The Driftless 200: Top Five

This is it! The top five prospects in the Driftless Region!   If you haven't been following along, I've been highlighting top-tier talent from 14 conferences across southwestern and west-central Wisconsin through this series over the past several weeks. As emphasized in earlier posts, all players in the Driftless 200 are standouts who have the opportunity to play at the next level. However, it goes without saying that those in the top groupings are the elite hoopers in the region. Considering there are approximately 1,300 varsity basketball players throughout the Driftless Region, landing in the top five group indicates a high probability of success at the next level of competition.   Prep Hoops rankings prioritize projecting players' success beyond high school, evaluating attributes such as athleticism, size, position-specific skills, game IQ, toughness, and intangibles like body language. While high school stats and performance contribute to assessments, the rankings are primarily focused on how a player's skills and physical traits translate to college-level competition. Every player in this elite tier has earned additional recognition through standout performances in AAU and summer leagues, further solidifying their status as the very best in the region. Click <a href="https://prephoops.com/how-we-rank/">here </a>to read more on how Prep Hoops ranks.   Rankings are dynamic, reflecting each player's growth, evolving team roles, and new opportunities. Here, within the final groupings of the Driftless 200, there is additional scrutiny on individual distinctions, with the final slotting incorporating significant consideration of Prep Hoops class rankings, which are based on input from multiple scouts. The athletes in this elite group are listed alphabetically within their tier.   Looking forward to watching these players and all competing in the Driftless Region and throughout the state of Wisconsin in this 2024-'25 WIAA basketball season. Wishing all the best in their pursuit of a gold ball!    Buschor is an elite all-around talent excelling in multiple facets of the game. Last season, he averaged 15.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 49.2% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc. He was strong on the boards, pulling down 6.4 rebounds per game, and contributed significantly on defense with 2.1 steals per game. At 6'4", Buschor is a versatile and smooth athlete who will put his instincts, determination and ability to work to block shots, defend at a high level, and create opportunities as an exceptional passer. His scoring ability includes his noted effectiveness as a three-point shooter paired with an ability to get to the hole off the dribble and finish through contact. As a junior at Darlington, he is a stand-out, complete player who can impact the game from anywhere on the floor.     Moving into his sophomore season at Tomah, Gerke is expected to build on an outstanding freshman campaign during which he showed his ability to excel as a well-rounded and dynamic player. Standing at 6'3", he combines outstanding offensive production with solid defensive instincts. He had a strong summer and demonstrated that he can consistently impact all areas of the game.   Last season, Gerke averaged 18 points per game, scoring from all three levels. He also contributed 4.1 rebounds per game, showing up as a valuable rebounder for the Timberwolves from his guard position. While he made a huge impact on the offensive end as a scorer, he also dropped 2.6 dimes per game, working well within the team dynamic. His defensive efforts included 1.4 steals per game and strong shot-blocking abilities.     A game-changing all-around talent, Jesperson will impact every facet of the game whenever he steps on the hardwood. Last season, he put up big offensive numbers, averaging 20.3 points per game, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional scorer. A significant piece of this was his effectiveness from deep, draining a strong 36% of shots from three-point land. His skill with the ball doesn't stop with scoring, having posted an impressive 4.3 assists per game. His court vision and savvy equate to a highly effective ability to find teammates and get them the rock in a position to score.   He also stayed active without the ball in his hands last season, recording 2.4 steals and 4.5 rebounds per game. Stepping into his senior year with the Old Abes, Jesperson is expected to continue his run as an all-around standout performer.     Recently committing to play for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles, [player_tooltip player_id='1540033' first='Carter' last='Wollan'] has proven himself as an elite all-around basketball player. Last season, he scorched the nets for an outstanding 24.2 points per game with a 44.7% field goal percentage, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability.   His game goes well beyond offensive output, however. Wollan has excellent game feel and instincts, both of which he utilizes to be a complete and team-oriented player. He displayed dominance on the boards with 8.5 rebounds per game, while his 3.3 assists per game highlighted his skill as a crafty and smart passer. He is a tenacious defender, which was evident last season as he logged 2.2 steals per game and consistently impacted opponents as a strong shot blocker. At 6'3", he combines offensive versatility with exceptional defensive instincts. Look for him to have another big year for the Warriors, before he heads south to La Crosse to continue to his journey as a dynamic, high character athlete.     [player_tooltip player_id='2143926' first='Keaton' last='Wollan'] is in amazing company with his brother here in the top five of the Driftless 200. But make no mistake, he has all the ability to stand on his own and has already proven that through an excellent freshman season and a strong offseason. At 6'3", he brings a dynamic combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess to his team.   Last season, he averaged 16.3 points per game, and dominated the glass, pulling down 7.5 rebounds per game. Wollan added 3.3 assists per game, demonstrating his vision and playmaking skills as an exceptional passer who will look to facilitate and keep his teammates involved. He was also impactful defensively, swiping 1.8 steals and rejecting 0.7 shots per game, building his reputation as an exceptional defender. As he continues to compete over the next three years at Amery and in AAU, look for him impress as an elite talent on both ends of the court.

This is it! The top five prospects in the Driftless Region!