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Observations from the WSN Northern Exposure Classic

07/29/2019, 1:00pm CDT
By Mark Miller

Observations from the inaugural Wisconsin Sports Network Northern Exposure Classic held Saturday at D.C. Everest High School:

Five Breakout Performers

Ashton Markell, 6-7, Jr., F, Green Bay Preble

After splitting time between the JV and varsity teams at Preble as a sophomore, Markell is quickly emerging as a go-to offensive option for coach Andy Bobholz and the Hornets. Coming off a 15-8 season, Preble lost much of its scoring and rebounding to graduation, thus leaving the door open for Markell to move into the starting lineup and produce. He did just that on Saturday at D.C. Everest as he average 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds while helping Preble finish 2-1. Markell runs the floor very well, plays with his back to the basket and can finish in the lane. He is also a strong defender/shot blocker and rebounder. In addition to his impressive and consistent production, Markell also showed outstanding effort throughout the day for the Hornets.  

Branton Paulsrud, 5-10, Sr., G, Eau Claire Regis
It's always very important to have shooters on the perimeter to help keep the floor spread and open up driving lanes, and Regis has just that in Paulsrud, an accurate sniper from outside the three-point arc. Paulsrud made 13 three-point shots in three games and averaged 15.6 ppg for coach Bryant Brenner and the Ramblers. He torched Rib Lake for 23 points and seven three-point baskets in a 56-45 victory. He also made the game-winning triple in double overtime to help Regis turn back Bonduel. After averaging 12.1 ppg and making 62 triples as a junior, Paulsrud appears poised for even bigger things in 2019-20.

Nate Streveler, 6-1, Soph., G, Stevens Point
Playing alongside ultra-productive senior Evan Vollendorf in the Panthers' backcourt, Streveler helped Stevens Point to a 3-0 record at D.C. Everest. He averaged 12.3 ppg during the three games and went for 20 points and three baskets from outside the three-point arc in a victory over Green Bay Preble. Streveler has good balance on his jump shot, plays with poise and possesses a high basketball IQ. Along with Vollendorf and classmate James Jacobs, Streveler figures to be a key performer in coach Jon Krull's backcour in 2019-20.


Cole Letter

Cole Letter, 5-9, Sr., PG, Bonduel
Quick, fast and tough to stay in front of, Letter pushed and pushed and pushed the ball some more for Bonduel at D.C. Everest. He continually sped past defenders in the open court and finished in the lane with either getting all the way to the basket or pulling up for shot jump shots. A returning starter from a club that went 14-9 under coach Duke Copp last season, Letter averaged 9.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg as a junior, his third year of varsity competition for the Bears. Letter increased his output to 15.0 ppg during BOnduel's three contests at the WSN Northern Exposure Classic while also doing a good job of involving his teammates and communicating vocally on defense. There is no question Letter will be a tremendous leader for Bonduel this winter. 


Brock Warren

Brock Warren, 6-3, Jr., PF, Marathon
A powerful and aggressive forward who can finish through contact and is relentless in attacking the hoop and making plays, Warren was outstanding for Marathon at D.C. Everest, helping the Red Raiders to a 3-0 record. He averaged 13.6 ppg in the three contests and scored the game-winner in double overtime against Bonduel. Warren did a good job using his physical frame to set screens on the perimeter, and he also caught the ball in the low post and finished at the rim at a consistent level for coach Adam Jacobson. Warren averaged 3.6 ppg as a sophomore for a Marathon squad that went 21-5, and he figures to take on an even bigger role this winter due to his physical maturity and productivity. 


Evan Vollendorf

Pool A Standings
Stevens Point 3-0, Green Bay Preble 2-1, Northwestern 1-2, Lakeland 0-3.

Pool B Standings
Marathon 3-0, Eau Claire Regis 2-1, Rib Lake 1-2, Bonduel 0-3.

MVP
Evan Vollendorf, 6-4, Sr., G, Stevens Point

10-Person All-Tournament Team
Levi Ewan, 5-11, Sr., PG, Rib Lake
Cole Letter, 5-9, Sr., PG, Bonduel
Ashton Markell, 6-7, Jr., F, Green Bay Preble
Clarke Mouw, 6-4, Sr., G/F, Marathon
Koy Nelson, 5-5, Soph., G, Northwestern
Branton Paulsrud, 5-10, Sr., G, Eau Claire Regis
Kevin Rios, 6-0, Sr., G, Green Bay Preble
Nolan St. Germaine, 5-9, Soph., G, Lakeland
Nate Streveler, 6-1, Soph., G, Stevens Point
Brock Warren, 6-3, Jr., F, Marathon

For the latest and most up to date boys' basketball news and recruiting information, follow Mark on Twitter @wisbbyearbook. Email story ideas, recruiting info, etc. to Mark by clicking here.

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