Zackery Building Off Breakout Junior Season
Located just minutes from the Illinois border, Salem (Wis.) Westosha Central 2019 guard Jaeden Zackery has flown under the radar among the state’s best prospects. In each of the last two seasons, Zackery has averaged in double figures, but coverage and applause has been hard to come by.
“I always felt I was a pretty good player, but nobody really notices us,” Zackery told Prep Hoops Wisconsin.
They’re noticing now.
Leading Westosha Central to its first-ever state tournament appearance in 2017-18, Zackery averaged 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, an 3.7 assists per game as a junior, rising to No. 37 in the class of 2019 rankings.
“It was a great feeling,” Zackery said of his team’s state tournament berth. “It feels good to get noticed and make a name for myself and my school and show what I’m made of.
“I always felt I was a pretty good player, but nobody really notices us.”
They’re noticing now.
Going head-to-head against eventual Division 2 state champion Kaukauna in the semifinals, Zackery poured in 21 points at the Kohl Center. His defense also turned heads, holding West Virginia commit Jordan McCabe (27 ppg) to 20 points on 17 shots, including 2-of-9 from 3-point range in a 75-63 loss.
A mixture of schools have been involved with Zackery this spring, ranging from Division 1 to 3. Zackery said UW-Whitewater is currently pursing him the hardest.
“I talk to their coach a lot, like every weekend,” Zackery explained. “They’re really checking up on me and making sure I’m continuing to work hard.”
North Dakota State, Minnesota-Duluth, Winona State, UW-River Falls, UW-Platteville, and Colby College are also expressing interest. Playing with Kessel Heat, Zackery is averaging 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in the NY2LA Association.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound guard plans to take his recruitment into his senior season.
“I’m looking for a school that makes me better on and off the court,” he said. “My main focus is to try and go D1, but if I go D2 or D3, I can work with that.”