10 Potential X-Factors in the 2019 Playoffs
10 players who might not be household names nor play on top-seeded teams, but could make or break their team’s playoff runs… Wesley Berget (Mineral Point) Since the departure of Brayden Dailey, Berget has stepped up for the Pointers.…
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Continue Reading10 players who might not be household names nor play on top-seeded teams, but could make or break their team’s playoff runs…
Wesley Berget (Mineral Point)
Since the departure of Brayden Dailey, Berget has stepped up for the Pointers. The junior forward has scored in double figures in six of his last seven games, including 15 points in a huge win at Darlington. Mineral Point will get plenty of scoring production from Isaac Lindsey, but they’ll need the help from Berget to lighten the load and take attention off the sharpshooting guard.
Bryson Clague (Grafton)
The playmaking of Clague will be crucial for Grafton. The Black Hawks have a go-to scorer in Alex Huibregtse and a dominant post presence in J.P. Benzschawel. Clague is often the guy who ties it all together. A crafty guard with good size (6-2), Clague is an unselfish playmaker that can get into high percentage areas and carve up defenses with his passing ability.
Nolan Dahmen (Kettle Moraine)
When Dahmen plays well, Kettle Moraine hits another gear as a team. The junior power forward is a double-double threat every time out. A big body who can step out and create mismatch problems with his ability to shoot and handle the basketball, Dahmen pairs with senior guard and Iowa State commit Nate Jenkins to form a dangerous inside-outside punch.
Glenn Martin (West Allis Central)
He’s his team’s third-leading scorer, but Martin brings something different to the table for West Allis Center. The senior guard has a knack of showing up in big moments and drawing defenders to open things up for his teammates. The Bulldogs have a strong front court in Jacob Fierst and Shilo Bowles, but need the playmaking and shooting of Martin to be a complete unit offensively.
Cael McGee (Stoughton)
The Vikings were bringing him off the bench as the season wore on, but McGee is still their most talented scorer. After a 31-point effort in the season opener against Janesville Parker hasn’t had the same production. A dangerous 7-seed, Stoughton is 4-0 when McGee scores at least 12 points.
Cameron Paske (Lakeside Lutheran)
The Warriors are in a very tough sectional, but have great size up front, starting with Paske. Maybe the best mid-range shooter among class of 2019 post prospects in Wisconsin, Paske has great touch from 12-15 feet and can stretch the floor consistently. Look for Paske to be a force in the high-low game with Jack Monis throughout the playoffs.
Ben Probst (La Follette)
La Follette is one of three teams we think can come out of their sectional. The Lancers’ biggest issue might be size, which hurts them on the defensive end. Probst is one of those guys that La Follette needs to do it all — and he often does. The ultimate glue guy, Probst does the dirty work inside, makes hustle plays, facilitates to his outstanding backcourt mates, and has a tendency to hit big shots in the games’ biggest moments. If La Follette gets past East and Racine Park, it will be because Probst was outstanding.
Trey Schroeder (De Forest)
The Norskies will ride Austin Westra to the finish line, but Schroeder is a terrific x-factor. The junior guard is slippery with the basketball in his hands and has come up big time and time again for De Forest this season. A crafty scorer and facilitator, Schroeder has a deep bag of tricks with the basketball and is one of the more underrated players in the Madison area.
Azarien Stephens (Racine St. Catherine’s)
Playing in a very tough sectional with 3-4 legit state tournament contenders, the Angels need their seniors to play well. That includes Stephens, who has the ability to get very hot from the outside. A dangerous 3-point shooter with tremendous range, Stephens is a great floor spacer for St. Catherine’s and opens up a lot of driving lanes for his teammates.