Donovan Sparks Talks AAU Season and Upcoming Sophomore Campaign
Nicolet’s 2019 state championship was not surprising. If anything, the championship game was a microcosm of their season. On March 16th, the Knights disassembled Milwaukee Washington, destroying the Purgolders just like they had to so many other teams prior. As…
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Continue ReadingNicolet’s 2019 state championship was not surprising. If anything, the championship game was a microcosm of their season. On March 16th, the Knights disassembled Milwaukee Washington, destroying the Purgolders just like they had to so many other teams prior. As Nicolet prepares for another title run in the 2019-20 season, Allan Hanson has to feel pretty good about how the roster is shaping up. Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley are retuning, Kobe Johnson and James Graham are prepared for big junior years, and Donovan Sparks is ready to make a name for himself. Sparks didn’t play on Nicolet’s varsity team last year, but he will look to help his team secure some more metal next year.
Sparks didn’t touch the court for Nicolet during their championship run, but he was still happy for his teammate’s success. “I was very excited for them, especially cause it was the first one,” said Sparks. He also admitted that a title this year would mean a little bit more saying, “It would mean everything to win a state championship and earn that ring with my Nicolet family.” Johnson and Sibley will pack the gyms with fans and cameras, bringing uncompromised exposure. But Sparks will look to be more than just a bench player celebrating a signature Nicolet dunk. He thinks that he can help his team win games by passing and scoring.
Jalen Johnson, Jamari Sibley, Kobe Johnson, and James Graham are not you average high school basketball players. Wisconsin’s divisive transfer rule (or lack of), has given Nicolet the right to four legitimate stars. Sparks will hope to learn from these eminent prospects. “It’s gonna be a fun experience playing [with Jalen, Jamari, Kobe, and James] and learning from them and how they go about different situations on and off the court,” he said.
November, however, is still months away. Before he puts on Nicolet’s blue and white uniform, he has to finish up the 2019 AAU season. Playing for Kevon Looney Elite, Sparks has proved that he can play at a high level. Sparks said that his AAU season has gone well. “We just went 3-1 in the Adidas Summer Championships, losing by 3 to Indiana Elite.” While playing this spring, the 6’2″ guard also made his debut in Prep Hoops Wisconsin’s 2022 class rankings.
Nicolet does not need any help. With epic proportions of talent, the Knights will have one of the best rosters in Wisconsin high school basketball history. Grasping stardom from thin air is not likely for Sparks in the 2019-20 season; the alpha dog spot has already been assumed. With so many talented prospects, allocating playing time will not be an easy task for Nicolet’s Allan Hanson. If Sparks plays solid defense, passes, and scores when asked, the Knight’s head man will be forced to throw him some minutes.