The class of 2020 lost a lot of its luster when Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley decided to take their talents to prep schools. But, top to bottom, Wisconsin’s 2020 class still remains just as strong as any other. At…
The class of 2020 lost a lot of its luster when Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley decided to take their talents to prep schools. But, top to bottom, Wisconsin’s 2020 class still remains just as strong as any other. At the top, the 2020 class holds talents like Johnny Davis, Issac Lindsey, Carter Gilmore, and Dalton Banks.
Because all of the previously mentioned players have already committed to D1 programs, Prep Hoops Wisconsin takes a look at some prospects who find their names at the bottom of the rankings.
Gerald Gittens is underrated — and he definitely plays like it. In July, after he led Wisconsin RAP to a Hard Work Region Finals championship, Gittens told me that he plays like a wolf on the court. If Gittens is a wolf, then he is a starving one who is still hoping for his first scholarship offer.
Gittens’ senior season will be crunch time. The senior point guard has one last chance to prove to college programs that he is worthy of a roster spot. And if you ask anybody who has watched Gittens play over the summer, I am sure that they would all conspire in saying that he is worth a shot.
Javeon Tolliver plays with the ball on a string. He has multiple fancy dribble moves in his skill package. These moves are more than just entertainment, too. They allow him to get his defender off balance and force them to guess what his next move will be.
After Tolliver freezes his defender with one of his many clever dribbling maneuvers, he has two options. His first option is to take the ball to the rim and squeeze his way into the lane. The other option for Tolliver is to dish the pill to a teammate who has gotten open.
Both choices can lead to a bucket for Tolliver’s team, which is his ultimate goal when on offense.
Carson Arenz may be the most underappreciated player in all of Wisconsin. All Arenz did last year was average 15 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for a team that was two buckets away from a trip to the Kohl Center. Yet, his name is still rarely ever heard of.
College coaches are starting to realize just how talented the small forward is, though. Arenz just picked up a scholarship offer from D2 Winona State.
My prediction? After a fantastic senior season, Winona State will be in competition with multiple other schools for Arenz’s commitment.
Trey Zastrow is the best three-point shooter in Wisconsin — and he proved it at last year’s WIAA three-point challenge. As a junior at the time, Zastrow was making his second appearance in the challenge. After finishing in 2nd place during his sophomore season, the Manitowoc Lutheran guard made sure that he took home the crown in his second try.
In Zastrow’s senior season, spectators will see the guard nail a lot of shots from the outside.
Tyrese England is easily the best pure scorer on this list. England is absolutely lethal around the rim — he seems to find creative ways to finish each time he attacks the tin. England is also a great shooter. He has a quick crossover dribble that flows right into a gorgeous pull-up jumper.
The 6-foot-1 guard was one of my favorite prospects to watch during the Hard Work Region Finals, where his team made a deep run into Sunday afternoon’s games.
Bryson Patrick 6’4″/ PF Brown Deer
College coaches: Please take a look at Brown Deer’s Bryson Patrick. At 6-foot-4, Patrick may be a tad undersized for his position, but he still dominates in the paint. Patrick is a great defender and rebounder who impacts the game in multiple different ways.
Patrick’s best basketball is still ahead of him. His great play during multiple fall league games portends future college success.