Brookfield Central star basketball player arrested for drugs

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Brookfield Central High School Basketball player is now off the team following a drug arrest.

The Waukesha County Jail confirms 18-year-old Gage Malensek was arrested February 19 on drug charges.

Wisconsin Sports Network says Malensek has scored more than 1400 points in his high school career averaging about 20 points per game. He has been on the Lancers Varsity team all four years. He had signed on to play with Truman State University in Missouri, a Division II program, next fall.

“I’ve seen him play,” Mike McGivern, high school basketball radio show host and basketball coach said. “I’ve coached against him and he’s an exceptional basketball player on the floor.”

Now just before playoffs, the 6-foot guard has been removed from the roster and the team “due to a violation of school rules,” Coach Dan Wandrey said.

Court records reveal one or more confidential informants helped detectives catch Malensek selling drugs. The informants bought marijuana or THC vape cartridges from Malensek three times, twice outside a Panera and once outside of gas station while detectives witnessed the exchange.

A search warrant reveals an informant told police Malensek had “thousands of dollars and drugs hidden in his home” including in the “basement ceiling tiles.”

Detectives searched the Brookfield home and found scales, marijuana pipes, bongs, and records relating to the “purchase, distribution, and manufacture of marijuana.”

Malensek has not been officially charged yet, but the District Attorney’s Office said they are reviewing the case.

The Principal at Brookfield Central High School said he cannot comment on discipline, but said Malensek is currently a student at Elmbrook Schools.