Underclassmen Who Can Shoot the Three in the Driftless

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leading up to the 2024-25 WIAA basketball season, I will be digging into the top performers in the Driftless Region. I'm specifically looking at players in the Big Rivers, Cloverbelt-West, Coulee, Dairyland, Dunn-St. Croix, Lakeland-West, Middle Border, Mississippi Valley, Ridge &amp; Valley, Scenic Bluffs, Six Rivers-West, South Central, Southwest Wisconsin and Southwest Wisconsin Activities League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we look ahead to the upcoming basketball season, several underclassmen have distinguished themselves as effective three-point shooters in the region. These players have shown exceptional touch from deep, considering the average three-point shooting percentage for those getting meaningful minutes in the region hovers around 32.5%. Each player listed put up at least fifty shots from beyond the arc last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1874969' first='Drew' last='Aschliman'] from Mineral Point had one of the highest shooting percentages on this list, hitting a remarkable 48% from three-point range during the 2023-24 season. This junior's efficiency beyond the arc contributed to his 6.8 points per game, and with such a high shooting percentage, Aschliman's impact as a floor spacer in the SWAL conference is likely to be significant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2499891' first='Tyler' last='Barrows'] from Eau Claire North had the highest three-point production on this list, with 61 made threes. The 5'10” sniper shot an astounding 49.2% from beyond the arc. Barrows understandably scored a significant amount of his 10.10 points per game from distance. His ability to score from deep makes him an exciting player to watch for the Huskies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing 6'2”, [player_tooltip player_id='2499886' first='Ian' last='Bauer'] is another junior who stood out last season, shooting 40.3% from three while scoring 6.2 points per game for Eau Claire Memorial. His accuracy will be an important component of the Old Abes' offense in the Big Rivers conference, as his team will look to him to continue converting from long range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561933' first='Alex' last='Berget'] of Holmen is a junior with a sweet stroke from deep, having made 60 three-pointers last season. He also shot 45.8% from the field, demonstrating a well-rounded scoring ability beyond his three-point shooting, getting to the hoop as a slasher despite his 5'10” stature. As one of the top shooters in the MVC, Berget's ability to knock down threes will keep defenses honest and open up the floor for his teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2500048' first='Nathan' last='Dillaber'], a junior from West Salem out of the Coulee Conference, has also established himself as a dangerous shooter from beyond the arc. Dillaber knocked down 50 threes last season while shooting 36.2% from three-point range. His consistency from distance will be vital for West Salem's offensive game plan, and his shooting volume shows that he is trusted to take important shots from outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sophomore at Altoona, [player_tooltip player_id='2405970' first='Owen' last='Gunderson'] is one of the best emerging shooters in the Middle Border conference and the region as a whole. He posted an impressive 43.9% from deep while scoring 10.2 points per game. Gunderson's high percentage shows a combination of smart shot selection and solid mechanics, making him a player to watch as he continues to grow into a larger role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'3” sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='2117026' first='Ian' last='Kowal'], a junior from Onalaska, was a reliable for the Hilltoppers last season, hitting 39.8% of his three-point attempts and contributing 7.1 points per game. With 39 made threes, Kowal demonstrated his ability to stretch the floor, and his consistency will make him a key weapon for Onalaska in the MVC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2508299' first='Owen' last='Laudon'], a standout sophomore at Tomah, was another high-volume shooter, hitting 57 threes last season and shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc. His scoring average of 11.8 points per game in his freshman campaign highlights his role as one of the primary scorers for Tomah in the MVC, and his accuracy from long range makes him a player to watch as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'4”, [player_tooltip player_id='1561937' first='Landon' last='Michlig'], another junior from West Salem, brings solid shooting efficiency to the Panthers. Michlig shot 35.8% from three-point range last season, showing his ability to step out and knock down those shots. In addition to hitting from distance, he worked inside the arc to build a 46.2% field goal percentage. His versatility will be something to watch as he earns more minutes for the strong West Salem program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2637314' first='Myron' last='Reuter'], a 5'10” junior from Platteville, shot an impressive 39.4% from three-point range during the 2023-24 season, contributing 8.7 points per game. His consistent shooting provides a reliable option for Platteville in the SWC, and as he takes on more responsibility, his three-point prowess will become even more important.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These underclassmen have already shown the ability to shoot at an elite level from three, and as they continue to develop, they will be pivotal to their teams' success in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->