Five Teams Poised to Make a Big Jump in 2019-20: No. 3 SPASH
Looking ahead to the 2019-20 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin is spotlighting five teams poised to make a big jump this winter. We continue the series with a look at the Stevens Point Panthers, who posses one of the top backcourts…
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Continue ReadingLooking ahead to the 2019-20 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin is spotlighting five teams poised to make a big jump this winter. We continue the series with a look at the Stevens Point Panthers, who posses one of the top backcourts in the Wisconsin Valley Conference…
2018-19 REWIND
Overall Record: 12-10
Conference Record: 8-4 (3rd in Wisconsin Valley)
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost 69-42 to Appleton East in the Division 1 Regional Semifinals
Key Losses: Nolan Blair (16.3 ppg)
WHY SPASH?
First-team All-Conference guard Evan Vollendorf returns. Last season, Vollendorf averaged 17.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Vollendorf had a terrific end to the 2018-19 season, scoring 18 or more points in six of the final seven games, including a 35-point effort against D.C. Everest.
Sophomore guard James Jacobs is expected to form a terrific 1-2 punch in the backcourt with Vollendorf. Jacobs got 13 games of varsity experience last season and turned heads during the travel season.
After finishing third in the Wisconsin Valley behind Merrill and Marshfield, SPASH returns the most star power within the conference.
BREAKOUT PLAYER
If Jacobs plays anything like he did with the Wisconsin Swing over the summer, SPASH has themselves a terrific scorer and someone that should catch the Wisconsin Valley by surprise.
Jacobs averaged 1.3 points per game as a freshman, but has the size (6-2), skills, and shooting touch to be a big-time scorer over the next three years.
OUTLOOK
There’s a very good case for SPASH to be the favorite in the Wisconsin Valley going into the 2019-20 season. The Panthers did lose a good chunk of seniors, but should be able to capitalize on what seems to be a rebuilding year for a number of teams around the league.
Looking ahead to the playoff picture, SPASH should contend for a top seed.
Neenah, Eau Claire Memorial, Eau Claire North, and Kimberly figure to be in the best position for the top four spots. After an early exit in last season’s playoffs, the Panthes should push for a second-weekend appearance.