Best Available: 2019 Small Forwards
A closer look at the top 10 uncommitted small forwards in the state of Wisconsin… 1. Deontay Long – Milwaukee Washington After missing pretty much the entire off-season, Long returned to form. Leading Washington to the Division 2 state title…
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Continue ReadingA closer look at the top 10 uncommitted small forwards in the state of Wisconsin…
1. Deontay Long – Milwaukee Washington
After missing pretty much the entire off-season, Long returned to form. Leading Washington to the Division 2 state title game, the senior averaged 20.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. It seems likely that Long will wind up going the junior college or prep route where he’ll then rack up Division 1 offers.
2. Donovan Ivory – Kaukauna
Since he de-committed from Minnesota-Duluth, Ivory has heard from Sienna, UW-Milwaukee, UC-Davis, South Dakota State, SIU-Edwardsville, and Valparaiso. Wisconsin has also inquired about Ivory as a walk-on. A very intriguing, high-upside prospect, Ivory (6-5) is fairly positionless on both ends of the floor and still hasn’t come close to his ceiling. As a senior, he posted 20.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game for the Ghosts.
3. Xzavier Jones – Martin Luther
Jones showed some positive steps forward as a senior. Helping Martin Luther capture the Division 3 state championship, Jones averaged 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on a loaded lineup. Jones has always been known as an above the rim highlight reel, but has developed his handles and outside shooting.
4. Conner Meyer – Black Hawk
He’s not as well known across the state, but Meyer is a presence on the floor. As a senior, he averaged 18.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Meyer averaged at least 18 ppg in his final three seasons on varsity. A very physical forward who can slash and punish people around the rim, Meyer is Black Hawk’s all-time leading scorer.
5. James Kelley – Saint John’s Northwestern Military Academy
Kelley helped SJNMA to a 22-2 overall record last season. A bouncy, athletic wing, Kelley posted 19.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. If he can expand his outside shot and become more of a threat from outside the paint, Kelley will develop into a terrific small school prospect.
6. Nick Caropreso – Madison Memorial
High IQ and willingness to do anything to win are two things that come to mind about Caropreso. The 6-foot-4 senior can shoot the ball consistently from 3-point range and make winning plays with the basketball. Averaging around 12 points per game in 2018-19, Caropreso also often defends the other team’s best player and can do the dirty work inside.
7. Will Pytleski – Green Bay Southwest
Pytleski had a monster senior season, putting up 21.2 points per game as Southwest went 22-3 overall and won the Fox River Classic Conference. He’s a little undersized (6-3), but averaged a double-double last season, hauling in over 11 rebounds per contest. Pytleski is able to score in unconventional ways and just beats opponents with work ethic.
8. Bailey Blanchard – Clear Lake
One of the top players in Division 4 the past few seasons, Blanchard averaged 20.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game as a senior. An athletic slasher with good size (6-5), Blanchard is very aggressive on the floor and plays with a great motor.
9. Eli Considine – Portage
Still one of the biggest sleepers in the state, Considine put up big numbers last season, averaging close to 25 points per game. A high energy prospect that does a little bit of everything, Considine is everywhere at times. With some sneaky above the rim ability and good athleticism for his size/build (6-4), Considine has a chance to be a very good Division 3/NAIA prospect.
10. Jason Larson – Mount Horeb
A do-it-all wing, Larson turned out to be one of the more productive players in the Madison area last season. Helping Mount Horeb capture the Badger North title and get one game away from the state tournament, Larson posted 17.0 points per game as a senior. A skilled wing that can make shots from all over the floor, Larson can fit into a lot of systems at the next level.