They don't call it "March Madness" for nothing... there have been plenty of shockers, sleepers, and upsets in this season's NCAA basketball playoffs. As teams continue to dwindle down to what will soon be the Elite 8 then Final Four, we are starting to notice even stronger presences on the court. DFW high school basketball fans might recognize some big names in March Madness and VYPE DFW is here to tell you who they are and why you recognize them!
Jalen Wilson, Denton Guyer - Kansas
Jalen Wilson, Denton Guyer
Wilson was a star in Denton for the Guyer Wildcats. Wilson played under coach Grant Long at Guyer where he earned multiple honors throughout his time as a four-year starter. During his upperclassmen seasons, Wilson was named as aTexas Association of Basketball Coaches 6A all-state, all-regional, and District 5-6A co-MVP athelte. During that time, Wilson helped lead the Wildcats to a combined 70-7 overall record while advancing to the regional championships his junior and senior seasons. As a junior, Wilson averaged 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. His senior season saw averages of 18 points, nearly 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Durin ghis time at Kansas, Wilson broke his ankle after playing only two regular season games. Taking a redshirt year, Wilson came back in 2020-21 to be named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer and All-Freshman teams. Wilson has played in 64 games for the Jayhawks where he has averaged 11 points per game (705 total) on the court.
▲Marcus Sasser, Red Oak - University of Houston
Marcus Sasser, Red Oak
Sasser spent his high school career at Red Oak in Dallas. At Red Oak, Sasser was a three-star recruit who played under his uncle, Jason Sasser. Sasser chose to play for the Cougars over SMU and Colorado State. As a junior, Sasser was named as the Newcomer of the Year in District 10-5A. As a senior, Sasser was named to the TABC Class 5A All-State Team. Sasser was honored as the District 14-5A MVP, named All-Ellis Country Player of the Year, All Ellis-County First Team, and All-District First Team his senior season.
At Houston, Sasser has starred in 71 games where he has averaged 28 points per game, totaled 106 free-throws, and 148 assists. This season, Sasser has been an integral part of the team helping to lead the Cougars to post-season play.
▲Michael Jankovich, Dallas Jesuit - Kansas
Michael Jankovich, Dallas Jesuit
Jankovich spent three seasons with Dallas Jesuit before transferring to Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts for his senior season. During his time at Dallas Jesuit College Prep School, Jankovich was a star on the court. In three seasons, Jankovich racked up 1,254 points and earned all-district honors all three seasons.
At Kansas, Jankovich has appeared in 10 games where he has helped contribute to big wins. Jankovich has scored 18 points for the Jayhawks.
▲Kyler Edwards, Arlington Bowie - University of Houston
Kyler Edwards, Arlington Bowie
Edwards spent three seasons with Arlington Bowie before transferring to Findlay Prep in Nevada for his senior season. During his junior season at Bowie, Edwards averaged 22.4 points, 6 rebound, and 3.1 assists per game. Edwards was named as the District 4-6A Player of the Year. Edwards first played college ball for Texas Tech before deciding to transfer to Houston for his senior season.
At Houston, Edwards has been a staple to some of the Cougars' biggest wins this season. Edwards posted a season-high 29 points against Tulsa in January and has starred in 23 games for the Cougars.
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