"Sniper Mentality, Bulldog Grit: A Relentless Competitor Who Makes Winning Plays on Both Ends"

Nolan Lemke

@nolanlemke32948

6’1, 155lbs, Class of 2027

Denmark HS, WI

Nolan brings a fearless edge to the floor every time he walks in the gym. He’s a pure shooter with deep range and a confident touch, but it’s the way he competes that really jumps off the page. He’s got a sniper’s mentality, always ready to let it fly, and a bulldog’s grit on the defensive end. He never shies away from a challenge. Whether it’s chasing a shooter through screens or stepping up in the clutch, Nolan does the dirty work and still finds ways to knock down daggers. He plays with high IQ, great timing, and non-stop effort, always in motion, always hunting the next open look.

He averaged 5.7 points per game as a varsity freshman in the North Eastern Conference and had his breakout during the WBY Tournament in Kaukauna, where he dropped 15 points and earned All-Tournament honors. Then, at the Prep Hoops Midwest Showdown, he caught fire early, raining a pair of threes in the first four minutes and earning recognition as one of the top 16U standouts. His off-ball movement and early rhythm changed the tone of the game. His biggest improvement has come from developing into more than a spot-up threat,; he’s learning to attack off the dribble, score at all three levels, and stay aggressive without forcing things. His focus this offseason with Next Level Grind is to keep improving shot selection, finishing, and field goal efficiency while staying locked in on the fundamentals like boxing out, closing out, and showing up with consistency.

What fires him up most is defense and close games. He thrives in the moments where the score is tight and the energy is high. When facing adversity, he responds the only way he knows how, by putting his head down and outworking the noise. The best advice he’s ever received came to him years ago from a youth coach: “I don’t care how many points you score. All I care about is that you give your all and have fun.” That’s the heart of Nolan’s game.

He’s also a proud Christian, grateful for every opportunity he’s been given and fully aware of where his strength comes from. His faith is his foundation, and off the court, he finds joy in church, family, outdoor life, and other sports that keep him grounded and active.

I assess that Nolan’s ability to space the floor, dig in defensively, and play mistake-free basketball makes him a winning piece. He plays the game with purpose and maturity, and he’s the kind of player that raises the level of everyone around him.

If he keeps developing his off-the-bounce scoring and tightens up his efficiency, Nolan is going to take a leap this year. He’s got the work ethic, IQ, and mentality to become one of the most reliable and productive guards in his class. Stay tuned for a breakout season ahead.