Prospect Standouts From Nicolet — Slinger
It doesn’t matter how. It doesn’t matter why. All that matters is that Jalen Johnson, one of the best prospects in the 2020 class, is eligible to play his senior season at Nicolet. The WIAA ruled Johnson eligible on Friday,…
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Continue ReadingIt doesn’t matter how. It doesn’t matter why. All that matters is that Jalen Johnson, one of the best prospects in the 2020 class, is eligible to play his senior season at Nicolet. The WIAA ruled Johnson eligible on Friday, and he competed in his first game of the season on the same day.
Nicolet traveled to Slinger in what would have been a relatively ordinary game. The news that Johnson would be playing immediately changed that. The parking lot was full. The bleachers didn’t have a single open seat. The aura of Johnson was in full effect.
Here are six prospect standouts from the Kight’s 54-43 win over Slinger:
Jalen Johnson — SF — Nicolet
How could I not start with the star of the show? From the second Johnson checked into the game, Slinger was determined not to let him beat them. Johnson was triple-teamed and intentionally fouled in transition multiple times.
In Slinger’s effort to not let Johnson beat them, the Owls forgot about all the other capable players on Nicolet’s roster. The five-star passed the ball well, which allowed his teammates to get open looks. Johnson didn’t put up huge numbers, but his mere presence intimidated opponents.
The Duke commit finished with 14 points, but his impact on every phase of the game is what truly changed the outcome.
James Graham — SF — Nicolet
Graham is trending in the right direction. The Nicolet small forward led all scorers with 17 points in the Knight’s win on Friday night. Graham knocked down three shots from behind the arc and he also proved himself as a rebounder.
As a strong and physical prospect, Slinger had no answers for Graham.
Kobe Johnson — PG — Nicolet
Kobe Johnson had an off shooting night, but he still had his fingerprints all over the game. On defense, Johnson impacted the game with his length and quickness. Nicolet’s full-court press was very effective thanks to the ability of Johnson.
Johnson tallied seven points on two made field goals.
Darrius Bolden — PG — Nicolet
Darrius Bolden is an extremely valuable piece for this Nicolet team. As the backup point guard, Bolden will need to limit turnovers and play solid defense if the Knights are to repeat as state champions.
Bolden scored six points, including three made free throws and one made field goal.
Donovan Sparks — G — Nicolet
Now that Jalen Johnson is back in a Nicolet uniform, Sparks really has a chance to breakout. Because so much attention will be on Johnson, Sparks will be open at the hoop. Sparks, who is scoring 12.4 points per game, does most of his work around the basket. Expect the guard to get plenty of open looks off passes from the five-star small forward.
Brad Brewer — PG — Slinger
Slinger’s offense struggled to score points against Nicolet’s suffocating defense. And instead of trying to score with Nicolet, the Owls opted to take the air out of the ball in the second half. Despite Slinger running a slow-paced offense, Brewer still managed to put up 12 points.
The point guard was shifty and he created his own offense.