A Season Unmatched

Podziemski’s 2020-2021 Basketball Campaign: A Season Unmatched

Brandin Podziemski 2021 officially solidified the right for his name to be placed among the best to ever wear a jersey for the storied basketball program at St. John’s Northwestern Academies. Standing at 6'5", the senior guard led a Lancers team, which was focused on making a state tournament run during the 2020-2021 season.

The Lancers etched a 21-7 record and maintained dreams of that state title run until they fell short to conference rivals, Lake Country Lutheran, in the Division 3 quarterfinal round of tournament play. Podziemski averaged 35.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 steals during the 2020-2021 season.

Milestones and accolades were reached throughout the season as well. On February 9, 2021, Podziemski became the 44th male in state history to reach the 2,000-point mark in a career. Having not played his freshmen year at the varsity level, he became the first player to achieve this milestone in just three years. No less than a month later, Podziemski was named Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball (named by coaches throughout the state) and later recognized by Gatorade as their 2020-21 Gatorade Wisconsin Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Additionally, he was a three-time First Team All-State honoree and was named the Associated Press State Player of the Year.

Beyond basketball, Podziemski maintained a GPA higher than 3.5 throughout his high school career. He served as a peer tutor and was a regular volunteer for youth basketball programs.

Podziemski committed to the University of Illinois during the spring of 2021 and joined a very competitive Big 10 basketball program, under the guidance of Coach Brad Underwood. As of this draft for The Beacon, the Illini walked away with a Big 10 Championship, seated #4 in the NCAA tournament, and seemed to have momentum heading into March Madness. Unfortunately, for the team, they fell to Houston in the second round of tournament play. On April 12, 2022, Brandin entered the transfer portal. We are excited to see where his next steps will be and know success will follow wherever he decides to go next year.

Those who had the opportunity to watch Brandin over his time at St. John’s Northwestern Academies knew he was on a trajectory for great accomplishments. His work ethic is immeasurable, and he is a true student of the game. There is no doubt that, through his hard work and dedication, Brandin Podziemski cemented his name among the SJNA greats. And the Lancers faithful are looking forward with great anticipation to witness the next accomplishments for this talented young man!