"Built for the Battle: A Fierce Force Ready to Rise"

Luke Bauer

@lbauer32

IG: @lbauer.32

6’6”, 195lbs, Class of 2026

New Berlin Eisenhower, WI

Luke is a fierce and fearless force built for battle. At 6’6” with power, athleticism, and quickness, he’s a two-way threat that makes life miserable for his matchups. His physical presence alone is intimidating, but what sets him apart is the blend of smooth skill and aggressive energy. He scores on all three levels with a versatile bag, flashing soft touch from deep, slashing through contact with authority, and dominating in the paint with power and finesse. Defensively, he’s a tone-setter with the size and motor to guard all five positions, and on the glass, he plays like it belongs to him. Coaches can expect a relentless competitor who brings toughness, energy, and a hunger to impact both ends every time he steps on the court.

After being sidelined last season due to WIAA transfer rules, Luke didn’t waste time sulking, he turned it into fuel. That setback pushed him into the gym with purpose. He elevated his handles under pressure, added new scoring options to his game, and developed a greater sense of control and confidence. The biggest improvement has been his mindset, understanding how much the game means to him, and channeling that into effort and work ethic. This offseason, he’s focused on transforming his strength and athleticism through weight room sessions while continuing to evolve as a playmaker and ball handler. One of his best recent moments came at the NY2LA Midwest Classic D2 Showcase, where he exploded for 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in a dominant win over a loaded Wisconsin Playmakers team.

This AAU season, Luke is playing with U17 Chapman South Black with a mission to prove he belongs at the next level. His mindset is to do whatever it takes to win. Whether it’s locking up the top player, getting a bucket in a key moment, or doing the dirty work, he shows up. He thrives off competition and gets fired up defending elite players, taking pride in making life miserable for them. He’s looking forward to his return to high school hoops this upcoming season with New Berlin Eisenhower, fueled by everything that was taken from him and determined to leave no doubt in his final year.

Luke’s outlook on adversity is mature beyond his years. He embraces hardship as part of the process, believing it’s not something to break him but something to build him. His belief in grinding through whatever comes his way is reflected in his favorite coaching advice, “No one is coming to save you.” That mentality lives in every extra rep, every defensive stop, and every moment of pride he takes in getting better when no one’s watching. Off the court, Luke enjoys spending time with his brothers, hanging with teammates, golfing, or relaxing at the lake.

I assess that Luke’s ability to defend all five positions, score inside and out, and dominate the glass makes him an incredibly valuable piece for a college program looking for a tough, all-around forward. His competitive fire, basketball IQ, and physical tools give coaches a plug-and-play weapon who will do the little things and still give you 20 on a big stage.

Expect a breakout senior season from Luke. He’s hungry, focused, and ready to unleash everything he’s built while waiting in the shadows. His long-term potential as a stretch forward who defends, rebounds, and scores with poise makes him a name to track closely in the Class of 2026. His potential is sky-high for a breakout season ahead. Stay tuned.