Five Teams Poised to Make a Big Jump in 2019-20: No. 4 Onalaska
Previewing the 2019-20 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin is taking a look at five teams poised to make a big jump this winter. We continue the series with a look at the Onalaska Hilltoppers, who return a loaded lineup this season……
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Continue ReadingPreviewing the 2019-20 season, Prep Hoops Wisconsin is taking a look at five teams poised to make a big jump this winter. We continue the series with a look at the Onalaska Hilltoppers, who return a loaded lineup this season…
2018-19 RECAP
Overall Record: 20-5
Conference Record: 10-2 (2nd in Mississippi Valley)
WIAA Playoff Finish: Lost 54-51 to La Crosse Central in D2 Sectional Semifinals
Key Losses: Jonathan Flanagan (6.6 ppg)
WHY ONALASKA?
They’ll be one of the most experienced and balanced teams in the state.
Obviously, it’s difficult to improve drastically on a 20-5 season, but the product on the floor should be noticeably improved. All five starters from last season are back for the Hilltoppers as are seven of their top eight scorers.
“There’s no substitute for experience,” Onalaska head coach Craig Kowal told Prep Hoops Wisconsin. “Having all our guys being through a really tough schedule last season and the playoffs — it’s just another year of maturation.”
The Hilltoppers feature one of the best 1-2 punches in the state as well in seniors Carson Arenz (15.0 ppg) and Tyrell Stuttley (15.2 ppg).
“I expect another great season for Carson,” said Kowal. “He’s been a part of a lot of wins and been really solid for us. I expect him to take that next step from a leadership standpoint and a huge year from him.”
“I really think that he’s one of the most underrated players in the state,” Kowal continued. “All he does is produce. He’s getting a double-double most nights and is so efficient around the rim. Defensively, he can guard any position.”
You generally don’t get far in March without great point guard play. Although he’ll spend more time off the ball this season to make room for Dakota Mannel, junior Sam Kick (7.0 ppg) is one of the top facilitators in all of Division 2.
Kick, who led the state in 3-point shooting as a freshman, won’t be asked to abandon his selfless style of play, but Kowal does want to see his floor general look more for his own offense in 2019-20.
“He’s extremely unselfish,” Kowal said. “In AAU, I know he hit some big shots for them and I hope that carries over to our season.
“Sam is a prolific shooter. People say he had a little bit of a down year as a sophomore, but he shot almost 48 percent from 3-point range. If that’s down, I’ll take it.
“I want him to be a little more aggressive and take more shots, but at the same time, we have five kids who can get double figures any single night. We’re not as dependent on one scorer as some teams might be.”
SURPRISE PLAYER
Over the summer, Gavin McGrath began to make huge strides as a prospect. The 6-foot-10 center is a terrific shot blocker and offensive rebounder. Continuing to add weight and strength, McGrath could catch opponents off-guard with an improved offensive skillset.
“He obviously has the highest ceiling,” Kowal said. “With big kids, it can take a little longer to click. We really saw him come on midway through last season and had a nice summer. He completely changes the game and how you can play defensively, because he’s such a good shot blocker, has tremendous timing.
“I think the thing he’s going to show this year, he’s got a nice soft touch. We’re going to try and get him on the perimeter and take some of those shots.”
BIGGEST QUESTION
Can Onalaska finally get past La Crosse Central?
The Red Raiders have been a huge road block over the last handful of seasons. In fact, Central and Onalaska have finished 1-2 in the Mississippi Valley in each of the last four seasons and Central has knocked the Hilltoppers out of the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
Onalaska, who could be primed for a fourth-straight 20-win campaign, has used their shortcomings against their conference rival as major motivation during the off-season.
“That’s’ pretty much all we talk about and that’s our sole focus now,” Kowal said. “When you prepare in the off-season, your focus is how are you going to beat the best team?
“Hopefully this year we can get over the hump.”
Should Central and Onalaska meet yet again in the playoffs, the Hilltoppers will be battle tested. Kowal has scheduled non-conference matchups with Sun Prairie, Minnehaha Academy (MN), Kaukauna, Lakeville North (MN), Eau Claire Memorial, and Oshkosh West this season.
“The biggest thing I’m looking for is how we’re going to handle adversity when we get hit in the mouth,” Kowal stated. “We need to be able to right the ship through difficult times.”
NOTES
– Junior Victor Desmond only averaged 4.0 ppg last season, but could be an X-factor for Kowal this season. An athletic, defensively versatile wing, Desmond has one of the higher upsides in the state.
“An extremely athletic kid, great to coach, plays really hard,” said Kowal. “You can have him guard any position. Offensively, he’s really improved his perimeter shot. We’re more comfortable with him taking more 3’s this year. I think you’ll see more production from him.
“He’d probably be a top scorer on most Division 2 teams. For us, he may be coming off the bench this year.”