During Thursday night’s opening round of 2024 March Madness, a new mid-major hero arrived. His name was Jack Gohlke.
The Oakland sixth-year graduate guard put on a show in the first half of his team’s game against Kentucky, scoring a game-high 21 points and hitting seven 3-point buckets as his Golden Grizzlies led the Wildcats 38-35 at half.
The Pewaukee, Wisconsin, native transferred to Oakland this season after spending time at D-II program Hillsdale College and has made a huge impact on his new team.
Gohlke has been one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation this season along with his teammate Blake Lampman.
Ahead of Thursday’s game, Gohlke told Kentucky Sports Radio that he felt confident he could carry his sharpshooting over into the tournament.
“If I caught it at half-court and I was open, I feel like I could put it up,” Gohlke said ahead of the matchup. “I have faith in my teammates and I’m going to get them the ball, as well, but I think they know I’ll put it up from anywhere. Coach (Greg) Kampe and my teammates, they give me the ultimate confidence and ultimate green light. I just go out there and play free.”
At least from the first half, it looks like Gohlke wasn’t kidding. He took full advantage of his “One Shining Moment.”
JACK GOHLKE CAN'T STOP SCORING FROM DOWNTOWN 🔥#MarchMadness @OaklandMBB pic.twitter.com/0PqXJvE1kK
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2024
He had such a dominant first half, all he could do was shrug it off.
Jack Gohlke hit a 3 on Reed Sheppard then hit the MJ shrug. What planet are we on? pic.twitter.com/o0zrNDnxlt
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) March 22, 2024
