Season Preview: Division Three’s Top Backcourts
There is no elaborate argument needed to convince me that Division Three yields some of Wisconsin’s top backcourts. From the obvious candidates to the more underrated prospects, The division is simply loaded with talented guards. In preparation for the upcoming…
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Continue ReadingThere is no elaborate argument needed to convince me that Division Three yields some of Wisconsin’s top backcourts. From the obvious candidates to the more underrated prospects, The division is simply loaded with talented guards. In preparation for the upcoming season, let’s take a look at six of the best backcourts in D3:
Tyrese Hunter, Kamari McGee (Racine St. Catherine’s)
It would not be stretching the truth too much — or at all, really — to say that Tyrese Hunter and Kamari McGee make up the best backcourt in Wisconsin. There is a good chance that Hunter will become the state’s top-ranked guard in the 2021 class when he retires his high school jersey. McGee won’t find himself far behind, as he is currently ranked as the second-best point guard in the same class.
Perhaps what makes this duo even scarier is the fact that they are both just beginning their junior seasons. While their first two campaigns should not be considered formative, these players are only starting to blow the dust off of their treasure and find their true potential. Teams that play Racine St. Catherine’s this season will be forced to rely on their frontcourt play, because outdueling Hunter and McGee will be nearly impossible.
Joey Immekus, Ryan Scholfield (Martin Luther)
Somebody has to step up for Martin Luther this year, right? After winning Division Three last season, Martin Luther will be forced to face some serious roster turnover. Specifically, the guard position gets hit the hardest. ML’s top three guards from a year ago all graduated. The Spartans’ backcourt combined for nearly 50 points per game and was the main reason why Martin Luther found themselves atop D3 last year.
Despite losing three players that meant a ton to their program, Joey Immekus and Ryan Scholfield are primed to step up and fill the void. Immekus scored a solid 10.8 points per game over the course of the 28 matchups that he participated in as a junior. Scholfield’s stats were a bit more pedestrian as he scored 3.4 PPG off the bench. If there is a silver lining for Martin Luther, it will be that the departure of last year’s stars could leave an opening for new guards to step up.
Armani Jones, Mark Wade (Brown Deer)
Anytime a team adds a top guard prospect in his respective class, it is bound to propel them to the top of this list. That was the case for Brown Deer, who gained Armani Jones through a transfer.
While Jones is certainly an impressive guard, a backcourt is made up of at least two players. Jones won’t be able to carry the load all by himself. Mark Wade will look to be part two of Brown Deer’s standout backcourt. Wade started as a sophomore for the Falcons last year and averaged 12.6 points per game.
Jones’ skill doesn’t need much explaining. He is a quick guard who can simply get buckets whenever he wants. Wade will hope to spread the floor and make open threes as a junior.
Luke Haertle, Joey Bratz (Lake Country Lutheran)
Last year, it was a family affair in the Lake Country Lutheran backcourt. Bryce and Luke Haertle combined for 37 points per game and led their team to a winning season. The older Haertle was a senior last year, so he has since graduated and moved on. Life, however, will continue to move forward for LCL. This year, it will be Luke Haertle and Joey Bratz who will be given the keys to the car.
Haertle became an instant star with Wisconsin Playground Club when he hit game-winning shots in back-to-back AAU tournaments. Bratz impressed during the school season, scoring 12.8 points per game. With this sneaky good backcourt, the Lightning could surprise a lot of people.
Brandin Podziemski, Gerald Gittens (SJNWMA)
I was able to watch the trailer for this backcourt during the summer. Podziemski and Gittens joined forces and played for Wisconsin RAP during the AAU season. The two guards had a phenomenal summer, leading their team to a Hard Work Region Finals championship in the 17U age group. Gittens was a great floor general who always seemed to make the right play. Podziemski provided RAP with outstanding play on offense. The SG just stepped up and hit big shots when it was required.
The trailer was really, really good.
But the first chapter in a book is only sometimes an indication of how good it will be.