and impacted the game in multiple ways. He has good vision off the dribble and makes smart reads with crisp passes. Mosley made a smart read for an assist off a ball screen. He can finish at the rim and is capable of making a three off the catch. His length and competitiveness make him a factor on the offensive glass. Mosley’s length and strength stood out over the weekend in Hammond.
Liam Minessale | 6’1″ | G | Class of 2027 | MTXE Premier 17U | Marquette University High School (WI)
Minessale impressed as an assertive slasher for MTXE Premier 17U. He consistently attacks off the dribble and can finish at the rim in the half-court and transition. Minessale displayed the ability to drive left and finish at the rim. He scored 13 points (9 first half) in a win over 88 West 17U. Minessale scored off a physical drive with his left hand and in transition with his left. He showed good vision by making a good read off a left-handed drive to find the open man for a basket. Minessale can improve by adding weight and muscle to his frame, along with consistently making shots from the perimeter.
Liiban Debela | 5’10” 175 | G | Class of 2026 | Road 2 Greatness 17U | Sandburg High School (IL)
Debela impressed in Hammond with his ability to slash and shoot. He can finish at the rim off the dribble and make open perimeter shots off the catch and dribble. Debela buried five triples in a game against Kentuckiana Hoops. Debela is willing to drive left and can finish with his inside hand to avoid length at the rim. He displayed his transition scoring ability with a physical finish at the rim through contact. Debela has been well coached during his time at Sandburg High School.
