Five players took a step closer for the grand prize of Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball award. After the semifinalist for the award were released last a few weeks ago, now the finalist have been announced. The five-finalist included Yusef Gray Jr, Amare Hereford, Andrew Jensen, Josh Manchester, and Zavier Zens.

Even after missing the last couple of weeks of the season due to injury, Gray of West Allis Central did enough to earn his way here. During his senior season, he averaged 24.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game to lead them to a 22-2 season. Gray is committed to Iowa State.

Hereford of Beloit Memorial is still uncommitted. The guard is the leading scorer in the state averaging 36.4 points per game in addition to 9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4.1 steals. He holds several division one offers including Boston University, Green Bay, Milwaukee, South Dakota State and others.

While averaging a double-double, Jensen of Kaukauna made this finalist group. On the season the 6’9” senior averaged 17.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.4 blocks. He helped lead Kaukauna to a 21-3 season. Jensen is committed to DePaul.

Manchester of Mt. Horeb is the other uncommitted player of this group. The guard has proven to be one of the states elite scorers passing 2,000 points earlier this season and is averring 35.8 points in his senior season. Manchester has been offered by East Tennessee State, Green Bay, and Northern Illinois.

There are few players as accomplished as Wisconsin Lutheran’s Zens. This includes helping them win back-to-back state championships in addition to an undefeated regular season this year. The Northern Iowa commit averaged 24.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.5 steals this season.

The winner will be announced at the state tournament. The other five semifinalist were Zavier Castillo, Cahlil Jones, Chril Pohl, Kayden Schultz, and JJ Zavatchin.