Top Returning Prospects: Southern Lakes Conference

Though not a traditional basketball power, the Southern Lakes Conference returns as a hotbed of guard prospects next season. With a variety of prospects with the potential to play at just about any level in college, these are the names that college coaches will want to keep an eye on next winter. [player_tooltip player_id="727964" first="Jack" last="Rose"] (6’4 2022 SG, Westosha Central)- The highest rated prospect in the conference, Division One schools will be tuned in to watch the smooth scoring guard. With a pure shooting stroke and one of the best mid-range shots in the 2022 class, Jack returns after averaging 17.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as Central earned a share of the conference title. At 6’4 he has the size to play the 2 in college, and is a high effort player both defensively and on the glass. If Jack can improve his explosiveness around the rim, he could be one of the most dangerous guards in the state next season. [player_tooltip player_id="806560" first="Jordan" last="Johnson"] (6’1 2021 G, Elkhorn)- The returning conference player of the year, [player_tooltip player_id="806560" first="Jordan" last="Johnson"] was on the verge of leading Elkhorn back to state before the season was ultimately cut short. After averaging just 5.9 ppg as a sophomore, Jordan improved exponentially as a junior, leading the conference in scoring at 24 ppg while also pulling in 5.6 rebounds a contest. Johnson is a shifty ball handler who is more than capable of creating his own shot, and has a deadly step-back to create plenty of space to shoot. In transition he’s explosive enough to dunk off two feet, and in the half court he has a quick burst to beat his man to the rim. D2 schools should be watching closely. [player_tooltip player_id="981004" first="Danny" last="Kniep"] (6’5 2023 F, Burlington)- A promising frontcourt prospect, [player_tooltip player_id="981004" first="Danny" last="Kniep"] earned the #17 spot in the debut of our 2023 rankings. Danny played the role of a stretch-four last season for Burlington, dominating on the glass and showing off his touch from beyond the arc. He averaged 6.7 ppg shooting 39% from three point range, and pulled in 6.6 rebounds per game. Danny has a solid touch inside, and with continued improvements to his perimeter game he should have a productive sophomore season. [player_tooltip player_id="945811" first="Kenny" last="Garth"] (6’2 2022 CG, Westosha Central)- One of the fastest rising sophomores in the state last season, Kenny made his presence felt in the SLC as a flashy passer and electrifying scorer. Garth has the ability to make an exciting play every time he has the ball in his hands, as he’s such a shifty handler and has a knack for adding a touch of flair to his passes, deceiving defenders with no-look dimes. He put up 12 points and 2.9 assists per contest last year, while also showcasing his defensive abilities with 2 steals per game. With solid size, athleticism, and a well-rounded offensive game, he has the early looks of a potential scholarship player. [player_tooltip player_id="879987" first="Isaiah" last="Hoyt"] (6’ 2021 CG, Union Grove)- Unfortunately [player_tooltip player_id="879987" first="Isaiah" last="Hoyt"] was unable to play last season due to a transfer, but based off his sophomore season at The Prairie School, he should be one of the top players in the conference. Hoyt can run the point where he has a tight handle and solid distribution skills, or can play off the ball where he shot 40% from 3P as a sophomore. He has a high basketball IQ and rarely turns the ball over as a point guard. Isaiah has range extending well beyond the arc and surprising bounce around the rim making him a well rounded guard prospect. London Glass (6’ 2021 CG, Wilmot)- Possibly the biggest sleeper on this list, London Glass was the SLC’s second leading scorer last season, putting up 19.9 a game with two games of 30+. London comes from a big basketball family, and he has a great feel for the game with the ability to get to any spot on the floor with the ball. He was a 38% three point shooter that can hit off the catch or dribble, and is a capable passer with the vision to spot the smallest gaps in defenses to find his teammates. London could be worth a look from smaller schools looking for guard talent. [player_tooltip player_id="865852" first="Bradley" last="Bell"] (6’7 2022 PF, Westosha Central)- Another talented 2022 prospect from Westosha Central, Bell didn’t have huge numbers but has shown he is capable playing with and against high level prospects during the AAU season with Wisconsin PGC. A lanky post prospect with soft touch around the rim and the ability to contest and block shots, Bell put up 5.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for a guard heavy team last winter. Though a bulk of his scoring comes around the basket, Bell has a nice touch from mid-range, with a high release on his jumper. Joey Berezowitz (5’9 2021 G, Burlington)- Don’t let his size fool you, Joey Berezowitz has a lot of talent packed into his 5’9 frame. Arguably the best shooter in the conference, Joey shot 43% from three, scoring 15.9 ppg and earning 1st Team All-Conference honors as a junior. Joey has an extremely quick release, and has no problem pulling up from NBA range or shooting with a hand in his face. He can shoot off the catch and is also shifty enough to make a quick crossover and hit off the bounce. Another sleeper prospect that small schools may want to take a look at. Tyson Skalecki (6’5 2022 F, Union Grove)- Tyson Skalecki didn’t receive much playing time early in the season, but burst on to the scene late, scoring 13 and 21 in two of Union Grove’s last three games. A long forward capable of playing on the wing or as a smaller stretch-four, Tyson is automatic off the catch from three. He shot 47.5% (19-40) from three, knocking down both open and contested shots from the wing. Union Grove graduates their two top forwards from last season so it will be interesting to see where his size is utilized, but he’s an intriguing prospect worth keeping an eye on the next two years.