This round of rankings was a difficult one for me. Their were a couple of real tough decisions. One of the tough ones were Wisconsin Dells, Eau Claire Regis, and Reedsburg. Regis beat the Dells in the game I witnessed and the day before Reedsburg dominated Regis but, in the beginning of the year Dells was able to defeat Reedsburg. I know I said that I was only going to take games into consideration that I had seen but, how can you not think about how these teams have done in games that they had played earlier in the year. Another tough ranking was Middleton who I saw defeat Milwaukee Bay View. I still personally feel that Bay View is a better team but, Middleton just played better this one particular game and also taken into consideration is that Middleton beat Madison Lafollette who I feel is a superior team to Middleton and will probably beat Lafollette the second time around. Once again I will be putting in ( ) how many times I've seen them play.
Rankings
1. Janesville Craig (2)- Their height and defense give Craig an advantage over every team that they play. The have four legit stars in Lucas Burns, Cooper Cullen, Jojo Pregont, and Kyle Goike. This team prefers to play a slow tempo and take their time on offense but, can just as easily play an uptempo game.
2. Madison Lafollette (2)- Really showed me something the way they handled Madison East even with their star Cashton Craig being a non-factor. Lafollette gets the edge over Bay View because they did beat them and have the experience edge. DJ Fuller appears ready to become the #2 scoring option for Lafollette and Darnell Small and Deonte Thompson have provided a low post presence that I believed they lacked.
3. Middleton (1)- Giving Middleton the edge over Bay View because they did beat them even though I feel that Bay View would win the second time around. They are a very disciplined team where everyone knows there role and does their fair share. They don't have that go to guy but, that may be an advantage so that if one player is struggling the entire team isn't struggling.
4. Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Very athletic team, that is also very young. Johnnie Lacy is one of the top players in the country and this team will only get better as the year goes on. They will be able to provide pressure, forcing teams to turn the ball over and allowing for easy baskets.
5. Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Team that works very very well together. Can really push the tempo but, are just as affective in the half court set. The have a couple glue guys in Lucas Morrissey and Zach Rickaway along with Jimmy Whitehead who is really becoming the star of this team.
6. Laconia (1)- Have a very good starting five that is probably as good as anyone in the state. Kieran Weed is a real stud that can score from anywhere on the court. Their only down fall is their lack of bench depth.
7. Madison Edgewood (1)- Very disciplined team that's very patient on the offensive end and really plays good defense. All five players on the court really attack the glass on offense and defense. Every player on the team seems to know their roll and excepts it.
8. Madison West (2)- This team is much better then I previously thought. They are an extremely athletic team that can score in a hurry. If they keep the ball in point guard Michael Horton's hands they can beat anyone, along with remaining patience and not becoming selfish or flustered when they get down.
9. Eau Claire Regis (1)- Tall team that is another very balanced team. Like Middleton don't have a real go to player which works to their favor. In division three this team is easily a top 10 team.
10. Madison East (2)- This is the because this is the biggest one man team I have seen in awhile. Marquis Mason is a great player but, right now he doesn't have any help. If Mason has a big game then East can play with anyone but, if he doesn't score East has no chance against anyone. Right now the teams I have behind lack a inside presence and Mason would probably torch them.
11. Wisconsin Dells (2)- If East is a one man team, then Wisconsin Dells is the biggest two man team I've seen. Jade Royston and Ryan Wenkman are two very good players but, there really isn't much else there. As of right now I don't think Dells could beat any of the teams ranked above them. This two man team will really struggle when one of the big two are struggling.
12. Reedsburg (1/2)- Tyler Mazur is a really good player that can carry this team and has a very good sidekick in Evan VanCleave. I question they offense they run but, with these two great athletes they should be fine against the average teams in the state but, will struggle against top teams in their conference and division.
13. Portage (1)- A very similar team to Madison Edgewood but, with out the star that Edgewood has. Play a very good zone defense which will keep them in games and have a pretty solid point guard in Kevin Hurd who can run the offense and score.
14. Eau Claire Memorial (2)- Really don't have the athletic ability to play with the Madison teams and lack the go to player to carry them. In the Big Rivers conference they will probably do alright though.
15. Sauk Praire (1)- A team that is ranked only because I have only seen 10 teams play so far this year. A team that really doesn't have a star player to go to and doesn't have many athletes on the team. This team really is a scrappy team though and will make games ugly and really make their opponents earn their wins.
Since I have now seen over 15 teams play I will now be ranking teams by each division.
Division 1
1. Janseville Craig- Tallest team I've seen this year and have the best defense.
2. Madison Lafollette- Very athletic team, that relies on strong guard play.
3. Middleton- Very balanced, disciplined team.
4. Milwaukee Bay View- Athletic team that's very young and likes to get out and run.
5. Madison West- Very athletic team that lacks discipline.
6. Madison East- One man team of Marquis Mason that lacks help.
7. Eau Claire Memorial- Ranked simply because I've only seen seven teams in D1.
Division 2
1.Madison Edgewood- Very disciplined team where everyone knows their role.
2. Wisconsin Dells- One of the best back courts in D2, have no interior help.
3. Reedsburg- Have two very good players in Mazur and VanCleave.
4. Portage- Very disciplined team, that lacks athleticism but, gives 100%.
5. Sauk Praire- Another team ranked only because I've only seen a few D2 teams.
Division 3
1. Lacrosse Aquinas- Very well coached team that takes care of the ball and can run the court or play a half court game.
2. Laconia- Kieran Weed is a stud and they have one of the best starting fives around.
3. Eau Claire Regis- Very tall team that lack the go to star like Laconia and Aquinas.
Division 4
1. Wausau Newman (1/2)- Only D4 team I've seen so they get the nod.
Every week my rankings expand a little bit more and hopefully by the end of the year I'll have at least 30 teams under my belt and at least five teams in each division and hopefully even 10 per division.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Wisconsin Dells Tournament
Reedsburg over Wausau Newman 52-42
Really only caught the second half of this game so I don't have a whole lot to report about. Reedsburg was the far superior team in this one and were able to extend the lead to about 20 in the third quarter. Newman was able to make the game respectable when Reedsburg cleared the bench and Newman was still playing their regulars and were able to drop a few three pointers while Reedsburg was turning the ball over on every possession.
For Reedsburg two players really stood out. 6'4 junior Tyler Mazur could score at will in this game. Mazur is big enough to go inside and score and has the ability to get his shot off very quickly and knock down the three point shot. Evan VanCleave a lighting quick guard at 6'0 had the ability to drive past any of the Newman defenders. Newman did not have a player that could stay with VanCleave as he was able to penetrate for the layup or pull up for the mid range jumper. This kid looks like he never gets tired. Other players that looked very good for Reedsburg were Nick Baur who was very strong with the ball in the post and is also a very good defender and Lucas Farber who handles the ball very well and does a good job of running the offense and setting the tempo.
Not much to say for Newman as they never were really in the game when I was there. The only player that stood out was 5'9 junior Anthony Fisher who has a very nice shot from the outside and was key in making this game look somewhat close.
Eau Claire Regis over Wisconsin Dells 43-38
In a game that was really expected to be a good game, between a top 10 D2 team and top 10 D3 team and two teams that were at state last year, really wasn't as pretty as most people would of thought. This was a very physical ugly game that was full of turnovers and that was poorly officiated in my personal opinion. This was a very intense game that the refs let get out of hand at times and consisted of two technical fouls in the game and could of been a couple more called. The game was kept low scoring by a few factors. The first one was just the overall poor play by both teams as both teams shot a low percentage and turned the ball over often. Second factor was that it seemed at the end of every quarter it seem Regis had the ball and would hold it for about 1:30 minutes and then would usually turn it over with about 5 seconds left. The final factor was the Regis zone defense which the Dells struggled to figure out which led to the Chiefs being very patient on offense.
Wisconsin Dells really struggled offensively in this game. Dells couldn't figure out how to get inside the Regis zone which led to them shooting quite a few three points and the three point shot was not falling. Senior guard Ryan Wenkman the second half of the Dells two man team could not by a basket as he missed a couple layups early in the game and finished with only four points. Another factor that may of played into it was the absence of 6'9 sophomore Nate Gibson, who I later learned is currently in Germany, who may of helped with the inside scoring and rebounding. Couple highlights of the game were Jade Royston keeping up his scoring despite not hitting a three point shot. Royston was able to score a good bulk of his points from the free throw line and then late in the game was able to find the opening at the free throw line in the zone and get inside and score. One thing I really liked about this game was the play of 6'3 senior Nathan Miller, who has been battling injuries since he began playing varsity. I believe this was only his second game back and he really had a good game. I always thought Miller could be a good player if he could just be healthy, which has been a rarity for him. Miller looked very confidence in this game as he was able to penetrate inside and score and hit a couple of three point shots, as he finished second in scoring for the Dells with 12 points.
I'm assuming that Eau Claire Regis also had a bad game because from what I've heard of them they are a pretty good team and they just didn't look to great tonight. Despite their poor play they still were able to pull out the W, which is the sign of a top team, when the can win when their playing poorly. Nick Bowe looked like he may be a star in the making as he seemed to score with ease from inside and outside when he wasn't sidelined with foul trouble. Bowe is a very aggressive 6'4 junior forward who can knock down the three point shot and has the leaping ability to go inside and score. 6'6 senior Mike Nezworski was also another impressive player who did a good job of running the point at times and have the ability to score inside despite really getting roughed up in this game and finding himself on the ground a good portion of the time. Jack Eaton 5'10 sophomore guard also deserves a little loving in this game as he knocked down a big three pointer in the first half and hit two free throws that put the game away.
Box Score
Wisconsin Dells 38- Royston 15 Miller 12 Wenkman 4 Ethan Loofboro 3 Ryan Field 2 Alex Buesing 2 Laddie Lucke 0 Lucas Shwartzer 0
Regis 43- Nezworski 13 Bowe 12 Eaton 7 Kurt Roubal 6 Zac Berry 4 Vincent Phillips 0 Marc Stantolin 0
Really only caught the second half of this game so I don't have a whole lot to report about. Reedsburg was the far superior team in this one and were able to extend the lead to about 20 in the third quarter. Newman was able to make the game respectable when Reedsburg cleared the bench and Newman was still playing their regulars and were able to drop a few three pointers while Reedsburg was turning the ball over on every possession.
For Reedsburg two players really stood out. 6'4 junior Tyler Mazur could score at will in this game. Mazur is big enough to go inside and score and has the ability to get his shot off very quickly and knock down the three point shot. Evan VanCleave a lighting quick guard at 6'0 had the ability to drive past any of the Newman defenders. Newman did not have a player that could stay with VanCleave as he was able to penetrate for the layup or pull up for the mid range jumper. This kid looks like he never gets tired. Other players that looked very good for Reedsburg were Nick Baur who was very strong with the ball in the post and is also a very good defender and Lucas Farber who handles the ball very well and does a good job of running the offense and setting the tempo.
Not much to say for Newman as they never were really in the game when I was there. The only player that stood out was 5'9 junior Anthony Fisher who has a very nice shot from the outside and was key in making this game look somewhat close.
Eau Claire Regis over Wisconsin Dells 43-38
In a game that was really expected to be a good game, between a top 10 D2 team and top 10 D3 team and two teams that were at state last year, really wasn't as pretty as most people would of thought. This was a very physical ugly game that was full of turnovers and that was poorly officiated in my personal opinion. This was a very intense game that the refs let get out of hand at times and consisted of two technical fouls in the game and could of been a couple more called. The game was kept low scoring by a few factors. The first one was just the overall poor play by both teams as both teams shot a low percentage and turned the ball over often. Second factor was that it seemed at the end of every quarter it seem Regis had the ball and would hold it for about 1:30 minutes and then would usually turn it over with about 5 seconds left. The final factor was the Regis zone defense which the Dells struggled to figure out which led to the Chiefs being very patient on offense.
Wisconsin Dells really struggled offensively in this game. Dells couldn't figure out how to get inside the Regis zone which led to them shooting quite a few three points and the three point shot was not falling. Senior guard Ryan Wenkman the second half of the Dells two man team could not by a basket as he missed a couple layups early in the game and finished with only four points. Another factor that may of played into it was the absence of 6'9 sophomore Nate Gibson, who I later learned is currently in Germany, who may of helped with the inside scoring and rebounding. Couple highlights of the game were Jade Royston keeping up his scoring despite not hitting a three point shot. Royston was able to score a good bulk of his points from the free throw line and then late in the game was able to find the opening at the free throw line in the zone and get inside and score. One thing I really liked about this game was the play of 6'3 senior Nathan Miller, who has been battling injuries since he began playing varsity. I believe this was only his second game back and he really had a good game. I always thought Miller could be a good player if he could just be healthy, which has been a rarity for him. Miller looked very confidence in this game as he was able to penetrate inside and score and hit a couple of three point shots, as he finished second in scoring for the Dells with 12 points.
I'm assuming that Eau Claire Regis also had a bad game because from what I've heard of them they are a pretty good team and they just didn't look to great tonight. Despite their poor play they still were able to pull out the W, which is the sign of a top team, when the can win when their playing poorly. Nick Bowe looked like he may be a star in the making as he seemed to score with ease from inside and outside when he wasn't sidelined with foul trouble. Bowe is a very aggressive 6'4 junior forward who can knock down the three point shot and has the leaping ability to go inside and score. 6'6 senior Mike Nezworski was also another impressive player who did a good job of running the point at times and have the ability to score inside despite really getting roughed up in this game and finding himself on the ground a good portion of the time. Jack Eaton 5'10 sophomore guard also deserves a little loving in this game as he knocked down a big three pointer in the first half and hit two free throws that put the game away.
Box Score
Wisconsin Dells 38- Royston 15 Miller 12 Wenkman 4 Ethan Loofboro 3 Ryan Field 2 Alex Buesing 2 Laddie Lucke 0 Lucas Shwartzer 0
Regis 43- Nezworski 13 Bowe 12 Eaton 7 Kurt Roubal 6 Zac Berry 4 Vincent Phillips 0 Marc Stantolin 0
Friday, December 28, 2007
Laconia over Portage
Tonight I was able to get over to Portage to watch one of the better division three teams in the state in Laconia. I had seen them once in preseason but, that really doesn't count and wanted to get a chance to see them in the real season. Laconia did not disappoint as all five of their starters are very good and made an impact in the game as Laconia was able to win 70-61. Portage consistently changed up their defense between zone and man to man which seemed to confuse Laconia at times. Portage ran a 3-2 defense for about 2/3 of the game and then went to a man to man defense at times and at one point I believe they were running a 1-3-1 defense. In the third quarter Laconia was finally able to figure out the Portage defense and break away a bit exposing the corners of the Portage defense and hitting some open threes. Portage was able to make a comeback by going strong to the rim and getting a couple of and one baskets.
Laconia was able to win this game by being able to knock down the threes from the corners against the Portage zone. Portage also seemed to lack a real ball handler outside of Kevin Hurd which led to them turning the ball over too much. The final reason was Laconia was able to just beat Portage down the floor for some easy buckets.
Portage is not the most skilled team but, they really give it all there effort and go to the rim very strong. Kevin Hurd a 6'0 sophomore guard does a very good job of running the point and has the ability to knock down the three point shot. One thing he does lack is the ability to go to his left. His left hand is something he really needs to work on, he always always goes right. A pair of 6'4 juniors John Loomans and Greg Koch are basically identical plays that are always looking to attack the rim and have the ability to pull up for the mid range shot and both players sometimes get a ittle out of control. Big man Dan Swanson really lacks in the athleticism department and doesn't ever get off the ground but, is a physical player that really gives it his all and at 6'4 actually does a lot inside. Off the bench Darrell Anderson is a high energy big man that adds some inside force. Anderson does a good job of getting the ball in the post and going strong to the hoop and always is a very good rebounded. One down fall is he goes to his left always which allows defensive players to be able to block his shots. Portage is a team that will struggle a lot this year because they just don't have the athleticism to compete with most of the teams in the Badger conference.
Laconia really is one of the best teams in division three. Their five starters are as good as any team in the division. They have three very solid guards, a athletic forward that can do a little of everything, and a big man that is a star. 6'0 senior guards Riley Dahlke and Aaron Rickert are two guards that handle the ball very well and both have the ability to knock down the three point shot. Brenden Wittchow is a very good three point shooter and knock down four three pointers in the game and also made a couple nice cuts to the hoop where he was able to get easy layups. At 6'3, junior Derek Semenas can do a little bit of everything. He's tall enough to score inside, shots the three ball very well, and handles the ball extremely well for a kid at that height. Kieran Weed is easily one of the top players in division three if not the entire state. Tonight he had 30 points which is scored in an array of ways. Weed scored with his back to the basket, from mid range, from outside, and a couple baskets where he beat the defense down the court. Weed highlighted the game with a trio of dunks. Weed had a very impressive ally-oop dunk in the half court set, a one step and dunk, and then where a guard penetrated and found him wide open for the dunk. Only downfall of Laconia is that they have no help from their bench. Not one bench scorer took a shoot, I don't believe one bench player took a shot. If Laconia is hit with injuries or foul trouble they could be in for some problems.
Box Score
Portage 61- Loomans 15 Hurd 15 Koch 8 Alex Thomas 7 Anderson 7 Swanson 7 Michael Bain 2 Kodi Schroeder 0 Eric Conner 0 Ben Hartman 0 Ben Hoffman 0
Laconia 70- Weed 30 Wittchow 16 Dahlke 9 Semenas 8 Rickert 7 Steve Kern 0 Jordan Marchant 0 Alex Arneson 0 Jacob Toll 0
WBBY Shootout Results
Racine Horlick over Whitefishbay Dominican 70-60
Horlick was able to jump out early and never look back in this one. I guess Horlick has a little more than just Wilson. 4-3 wbby predictions
Manitowoc Lincoln over Waukesha South 63-46
As expected Lincoln was able to take control of this one in the end. 5-3 wbby predictions
Madison East over Milwaukee Thomas Moore 48-30
Mason still doesn't go off but, doesn't matter in this one. 6-3 predictions
Manitowoc Roncalli over St Bernards Minn 47-45
Roncalli wins on last second chance. 7-3 predictions
Sussex Hamilton over Wausau East 71-66 OT
Guess experience didn't mean that much. 7-4 predictions
Germantown over Catholic Memorial 68-58
Guess Germantowns height was just to much for the Memorial athletes to overcome. 7-5 predictions
Milwaukee Madison over South Milwaukee 62-53
Madison's athleticism too much for South. 7-6 predictions
Milwaukee Vincent over Alabama LeFlore Mobile 69-66
Vincent bounces back very nicely and prove me wrong. 7-7 predictions
Whitefishbay Dominican over Milwaukee Pius 51-47
As expected Dominican just has too many athletes for Pius. 8-7 predictions
Well I at least made it over 50% for my WBBY Shootout predictions. This brings my prediction total on the year to 17-13. Struggling a bit right now but, that may be because the teams I was predicting I haven't seen play. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be back with thoughts on a few of the games from the Wisconsin Dells Tournament.
Laconia was able to win this game by being able to knock down the threes from the corners against the Portage zone. Portage also seemed to lack a real ball handler outside of Kevin Hurd which led to them turning the ball over too much. The final reason was Laconia was able to just beat Portage down the floor for some easy buckets.
Portage is not the most skilled team but, they really give it all there effort and go to the rim very strong. Kevin Hurd a 6'0 sophomore guard does a very good job of running the point and has the ability to knock down the three point shot. One thing he does lack is the ability to go to his left. His left hand is something he really needs to work on, he always always goes right. A pair of 6'4 juniors John Loomans and Greg Koch are basically identical plays that are always looking to attack the rim and have the ability to pull up for the mid range shot and both players sometimes get a ittle out of control. Big man Dan Swanson really lacks in the athleticism department and doesn't ever get off the ground but, is a physical player that really gives it his all and at 6'4 actually does a lot inside. Off the bench Darrell Anderson is a high energy big man that adds some inside force. Anderson does a good job of getting the ball in the post and going strong to the hoop and always is a very good rebounded. One down fall is he goes to his left always which allows defensive players to be able to block his shots. Portage is a team that will struggle a lot this year because they just don't have the athleticism to compete with most of the teams in the Badger conference.
Laconia really is one of the best teams in division three. Their five starters are as good as any team in the division. They have three very solid guards, a athletic forward that can do a little of everything, and a big man that is a star. 6'0 senior guards Riley Dahlke and Aaron Rickert are two guards that handle the ball very well and both have the ability to knock down the three point shot. Brenden Wittchow is a very good three point shooter and knock down four three pointers in the game and also made a couple nice cuts to the hoop where he was able to get easy layups. At 6'3, junior Derek Semenas can do a little bit of everything. He's tall enough to score inside, shots the three ball very well, and handles the ball extremely well for a kid at that height. Kieran Weed is easily one of the top players in division three if not the entire state. Tonight he had 30 points which is scored in an array of ways. Weed scored with his back to the basket, from mid range, from outside, and a couple baskets where he beat the defense down the court. Weed highlighted the game with a trio of dunks. Weed had a very impressive ally-oop dunk in the half court set, a one step and dunk, and then where a guard penetrated and found him wide open for the dunk. Only downfall of Laconia is that they have no help from their bench. Not one bench scorer took a shoot, I don't believe one bench player took a shot. If Laconia is hit with injuries or foul trouble they could be in for some problems.
Box Score
Portage 61- Loomans 15 Hurd 15 Koch 8 Alex Thomas 7 Anderson 7 Swanson 7 Michael Bain 2 Kodi Schroeder 0 Eric Conner 0 Ben Hartman 0 Ben Hoffman 0
Laconia 70- Weed 30 Wittchow 16 Dahlke 9 Semenas 8 Rickert 7 Steve Kern 0 Jordan Marchant 0 Alex Arneson 0 Jacob Toll 0
WBBY Shootout Results
Racine Horlick over Whitefishbay Dominican 70-60
Horlick was able to jump out early and never look back in this one. I guess Horlick has a little more than just Wilson. 4-3 wbby predictions
Manitowoc Lincoln over Waukesha South 63-46
As expected Lincoln was able to take control of this one in the end. 5-3 wbby predictions
Madison East over Milwaukee Thomas Moore 48-30
Mason still doesn't go off but, doesn't matter in this one. 6-3 predictions
Manitowoc Roncalli over St Bernards Minn 47-45
Roncalli wins on last second chance. 7-3 predictions
Sussex Hamilton over Wausau East 71-66 OT
Guess experience didn't mean that much. 7-4 predictions
Germantown over Catholic Memorial 68-58
Guess Germantowns height was just to much for the Memorial athletes to overcome. 7-5 predictions
Milwaukee Madison over South Milwaukee 62-53
Madison's athleticism too much for South. 7-6 predictions
Milwaukee Vincent over Alabama LeFlore Mobile 69-66
Vincent bounces back very nicely and prove me wrong. 7-7 predictions
Whitefishbay Dominican over Milwaukee Pius 51-47
As expected Dominican just has too many athletes for Pius. 8-7 predictions
Well I at least made it over 50% for my WBBY Shootout predictions. This brings my prediction total on the year to 17-13. Struggling a bit right now but, that may be because the teams I was predicting I haven't seen play. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be back with thoughts on a few of the games from the Wisconsin Dells Tournament.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
WBBY Shootout Day 1 Results
Well with not much to say today will see how I did on my predictions so far in the WBBY Shootout.
Manitowoc Roncalli over Milwaukee Thomas Moore 55-40.
Thomas Moore led this one early but Roncalli is just too good of a team and eventually handled Thomas Moore with ease. 1 for 1 on predictions.
St. Bernards Minn over Madison East 54-47
Kind of surprised with this one. I guess Bernards had someone to match up with Marquis Mason. 1 of 2 on predictions.
Germantown over Hamilton Sussex 66-53
This game was very close with Germantown being able to extend their lead late in the game. I thought it would be Germantown's height that would win the game but it appears that guard Rick Bowers was the key to this win. 2-1 on predictions.
Catholic Memorial over Wausau East 55-45
I said this game would depend on Tom Neary playing and he did and score 18 points in the game to lead Memorial. 3-1 predictions
Wauwatosa East over Wisconsin Lutheran 72-59
Game I missed in my predictions. Tosa just had too much depth for Lutheran.
Oshkosh West over Milwaukee Vincent 42-40
A schocker here as John Benkoske has a big game in leading West over Vincent. 3-2 predictions
Mobile Alabama LeFlore over Milwaukee Pius 79-51
LeFlore is as good as advertised as they dominate Pius. 4-2 predictions.
So far these are the games that have been reported which leaves me at a 13-8 record of predictions.
Day 2 Predictions (games that are now set now that they have winners and losers)
Madison East over Milwaukee Thomas Moore
I guarantee a big game from Mason this time.
Manitowoc Roncalli over St Bernards Minn
Roncalli is just to good and deep for the Minnesota team.
Wausau East over Hamilton Sussex
East has a huge experience advantage and that is why they will win.
Catholic Memorial over Germantown
Memorial has too many athletes for Germantown.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to catch the Laconia vs Portage game so I will have a little more to report back with.
Manitowoc Roncalli over Milwaukee Thomas Moore 55-40.
Thomas Moore led this one early but Roncalli is just too good of a team and eventually handled Thomas Moore with ease. 1 for 1 on predictions.
St. Bernards Minn over Madison East 54-47
Kind of surprised with this one. I guess Bernards had someone to match up with Marquis Mason. 1 of 2 on predictions.
Germantown over Hamilton Sussex 66-53
This game was very close with Germantown being able to extend their lead late in the game. I thought it would be Germantown's height that would win the game but it appears that guard Rick Bowers was the key to this win. 2-1 on predictions.
Catholic Memorial over Wausau East 55-45
I said this game would depend on Tom Neary playing and he did and score 18 points in the game to lead Memorial. 3-1 predictions
Wauwatosa East over Wisconsin Lutheran 72-59
Game I missed in my predictions. Tosa just had too much depth for Lutheran.
Oshkosh West over Milwaukee Vincent 42-40
A schocker here as John Benkoske has a big game in leading West over Vincent. 3-2 predictions
Mobile Alabama LeFlore over Milwaukee Pius 79-51
LeFlore is as good as advertised as they dominate Pius. 4-2 predictions.
So far these are the games that have been reported which leaves me at a 13-8 record of predictions.
Day 2 Predictions (games that are now set now that they have winners and losers)
Madison East over Milwaukee Thomas Moore
I guarantee a big game from Mason this time.
Manitowoc Roncalli over St Bernards Minn
Roncalli is just to good and deep for the Minnesota team.
Wausau East over Hamilton Sussex
East has a huge experience advantage and that is why they will win.
Catholic Memorial over Germantown
Memorial has too many athletes for Germantown.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to catch the Laconia vs Portage game so I will have a little more to report back with.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
WBBY Shootout Preview
Well it appears that I won't be making to any of the big holiday tournaments due to work and not having anyone to go with so I decided to make predictions for the biggest tournament of the year, the WBBY Shootout, that will be going on for the next two days at the Al McGuire Center on Marquette Campus. I attended the tournament last year and it really is the best opportunity to witness some of the best high school basketball in Wisconsin. My current prediction record is 9-6 so will see if I can continue my good luck of picks.
DAY 1
Manitowoc Roncalli over Milwaukee Thomas More
Thomas More is not very good this year and Roncalli continues their dynasty as they will remain undefeated and appear to be headed to state once again.
Madison East over St. Bernards, Minn
Don't know much about Berhards but, I do know they lost a lot from last year and I don't think they'll have anyone to guard Marquis Mason who will go wild in this one and lead East to victory.
Germantown over Sussex Hamilton
Germantown will use their experience and height to defeat the young upstart Chargers. Hamiltons tallest player is 6'1 while Germantown has four players at 6'5 or taller and are led by 6'7 junior Ben Averkamp.
Wausau East over Catholic Memorial (maybe)
Both teams are very experienced by the difference will be injuries as Memorial will be without leading scorer Tom Neary. If Neary is back though I'm taking Memorial over East.
Milwaukee Vincent over Oshkosh West
Vincent has reloaded like every other year and West is no where near as tough as their past two state champion teams. Vincent's guards should dominate the West guards.
Mobile Alabama LeFlore over Milwaukee Pius
If LeFlore is as good as advertised they should be able to handle a Pius team that has struggled a bit early in the season.
Whitefish Bay Dominican over Racine Horlick
Dominican has played extremely well so far this season and are undefeated despite missing Kwamain Mitchel for the first half of the year and should be able the one man team of Jamil Wilson.
Manitowoc Lincoln over Waukesha South
Struggling South team should be no match for a very good Lincoln team.
DAY 2 (only predicting games where I'm already sure of the matchups because some games are yet to be determined depending on winners and losers.
South Milwaukee over Milwaukee Madison
Big man Andy Smith will be the difference in this game in leading South over one win team Madison.
Mobile Alabama LeFlore over Milwaukee Vincent
Once again if LeFlore is as good as advertised they should be able to handle an undersized Vincent team that is full of guards.
Whitefish Bay Dominican over Milwaukee Pius
Dominican will have too many weapons for an undermanned Pius team.
Will be back tomorrow will results on how I did on my predictions and updated predictions for games that I was unsure of the matchups.
DAY 1
Manitowoc Roncalli over Milwaukee Thomas More
Thomas More is not very good this year and Roncalli continues their dynasty as they will remain undefeated and appear to be headed to state once again.
Madison East over St. Bernards, Minn
Don't know much about Berhards but, I do know they lost a lot from last year and I don't think they'll have anyone to guard Marquis Mason who will go wild in this one and lead East to victory.
Germantown over Sussex Hamilton
Germantown will use their experience and height to defeat the young upstart Chargers. Hamiltons tallest player is 6'1 while Germantown has four players at 6'5 or taller and are led by 6'7 junior Ben Averkamp.
Wausau East over Catholic Memorial (maybe)
Both teams are very experienced by the difference will be injuries as Memorial will be without leading scorer Tom Neary. If Neary is back though I'm taking Memorial over East.
Milwaukee Vincent over Oshkosh West
Vincent has reloaded like every other year and West is no where near as tough as their past two state champion teams. Vincent's guards should dominate the West guards.
Mobile Alabama LeFlore over Milwaukee Pius
If LeFlore is as good as advertised they should be able to handle a Pius team that has struggled a bit early in the season.
Whitefish Bay Dominican over Racine Horlick
Dominican has played extremely well so far this season and are undefeated despite missing Kwamain Mitchel for the first half of the year and should be able the one man team of Jamil Wilson.
Manitowoc Lincoln over Waukesha South
Struggling South team should be no match for a very good Lincoln team.
DAY 2 (only predicting games where I'm already sure of the matchups because some games are yet to be determined depending on winners and losers.
South Milwaukee over Milwaukee Madison
Big man Andy Smith will be the difference in this game in leading South over one win team Madison.
Mobile Alabama LeFlore over Milwaukee Vincent
Once again if LeFlore is as good as advertised they should be able to handle an undersized Vincent team that is full of guards.
Whitefish Bay Dominican over Milwaukee Pius
Dominican will have too many weapons for an undermanned Pius team.
Will be back tomorrow will results on how I did on my predictions and updated predictions for games that I was unsure of the matchups.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Weekend Thoughts
Well I made four predictions on the weekend and I ended up going 3-1 on my predictions. This brings my prediction standings to 9-6 on the season.
Monroe over Verona
As expected Verona dominated on the inside while Monroe dominated outside, with Monroe coming out of the game with a W. Verona big man Jason Ziemer had 27 points which was expected of him. For Monroe Brett Stangel really didn't show up only scoring two points but, that slack was picked up by fellow back court mate Mitch Tordoff who scored 24 points in the game. A balanced attack is what won the game for Monroe who had eight different players score, while on the other hand Verona had only five players score.
Madison Memorial over Madison West
Jeronne Maymon did play in this game and scored 20 points and Memorial won the game by 25. Maymon was helped out by super soph Vander Blue who had 19 points and senior Derek Nkemji had 17. As usual West was led by seniors Corvonn Gaines and Michael Horton, who scored 16 and 12 points a piece but, didn't get much help from the rest of the team.
Middleton over Milwaukee Bay View
Took a chance on a young Bay View team and some careless ball handling and some questionable coaching moves hurt by prediction. Basically covered everything else and more in yesterdays post.
Waupon over Randolph
As predicted the Waupon guards or guard I should say were too much for Randolph. Aris Wurtz scored 27 points while fellow star Ryan Rasmussen was only able to net eight points. Randolph big man was only able to score 11 points but, the surprise was that the Randolph guards came up big as Bryan Johnson had 19 points and Tyler Tillema had 17. From the sounds of it free throws were the big difference in the game.
Wisconsin Wins Close One
Well the Badgers did win this game but, it was much closer then they would of liked. I'll admit even though I DVRed this game I really didn't watch it very closely so I don't have a whole lot to say. Trevon Hughes had another good game leading the team in scoring with 14 and Jason Bohannon seems to be coming around as he had 10 points on 4-7 shooting. Butch, Flowers, and Leuer didn't play bad but, didn't play great either. Marcus Landry seemed to revert back to his old self as he seemed timid and didn't look to score much. He scored seven points but, five of those game from the free throw line. Joe Krabbenhoft was the player of the game as he recorded a near triple double as he scored 11 points, had 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Well a wins a win and the Badgers were able to beat Valparaiso no matter how close the game was.
Well I'll probably be taking the next couple days off since it is Christmas and I'll be doing the family thing. Hopefully will be back next week with some reports from a few of the Holiday Tournaments.
Monroe over Verona
As expected Verona dominated on the inside while Monroe dominated outside, with Monroe coming out of the game with a W. Verona big man Jason Ziemer had 27 points which was expected of him. For Monroe Brett Stangel really didn't show up only scoring two points but, that slack was picked up by fellow back court mate Mitch Tordoff who scored 24 points in the game. A balanced attack is what won the game for Monroe who had eight different players score, while on the other hand Verona had only five players score.
Madison Memorial over Madison West
Jeronne Maymon did play in this game and scored 20 points and Memorial won the game by 25. Maymon was helped out by super soph Vander Blue who had 19 points and senior Derek Nkemji had 17. As usual West was led by seniors Corvonn Gaines and Michael Horton, who scored 16 and 12 points a piece but, didn't get much help from the rest of the team.
Middleton over Milwaukee Bay View
Took a chance on a young Bay View team and some careless ball handling and some questionable coaching moves hurt by prediction. Basically covered everything else and more in yesterdays post.
Waupon over Randolph
As predicted the Waupon guards or guard I should say were too much for Randolph. Aris Wurtz scored 27 points while fellow star Ryan Rasmussen was only able to net eight points. Randolph big man was only able to score 11 points but, the surprise was that the Randolph guards came up big as Bryan Johnson had 19 points and Tyler Tillema had 17. From the sounds of it free throws were the big difference in the game.
Wisconsin Wins Close One
Well the Badgers did win this game but, it was much closer then they would of liked. I'll admit even though I DVRed this game I really didn't watch it very closely so I don't have a whole lot to say. Trevon Hughes had another good game leading the team in scoring with 14 and Jason Bohannon seems to be coming around as he had 10 points on 4-7 shooting. Butch, Flowers, and Leuer didn't play bad but, didn't play great either. Marcus Landry seemed to revert back to his old self as he seemed timid and didn't look to score much. He scored seven points but, five of those game from the free throw line. Joe Krabbenhoft was the player of the game as he recorded a near triple double as he scored 11 points, had 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Well a wins a win and the Badgers were able to beat Valparaiso no matter how close the game was.
Well I'll probably be taking the next couple days off since it is Christmas and I'll be doing the family thing. Hopefully will be back next week with some reports from a few of the Holiday Tournaments.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Middleton over Bay View in OT
This really should of been a good game to watch being that the game went into overtime with Middleton winning 89-81 and Bay View made a furious comeback to send it to overtime. This game left a bad taste in my mouth because of some strange coaching on Bay Views part. The Bay View coach Donald Chapman took out his starting back court of Charles Lee, a very good freshmen, and Johnnie Lacy, #2 junior in the state, with two minutes remaining in the third quarter and they never returned to the game throughout the fourth and overtime quarters. This bothered me not because these guys are starters and stars on the team but, because they are really fun to watch. Along with this fact starters Elgin Cook and Darnell Harris were benched with about four minutes left in the fourth quarter and never returned either. The lone starter to play the final eight minutes of the game was Demetrius Turner who played great. So Bay View benched all the players that I went to see when the game was on the line, teamed with the fact that Middleton doesn't have a true star or at least a well known player throughout the state, and that there was a very small crowd all added to the game not being as exciting as I had anticipated. Thinking back the last 30 seconds of regulation and overtime the fans got into it a bit and made the game a bit more exciting but, the benching of the Bay View Starters just really bothered me.
The benching of the starters could be looked at two ways. One if they would of played the starters throughout, Bay View would of for sure won because if their backups could send it to OT then the starters would of won. The second thought is that at the start of the fourth Bay View was down by 10, which I forgot to mention earlier, therefore the starters weren't getting it done so the bench players came in and played better. My thought process is with the first option that is Bay View would of won with the starters in but, then again I'm not a high school coach and have no idea what the reasoning was. This could of just been a case disciplining the starters for not doing what the coach wanted or being lazy or selfish I really have no idea. Now that I've gotten that out of my system I can talk about how each of the teams played in the game.
As I had mentioned the last time I saw Milwaukee Bay View play they are a very young but, talented team that is gonna look really good at times and is really gonna struggle at times. This game had both sides of that. Bay View looked good to start the game then towards the end of second quarter things went a little rough and continued to about the midway point of the fourth, when the starters were benched, then in OT went back to looking really rough again.
What cost Bay View the game was that the just turned the ball over too much and gave up to many three point shots. In the first half Middleton was pressing and it looked like that was playing into Bay View's as they were able to break the press and get open layups. As the game wore on though Bay View wore down and began turning the ball over. Speaking of wearing down Middleton never seemed to get tired as their primary rotation consists of 12 players, with all 12 players seeming to play and even amount of minutes. It seemed like every two minutes two new players were coming in and each player took a turn doing the scoring as all 12 players scored, seven of which scored at least five points. Bay View played a zone the majority of the game which seemed to allow Middleton to get wide open three point shots in the corners, which they seemed to drop with ease.
The most impressive player of the day was 6'4 160 pound sophomore forward Demetrius Turner for Bay View, who played much bigger then his weight suggests. Turner was able to control the boards on both ends and was able to score against the thicker Middleton defenders. 5'11 junior Johnnie Lacy once again had a big first half scoring 15 points in the half and then disappeared in the third quarter and then was benched for the fourth. Freshmen 6'3 Elgin Cook was limited by foul trouble but, was able to go to the hoop strong and finished, as he was able to score 15 points as well. Freshmen guards 5'7 Charles Lee and 5'6 Samar Powell both did a great job of distributing the ball and breaking the press by just dribbling around the Middleton defenders. 6'6 freshmen Darnell Harris played very good on the defensive end as he had probably handful of blocks as well as taking two or three charges. Harris really did a good job of knowing when to contest the shot or when to stay on the ground. Two players that came off the bench to play big where 6'2 junior D-Angelo Johnson who scored 10 points but, just out hustling his defenders and 6'0 freshmen Haki Stampely who had 12 points including a banked in three that cut the lead to two with 30 seconds remainng in the fourth. #52 who I wasn't on the roster and couldn't catch his name was able to come for the first time with two minutes remaining in the game and was able to get five points and a pair of steals to help Bay View send the game to OT.
Middleton benefited from always having well rested players on the court and getting open looks from three point range. Jon Stubbe a 6'4 senior benefited the most from the open three as he was able to net 22 points with the balk of them coming from behind the arc. As expected with the subbing Middleton's bench came up big. Two guys came off the bench and scored 13 points in 6'2 senior Brett Semenas and 6'3 senior Justin Mertes-Mistretta, Semenas scoring almost all his points on three point shots or outside jumpers while JMM (easier to type that) nailed two three point shots and was then able to penetrate inside once the Bay View defenders began over playing him. 6'1 senior guard Dan Lochner was also impressive even though he didn't reach double figures scoring. Lochner was able to come down the court three times in a row and use his strength to penetrate and score.
Box Score
Middleton 89- Bay View 81
Middleton- Stubbe 22 Semenas 13 Mertes-Mistretta 13 Lochner 8 Jay Nunnery 7 Kevin Kruckenberg 6 Dan Trautman 5 Brooks Braga 4 Andrew Hudson 4 Keegan Nesvacil 3 Taylor Diem 2 Joe Dean 2 Travis Martin 0 Lavert Mathews 0
Bay View- Lacy 15 Cook 15 Turner 13 Stampley 12 Johnson 10 #52 5 Powell 4 Lee 4 Harris 4 Larell Noble 0
Well this is one prediction that I got wrong for the weekend. Tomorrow I'll discuss how I did on the rest of my weekend predictions and talk a little bit about the Badger game which I'm watching on DVR right now.
The benching of the starters could be looked at two ways. One if they would of played the starters throughout, Bay View would of for sure won because if their backups could send it to OT then the starters would of won. The second thought is that at the start of the fourth Bay View was down by 10, which I forgot to mention earlier, therefore the starters weren't getting it done so the bench players came in and played better. My thought process is with the first option that is Bay View would of won with the starters in but, then again I'm not a high school coach and have no idea what the reasoning was. This could of just been a case disciplining the starters for not doing what the coach wanted or being lazy or selfish I really have no idea. Now that I've gotten that out of my system I can talk about how each of the teams played in the game.
As I had mentioned the last time I saw Milwaukee Bay View play they are a very young but, talented team that is gonna look really good at times and is really gonna struggle at times. This game had both sides of that. Bay View looked good to start the game then towards the end of second quarter things went a little rough and continued to about the midway point of the fourth, when the starters were benched, then in OT went back to looking really rough again.
What cost Bay View the game was that the just turned the ball over too much and gave up to many three point shots. In the first half Middleton was pressing and it looked like that was playing into Bay View's as they were able to break the press and get open layups. As the game wore on though Bay View wore down and began turning the ball over. Speaking of wearing down Middleton never seemed to get tired as their primary rotation consists of 12 players, with all 12 players seeming to play and even amount of minutes. It seemed like every two minutes two new players were coming in and each player took a turn doing the scoring as all 12 players scored, seven of which scored at least five points. Bay View played a zone the majority of the game which seemed to allow Middleton to get wide open three point shots in the corners, which they seemed to drop with ease.
The most impressive player of the day was 6'4 160 pound sophomore forward Demetrius Turner for Bay View, who played much bigger then his weight suggests. Turner was able to control the boards on both ends and was able to score against the thicker Middleton defenders. 5'11 junior Johnnie Lacy once again had a big first half scoring 15 points in the half and then disappeared in the third quarter and then was benched for the fourth. Freshmen 6'3 Elgin Cook was limited by foul trouble but, was able to go to the hoop strong and finished, as he was able to score 15 points as well. Freshmen guards 5'7 Charles Lee and 5'6 Samar Powell both did a great job of distributing the ball and breaking the press by just dribbling around the Middleton defenders. 6'6 freshmen Darnell Harris played very good on the defensive end as he had probably handful of blocks as well as taking two or three charges. Harris really did a good job of knowing when to contest the shot or when to stay on the ground. Two players that came off the bench to play big where 6'2 junior D-Angelo Johnson who scored 10 points but, just out hustling his defenders and 6'0 freshmen Haki Stampely who had 12 points including a banked in three that cut the lead to two with 30 seconds remainng in the fourth. #52 who I wasn't on the roster and couldn't catch his name was able to come for the first time with two minutes remaining in the game and was able to get five points and a pair of steals to help Bay View send the game to OT.
Middleton benefited from always having well rested players on the court and getting open looks from three point range. Jon Stubbe a 6'4 senior benefited the most from the open three as he was able to net 22 points with the balk of them coming from behind the arc. As expected with the subbing Middleton's bench came up big. Two guys came off the bench and scored 13 points in 6'2 senior Brett Semenas and 6'3 senior Justin Mertes-Mistretta, Semenas scoring almost all his points on three point shots or outside jumpers while JMM (easier to type that) nailed two three point shots and was then able to penetrate inside once the Bay View defenders began over playing him. 6'1 senior guard Dan Lochner was also impressive even though he didn't reach double figures scoring. Lochner was able to come down the court three times in a row and use his strength to penetrate and score.
Box Score
Middleton 89- Bay View 81
Middleton- Stubbe 22 Semenas 13 Mertes-Mistretta 13 Lochner 8 Jay Nunnery 7 Kevin Kruckenberg 6 Dan Trautman 5 Brooks Braga 4 Andrew Hudson 4 Keegan Nesvacil 3 Taylor Diem 2 Joe Dean 2 Travis Martin 0 Lavert Mathews 0
Bay View- Lacy 15 Cook 15 Turner 13 Stampley 12 Johnson 10 #52 5 Powell 4 Lee 4 Harris 4 Larell Noble 0
Well this is one prediction that I got wrong for the weekend. Tomorrow I'll discuss how I did on the rest of my weekend predictions and talk a little bit about the Badger game which I'm watching on DVR right now.
Friday, December 21, 2007
3rd Round Player Rankings
Well I've seen two more games so player rankings will be changed a bit. All the teams I saw play I had already seen play so there will just be slight shuffling of players. As I did for team rankings I will be putting in ( ) how many times I have seen each player play.
Player Rankings
1.Marquis Mason 6'5 forward sophomore Madison East (2)- Very strong post player that can do it all. Can knock down the outside shot, runs the court well, blocks shots, and is very very strong in the post. Had a bad game against Lafollette and probably would of moved down if Cashton Craig hadn't struggled too.
2. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward senior Janesville Craig (2)- Slight edge over Cashton Craig because he does so much more then just scores. Does a great job of rebounding and passing. Really lets the game come to him and doesn't force things. Very smooth player that can really knock down the outside shot and being 6'6 doesn't hurt either.
3. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard senior Madison Lafollette (2)- Very good shooter that can really get hot. Moves very well without the ball in his hands. Forces things at times and can go cold at times from the outside. Really just a scorer doesn't rebound very well.
4. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard junior Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Very good scorer that can go off at any time and has an engine that doesn't stop. Has really improve in becoming more of a point guard and not just a scorer.
5. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard junior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Most improved player I have seen this year. Handles the ball very well and can get where he wants at anytime. Has a very good mid range jumper.
6. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward junior Madison Edgewood (1)- Very good shooter that can also drive to the hoop and find open teammates. Doesn't look like it but, is a fairly strong player.
7. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center junior Janesville Craig (2)- Very strong inside with the ball. Really crashes the boards and does a great job getting inside position and moving without the ball.
8. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard sophomore Madison Lafollette (1)- Didn't play the first time I saw Lafollette. Has a very good cross over that allows him to get into the lane. Has a very good floater shot and is a very strong player. Another guy that has an engine that never quits.
9. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard senior Wisconsin Dells (1)-Very hard nosed lead guard that can use his strength to get inside and can also hit the three point shot. Usually guards the other teams best perimeter player.
10. Charles Lee 5'7 guard freshmen Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Handles the ball very well and can get in the lane with ease and find an open teammate. Pass first point guard that really looks to set up teammates.
11. Jade Royston 6'0 guard junior Wisconsin Dells (1)- Very smooth player that can hit the outside shot or penetrate and pull up for the mid range jumper. Big time scorer.
12. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward senior Madison West (2)- Shoots the outside shot very well from a set position and does a great job of running the court.
13. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Ultimate glue guy that does all the little things. Very good rebounder and passer and can score when need be from the outside or inside.
14. Michael Horton 6'2 guard senior Madison West (2)- Pass first point guard that's always looking to set up his teammates. Handles the ball very well and can knock down the three point shot.
15. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward junior Janesville Craig (2)- Very good mid range shot and goes to the hoop hard.
HM
Michael Hanson 6'6 forward junior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Keegan Meier 6'3 forward junior Eau Claire Memorial (1)
Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward senior Madison Edgewood (1)
Deon Johnson 6'4 guard senior Madison West (2)
Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Michael Collins 6'3 guard senior Madison West (1)
Collin Cooper 6'3 forward senior Eau Claire Memorial (1)
Senior Rankings
1.Lucas Burns 6'6 forward Janesville Craig
2. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard Wisconsin Dells
4. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward Madison West
5. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas
6. Michael Horton 6'2 guard Madison West
7. Deon Johnson 6'4 guard Madison West- Very strong player that can jump outta the gym and goes to the hoop strong. Has the ability to knock down the outside shot as well.
8. Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward Madison Edgewood- Strong player that battles inside. Team leader that passes the ball very well from the high post.
9. Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas- Another glue guy that can do alittle bit of everything. Strong rebounder, good outside shooter, and handles the ball pretty well.
10. Michael Collins 6'3 guard Madison West- Very streaky player that can score alot of points quickly. Good outside shooter who can also get inside and finish or get fouled.
HM
Collin Cooper 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial
Junior Rankings
1. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard Lacrosse Aquinas
3. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward Madison Edgewood
4. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center Janesville Craig
5. Jade Royston 6'0 guard Wisconsin Dells
6. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward Janesville Craig
7. Mike Hanson 6'6 forward Lacrosse Aquinas- Big guy with a soft touch inside and can shoot the three point shot.
8. Keegan Meier 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial- Streaky shooter that can put up alot of points in a hurry.
9. Stephan Thompson 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Guy that likes to go inside and bang. Does a great job on the boards.
10. Antoine Howard 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- High energy guy that rebounds well and plays some good defense.
Sophomore Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward Madison East
2. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Jon Dybevik 6'0 guard Madison Lafollette (2)- Handles the ball very well and goes to the hoop strong. Plays like an upper classman.
4. Jeff Hull 6'4 forward Madison East (2)- Good mid range game where he can pass or shoot the jumper. Likes to go inside and bang.
5. Robert Littleton 6'1 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Athletic guy that likes to run the floor and rebounds well for a guard.
6. Demetrius Turner 6'4 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Athletic guy that likes to run and goes to the hoop strong.
7. Nate Gibson 6'9 center Wisconsin Dells (1)- Big guy thats alittle raw but, shows some promise and wants the ball in the post with his back to the basket.
Freshmen Rankings
1. Charles Lee 5'7 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Samar Powell 5'6 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Hard nosed guy that has a very nice outside shot.
3. Darnell Harris 6'6 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Big athletic guy that can jump outta the gym.
4. Elgin Cook 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Athletic guy that likes to get out and run and goes inside and battles with bigger players.
Not many changes this week. Hopefully within the next couple weeks I'll be seeing some new teams that will allow me to expand my rankings and allow me to experience a wider variety of teams.
Player Rankings
1.Marquis Mason 6'5 forward sophomore Madison East (2)- Very strong post player that can do it all. Can knock down the outside shot, runs the court well, blocks shots, and is very very strong in the post. Had a bad game against Lafollette and probably would of moved down if Cashton Craig hadn't struggled too.
2. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward senior Janesville Craig (2)- Slight edge over Cashton Craig because he does so much more then just scores. Does a great job of rebounding and passing. Really lets the game come to him and doesn't force things. Very smooth player that can really knock down the outside shot and being 6'6 doesn't hurt either.
3. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard senior Madison Lafollette (2)- Very good shooter that can really get hot. Moves very well without the ball in his hands. Forces things at times and can go cold at times from the outside. Really just a scorer doesn't rebound very well.
4. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard junior Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Very good scorer that can go off at any time and has an engine that doesn't stop. Has really improve in becoming more of a point guard and not just a scorer.
5. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard junior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Most improved player I have seen this year. Handles the ball very well and can get where he wants at anytime. Has a very good mid range jumper.
6. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward junior Madison Edgewood (1)- Very good shooter that can also drive to the hoop and find open teammates. Doesn't look like it but, is a fairly strong player.
7. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center junior Janesville Craig (2)- Very strong inside with the ball. Really crashes the boards and does a great job getting inside position and moving without the ball.
8. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard sophomore Madison Lafollette (1)- Didn't play the first time I saw Lafollette. Has a very good cross over that allows him to get into the lane. Has a very good floater shot and is a very strong player. Another guy that has an engine that never quits.
9. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard senior Wisconsin Dells (1)-Very hard nosed lead guard that can use his strength to get inside and can also hit the three point shot. Usually guards the other teams best perimeter player.
10. Charles Lee 5'7 guard freshmen Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Handles the ball very well and can get in the lane with ease and find an open teammate. Pass first point guard that really looks to set up teammates.
11. Jade Royston 6'0 guard junior Wisconsin Dells (1)- Very smooth player that can hit the outside shot or penetrate and pull up for the mid range jumper. Big time scorer.
12. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward senior Madison West (2)- Shoots the outside shot very well from a set position and does a great job of running the court.
13. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Ultimate glue guy that does all the little things. Very good rebounder and passer and can score when need be from the outside or inside.
14. Michael Horton 6'2 guard senior Madison West (2)- Pass first point guard that's always looking to set up his teammates. Handles the ball very well and can knock down the three point shot.
15. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward junior Janesville Craig (2)- Very good mid range shot and goes to the hoop hard.
HM
Michael Hanson 6'6 forward junior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Keegan Meier 6'3 forward junior Eau Claire Memorial (1)
Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward senior Madison Edgewood (1)
Deon Johnson 6'4 guard senior Madison West (2)
Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Michael Collins 6'3 guard senior Madison West (1)
Collin Cooper 6'3 forward senior Eau Claire Memorial (1)
Senior Rankings
1.Lucas Burns 6'6 forward Janesville Craig
2. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard Wisconsin Dells
4. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward Madison West
5. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas
6. Michael Horton 6'2 guard Madison West
7. Deon Johnson 6'4 guard Madison West- Very strong player that can jump outta the gym and goes to the hoop strong. Has the ability to knock down the outside shot as well.
8. Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward Madison Edgewood- Strong player that battles inside. Team leader that passes the ball very well from the high post.
9. Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas- Another glue guy that can do alittle bit of everything. Strong rebounder, good outside shooter, and handles the ball pretty well.
10. Michael Collins 6'3 guard Madison West- Very streaky player that can score alot of points quickly. Good outside shooter who can also get inside and finish or get fouled.
HM
Collin Cooper 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial
Junior Rankings
1. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard Lacrosse Aquinas
3. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward Madison Edgewood
4. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center Janesville Craig
5. Jade Royston 6'0 guard Wisconsin Dells
6. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward Janesville Craig
7. Mike Hanson 6'6 forward Lacrosse Aquinas- Big guy with a soft touch inside and can shoot the three point shot.
8. Keegan Meier 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial- Streaky shooter that can put up alot of points in a hurry.
9. Stephan Thompson 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Guy that likes to go inside and bang. Does a great job on the boards.
10. Antoine Howard 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- High energy guy that rebounds well and plays some good defense.
Sophomore Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward Madison East
2. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Jon Dybevik 6'0 guard Madison Lafollette (2)- Handles the ball very well and goes to the hoop strong. Plays like an upper classman.
4. Jeff Hull 6'4 forward Madison East (2)- Good mid range game where he can pass or shoot the jumper. Likes to go inside and bang.
5. Robert Littleton 6'1 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Athletic guy that likes to run the floor and rebounds well for a guard.
6. Demetrius Turner 6'4 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Athletic guy that likes to run and goes to the hoop strong.
7. Nate Gibson 6'9 center Wisconsin Dells (1)- Big guy thats alittle raw but, shows some promise and wants the ball in the post with his back to the basket.
Freshmen Rankings
1. Charles Lee 5'7 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Samar Powell 5'6 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Hard nosed guy that has a very nice outside shot.
3. Darnell Harris 6'6 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Big athletic guy that can jump outta the gym.
4. Elgin Cook 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Athletic guy that likes to get out and run and goes inside and battles with bigger players.
Not many changes this week. Hopefully within the next couple weeks I'll be seeing some new teams that will allow me to expand my rankings and allow me to experience a wider variety of teams.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Weekend Predictions
Big weekend of games coming up and here are my predictions of a few of the games.
Monroe over Verona
Two undefeated teams clash tomorrow night. The winner will have sole possession of the Badger South. I'm giving the edge to Monroe because they have a big advantage at the guard position and are led by star Brett Stangel. Verona probably has the edge in the post but, I believe that Monroe big man Tony Cates will negate some of that while the Verona guards won't be able to negate the play of the Monroe guards. I expect a high scoring game with Monroe winning by no more then five points.
Madison Memorial over Madison West (maybe)
The big factor in this game is whether Madison Memorial star Jeronne Maymon will play or not. Maymon missed the last game and Memorial was defeated by Beloit. If Maymon is still out for this game then West will win this game by about five points. If Maymon plays then I'm taking Memorial by 10 points. Maymon is a guy that averages 20 and 10 a game and is Memorial's lone low post threat. If Maymon plays he will have a huge game as West lacks a real good low post player. Without Maymon in the game West will probably control the boards and have second and third opportunities to score.
Milwaukee Bay View over Middleton
Bay View has a huge advantage over Middleton in athleticism and has a real star in Johnnie Lacy and Middleton really lacks that go to guy. As of recent Middleton has been struggling with a lose to Madison West. Bay View will also have a height advantage at the majority of positions and will be able to control the boards. I look for Bay View to run Middleton out of the gym and win the game by 15-20 points.
Waupon over Randolph
This year Randolph doesn't have that go to guy that they've had in the past. Bryan Johnson is a good player but, he is really just a shooter, not a guy that is going to take you off the dribble or get to the hoop. Kyle Kelm will have an advantage over any of the Waupon front court players but, he is still young and not ready to be that go to guy yet. Waupon has Ryan Rasmussen and Aris Wurtz who will probably each score 20 plus in the game because Randolph doesn't really have anyone to guard either player. Waupon will have the bigger advantage at the guard position, then Randolph will have at the front court position which will lead to Waupon winning by 5 to 10 points.
Those are my preddictions and we will see how I did on Saturday night.
Monroe over Verona
Two undefeated teams clash tomorrow night. The winner will have sole possession of the Badger South. I'm giving the edge to Monroe because they have a big advantage at the guard position and are led by star Brett Stangel. Verona probably has the edge in the post but, I believe that Monroe big man Tony Cates will negate some of that while the Verona guards won't be able to negate the play of the Monroe guards. I expect a high scoring game with Monroe winning by no more then five points.
Madison Memorial over Madison West (maybe)
The big factor in this game is whether Madison Memorial star Jeronne Maymon will play or not. Maymon missed the last game and Memorial was defeated by Beloit. If Maymon is still out for this game then West will win this game by about five points. If Maymon plays then I'm taking Memorial by 10 points. Maymon is a guy that averages 20 and 10 a game and is Memorial's lone low post threat. If Maymon plays he will have a huge game as West lacks a real good low post player. Without Maymon in the game West will probably control the boards and have second and third opportunities to score.
Milwaukee Bay View over Middleton
Bay View has a huge advantage over Middleton in athleticism and has a real star in Johnnie Lacy and Middleton really lacks that go to guy. As of recent Middleton has been struggling with a lose to Madison West. Bay View will also have a height advantage at the majority of positions and will be able to control the boards. I look for Bay View to run Middleton out of the gym and win the game by 15-20 points.
Waupon over Randolph
This year Randolph doesn't have that go to guy that they've had in the past. Bryan Johnson is a good player but, he is really just a shooter, not a guy that is going to take you off the dribble or get to the hoop. Kyle Kelm will have an advantage over any of the Waupon front court players but, he is still young and not ready to be that go to guy yet. Waupon has Ryan Rasmussen and Aris Wurtz who will probably each score 20 plus in the game because Randolph doesn't really have anyone to guard either player. Waupon will have the bigger advantage at the guard position, then Randolph will have at the front court position which will lead to Waupon winning by 5 to 10 points.
Those are my preddictions and we will see how I did on Saturday night.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Week 3 Team Rankings
Have seen a couple more games so I will be updating my team and player rankings. All the teams that I have watched in the past week I have seen before so I will just be updating my reasons for ranking each team where and a slight adjustment of teams. I will be putting in ( ) how many times I have seen each team play because the more I see a team play the better my judgement of the team is and the more accurate my ranking is.
Rankings
1. Janesville Craig (2)- Their height and defense give Craig an advantage over every team that they play. The have four legit stars in Lucas Burns, Cooper Cullen, Jojo Pregont, and Kyle Goike. This team prefers to play a slow tempo and take their time on offense but, can just as easily play an uptempo game.
2. Madison Lafollette (2)- Really showed me something the way they handled Madison East even with their star Cashton Craig being a non-factor. Lafollette gets the edge over Bay View because they did beat them and have the experience edge. DJ Fuller appears ready to become the #2 scoring option for Lafollette and Darnell Small and Deonte Thompson have provided a low post presence that I believed they lacked.
3. Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Very athletic team, that is also very young. Johnnie Lacy is one of the top players in the country and this team will only get better as the year goes on. They will be able to provide pressure, forcing teams to turn the ball over and allowing for easy baskets.
4. Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Team that works very very well together. Can really push the tempo but, are just as affective in the half court set. The have a couple glue guys in Lucas Morrissey and Zach Rickaway along with Jimmy Whitehead who is really becoming the star of this team.
5. Madison Edgewood (1)- Very disciplined team that's very patient on the offensive end and really plays good defense. All five players on the court really attack the glass on offense and defense. Every player on the team seems to know their roll and excepts it.
6. Madison West (2)- This team is much better then I previously thought. They are an extremely athletic team that can score in a hurry. If they keep the ball in point guard Michael Horton's hands they can beat anyone, along with remaining patience and not becoming selfish or flustered when they get down.
7. Madison East (2)- This is the because this is the biggest one man team I have seen in awhile. Marquis Mason is a great player but, right now he doesn't have any help. If Mason has a big game then East can play with anyone but, if he doesn't score East has no chance against anyone. Right now the teams I have behind lack a inside presence and Mason would probably torch them.
8. Wisconsin Dells (1)- If East is a one man team, then Wisconsin Dells is the biggest two man team I've seen. Jade Royston and Ryan Wenkman are two very good players but, there really isn't much else there. As of right now I don't think Dells could beat any of the teams ranked above them. As sophomore big man Nate Gibson improves, the Dells can really be a tough team to beat.
9. Eau Claire Memorial (1)- Really don't have the athletic ability to play with the Madison teams and lack the go to player to carry them. In the Big Rivers conference they will probably do alright though.
10. Sauk Praire (1)- A team that is ranked only because I have only seen 10 teams play so far this year. A team that really doesn't have a star player to go to and doesn't have many athletes on the team. This team really is a scrappy team though and will make games ugly and really make their opponents earn their wins.
Not much changed in my rankings but, I felt that I needed to update my reasons for my rankings since I have seen a couple teams play a couple times. Madison West made the only change moving from 8th to 6th in the rankings. Hopefully within the next couple weeks I will see a few more teams and will be able to add to my rankings.
Rankings
1. Janesville Craig (2)- Their height and defense give Craig an advantage over every team that they play. The have four legit stars in Lucas Burns, Cooper Cullen, Jojo Pregont, and Kyle Goike. This team prefers to play a slow tempo and take their time on offense but, can just as easily play an uptempo game.
2. Madison Lafollette (2)- Really showed me something the way they handled Madison East even with their star Cashton Craig being a non-factor. Lafollette gets the edge over Bay View because they did beat them and have the experience edge. DJ Fuller appears ready to become the #2 scoring option for Lafollette and Darnell Small and Deonte Thompson have provided a low post presence that I believed they lacked.
3. Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Very athletic team, that is also very young. Johnnie Lacy is one of the top players in the country and this team will only get better as the year goes on. They will be able to provide pressure, forcing teams to turn the ball over and allowing for easy baskets.
4. Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Team that works very very well together. Can really push the tempo but, are just as affective in the half court set. The have a couple glue guys in Lucas Morrissey and Zach Rickaway along with Jimmy Whitehead who is really becoming the star of this team.
5. Madison Edgewood (1)- Very disciplined team that's very patient on the offensive end and really plays good defense. All five players on the court really attack the glass on offense and defense. Every player on the team seems to know their roll and excepts it.
6. Madison West (2)- This team is much better then I previously thought. They are an extremely athletic team that can score in a hurry. If they keep the ball in point guard Michael Horton's hands they can beat anyone, along with remaining patience and not becoming selfish or flustered when they get down.
7. Madison East (2)- This is the because this is the biggest one man team I have seen in awhile. Marquis Mason is a great player but, right now he doesn't have any help. If Mason has a big game then East can play with anyone but, if he doesn't score East has no chance against anyone. Right now the teams I have behind lack a inside presence and Mason would probably torch them.
8. Wisconsin Dells (1)- If East is a one man team, then Wisconsin Dells is the biggest two man team I've seen. Jade Royston and Ryan Wenkman are two very good players but, there really isn't much else there. As of right now I don't think Dells could beat any of the teams ranked above them. As sophomore big man Nate Gibson improves, the Dells can really be a tough team to beat.
9. Eau Claire Memorial (1)- Really don't have the athletic ability to play with the Madison teams and lack the go to player to carry them. In the Big Rivers conference they will probably do alright though.
10. Sauk Praire (1)- A team that is ranked only because I have only seen 10 teams play so far this year. A team that really doesn't have a star player to go to and doesn't have many athletes on the team. This team really is a scrappy team though and will make games ugly and really make their opponents earn their wins.
Not much changed in my rankings but, I felt that I needed to update my reasons for my rankings since I have seen a couple teams play a couple times. Madison West made the only change moving from 8th to 6th in the rankings. Hopefully within the next couple weeks I will see a few more teams and will be able to add to my rankings.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
As Mason Goes, As East Goes
The title of the post says it all. In tonights Madison Lafollette vs Madison East game this was the case. Marquis Mason only scored nine points and Lafollette beat East 53-37. Lafollette did a great job of not allowing Mason to get the ball inside and in the rare chance that he did get the ball he was instantly double teamed. Madison East doesn't really have another scoring option besides Mason, so if Mason isn't scoring then East isn't going to score. On the offensive end DJ Fuller was able to get to the hoop at will and score or set teammates up with easy layups.
Tonights game was won by two players. 5'10 sophomore guard DJ Fuller and 6'4 senior forward Darnell Small. There wasn't anyone on Madison East's team that could stay in front of Fuller. Fuller was able to get to the hoop at will and score. Small may of been the most valuable player of the game despite scoring only nine points but, it wasn't his scoring that made him so valuable but, his ability to keep East star Marquis Mason from scoring. Small used his sheer muscle and ability to front Mason to keep the star from scoring. These two players were really need as Lafollette star 6'1 senior guard Cashton Craig really struggled and only scored five points in the game.
Not much to say for Madison East. They were unable to get the ball inside to Mason and couldn't hit the outside shots. East has a couple good roll players in 6'2 seniors Al Mayne and Augustine Avelleyra but, neither is really a big time scorer. I would look for one of those two players to pick up their scoring for East to improve. As of right now I see as Madison East as a team that will find themselves towards the bottom of the Big Eight.
Top Scorers
Madison Lafollette- Fuller 17 Small 9 Craig 5 Anthony Nance 5
Madison East- Mason 9 Jeff Hull 6 Mayne 5
Coming in the next few days will be my updated team and player rankings.
Tonights game was won by two players. 5'10 sophomore guard DJ Fuller and 6'4 senior forward Darnell Small. There wasn't anyone on Madison East's team that could stay in front of Fuller. Fuller was able to get to the hoop at will and score. Small may of been the most valuable player of the game despite scoring only nine points but, it wasn't his scoring that made him so valuable but, his ability to keep East star Marquis Mason from scoring. Small used his sheer muscle and ability to front Mason to keep the star from scoring. These two players were really need as Lafollette star 6'1 senior guard Cashton Craig really struggled and only scored five points in the game.
Not much to say for Madison East. They were unable to get the ball inside to Mason and couldn't hit the outside shots. East has a couple good roll players in 6'2 seniors Al Mayne and Augustine Avelleyra but, neither is really a big time scorer. I would look for one of those two players to pick up their scoring for East to improve. As of right now I see as Madison East as a team that will find themselves towards the bottom of the Big Eight.
Top Scorers
Madison Lafollette- Fuller 17 Small 9 Craig 5 Anthony Nance 5
Madison East- Mason 9 Jeff Hull 6 Mayne 5
Coming in the next few days will be my updated team and player rankings.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Green Bay struggles at the Kohl Center again
On Saturday UW Green Bay's struggles continued at the Kohl Center as they once again lost to Wisconsin. Green Bay and Wisconsin were virtually equal in the majority of the stats as far as rebounds, assists, and turnovers. The only real significant difference was field goal percentage where Green Bay really struggled from the floor, shooting only 33% while Wisconsin shot 50%. The only thing that kept this game from being embarrassing was that Green Bay was able to knock down their three point shots.
Wisconsin relied heavily on their defense to force Green Bay into poor shots while on the offensive end they spread the scoring out evenly. Eight Badgers scored between seven to twelve points in the game. Joe Krabenhoft really came up big as he led the Badgers in the big three categories of points, assists, and rebounds, while recording a double double. Marcus Landry also continue to assert his aggresiveness going five for six shooting and being second in scoring behind Krabenhoft. Greg Stiesma, Jason Bohannon, and Kevin Gullikson were able to score off the bench, scoring seven, nine, and nine. Getting some significant bench scoring is something we haven't seen much this year. One thing to note is that with Jon Leuer out I thought that Keaton Nankivil would see some more time but, it was Kevin Gullikson who was granted those extra minutes. This once again leads to my opinion that Nankivil should of been redshirted. If he's not playing now with Leuer out, then was there ever a chance that Keaton was going to be playing significant minutes?
Green Bay really didn't play well in this game as is seen by their poor shooting performance. Ryan Tillema continue his struggles at the Kohl Center scoring only two points in the game, while Michael Schachtner really struggled going 2-13 shooting. Terry Evans did show some flashes of brilliance as he had a nice dunk and had a mini run of his own in the game. Cordero Barkley also had a nice put back dunk and led the Phoenix in scoring with 11 points going 3-4 shooting and 4-4 from the line.
Really not much to say about this game as it was an open and shut game. Wisconsin led from begining to end as expected and got the win. Probably won't be back on here until Wednesday when I will have new team and player rankings.
Wisconsin relied heavily on their defense to force Green Bay into poor shots while on the offensive end they spread the scoring out evenly. Eight Badgers scored between seven to twelve points in the game. Joe Krabenhoft really came up big as he led the Badgers in the big three categories of points, assists, and rebounds, while recording a double double. Marcus Landry also continue to assert his aggresiveness going five for six shooting and being second in scoring behind Krabenhoft. Greg Stiesma, Jason Bohannon, and Kevin Gullikson were able to score off the bench, scoring seven, nine, and nine. Getting some significant bench scoring is something we haven't seen much this year. One thing to note is that with Jon Leuer out I thought that Keaton Nankivil would see some more time but, it was Kevin Gullikson who was granted those extra minutes. This once again leads to my opinion that Nankivil should of been redshirted. If he's not playing now with Leuer out, then was there ever a chance that Keaton was going to be playing significant minutes?
Green Bay really didn't play well in this game as is seen by their poor shooting performance. Ryan Tillema continue his struggles at the Kohl Center scoring only two points in the game, while Michael Schachtner really struggled going 2-13 shooting. Terry Evans did show some flashes of brilliance as he had a nice dunk and had a mini run of his own in the game. Cordero Barkley also had a nice put back dunk and led the Phoenix in scoring with 11 points going 3-4 shooting and 4-4 from the line.
Really not much to say about this game as it was an open and shut game. Wisconsin led from begining to end as expected and got the win. Probably won't be back on here until Wednesday when I will have new team and player rankings.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Craig handles West with Ease
As I had predicted Janesville Craig was able to defeat Madison West by 21 points by winning 79-58. The surprise though was that West was able to play with Craig throughout the first half and was winning a good portion of the half. In the first half West was patient in there offense and were able to find openings in Craig's zone to hit 15 footers. In the second half Craig was able to jump out early which got West nervous and they started playing alot of one on one and shooting alot of three pointers. These long shots resulted in long rebounds which led to easy baskets for Craig. In the fourth quarter West tried to press, which Craig was able to beat easily and led to more easy baskets.
Throughout the entire game Janesville Craig was able to pound the ball inside to 6'6 junior center Jojo Pregont. Pregont finished with 25 points and would of easily scored 30 but, was hampered by foul trouble early in the game. Pregont looked even better then the last time I saw him. He is very tough to stop inside and is always working hard to get position and find an opening to receive the ball. 6'6 senior forward Lucas Burns was his usually smooth self hitting every open look he was given. Burns is hands down the best spot up shooter I've seen this year. Cooper Cullen the other 6'6 star I was interested to see let me down a bit. Cullen handled the ball very well for a 6'6 player but, did nothing other then bring the ball up the court. He rarely looked to shoot the ball and never penetrated. The big surprise of the game was 6'3 junior forward Kyle Goike. The first time I saw Goike, I saw him as just a roll player that played defense, rebound, and took care of the ball. This game though Goike really looked good as he was able to drop the outside jumper and drive to the hoop and finish, Goike really carried Craig at times.
Madison West while looking good in the first half couldn't keep that play up for the entire game. In the first half West was able to get the ball in the hands of point guard Michael Horton and Horton was able to penetrate and find open teammates. Second half was a different story as each player looked to score themselves and didn't look to set things up with Horton. Besides doing a good job of running the offense, Horton looked to score in the second half and dropped a couple threes in the second half and led the team with 12 points. Corvonn Gaines seemed to struggle finding and room inside the arc to score but, did drop some outside shots to help in the scoring column. Deon Johnson is alot better player then I thought. After watching Johnson once he looked like a guy that just wanted to dunk and show how high he can jump but, in this game he did a nice job of knocking down the outside shots and getting inside and finishing strong. I had said that I was interested to see Michael Collins again to see if the last game was a fluke. Well West's coach decided to change the starting lineup since the last time I saw West and started two guys who didn't even see the court in the last game. Therefore Collins didn't see much floor time, so I'm just gonna say that the first game I saw was just a fluke.
High Scorers
Janesville Craig- Pregont 25 Burns 19 Goike 16
Madison West- Horton 12 Gaines 10 Johnson 9
With another one right I'm now 6-5 on predictions on the year. I DVRd the Badger game so I'll be watching that and be back tomorrow with some thoughts.
Throughout the entire game Janesville Craig was able to pound the ball inside to 6'6 junior center Jojo Pregont. Pregont finished with 25 points and would of easily scored 30 but, was hampered by foul trouble early in the game. Pregont looked even better then the last time I saw him. He is very tough to stop inside and is always working hard to get position and find an opening to receive the ball. 6'6 senior forward Lucas Burns was his usually smooth self hitting every open look he was given. Burns is hands down the best spot up shooter I've seen this year. Cooper Cullen the other 6'6 star I was interested to see let me down a bit. Cullen handled the ball very well for a 6'6 player but, did nothing other then bring the ball up the court. He rarely looked to shoot the ball and never penetrated. The big surprise of the game was 6'3 junior forward Kyle Goike. The first time I saw Goike, I saw him as just a roll player that played defense, rebound, and took care of the ball. This game though Goike really looked good as he was able to drop the outside jumper and drive to the hoop and finish, Goike really carried Craig at times.
Madison West while looking good in the first half couldn't keep that play up for the entire game. In the first half West was able to get the ball in the hands of point guard Michael Horton and Horton was able to penetrate and find open teammates. Second half was a different story as each player looked to score themselves and didn't look to set things up with Horton. Besides doing a good job of running the offense, Horton looked to score in the second half and dropped a couple threes in the second half and led the team with 12 points. Corvonn Gaines seemed to struggle finding and room inside the arc to score but, did drop some outside shots to help in the scoring column. Deon Johnson is alot better player then I thought. After watching Johnson once he looked like a guy that just wanted to dunk and show how high he can jump but, in this game he did a nice job of knocking down the outside shots and getting inside and finishing strong. I had said that I was interested to see Michael Collins again to see if the last game was a fluke. Well West's coach decided to change the starting lineup since the last time I saw West and started two guys who didn't even see the court in the last game. Therefore Collins didn't see much floor time, so I'm just gonna say that the first game I saw was just a fluke.
High Scorers
Janesville Craig- Pregont 25 Burns 19 Goike 16
Madison West- Horton 12 Gaines 10 Johnson 9
With another one right I'm now 6-5 on predictions on the year. I DVRd the Badger game so I'll be watching that and be back tomorrow with some thoughts.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Janesville Craig vs Madison West Preview
In a battle of two contrasting styles Janesville Craig takes on Madison West. Craig is a bigger team that plays a zone on the defensive side and looks to pound the ball inside on offense and slow things down. West has some decent size, with the majority of their team between 6'2 to 6'5, that prefers to play an uptempo game and rely heavily on their perimeter play. West likes to push the tempo and shoot the three ball. West is a very undisciplined teamed that doesn't play very good defense and is not afraid to take the early shot when they have the ball. Craig is very methodical in their offensive approach and really take their time to find the best shot. This game looks to be lopsided but, if West can get hot from the outside and with Craig struggling some early in the season this game could really be interesting.
Janesville Craig is led by their big three, in size and in scoring. Two 6'6 senior forwards Lucas Burns and Cooper Cullen and the 6'6 junior center Jojo Pregont are the stars for Craig. Pregont will probably have his way inside as Madison West does not have any post presence what so ever. With West trying to push the tempo and taking some quick shots Craig will probably do some running of their own which will lead to some wide open shots for sharpshooter Burns who will probably have a big game along with Pregont. I really don't know what to expect out of Cullen since he wasn't suited up the last time I saw Craig play. Cullen is listed at 6'6 but, is also listed as a guard so I really have no idea what kind of player he is.
Madison West has a wide array of guards that do most of their scoring. In the last game I saw West play 6'3 senior Michael Collins had a huge game scoring 29 points. I'm curious to see if that was a fluke game because Collins has a pretty ugly looking outside shot and doesn't shoot free throws very well but, he still did score 29 points. 6'5 senior Corvonn Gaines is considered the star of the team in most peoples eyes that are familiar with the West program. I believe Gaines will struggle against the bigger Craig team but, if he can get hot from the outside, which I have seen him do, he should be able to carve up the Craig zone. Michael Horton the 6'2 senior point guard does a great job of handling the ball and distributing along with being able to knock down the open three point shot. On a better team I believe that Horton would be regarded as one of the better true point guards in the state, since West struggles Horton doesn't get the respect that he deserves. 6'4 senior Deon Johnson is a fun player to watch because he always seems to want to dunk the ball every time he gets it and will hopefully get the opportunity to impress.
My final prediction is that Craig will end up beating West by about 20 points and the game will probably be 60 some to 40 some. Craig's defense and West settling for poor shots will keep the game from getting to high scoring. In the end Craigs height and defense will wear West down and give Craig the advantage. Madison West has the advantage at the guard position but, with Craigs zone that shouldn't matter too much and if West isn't hitting the outside shots then this one could get ugly quick.
Janesville Craig is led by their big three, in size and in scoring. Two 6'6 senior forwards Lucas Burns and Cooper Cullen and the 6'6 junior center Jojo Pregont are the stars for Craig. Pregont will probably have his way inside as Madison West does not have any post presence what so ever. With West trying to push the tempo and taking some quick shots Craig will probably do some running of their own which will lead to some wide open shots for sharpshooter Burns who will probably have a big game along with Pregont. I really don't know what to expect out of Cullen since he wasn't suited up the last time I saw Craig play. Cullen is listed at 6'6 but, is also listed as a guard so I really have no idea what kind of player he is.
Madison West has a wide array of guards that do most of their scoring. In the last game I saw West play 6'3 senior Michael Collins had a huge game scoring 29 points. I'm curious to see if that was a fluke game because Collins has a pretty ugly looking outside shot and doesn't shoot free throws very well but, he still did score 29 points. 6'5 senior Corvonn Gaines is considered the star of the team in most peoples eyes that are familiar with the West program. I believe Gaines will struggle against the bigger Craig team but, if he can get hot from the outside, which I have seen him do, he should be able to carve up the Craig zone. Michael Horton the 6'2 senior point guard does a great job of handling the ball and distributing along with being able to knock down the open three point shot. On a better team I believe that Horton would be regarded as one of the better true point guards in the state, since West struggles Horton doesn't get the respect that he deserves. 6'4 senior Deon Johnson is a fun player to watch because he always seems to want to dunk the ball every time he gets it and will hopefully get the opportunity to impress.
My final prediction is that Craig will end up beating West by about 20 points and the game will probably be 60 some to 40 some. Craig's defense and West settling for poor shots will keep the game from getting to high scoring. In the end Craigs height and defense will wear West down and give Craig the advantage. Madison West has the advantage at the guard position but, with Craigs zone that shouldn't matter too much and if West isn't hitting the outside shots then this one could get ugly quick.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
2nd Round Player Rankings
Since I have seen one more game and it was the end of another week I figured I could update the rankings with the two new teams that I saw. No one from Sauk Praire will be in the rankings but, a couple guys from Wisconsin Dells made the rankings.
Player Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward sophomore Madison East-As I've said before this kid can do it all and was the most impressive player at the Big Eight Shootout. He can jump out of the gym, can post up, shoot the jumper out to the three point line and is typically stronger then the guy defending him.
2. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard senior Madison Lafollette- When Craig is hot from the outside he's unstoppable. Handles the ball very well and can get his shot off at any time. Moves very well without the ball whether that be coming off of a screen or cutting to the hoop.
3. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward senior Janesville Craig- I've said it many times one of the smoothest players I've seen. Can shoot the three or go inside and score using a variety of moves.
4. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard junior Milwaukee Bay View- Has a very very good shot from the outside that he can take off the dribble or spotting up. Has the ability to get inside at any time and finish with a layup or a pass to an open teammate.
5. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard junior Lacrosse Aquinas- Handles the ball very well and does a great job of handling pressure. Best part of his game is the ability to stop on a dime and pull up for the midrange jumper, can also get to the hoop and finish strong.
6. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward junior Madison Edgewood- Very good shooter. At 6'6 and a high release can get his shot off at anytime. A very unselfish player that can penetrate and find an open teammate or just as easily score himself.
7. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard senior Wisconsin Dells- Very hard nosed player that can knock down the three point shot and uses his strength to penetrate and score. Also plays some very good defense and crashes the boards well.
8. Charles Lee 5'7 guard freshmen Milwaukee Bay View- The ultimate point guard. Can get by anyone and get into the lane and is always looking to set his teammates up for the layup. If anyone besides Lacy scores on the team it is because of Lee.
9. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center junior Janesville Craig- Very strong player on the inside. Really takes the ball strong to the hoop and does a great job of rebounding on the defensive and offensive ends.
10. Jade Royston 6'0 guard junior Wisconsin Dells- Another very smooth player that has a very pretty shot. Hits the three point shot with ease and has a very nice midrange jumper.
11. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas- Really is a guard but, does a good job of rebounding and playing like a big man. Has the ability to step out and hit the three and help bring the ball up the court if needed.
12. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward senior Madison West- Runs the floor very well and can knock down the open three pointer if given the shot.
13. Mike Hanson 6'6 forward junior Lacrosse Aquinas- Very soft touch for a big man. Has the ability to shoot the three and go inside and score also.
14. Keegan Meier 6'3 forward junior Eau Claire Memorial- Kid that is a very good shooter that when hot can hit from anywhere on the court and be able to drive to the hoop and finish.
15. Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward senior Madion Edgewood- Floor general on the court that always gives 110% and is not afraid to go inside and bang with bigger players.
HM
Michael Collins 6'3 guard senior Madison West
Deon Johnson 6'4 guard senior Madison West
Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Collin Cooper 6'3 forward senior Eau Claire Memorial
Senior Rankings
1. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard Madison Lafollette
2. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward Janesville Craig
3. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard Wisconsin Dells
4. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas
5. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward Madison West
6. Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward Madison Lafollette
7. Michael Collins 6'3 guard Madison West- Real good shooter from three point range and is strongth enough to get inside and score or get fouled.
8. Deon Johnson 6'4 guard Madison West- Another kid that can jump outta the gym and really pounds the glass.
9. Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas- Helps bring the ball up, can shoot the three, gets assists, and pounds the the glass on both ends.
10. Collin Cooper 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial- High energy player that always gives his all has a very good running floater.
Junior Rankings
1. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard Lacrosse Aquinas
3. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward Madison Edgewood
4. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center Janesville Craig
5. Jade Royston 6'0 guard Wisconsin Dells
6. Mike Hanson 6'6 forward Lacrosse Aquinas
7. Keegan Meier 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial
8. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward Janesville Craig- Big kid who can play inside or step outside and shoot the three, and plays some pretty good defense.
9. Joey Kennedy 5'11 guard Janesville Craig- Does a pretty good job of running the point and can shoot the three pointers when open.
10. Stephan Thompson 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View- Kid that really likes to go inside and bang with the bigger guys.
HM
Antoine Howard 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View
Sophomore Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward Madison East
2. Jon Dybevik 6'0 guard Madison Lafollette- Handles the ball really well against the pressure and has the ability to go inside and finish strong.
3. Robert Littleton 6'1 guard Milwaukee Bay View- Athletic player that really likes to run the court, also is willing to crash the boards.
4. Demetrius Turner 6'4 forward Milwaukee Bay View- Another athletic player that likes to run the court and does a good job of battling in the post.
5. Jeff Hull 6'3 forward Madison East- Big strong post player that scores well with his back to the basket.
6. Nate Gibson 6'9 center Wisconsin Dells- Right now a big kid thats a little raw. Looks decent with his back to the basket but, just needs to get stronger. His height is his biggest asset.
Freshmen Rankings
1. Charles Lee 5'7 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Samar Powell 5'6 guard Milwaukee Bay View- Little guy with a nice outside shot and not afraid to go inside and mix it up.
3. Darnell Harris 6'6 forward Milwaukee Bay View- Big athletic guy that can jump outta the gym.
4. Elgin Cook 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View- Another athletic kid that likes to get out and run and will go inside and battle for rebounds.
Theres my updated list. Have had a hard time getting to games because of weather and the fact that I really don't wanna go to games by myself. I have gone to a few games here and there by myself but, it is more fun to go with someone. So will see, I have my sights set on Janesville Craig and Madison West this weekend and possibly a stop by Wisconsin Dells vs Nekoosa, thats a big maybe though.
Player Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward sophomore Madison East-As I've said before this kid can do it all and was the most impressive player at the Big Eight Shootout. He can jump out of the gym, can post up, shoot the jumper out to the three point line and is typically stronger then the guy defending him.
2. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard senior Madison Lafollette- When Craig is hot from the outside he's unstoppable. Handles the ball very well and can get his shot off at any time. Moves very well without the ball whether that be coming off of a screen or cutting to the hoop.
3. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward senior Janesville Craig- I've said it many times one of the smoothest players I've seen. Can shoot the three or go inside and score using a variety of moves.
4. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard junior Milwaukee Bay View- Has a very very good shot from the outside that he can take off the dribble or spotting up. Has the ability to get inside at any time and finish with a layup or a pass to an open teammate.
5. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard junior Lacrosse Aquinas- Handles the ball very well and does a great job of handling pressure. Best part of his game is the ability to stop on a dime and pull up for the midrange jumper, can also get to the hoop and finish strong.
6. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward junior Madison Edgewood- Very good shooter. At 6'6 and a high release can get his shot off at anytime. A very unselfish player that can penetrate and find an open teammate or just as easily score himself.
7. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard senior Wisconsin Dells- Very hard nosed player that can knock down the three point shot and uses his strength to penetrate and score. Also plays some very good defense and crashes the boards well.
8. Charles Lee 5'7 guard freshmen Milwaukee Bay View- The ultimate point guard. Can get by anyone and get into the lane and is always looking to set his teammates up for the layup. If anyone besides Lacy scores on the team it is because of Lee.
9. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center junior Janesville Craig- Very strong player on the inside. Really takes the ball strong to the hoop and does a great job of rebounding on the defensive and offensive ends.
10. Jade Royston 6'0 guard junior Wisconsin Dells- Another very smooth player that has a very pretty shot. Hits the three point shot with ease and has a very nice midrange jumper.
11. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas- Really is a guard but, does a good job of rebounding and playing like a big man. Has the ability to step out and hit the three and help bring the ball up the court if needed.
12. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward senior Madison West- Runs the floor very well and can knock down the open three pointer if given the shot.
13. Mike Hanson 6'6 forward junior Lacrosse Aquinas- Very soft touch for a big man. Has the ability to shoot the three and go inside and score also.
14. Keegan Meier 6'3 forward junior Eau Claire Memorial- Kid that is a very good shooter that when hot can hit from anywhere on the court and be able to drive to the hoop and finish.
15. Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward senior Madion Edgewood- Floor general on the court that always gives 110% and is not afraid to go inside and bang with bigger players.
HM
Michael Collins 6'3 guard senior Madison West
Deon Johnson 6'4 guard senior Madison West
Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Collin Cooper 6'3 forward senior Eau Claire Memorial
Senior Rankings
1. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard Madison Lafollette
2. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward Janesville Craig
3. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard Wisconsin Dells
4. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas
5. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward Madison West
6. Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward Madison Lafollette
7. Michael Collins 6'3 guard Madison West- Real good shooter from three point range and is strongth enough to get inside and score or get fouled.
8. Deon Johnson 6'4 guard Madison West- Another kid that can jump outta the gym and really pounds the glass.
9. Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas- Helps bring the ball up, can shoot the three, gets assists, and pounds the the glass on both ends.
10. Collin Cooper 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial- High energy player that always gives his all has a very good running floater.
Junior Rankings
1. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard Lacrosse Aquinas
3. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward Madison Edgewood
4. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center Janesville Craig
5. Jade Royston 6'0 guard Wisconsin Dells
6. Mike Hanson 6'6 forward Lacrosse Aquinas
7. Keegan Meier 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial
8. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward Janesville Craig- Big kid who can play inside or step outside and shoot the three, and plays some pretty good defense.
9. Joey Kennedy 5'11 guard Janesville Craig- Does a pretty good job of running the point and can shoot the three pointers when open.
10. Stephan Thompson 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View- Kid that really likes to go inside and bang with the bigger guys.
HM
Antoine Howard 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View
Sophomore Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward Madison East
2. Jon Dybevik 6'0 guard Madison Lafollette- Handles the ball really well against the pressure and has the ability to go inside and finish strong.
3. Robert Littleton 6'1 guard Milwaukee Bay View- Athletic player that really likes to run the court, also is willing to crash the boards.
4. Demetrius Turner 6'4 forward Milwaukee Bay View- Another athletic player that likes to run the court and does a good job of battling in the post.
5. Jeff Hull 6'3 forward Madison East- Big strong post player that scores well with his back to the basket.
6. Nate Gibson 6'9 center Wisconsin Dells- Right now a big kid thats a little raw. Looks decent with his back to the basket but, just needs to get stronger. His height is his biggest asset.
Freshmen Rankings
1. Charles Lee 5'7 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Samar Powell 5'6 guard Milwaukee Bay View- Little guy with a nice outside shot and not afraid to go inside and mix it up.
3. Darnell Harris 6'6 forward Milwaukee Bay View- Big athletic guy that can jump outta the gym.
4. Elgin Cook 6'3 forward Milwaukee Bay View- Another athletic kid that likes to get out and run and will go inside and battle for rebounds.
Theres my updated list. Have had a hard time getting to games because of weather and the fact that I really don't wanna go to games by myself. I have gone to a few games here and there by myself but, it is more fun to go with someone. So will see, I have my sights set on Janesville Craig and Madison West this weekend and possibly a stop by Wisconsin Dells vs Nekoosa, thats a big maybe though.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Badgers too much for Panthers
Wisconsin easily handled UW Milwaukee tonight 61-39. Milwaukee was able to hang with Wisconsin early but, in the second half Wisconsin's size and athleticism took over. Wisconsin was able to get second and third chances all night long and were able to get to every lose ball. When Milwaukee had the ball the turned the ball over way too much and tried to force passes into places where there wasn't an opening.
Tonight Marcus Landry finally looked like the player that I had been expecting to see all year long. With Stiemsma now coming off the bench Landry has been allowed to play more in the post where he is more comfortable. Landry was able to take the UW Milwaukee big men inside and use his patented spin move to score, as he led Wisconsin with 16 points. Brian Butch was he's usual impressive self as he was able to score inside over the smaller Panther players. Trevon Hughes may not of done the scoring that we have seen in past games but, he really played a very good game as a point guard. Hughes only took one long three point shot that I can remember and focused on penetrating and scoring or dishing to a teammate for a wide open three pointer. Michael Flowers also had a pretty solid game both on the defensive and offensive end. Joe Krabenhoft and Jason Bohannon continue to disappoint me. Krabenhoft only had two points, three boards, and two assists. I guess that isn't terribly bad but, I'm just expecting alittle more from him. Bohannon is really non-existent right now, as he didn't take a shot in the game right now.
For UW Milwaukee there weren't many positives. Torre Johnson is a really good player but, got into early foul trouble which slowed him down and then seemed to shy away from aggressive play the rest of the game. Milwaukee is a pretty young team that is going to struggle a bit this year. They have some good players but, just don't seem to have a team concept down as their players seem to go one on one alittle too much.
Milwaukee is really in rebuilding mode this year, so I don't see this game as a turn around game for Wisconsin just winning a game they should win. So far Wisconsin has beat the teams they should beat and lost to the good teams, it will be very interesting to see how the Big Ten season plays out.
Tonight Marcus Landry finally looked like the player that I had been expecting to see all year long. With Stiemsma now coming off the bench Landry has been allowed to play more in the post where he is more comfortable. Landry was able to take the UW Milwaukee big men inside and use his patented spin move to score, as he led Wisconsin with 16 points. Brian Butch was he's usual impressive self as he was able to score inside over the smaller Panther players. Trevon Hughes may not of done the scoring that we have seen in past games but, he really played a very good game as a point guard. Hughes only took one long three point shot that I can remember and focused on penetrating and scoring or dishing to a teammate for a wide open three pointer. Michael Flowers also had a pretty solid game both on the defensive and offensive end. Joe Krabenhoft and Jason Bohannon continue to disappoint me. Krabenhoft only had two points, three boards, and two assists. I guess that isn't terribly bad but, I'm just expecting alittle more from him. Bohannon is really non-existent right now, as he didn't take a shot in the game right now.
For UW Milwaukee there weren't many positives. Torre Johnson is a really good player but, got into early foul trouble which slowed him down and then seemed to shy away from aggressive play the rest of the game. Milwaukee is a pretty young team that is going to struggle a bit this year. They have some good players but, just don't seem to have a team concept down as their players seem to go one on one alittle too much.
Milwaukee is really in rebuilding mode this year, so I don't see this game as a turn around game for Wisconsin just winning a game they should win. So far Wisconsin has beat the teams they should beat and lost to the good teams, it will be very interesting to see how the Big Ten season plays out.
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