Playoff Preview: Sleeper Prospects to Keep an Eye on
With the regular season waning to an end, Prep Hoops Wisconsin previews the 2020 WIAA Playoffs by taking a look at some sleeper prospects to watch: Delaware Hale — Sun Prairie — SF Hale was instrumental in Sun Prairie’s run…
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Continue ReadingWith the regular season waning to an end, Prep Hoops Wisconsin previews the 2020 WIAA Playoffs by taking a look at some sleeper prospects to watch:
Delaware Hale — Sun Prairie — SF
Hale was instrumental in Sun Prairie’s run to the state championship game last year. This year, the 6-foot-7 small forward is averaging 14.3 points per game.
Hale is a do-it-all prospect. He can rebound, block shots, finish at the rim, and knockdown midrange jumpers. The SP sleeper is a player you definitely want to know because the Cardinals will once again have a shot to make a deep playoff run.
Andrew Rohde — Brookfield Central — SG
The cameras, notoriety, and college attention gravitate towards David Joplin and Ben Nau. And rightfully so, both Joplin and Nau have proven themselves to be the cream of the crop. But, Rohde’s importance to Brookfield Central cannot be overlooked. The 2022 guard has carved out a niche for himself as one of the most efficient three-point shooters in Wisconsin. Rohde is making 48 percent of his shots from behind the arc as a sophomore.
In the playoffs, when the margin for error is so slim, teams need to have prospects who can turn the tides in a matchup. That is exactly what Rohde can do. Example: Last year, when BC took on Neenah in the state semifinals, the 6-foot-2 guard scored nine points on 3-4 shooting. His production off the bench gave Central some much-needed momentum.
If the Lancers are to repeat as state champs, Rohde will need to continue to step up when it counts the most.
Elijah Lambert — Racine St. Catherine’s — SF
Although Tyrese Hunter has been unbelievably amazing this season, he won’t be able to deliver St. Cats a championship by himself. Hunter will need help.
Lambert can provide Hunter with the necessary support. The 2020 SF is putting up 10.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per contest. Lambert can certainly put the ball in the hoop, but his biggest strength is as a defender. Because he has great size and athleticism, the 6-foot-4 forward can successfully guard multiple positions.
If Lambert can give his team some scoring and more excellent defense in March, the Angles are going to be almost unbeatable.
Isaiah Stewart — Madison La Follette — PG
Thanks in large part to Stewart’s phenomenal play, Madison La Follette has been one of the biggest surprise teams this year. The Lancers came out of nowhere to become one of the best squads in the state. La Follette now has a legit shot to win their sectional and make it to state.
Stewart has become the face of this unprecedented run. The 6-foot point guard is scoring 15.8 points per game while also passing the ball and getting his teammates involved.
During the playoffs, expect Stewart to introduce himself to a lot of people.
Tanner Resch — Sussex Hamiltion — PG
If Sussex Hamilton wants to have any chance of returning to Madison, Resch will need to play his best basketball. The 2021 point guard is having an excellent season, but all of his success will be washed away if he and the Chargers can’t get the job done in March.
With a lot of attention on Patrick Baldwin Jr., Resch will have plenty of opportunities to make big plays in the playoffs.
Terryon Brumby — Racine Case — SG
Racine Case is in position to secure a one-seed, which means that Brumby could be ready to blow up on the biggest stage. The 2022 guard is one of the best pure scorers in Wisconsin. Brumby is putting up 14.3 points per contest as a second-year player. He does deal with the occasional cold streak, but when Brumby gets rolling, he is very dangerous.
The backcourt duo of JaKobe Thompson and Brumby will look to lead Case to the Kohl Center.
Sam Hytinen — Arrowhead — SG/W
Arrowhead finds themselves in a sectional that includes Brookfield Central, Sussex Hamilton, Milwaukee King, and Brookfield East. With that tough of a road ahead of the Warhawks, Carter Gilmore will need to get help from his supporting cast. Luckily for Gilmore and Arrowhead, Hytinen is in the midst of an impressive junior season. The 6-foot-4 guard is averaging 12.8 points per game on 60 percent shooting from the field.
Hytinen’s scoring ability could be what allows Arrowhead to continue its magical season deep into March.