Underdog Duos: Division One Bracket

<p>Last year, the postseason featured multiple surprise programs in the division one field. With the seeding set for this season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin predicts the duos that could lead similar underdog campaigns late into March.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/darrien-long/">Darrien Long</a> and Dontrell Bush - Racine Horlick:<br /> Long and Bush have flown under the radar early in their careers. The postseason is the right time to change that narrative. Both sophomores are bouncy, physical athletes, but Long has played the lead role thus far this season. He’s averaging 12.1 points per game while flashing his potential as a dominant rebounder and explosive scorer.</p> <p>Bush, Horlick’s fourth-leading scorer, is also teeming with potential. His length and frame allow him to make an impact blocking shots, grabbing boards, and getting out in transition. Most of his 8.2 points per game comes from attacking the rim, as his jumper is still a work in progress.</p> <p>While they certainly aren't the favorite in any game this postseason, Horlick can at least make an impression by showcasing their sophomore stars.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/steven-clay/">Steven Clay</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/seth-trimble/">Seth Trimble</a> - Menomonee Falls:<br /> Clay and Trimble are hardly under the radar prospects, as they’ve established themselves as the best one-two punch in the sophomore class. However, with Menomonee Falls as an 11 seed this postseason, they’re certain to be the favorite for a Cinderella run.</p> <p>Of the two, Clay has shouldered the most scoring responsibility. He’s the fourth-leading scorer in the Greater Metro Conference with just over 21 points a game. His length and effortless playstyle allow him to pierce defenses with unguardable versatility, making him not only a top prospect in Wisconsin but a guy that’s capable of willing Menomonee Falls to a postseason win.</p> <p>Trimble is no slouch, either. He’s ranked one place behind Clay in the 2022 class and is on his way to becoming a high-major point guard. There are not many people in the state that can match his vertical, regardless of class, and as he’s grown in height and physicality, his driving game has become an increasingly deadly force. And what may be even more important during the playoffs is his lockdown defense, which has given many backcourts headaches and could be the difference-maker in a tight game.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carter-capstran/">Carter Capstran</a> and Marko Rajkovic - Franklin:<br /> Capstran and Rajkovic surprised me this summer as a talented pair, and despite a lackluster record this season, they could carry Franklin to a win or two in their sectional.</p> <p>Capstran, a junior forward, lacks any significant flaws on the offensive end. His wide-ranging arsenal makes it hard to label him under any position, as he’s a physical, back-to-the-basket scorer but also an accurate shooter.</p> <p>Rajkovic is similar in the sense that he’s a positionless player. With a great frame, knack for defense, and stout rebounding skills, he appears to play the small forward role. However, he leads the team in assists and often brought up the ball when playing this summer, hinting at guard being the better fit.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/james-jacobs/">James Jacobs</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-vollendorf/">Evan Vollendorf</a> - Stevens Point:<br /> Stevens Point plays Marshfield in the first round and could be on Cinderella watch with these two playing well.</p> <p>Vollendorf, their main scorer and sharpshooter, is averaging 19.4 points a contest. He’s dangerous to opponents, as he is capable of rattling off a handful of threes and sparking offensive spurts at any time.</p> <p>Despite being young, Jacobs is also a high-IQ player that will be valuable in Point’s backcourt. He’s scrappy as a defender, totaling 42 steals this season, while also providing a steady 10.3 points per game alongside Vollendorf.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/caden-boser/">Caden Boser</a> and Tanner Linduski - Eau Claire Memorial:<br /> Memorial has struggled this season, falling behind in a loaded Big Rivers conference. However, with the amount of talent they have stacked up on their roster, they could easily make a deep run into the postseason.</p> <p>Of course, any success hinges on Boser’s play. The top-15 ranked senior is averaging a ridiculous 23 points, 13.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists a game. The stats are there, and as a versatile forward that can take over with his tough-shot making, he’s the perfect guy for a team to lean on down the stretch.</p> <p>That alone hasn’t been enough this season, though. Some assistance from Linduski could give them the push they need to become a memorable playoff team. This is more than possible too, as Linduski has surprised with high scoring games on multiple occasions, dropping over 20 points two times and hitting three or more triples in several matchups.</p>