In point guard Shannon Scott, shooting guard Dai-Jon Parker and forward Julian Royal, Milton High School (GA) features three of the nation’s top rising senior prospects. It’s understandable that opposing coaches would focus their efforts on slowing down the talented trio, but that’s when rising junior Evan Nolte steps to the forefront.

The 6-8, 190-pound Nolte, a forward, earned a starting spot midway through his freshman year and has not looked back. Milton was the Class 5A state runner-up in 2008/2009, Nolte’s freshman year. The versatile standout averaged 14 points and seven boards per contest last season, in which Milton captured the Class 5A state title with a win over Westlake. Nolte chipped in 14 points in the state title win this past March.

“It’s awesome to play for this team,” Nolte said. “Nobody has an ego. We all get along. This is really my favorite team ever. And it’s awesome for me because last year nobody really knew about me. Other teams focused on Shannon, Julian and Dai-Jon. That’s when I shined. I’d be able to score a lot because other teams wouldn’t focus on me.”

Over the course of the past two years, Nolte has progressed in a number of areas.

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