Buchanan Talks Recruiting, Statement Win Over Kaukauna
KIMBERLY — In a game that would decide the favorite in the Fox Valley Association and the front runner for conference Player of the Year, Jake Buchanan and Kimberly left little doubt. In Friday’s 85-64 win over defending Division 2…
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Continue ReadingKIMBERLY — In a game that would decide the favorite in the Fox Valley Association and the front runner for conference Player of the Year, Jake Buchanan and Kimberly left little doubt.
In Friday’s 85-64 win over defending Division 2 and conference champions Kaukauna, the Papermakers rolled their way to sole possession of first place in the FVA behind a game-high 28 points from Buchanan.
“We have a great group,” Buchanan told Prep Hoops Wisconsin. “I’m just happy that we won. I think we can win any game and we played great tonight.”
Cementing their status as one of the favorites to reach the state tournament in Madison this March, Kimberly got help across the board.
Once Buchanan finally cooled off, the Ghosts surged, cutting Kimberly’s 20-point lead down to six in the second half. With Buchanan still on the bench, the Papermakers were able to re-establish control and put the game away behind Reed Miller, Levi Borchert, and Charlie Jacobson.
“We have great depth,” said Buchanan. “Everyone on the bench can play. It was great to see that we can rely on that.”
Currently ranked fourth in the Division 1 coaches poll, Kimberly could be moving up on Monday after Saturday’s statement win.
“They have to watch out for us,” said Buchanan. “We have so many weapons. We can beat anybody.”
Through three games, Buchanan is averaging 24.7 ppg. The junior guard holds Division 2 scholarship offers from Michigan Tech and St. Leo.
Michigan Tech: “They play great as a team. They have great leadership. They have a great defense too.”
St. Leo: “They play fast-paced and great team defense as well. I love their coaching staff.”
Minnesota-Duluth, Winona, Bemidji State, Upper Iowa, Rockhurst, and others are showing interest this winter.
Buchanan took a visit to Minnesota-Duluth in the fall.
“They have great academics,” he said. “They like to play fast and have great guard play. They need a point guard in my class. I’m one of the targets they’re on right now. They’re going to keep eyeing me.”
Buchanan has no timetable for a decision at the moment and will at least play out the spring evaluation period.
Currently ranked No. 18 in the Prep Hoops Wisconsin class of 2020 player rankings, could Division 1 schools to start to track Buchanan?
“My main goal is just to play the highest level of basketball that I can,” he said. “If a Division 1 comes, that’s great. But the schools who are showing interest in me right now are great too.”