2019-20 Season: Top Athletes
Scouts look at a recruit’s athleticism as much as any trait. It’s almost a necessity, as a lack of leaping ability or quickness will shred playing time and cause defensive mismatches. These six prospects are some of the most college-caliber…
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Continue ReadingScouts look at a recruit’s athleticism as much as any trait. It’s almost a necessity, as a lack of leaping ability or quickness will shred playing time and cause defensive mismatches. These six prospects are some of the most college-caliber athletes statewide, as each player has the physical attributes to set them apart on the recruiting trail.
Jeremiah Davis – Martin Luther:
When Davis posted on Twitter that he squatted 300 pounds, a few things happened. One: I realized that I should probably lift more myself, and two: I was reminded of the athlete that he is.
Thinking back to this summer, Davis’ bounce ignited Twitter at two functions: The Hard Work Finals and World Hoops Scouting Top 100 Camp. In the former, it was how he pursued loose balls and rebounds. In the latter, I noted how he could float for blocks and how easily he could dunk the ball (he’s barely six-foot, mind you).
Johnny Davis – La Crosse Central
What’s any true list without Johnny Davis at this point? As the top-player in the 2020 class, a Wisconsin basketball commit, and a gravity-defying leaper, Davis is the most gifted prospect on this list. The athleticism displayed on the Prep Hoops Circuit proved worthy of unending highlights. Ultimately, it’s his quickness, strength, and bounce that’ll give him success at Wisconsin.
Cade Meyer – Monroe
I’m not sure who told me that Meyer is a high-jumper for Monroe’s track team, but when I found out I wasn’t at all surprised. With legs like a running back and an explosive two-footed leap, it’s no surprise he was moved up to number two in our 2021 rankings.
This summer, Meyer abused a few defenders with poster dunks. His bounce has made put-backs a normalcy and has given him major incentive to push the fastbreak. Despite his perimeter play, his strength to bulldoze in the paint has been duly noted.
Tyrese Hunter – Racine St. Catherines
A lot has been made about Hunter throwing dunks down between his legs. Make no mistake, his athleticism is evident beyond the air-show in layup lines.
Hunter drives through the lane with a combo of agility and power similar to a truck swerving through traffic cones. He finds the lane using quick shifts but can finish hard with a dunk and a flex. As a sophomore, he led St. Catherine’s in scoring, primarily with a jumper that, in itself, could be write-up-worthy. Next season, his peak athleticism could be the reason he elevated into our 2021 top-five.
Delaware Hale – Sun Prairie
The 6-foot-6 forward is, physically, the closest remnant to Jalen Johnson in the state. Defensively he can tip layup attempts at their apex and disrupt driving guards. On offense, Hale dunks balls with ease and emphasis. Despite his strength and build, he glides down the floor in transition and can pull off guardlike moves to find the hoop. He is masterful when using his size and athleticism in the post, making him a college prospect and soon-to-be unguardable senior big man.
Lucas Finnessy – Sussex Hamilton
The theme of athleticism is made for Finnessy, who is a three-star outside linebacker committed to Minnesota.
Not-so-coincidentally, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound forward is a skilled defender. He’s quite nimble, a deft ball handler, and is a difficult man to stop when he attacks the rim. Finnessy totaled 7.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season. Next year, he will fit his chiseled build and tree-trunk legs into Hamilton threads as part of a supporting cast that looks to march down to the Kohl Center.