Wisconsin Week In Review: Week 2
In this new weekly series I will be giving a breakdown of all things high school hoops in Wisconsin from the previous week. Which teams made a statement victory? Which players put up big numbers throughout the week? Which freshmen…
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Continue ReadingIn this new weekly series I will be giving a breakdown of all things high school hoops in Wisconsin from the previous week. Which teams made a statement victory? Which players put up big numbers throughout the week? Which freshmen have been making instant impacts at the varsity level? Find out all of that and more in the Wisconsin Weekly Review!
Wisconsin Players of the Week
Karter Thomas (6′ 2020 G, Oshkosh West)- What a week for the junior guard from Oshkosh! Karter has been an unstoppable force for West this season, and continued that hot start last week scoring 38 points against Neenah and a school record 45 points versus Fond du Lac. Karter has a very strong frame with the ability to score inside with his strength, but is also a skilled shooter capable of extending his range beyond the arc. His quick release from distance makes him extremely difficult to guard, and as evident by his big scoring performances last week, teams have not had an answer for him.
Jacob Ognacevic (6’7 2020 F, Sheboygan Lutheran)- Attending the same school that Sam Dekker once dominated the state of Wisconsin at, Jacob brings similar size and scoring production to Sheboygan Lutheran. Last week Jacob was stuffing the stat sheet and put up 35 points on Reedsville and 29 on Salam. He was also dominant on the glass grabbing 34 rebounds over the two game span. Perhaps more impressive than the scoring numbers themselves, was the efficient field goal percentage of 77%. Although he is capable of producing from the perimeter, his three point shot wasn’t falling so he took over hitting shot after shot from inside. With performances like this, Sheboygan Lutheran could find themselves back in Madison this March.
Ezra Stargell (5’8 2021 PG, Kenosha Indian Trail)- Sometimes going overlooked in a loaded class of 2021, Ezra is one of the top scorers in southeastern Wisconsin. Fresh off of a solid freshman campaign, Ezra started off his sophomore year with a bang scoring 17 points against Wilmot before exploding for 34 points against rival Kenosha Tremper. Ezra used his quickness and tight handle to create space for his deep three point shooting range. A dangerous player in isolation who adds a touch of flair to his game, Ezra can expose teams that choose to guard him one-on-one but is a gifted enough passer to find open teammates against teams that try to double him.
Kyran Gaines (6’6 2019 F, Milwaukee Madison)- Looking like on of the top players in the Milwaukee City Conference this year, Kyran’s productivity last week has Milwaukee Madison sitting at 3-0 on the season. A gifted scorer, Kyran scored 38 points against Kenosha St. Joseph and capped off the week with 29 against the visiting Minneapolis Patrick Henry squad. Kyran is a physical player who can extend his range to the arc (made seven 3’s last week), and is as good at drawing fouls as perhaps any other player in the state (made 30 of 34 free throws last week). He’ll look to continue his strong start to the season against Oregon this week.
Jaeden Zackery (6’3 2019 PG, Westosha Central)- A player who has been steadily improving all four years of high school is off to a strong start in his senior season. Jaeden started off the year posting a triple-double in a win over Kenosha Bradford. He stuffed the stat sheet with an efficient 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to go along with 4 steals. Not to mention he did all of that while only turning the ball over once on the game. Jaeden is a physical and fundamentally sound guard who is known for his ability to compete with any point guard he is faced with, and appears to be coming into his own as a player this season.
Team of the Week
Martin Luther- Martin Luther is a team that has had high expectations for the past few years, but due to some unfortunate injuries have never made that state tournament run. This year that could all change. Facing off against one of the top teams in the state in Milwaukee Washington, Martin Luther pulled off a statement victory in overtime, taking down the Purgolders 69-66. Martin Luther puts out arguably the best senior group in the state this year led by a big three of Trequan Carrington, Ace Evans, and Xzavier Jones. All three of them stepped up in the win last week scoring 23, 21, and 18 points respectively. Trequan and Ace are two of the top senior guards in the state, and are capable of putting up big time scoring numbers. Xzavier Jones is an extremely athletic wing-forward who can do a little bit of everything and has great passing vision. After gutting out an overtime win against Milwaukee Washington, Martin Luther heads into the conference schedule this week with matchups against Kenosha St. Joseph and traditional powerhouse Racine St. Catherine’s.
Statement Game of the Week
Wisconsin Dells defeats Mineral Point 65-63- Faced off against arguably the best Division 4 squad in the state, Wisconsin Dells came out firing with 40 of their 65 points coming in the first half. A strong defensive effort in the second half allowed them to keep the game close before Sammy Millard fired off a buzzer beating 3 to win the game. He finished the game with 10 points. Junior guard Bryson Funmaker paved the way for Wisconsin Dells with a big game of 22 points after scoring just 3 in the season opener. Brett Hirst and Dylan Anchor also contributed double digit scoring performances.
Sleeper of the Week
Marquis Milton (5’11 2019 G, Racine Horlick)- An electric scorer capable of putting up big numbers against all competition, Marquis started off his senior season with a 26 point outing against New Berlin West. His versatile offensive game allows him to launch three pointers with consistency while also driving and finishing in the paint. He has come out hungry to prove himself as a senior after garnering 2nd Team All-Conference honors last year despite having the second highest scoring average in the league.
Freshman of the Week
Jeff Brazziel (6’5 2022 G, Milwaukee Bradley Tech)- The highly anticipated freshman made his season debut for Bradley Tech against Beloit Turner. In 26 minutes of play Jeff turned in an impressive 15 points. His unique skill set and fluid athleticism at 6’5 already make him a dangerous guard. Jeff proved he can get it done on the defensive end as well, stealing the ball twice to go along with 3 blocks and 6 rebounds. Already producing at such a young age, Jeff looks like an exciting prospect to watch over the next four years at Milwaukee Bradley Tech.
Other Storylines
Marquette University HS defeats Milwaukee Hamilton 122-115 in 3OT.
JaKobe Thompson (6′ 2021 G, Racine Case)- Scores 32 points in the season opener vs. The Prairie School.
Qwan Jackson (5’8 2020 G, Milwaukee Lifelong Learning)- Qwan continued his high scoring season with games of 40 and 54 last week.
Isaac Lindsey (6’4 2020 G, Mineral Point)- Scored and impressive 39 points in a win over Dodgeville.
Dalton Banks (6’2 2020 G, Eau Claire North)– Started the season strong with 35 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals against Superior last week.