Tyler Johnson Tyler Johnson 6'0" | PG Austin Westlake | 2029 TX brought length, athleticism, and defensive intensity to the floor every game. He consistently competed around the basket with toughness and showed the ability to guard multiple positions. Johnson also used his athleticism effectively in transition and around the rim offensively. His energy defensively helped disrupt opposing players throughout the weekend. He played with confidence and embraced physical basketball. The combination of his tools and competitiveness gave him strong upside moving forward. Johnson looked like a wing capable of impacting games in multiple ways.

As bouncy as they come, Johnson can dunk in traffic, in the open court and in warmups about as easily as any other player in the state. He was outstanding scoring in transition for Team 12 while also showing the ability to catch the ball on the wing, take a couple of hard dribbles and then rise p for a mid-range jumper. He did also connected from outside the arc. But the thing that stands out most about Johnson is his verticality. Once he rounds out the rest of the game, he’s going to be an outstanding player for Union Grove.

A cloud-piercing forward with impressive length and an emerging skill set, Johnson was one of the more impressive players at the WBY Tournament in Burlington. He helped a Union Grove squad playing without top returning scorer Griffin Schultz, to a 2-1 record with wins over South Milwaukee and Franklin Black, along with a loss to Edgerton. Johnson easily finishes above the rim and is aggressive once the ball gets into his hands. He is a fluid athlete who runs the floor and is continuing to develop his shooting, ball handling and passing. Like so many young players, Johnson will need to increase his physical strength and put on some weight, but he has a very bright future ahead of him thanks to his verticality, length and improved skills. He averaged 4.4 ppg as a freshman at Union Grove and will be a key performer for coach Ben Roettgen in the tough Southern Lakes Conference next winter.

Arguably the most explosive player at the event, the 6’4 wing/forward was dominant on the glass all weekend long. Flies in for put-back buckets and is an above the rim finisher in the open floor. Shot it better than I expected as well, hitting 3 or 4 threes at a high percentage across the two games I watched. Could develop into a very good player at Union Grove.

Tyler was the best rebounder in attendance on Saturday. The 6’4 wing/forward out of Union Grove was controlling the glass on both ends of the floor. He’s an explosive athlete who was flying in for put-back buckets, and high pointing defensive rebounds to secure possessions for his team. In the half-court he showed he can get into the lane off the dribble, and also knocked down 3 or 4 threes in the two games I saw. Defensively he can move his feet with smaller wings while also being able to defend against forwards.

I had heard a bit about Tyler during his 8th grade season from a coach I know in the area, and I’m looking forward to catching him in person this weekend. Coming out of Union Grove, the freshman is listed at 6’4 and has some explosive athleticism. Supposedly an active rebounder who can finish at a high level around the basket.