10 Juniors Ready to Break Out in 2018-19
10 junior prospects who may not have put up big numbers last season, but are ready to break out in 2018-19…
Anthony Washington (Madison East)
This might be the best prospect in the Big Eight Conference. Washington averaged 10.5 points per game for the Purgolders last season, but should make a huge jump as a junior. An athletic, two-way prospect, Washington makes highlight plays on both ends of the floor.
Delaware Hale (Sun Prairie)
Another Big Eight prospect ready to emerge, Hale was a role player for the Cardinals in 2017-18. With Jalen and Kobe Johnson heading to Nicolet, Hale may now be the featured player. A high-upside, athletic forward, Hale averaged 6.5 points per game as a sophomore. Ending the summer strong on the AAU circuit, expect Hale to be playing with a new brand of confidence.
Jake Buchanan (Kimberly)
There’s little doubt that Buchanan is one of the bigger breakout players in the state this season. After averaging under 10 points per game as a sophomore, Buchanan has taken Kimberly by the horns and will lead them to a big year. Buchanan had a huge spring/summer on the travel circuit and has since added two Division 2 offers. This skilled, crafty, and electric point guard is now a top 20 prospect in the 2020 class and rising.
Keaton Ferris (Kaukauna)
Kaukauna will need to reload after winning the Division 2 state championship last season and they’ll look to Ferris. A dangerous 3-point shooter who can create on and off the ball, Ferris averaged 9.9 points per game for the Ghosts last season. Like Buchanan, Ferris will emerge as one of the better players in the Fox Valley Association in 2018-19.
Javeon Tolliver (Milwaukee Lutheran)
Not sure the state of Wisconsin knows how good this kid is yet. We saw Tolliver perform very well at the Las Vegas Fab 48 in July against some quality competition. Tolliver is a rail thin guard that may lack athleticism, but has a high basketball IQ and unique playmaking skills. Tolliver did average north of 15 ppg last season, but still seems to be a relatively unknown commodity in the state.
Carson Arenz (Onalaska)
A guy that does a little bit of everything for Onalaska, Arenz averaged 13.0 points per game as a sophomore. Playing alongside some very talented prospects over the summer, Arenz seemed to get better and better. A versatile, high-motor forward, Arenz will help Onalaska replace Noah Skifton and keep them relevant in the Mississippi Valley Conference.
Amani Glosson (Milwaukee Academy of Science)
Glosson has sort of been viewed as a third wheel to Darius Hannah and Kaleim Taylor. That may change this season. Glosson had a very good summer and continues to add to his skill set. An explosive, 6-foot-5 wing, Glosson has a lot of intriguing physical tools. Last season, he posted 9.2 points per game.
Isaiah Stewart (Madison LaFollette)
Averaged 9.8 points per game as a sophomore. Like Glosson, this is another prospect who is overshadowed by a strong duo. Playing behind Troy Reeves and Donneil Gray, Stewart shows over the summer he can carry a team. He’ll still technically be the third option for the Lancers this season, but he’ll need to step up in 2018-19 if LaFollette is going to win the Big Eight Conference.
Colin Schaefer (Sun Prairie)
Getting out of the Jalen Johnson shadow, Schaefer will show his true value. A prospect that will give his team anything they need to win, Schaefer is a polished point guard that can contribute in a variety of ways. He averaged 7.3 points per game last season and he could lead the Cardinals in scoring as a junior.
Cole Dakovich (Catholic Memorial)
Averaged just shy of 11 points per game last season. Dakovich should form a tough front court duo with Rich Byhre. A workhorse down on the block, Dakovich can power home buckets and control the glass. A better athlete than he looks, Dakovich is also a Division 1 football recruit as well.