The NCAA Live period is nearly upon us. With the evaluation period for college coaches limited to one weekend this spring (May 15-17), there has yet to be an opportunity for unsigned seniors, as well as members of the classes of 2027-2029, to get in front of Division I coaches. In preparation for the live period, several events are taking place throughout the country, and there was nothing better in the upper Midwest than the Prep Hoops Battle at the Lakes.
6″0 ’28 KJ Wilson is 2nd in #3SSB 16S in scoring at 24PPG and just paced @adidasD1MN 16s to undefeated wkd at @PrepHoops #PHBATL.Dynamic scorer who is winner and is able to make high level passes with both hands while constantly producing at high rate.
@FreshCoastHoops pic.twitter.com/8uMyRDDnHl
— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) May 10, 2026
Held throughout Minneapolis, the Battle at the Lakes brought teams together from every shoe circuit to create a competitive balance between circuit teams and independent squads. The Minnesota-based company featured over 100 teams in each of the 15U-17U divisions from throughout the region. Ultimately, it was Adidas 3SSB power D1 Minnesota that ran the table, going undefeated in the 16U and 17U age divisions.
Prep Hoops founder Nick Carroll (who doubles as a state champion coach at Twin Cities power Totino-Grace) and his staff assembled an outstanding event that blended names that we wanted to evaluate with new names emerging on the radar.
Here are the top overall performers that I saw from the 2026 Prep Hoops Battle at the Lakes.
KJ Wilson, 6’0″, PG, D1 Minnesota 16U, 2028
The most refined sophomore in the state of Minnesota, KJ Wilson, was the most dynamic scorer at the 16U level at Battle at the Lakes. He was able to create his own shot on anyone, showed off effortless range from beyond the arc, and made high-level passes.
The second-leading scorer in Adidas 3SSB 16U play with 24 points per game, Wilson left no doubt that he’s one of the better scoring point guards nationally in the class of 2028.
Vincent Cronin, 6’7″, SF/PF, D1 Minnesota 17U, 2027
One of the more explosive players at the event, Vincent Cronin, did it all as a new-age forward. The rising senior from Edina hit open threes, was a ridiculous finisher in transition, and was a nonstop threat as both a cutter and on the offensive glass.
Recently picking up his first Division I offer from Oral Roberts, Cronin will have many more join the party during the live period.
Jaeden Udean, 6’2″, PG/SG, Gain Elite P32 17U, 2027
The most dynamic scorer in the state of Minnesota, Jaeden Udean, paced Gain Elite to an undefeated weekend leading into New Balance P32 play. The lefty was tremendous shooting on the move, used minimal dribbles to get to his sweet spots, and was a threat anytime he was on the floor.
Playing in Dallas for the live period, Gain Elite should have no shortage of college coaches observing its loaded backcourt.
Graysen Becker, 6’2″, PG/SG, Wisconsin Playmakers 17U, 2027
One of the best two-way guards on the New Balance P32 circuit, Graysen Becker, brought that same energy to Battle at the Lakes. He has incredibly quick hands defensively, can play either guard spot, and looks to rip the rim off at any available opportunity.
A coach’s son, Becker already holds multiple Division II offers heading into this weekend’s New Balance P32 live period in Dallas.
Deon Wallace-Johnson, 6’3″, SG, D1 Minnesota 17U, 2027
The best defender at the event, Deon Wallace-Johnson, reminded everyone of how he can impact the game in so many ways that don’t show up in the box score throughout D1 Minnesota’s undefeated weekend. The explosive lefty put immense pressure on the rock, was an absolute catalyst on the defensive end with his motor, and brought an infectious level of physicality to the game that rubbed off on his teammates.
The perfect glue guy for any team, Wallace-Johnson left no doubt in anyone’s mind that he’s the best defender in the state.
Keller Hertz Barnett, 6’8″, PF, The Pack, 2028
The definition of an inside-out forward, Keller Hertz Barnett did a bit of everything for The Pack in Minneapolis. The North Carolina product used his strong frame in the paint, finished through contact, and knocked down threes at a near-50% clip.
Doubling as a Division I football prospect, Hertz Barnett will have his choice of what sport he would like to play at the collegiate level.
The post Prep Hoops Battle at The Lakes: Top Performers appeared first on Ballislife.com.