10 Seniors Ready to Break Out in 2018-19
10 players that may not have been their team’s go-to player or put up huge numbers last season, but are primed to break out in 2018-19…
Donovan Ivory – Kaukauna
Ivory was a key role player for Kaukauna last season, averaging 7.6 points per game as the Ghosts won the Division 2 state championship. Expected to be one of two go-to scorers for Kaukauna this season, Ivory is coming off a big summer on the travel circuit, racking up a handful of Division 2 offers. A combo forward that can contribute in a variety of ways, Ivory will be one of the bigger mismatch problems in the state. Heading into his senior season, Ivory is the No. 13 ranked player in Wisconsin’s 2019 class.
Jaylon Gentry – Brown Deer
His older brother, Jay Gentry, was the straw that stirred the drink for Brown Deer. Jaylon may not have gotten the credit he deserved last season after averaging better than 16 points per game, however, he’s No. 16 in our class of 2019 player rankings. An undersized, but fearless guard, Gentry can knock down shots off the bounce and finish at the rim.
Noah Parcher – La Crosse Central
He’s got three teammates who will play at the Division 1 level, making Parcher one of the more under-appreciated players in the state. Parcher averaged 12.1 points per game last season, nearly doubling his output as a sophomore. Getting a look at La Crosse Central over the summer, Parcher appears poised to take on even more of a scoring load and create offense for the Red Raiders who will compete for another Division 2 state championship.
Chris Bready – Waukesha West
His coaches raved about some of the plays Bready made over the summer. We caught some glimpses on the travel circuit as Bready’s athleticism seemed to hit a whole new level. Bready averaged 9.8 points per game as a junior, which ranked fourth on Waukesha West. Top 40 prospect in the state of Wisconsin, Bready is an excellent college prospect that should help the Wolverines make a strong run in Division 2 this season.
Trevon Chislom – McFarland
A high-upside forward with a great motor, Chislom could be a walking double-double in the Rock Valley Conference this season. As a junior, Chislom averaged 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. While those are big numbers, Chislom appears capable of much more based on some of the performances he had over the summer. A highly athletic and strong forward with a budding skill set, Chislom could have the Spartans atop the conference in 2018-19.
Nick Otto – Appleton Xavier
Otto was fourth on the team in scoring last season. Xavier loses a number of key seniors, which will allow Otto to put up some eye-popping numbers. A strong shooter, Otto posted 13.6 points per game, while shooting4 41.5 percent from 3-point range. In fact, over half of his made field goals came from beyond the arc.
Max Schlicht – Middleton
Schlicht is an unknown commodity after missing his junior season due to injury. Over the summer, Schlicht appeared primed for a strong comeback. The lefty is a 6-foot-7 forward with good passing skills. Schlicht excels at the high post where he can slash and make decisions with the basketball. Look for him to be one of the better players in the always tough Big Eight Conference this season.
Eli Considine – Middleton
Portage was just 8-15 last season as Considine averaged 13.5 points per game. A blue collar wing that can play and defend a variety of positions, Considine rose to No. 65 in our class of 2019 player rankings. A better athlete than he’s given credit for, Considine can own the glass and play above the rim on offense. Also a playmaker for others, Considine gets into high percentage areas and creates for his teammates.
Tyler Ellingson – Sussex Hamilton
Coming back from injury, Ellingson will give Hamilton another weapon on offense. His numbers may not go way up after averaging 7.6 points per game as Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Tanner Resch are likely to emerge as sophomores, but Ellingson can and will knock down shots at a high rate. With all the talent around him, Ellingson will break the backs of defenses, who have to put so much effort and attention on Baldwin and others as open shots should come his way consistently.
Matt Hickey – Oshkosh North
Oshkosh North has a ton of rebuilding to do after winning the Division 1 state championship last season, but Hickey was the unsung hero of that team. While Tyrese Haliburton and Quincy Anderson were the focal points, if teams forgot about Hickey, they paid the price. An undersized, wide-bodied forward, Hickey uses his size very well on the block and understands how to use the rim as protection. He’s not an above-the-rim player, but has great touch around the basket. After averaging 8.3 points as a junior, Hickey’s role is going to expand in a big way this season.
Others: Kade King (Monroe), Prince Robinson (Green Bay West), Brooklyn Jagers (Brown Deer), Jimmy Gillespie (Holmen), Joey Platz (Marquette)