2019-20 Season: Wisconsin’s Top Out-of-State Games
Five Wisconsin programs will face off against out-of-state juggernauts this season. With cameos from LeBron James Jr., a surprisingly large amount of NBA relatives and no shortage of thrilling storylines, these five made the cut for top games. Dominican (WI)…
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Continue ReadingFive Wisconsin programs will face off against out-of-state juggernauts this season. With cameos from LeBron James Jr., a surprisingly large amount of NBA relatives and no shortage of thrilling storylines, these five made the cut for top games.
Dominican (WI) vs Sierra Canyon (CA)
LeBron James’ son and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brother playing on the same floor — why does that sound like a dream I had?
This matchup pits two prominent surnames, but beyond that grabby headline there’s a perfect measuring stick set for this matchup. Just how good is Alex Antetokounmpo? Can guys like Ronald Kirk Jr., Abe Scruggs, and Delone Austin (Dominican) hold their own against a starting five that typically demoralizes rosters with fastbreak dunks? It’s those hard hitting questions that’ll have an answer after that matchup.
As for Sierra Canyon, their talent surplus is best shown in this lengthy list: Bronny James (son of LeBron), Zaire Wade (son of Dwayne Wade), Ziaire Williams (five-star senior) Amari Bailey (five-star sophomore), Brandon Boston (five-star senior), Terren Frank (four-star senior). I left out a few names…my hands got tired.
Where: Springfield College (Springfield, Massacussets)
When: Saturday, January 18th, 7:30 p.m
Prediction: Sierra Canyon
Milwaukee Washington (WI) vs Austin (IL)
Both squads took a roundhouse kick to the stomach this offseason. Washington saw three high-major talents withdraw as transfers while Austin lost four of five starters to graduation. That, in part, makes this meetup such an appealing storyline.
Washington seeks an identity more than anything, and it’ll likely come from Tre Valeriano. The junior point guard plugged in 5.6 points a night last season as a back-burning player on Washington’s squad, but poured out enough from a skill standpoint to crack Prep Hoops’ 2021 rankings. The spotlight is already shining bright on that program, the question now is if Valeriano can keep it burning just a little longer.
After turnover reared its ugly head this offseason, Austin holds the same, singular scrap to build from. Agwa Nywesh returns after scoring more than 18 points an outing and, per Prep Hoops national analyst Ryan James, is a guy that wears several hats from a skillset sentiment. Fitting, as every one of these skills will go towards patching the gaping holes left in their roster.
Where: La Crosse Central HS
When: Saturday, February 1st, 4:15 p.m
Prediction: Austin
Madison East (WI) vs Marian Catholic (IL)
Stop me if you’ve heard this already, but the sibling of an NBA player will face off against a Wisconsin team this season.
Ahron Ulis, the younger brother of Tyler Ulis, will lead a senior-heavy Marian Catholic team against Madison East. Elijah Jones and Jo Green, both ranked prospects per Scott Burgess and Prep Hoops Illinois, will also contribute.
East won’t sit on their hands, though. Their roster should be neck-and-neck talent-wise. Anthony Washington is not as popular of a headliner as Ulis, but there’s just as much lightning in that bottle. Washington and Keonte Jones will likely be the duo that gives Marian the most headache, but unseating the Illinois-Goliath may require some afterburners from young guys like Jevan Boyton or Massimo Malterer.
An Aside: Marian played in the Wisconsin-Illinois border battle last season. Who knows? Maybe there’ll be home turf for Ulis and Co.
Where: The Prairie School HS
When: Saturday, February 8th, 2:00 p.m
Prediction: Marian Catholic
La Crosse Central (WI) vs Minnehaha Academy (MN)
Not sure how many tickets they’ll sell for this thing. Not sure it matters, either, as a camera-touting parade of media passes will flood the fieldhouse, churning out a coverage-storm for the ages.
La Crosse Central boasts the Davis brothers and Terrance Thompson trio. Alongside them, Charles Masewicz and Noah Compan supply additional bulk, and possibly a heightened role after core departures last offseason.
Feed that roster steroids and a confidence boost and you’ll have Minnehaha Academy.
Minnehaha’s Jalen Suggs earned high-major distinctions in two sports, basketball being his best, while Mr. Fantastic himself Chet Holmgren dons the unmatched length and finesse to spread the floor. Alone, Suggs and Holmgren are enough to make them the flagship team in Minnesota, but, just to be sure, they’ve added six division one caliber prospects to their roster.
Where: La Crosse Central HS
When: Saturday, February 1st, 6:00 p.m
Predicted Winner: Minnehaha
Eau Claire North (WI) vs Rochester Mayo (MN)
Interesting plotline #5: Three division one talents will take the floor in this one.
Gabe and Mason Madsen, brothers on their way to Cincinnati next season, along with depth from their senior class signals to another projected win for the “other state” (for those counting, that’s 0-5 for Wisconsin teams, per my prediction).
North comes into the season a tad less multidimensional. The optics going into the year are that Dalton Banks will be the number one option in every facet of the game — and there’s plenty of truth to that. Still, names like Ashton Kallstrom and Chad Kron could prod the public to branch out with praise, as their showings last year reflected kindly on the stat sheet.
Where: La Crosse Central HS
When: Saturday, February 1st, 1:15 p.m
Predicted Winner: Rochester Mayo
TBD Out-of-State Tournaments
Milwaukee Washington: Tarkanian Classic, December 18-20
La Crosse Central: Montverde Invitational, January 23-25