Previewing Wisconsin Kids at Summer Jam

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This coming week possesses one of the biggest AAU tournaments of the month, Summer Jam. Over the next few days, I want to highlight a few kids from Wisconsin and around the Midwest. There will be standout talent from our state, Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas, with all the top pools going directly into bracket play in a 16-team tournament. Let's discuss some kids to watch if you'll be in the Twin Cities this week, starting with some Wisconsin kids tonight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209592' first='Sarah' last='Aleknavicius']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As far as wings in the 2024 class in the state go, Aleknavicius is easily one of the most talented. Her 5-11 frame, paired with her skill with the ball in her hands, athleticism, and length, makes her one of the more appealing kids in the class. She gracefully plays the game, and it's easy to see why coaches like her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='667660' first='Emilyn' last='Bonow']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Elkhorn wing felt like she had a bit of a breakout in Mukwonago at the Lakers Classic. However, she'll face some tough competition in Minnesota, and we'll find out if she can continue her play for a few weekends ago. I believe in her shooting and think she can make a difference in a few competitive games if things go well and could make a name for herself, and I'm rooting for her to do just that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207069' first='Ally' last='Timm']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The DSHA wing is a gifted kid in the 2024 class. Her skill, size, length, athleticism, touch, and competitive nature make her the player she is, and she can win a game on her own if opposing teams aren't careful. In April, she was part of an unreal run her team went on to go from being down six to win by nearly 20 in less than ten minutes. She's been one of my favorite kids to watch all AAU season for a reason, and people have taken notice of how well she's played. Her team will look different in Minnesota, but she may take a more prominent role and make some noise in Shakopee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209618' first='Gracie' last='Gopalan']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With some roster changes, Gopalan will run the show most of the time in Shakopee, and she's more than capable of doing that at a high level for 32 minutes. Her speed is next-level, and there's a real chance she catches kids off guard in transition, especially when she has one player to beat. She played well in Louisville, and I expect more of the same in Minnesota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->