Recruiting Report: Christian Wagenhauser (2018)
The takeaway from Sylvania Southview’s win over Anthony Wayne last Friday: the Cougars are one of the best teams in Northwest Ohio and 6’7”-6’8” forward Christian Wagenhauser (2018) is a major reason for their success. The big man not only shot a high percentage in his 20-point performance, but Wagenhauser appears to be the team’s leader.
“I broke my ankle the last day of practice before our first game last year … I had to be a leader on the bench because I couldn’t contribute actually on the court. So I tried to help people and be positive on the bench,” Wagenhauser said.
When guards turned the ball over, Wagenhauser could be found calming them down. When they had a chance to break the lead open, Wagenhauser implored his team to get a defensive stop.
The senior also has a natural presence on the floor because of his size. Wagenhauser has a soft touch in the paint with his back to the basket. But at the next level, he will likely be more of a stretch four.
“I actually feel comfortable shooting anywhere on the court,” Wagenhauser said. “I’ve grown up shooting because my dad has always wanted me to be somebody who can stretch the floor as a big man.”
The 3.8 GPA student (24 ACT score) is a self-aware prospect, in that he’s identified areas of his game he’d like to improve before next season.
“I definitely need to improve my strength. Just physically, I need to improve my leg strength and my upper body, adjust for the physicality of the collegiate level. I definitely need to improve my ball-handling ability … Rebounding too, just being able to attack the ball,” he said.
Defiance College has been circling him closely lately.
“I’ve gone a visit there and the coaches have come to multiple games, which has been nice,” Wagenhauser told Prep Hoops. “I like how they’ve put in effort to watch my games and show that they’re interested in my development.”
He told us that Hillsdale and Findlay have shown interest in the past. However, Defiance is the only school currently recruiting him.
School size, a strong sales and business marketing program, and financial help are all factors Wagenhauser will weigh when making his college decision.
We encourage any Division III school in Ohio to get involved with Wagenhauser before his senior season concludes. He can score the ball inside and outside, competes on the glass and block, has strong academics, and cares about his teammates.
Southview is currently 4-0 and welcomes Perrysburg for a home game on Friday, where Wagenhauser will be confronted with sophomore 6’6” forward Jackson Sizemore, a fellow stretch big.
With three quality wins under their belt, Wagenhauser believes Southview has a chance to achieve success in the postseason.
“We have really good team chemistry. A lot of us have been playing together since sixth grade,” Wagenhauser said. “Our goal is, honestly, to win the [Northern Lakes League] outright, and if possible win a District Championship and go farther than that. I think we have the keys to do that.”