Jack Gohlke became a March Madness legend after hitting 10 three-pointers to lead 14-seed Oakland to an 80-76 upset over three-seed Kentucky in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The game, which drew widespread attention, marked a turning point in Gohlke’s career, transforming him from a player who never considered himself the best on his team into a national standout. Gohlke, now playing for the Texas Legends in the NBA G League, reflected on the Kentucky game with a mix of surprise and pride. He recalled the surreal moment of being interviewed by Kentucky reporters the day before the matchup, a scenario he never imagined for himself. “Why do they care what we have to say?” he wondered, highlighting the contrast between his humble beginnings and the sudden spotlight. The game itself was a testament to Gohlke’s growth. Despite Oakland’s underdog status, the team’s preparation and confidence paid off. Gohlke’s ability to take bold shots, a skill honed during his time at Hillsdale College, became a defining factor. His coach, John Tharp, had instilled in him the belief that hard work and focus could translate into confidence, a mindset that carried over to his time at Oakland under coach Greg Kampe. Kampe’s emphasis on aggressive shooting and trusting the process helped Gohlke embrace his role as a clutch performer. Gohlke’s journey from Division II to NCAA glory was shaped by his dedication to preparation. He described how reading the book Flow helped him develop routines to stay focused, including visualization techniques and minimizing distractions like social media. “I never visualized making shots,” he explained. Instead, he focused on positioning and reacting to defenders, a mindset that kept him calm and ready during the high-stakes game.#ncaa_tournament #kentucky #jack_gohlke #oakland #texas_legends
High Point's Chase Johnston Aims for Upset Against Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament Chase Johnston, the standout guard for High Point University, has drawn significant attention ahead of the NCAA Tournament due to his exceptional three-point shooting ability. His performance has drawn comparisons to Jack Gohlke, a former March Madness standout known for his long-range skills. Both players have thrived from beyond the arc, with Johnston averaging a 48.5% shooting rate from three-point range this season, ranking seventh nationally. His reliance on deep shots is evident, as he has attempted just four two-pointers this year and is 0-4 from those spots. Johnston’s potential to make an impact will be tested in High Point’s first-round matchup against No. 5 seed Wisconsin. The Panthers, ranked 12th in the tournament, will face the Badgers in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. Wisconsin’s defense has struggled to contain opponents from long range, allowing 24.4 three-point attempts per game with an 8.1 made percentage. These numbers place the Badgers near the bottom of the country in terms of defensive efficiency from beyond the arc. The team’s recent performance in the Big Ten tournament further supports this trend, as they allowed 24 three-pointers in a three-game stretch. Johnston’s ability to thrive in such matchups could be pivotal. During High Point’s run to the Big South Championship, he shot 6 of 10 from three-point range, contributing to an offense that ranks third nationally in scoring at 90 points per game. The Panthers’ high-octane attack will need to capitalize on Wisconsin’s defensive vulnerabilities to create an upset. The game, set for Thursday at 1:50 p.m.#wisconsin #ncaa_tournament #high_point_university #chase_johnston #jack_gohlke
Chase Johnston's High Point stats: How 3-point sharpshooter compares to Jack Gohlke in March Madness The NCAA Tournament is one of the most thrilling events in sports because unpredictability defines every game. Smaller programs that rarely appear on television often get a chance to shine, allowing unknown players to gain national attention. Each year, fans are treated to stories of unsung heroes from lesser-known schools who explode on the stat sheet and become household names. Jack Gohlke, a standout player for Oakland University in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, exemplified this phenomenon. He led his team to an upset victory over No. 3 Kentucky, scoring 32 points in the process. That performance etched his name into college basketball history, and now, fans are eager to identify the next potential Gohlke. While the next star might not replicate Gohlke’s 32-point explosion, they could bring a unique flair to the tournament. Enter Chase Johnston, a senior guard from High Point University. Johnston, who averages just six points per game, has carved out a niche with his elite three-point shooting. In 32 regular-season games, he made no two-point shots, relying entirely on long-range accuracy. Over the course of the season, he attempted 136 shots, with 132 of them coming from beyond the arc. His 49.9% three-point shooting percentage is a testament to his precision, though it’s his complete abandonment of two-point attempts that sets him apart. While Johnston isn’t expected to score 30 points against No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round, his story is compelling. His ability to consistently hit from deep creates an intriguing narrative, especially in a tournament where underdog stories often dominate. Fans are already speculating how his shooting prowess could shape the 2026 NCAA Tournament.#ncaa_tournament #high_point_university #chase_johnston #jack_gohlke #oakland_university
