2019 Rankings Update: Breaking Down the Top 10
At the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin will update its class of 2019 rankings. While we put the finishing touches on the senior class, here’s a look at the newest, and potentially, final top 10. 1.…
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Continue ReadingAt the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin will update its class of 2019 rankings. While we put the finishing touches on the senior class, here’s a look at the newest, and potentially, final top 10.
1. Marcus Domask – Waupun
At the end of the day, I just trust Domask the most at the next level. The Northern Kentucky commit is the most skilled and versatile prospect in the top 10. Now that he’s added some much-needed explosiveness to his game, Domask is playing above the rim consistently as a dunker and a shot blocker. The 6-foot-5 wing can take advantage of mismatches with his ability to stretch the floor from 3-point range or score in a variety of ways down the block. Does Domask have NBA potential? Is he a guy that’s going to single-handedly sink your bracket and lead a Cinderella run? Probably not, but I think he’s too skilled and cerebral of a player to fail.
2. Deontay Long – Milwaukee Washington
Since he’s returned, Long has put up 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Arguably the state’s most explosive scorer, Long is relentless on that end of the floor. As a defender, there’s not much scarier than when Long gets in a groove and is playing at the top of his game. A legit high major talent, Long’s recruitment won’t be written for probably another year or two after high school.
3. David Skogman – Waukesha West
Nobody in the 2019 class has risen faster than Skogman. Last year, we weren’t even talking about him being a legit D1 prospect. Now, he’s got offers from Minnesota, Texas Tech, and Rutgers among others. The bouncy, 6-foot-10 forward is extremely intriguing. Able to shoot from 3-point range consistently and run the floor in transition, Skogman is unique nationally, not just in Wisconsin. What pushed him up to No. 3 though was his back-to-the-basket game. Skogman has grown much more comfortable down on the block and has added an array of post moves to boost his stock.
4. Nobal Days – Racine Park
Days hasn’t done anything to hurt his stock. In fact, he’s gotten noticeably better as a senior. Days has a much better touch on his 3-point shot and is able to do some things around the rim he wasn’t able to last season. In terms of upside, Days is still in a class of his own and not nearly a finished product. Maybe the best passing big man in the 2019 class, Days has a point guard’s feel when he’s dishing the ball from the high post. He also leads Park in rebounds and blocked shots. It’ll be interesting to see what happens once Days puts on weight at Tulane and starts to develop his skills a little more. He’s the guy we’re worried about being too low.
5. Cole Nau – Brookfield Central
The state’s best on-ball defender, Nau can shot down just about any guard in the state. Even 6-foot-5-plus wings have a tough time with Nau on that end of the floor. He’s also a terrific shooter and facilitator. Able to play on and off the ball, Nau’s catch-and-shoot and penetrating ability makes him a dangerous weapon on that end of the floor. Without a doubt, Hillsdale is getting a steal here.
6. Larry Canady – Racine Park
In the discussion as the state’s top two-way player, Canady can lead his team in scoring and stop the other team’s best player in any given night. A 6-foot-2 shooting guard that can also handle some of the point duties, Canady is a terrific mid-range shooter and creator on the ball. Getting late attention from Division 1 schools, Canady definitely belongs at that level.
7. Ace Evans – Martin Luther
Evans has a little James Harden in him. The lefty is deadly in isolation situations, hitting defenders with step-back 3’s or countering with a hesitation blow-by to the rim. Give Evans some space to work with on the perimeter and he’ll create a quality shot. Scoring 17 points per game on one of the state’s top teams, alongside two other top 15 players, Evans would be putting up insane numbers on most squads.
8. Gage Malensek – Brookfield Central
The Lancers have played a loaded schedule this season and Malensek hasn’t backed down from anybody. Having a breakout season, averaging 20 ppg on one of the state’s deepest squads, Malensek has been living in the paint. A guard that plays with excellent pace and is always putting pressure on defenses, the Wayne State commit is penetrating and finishing around the rim at a much higher level this season.
9. Donovan Ivory – Kaukauna
Ivory has top five potential and Minnesota-Duluth may have hit the jackpot here. The Kaukauna star has the offensive and defensive versatility to play and defend multiple positions. The 6-foot-6 point forward is a matchup problem and now that he’s shooting the ball from 3-point range more consistently, has become increasingly more difficult to guard. Ivory does a little bit of everything on the floor including rebound, facilitate, and block shots. A prospect whose best days are still ahead of them, Ivory has star potential at the Division 2 level.
10. Jaeden Zackery – Westosha Central
We’ll see Zackery a couple times later in the season, which could effect his final ranking. As of now, we see a nice Division 2 prospect who’s not being recruited enough at that level. An improving scorer and standout defender, Zackery did some really nice things against top level competition over the summer. An unselfish guard that can play and defend all over the perimeter, Zackery elevates everyone around him. In fact, he may take the Falcons back to the state tournament for the second-straight year.
Toughest to Leave Out: Trequan Carrington, Luke Haasl, Xzavier Jones, Quintin Winterfeldt, Rich Byhre, Chris Bready