Season Preview: Top Statistical Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To preview the upcoming high school basketball season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin takes a look at some prospects who are poised to put up major numbers: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1509262' first='Grant' last='Manz'] -- F -- Kiel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You don't see many prospects at the high school level put up rebound numbers like Manz did last year. As a sophomore, the Kiel forward was able to snag 15.3 rebounds per contest. In addition to grabbing rebounds at a high level, Manz also was able to score just over 11 points per game. Now, as a junior, Manz should be able to show off some major improvements. Expectations are already very high for Manz, but there is no reason that the forward shouldn't be able to exceed these hefty expectations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1039283' first='Seth' last='Bunders'] -- G -- Wauzeka-Steuben </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Proving himself as one of the best defenders in the state last year, Bunders was able to tally up 5.6 steals per game. He has extremely quick hands and plays with a very high-IQ on the defensive end of the court. The guard can jump passing lanes and pick opposing player's pockets with ease. On the offensive end, Bunders can also do some great things. Leading Wauzeka-Steuben to an outstanding season, the guard scored over 20 points per game on very efficient shooting numbers. Look for Bunders to stuff the stat sheet this fall/winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1558701' first='Shavaree' last='Hicks'] -- PG -- Saint Francis </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at just 5-foot-8, there is no doubt that Hicks is undersized. But, make no mistake, the Saint Francis point guard is an excellent basketball player. As a junior, Hicks was able to score 27.4 points per game, an impressive number for any prospect. Because he is undersized, the PG uses his speed to his advantage. In the open court, defenders really struggle to stay in front of Hicks. He owns a tight handle, which he uses to blow by defenders en route to easy layups at the cup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mitchell McCarthy -- F -- Campbellsport</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Averaging a double-double throughout the course of a full season is a great accomplishment at any level of basketball. But at the high school level it is particularly impressive. The Campbellsport forward was able to average 15.1 points and 12 rebounds per contest last season. McCarthy is a hard-worker on the court who can do a little bit of everything. In the paint, he is very physical and isn't afraid to outwork opposing players. He boxes out well, finishes through contact, and overall is the type of player that coaches love. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zach Mertes -- G -- Coulee Christian </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still a younger prospect, Mertes has a long way to go in his development. But last season, the Coulee Christian guard showed off a ton of potential. He averaged 27.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. The overall game of Mertes is impressive. He scores well, can pass, plays tough defense, and overall just plays the game at a high level. Because he is still young in his career, look for Mertes to make a major jump this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='981000' first='Riley' last='Brooks'] -- SG -- Ripon </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked as one of the top prospects in Wisconsin's 2023 class, Brooks has been a joy to watch over the years. As a junior last season, the shooting guard was tremendous. He tallied 25.8 points, snagged just under ten rebounds, and dished out 2.7 assists per game. Brooks is a pure scorer who can get buckets from all over the court in many different ways. He can shoot it well from deep, knock down mid range shots, and convert on layups in the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->