Most Memorable Performances we saw in 2019-20: No. 18 A.J. Vukovich vs. Milwaukee Vincent
PEWAUKEE — The 2019-20 season opener had finally arrived and with it the Tim Reuter Showcase at Pewaukee High School.
The first matchup between East Troy and Milwaukee Vincent was kind of the warmup game. The gym wouldn’t fill up until Pewaukee hosted Menomonee Falls in a battle of two teams with an abundance of young talent.
For those who attended the first game, they saw a dominant performance by East Troy senior forward A.J. Vukovic A.J. Vukovic 6'5" | PF East Troy | 2020 State WI h.
The final stat line wasn’t overly eye-opening. Vukovich posted 21 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists, but the game was all but over by halftime as the Trojans went into the locker room with a 46-27 lead.
Division 1 baseball recruits aren’t supposed to be long and away the most physical players on the floor, but that’s exactly what Vukovich is every time he hits the hardwood. Headed to Louisville next season, Vukovich took a fast, athletic Vincent squad out of their game by punishing people under the rim. When he caught in the paint, it was drop step, through the chest of the defender, and an automatic two points. Also able to play an up and down style, the 6-foot-5 forward had no issues keeping up in transition and even had a nasty chase-down block from behind.
You get tired just watching Vukovich on the floor. A prospect who never takes a play off, Vukovich is always active on both ends of the floor. He’s involved in just about every facet of East Troy’s offense — screening on and off the ball, making sure the ball gets swung side-top-side, fighting for position on the block, etc. When the shot goes up on either end of the floor, Vukovich thinks every rebound is his and 99 percent of the time is going to win the battle for position.
This game set the tone for Vukovich for the rest of the season. He averaged 27.8 points per game on 63.0 percent shooting. Vukovich also tallied 13.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per contest in 2019-20.
COUNTDOWN
No. 19 Jake Buchanan Jake Buchanan 5'11" | PG Kimberly | 2020 State WI vs. Sussex Hamilton
No. 20 Drew Fisher Drew Fisher 6'1" | PG Oconomowoc | 2020 State WI vs. Arrowhead