College Commitment: Carter Sonneborn (2019 Gonzaga Prep HS)
You could say that Carter Sonneborn has high expectations. After all, the tough 6-foot-3, 185-pound wing is used to winning with Gonzaga Prep. So while the Bullpups may have only captured third place at the Les Schwab Invitational, it was still a great experience for Sonneborn who came into the tournament already knowing what his future in college basketball was going to be.
“We weren’t really satisfied with what we did – I mean, third place is like whatever,” Sonneborn said. “We should have won (the semifinal) game. But with all the people, it was amazing playing here. It’s something you don’t see that often until you play Division I basketball. I’m glad I had this opportunity.”
Speaking of Division I basketball, Sonneborn mentions that because that’s the level he’ll be playing college basketball next season. “I’m walking on at WSU – Washington State University,” Sonneborn said. “I’ve been talking to the coaches for awhile and I took a visit and that’s what I liked. My brother played football there and I’ve always liked them since. They’ve got a lot of tradition.”
Playing basketball at the Pac-12 level is serious business, but Sonneborn is preparing himself. At the Les Schwab Invitational, he played solid team ball averaging 6.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, showing the ability to knock down open shots and also find open teammates cutting to the basket in the motion Gonzaga Prep ran all tourney long.
As polished a player as he currently is, Sonneborn knows he will need to step up his play for the D-I level so he’s focusing on two things for improvement the rest of this season. “Definitely my shooting and my ball-handling,” he said.
The focus now goes to the season where Gonzaga Prep looks to defend their 4A title. There’s no doubt the experience at the LSI was beneficial. “We know we can compete with the best,” Sonneborn said. “We know we can play with anybody and compete with anybody.”