Winona State Dominates

This past weekend made the trip back to my college Alma Mater to visit my brother and a friend and was able to catch a Winona State basketball game while I was there. For anyone that follows college basketball, you know that Winona is one of the best teams in the country for Division two. Two years ago they won it all and last year everyone witnessed their late game implosion, as Barton defeated them in the championship game.

Winona State was playing Bemidji State and Winona jumped all over Bemidji early and never looked back. Bemidji was severely undermanned in this game and was never really in this game. The Beavers seemed timid to go inside and really liked a big man that was able to go inside and score. Couple players who stuck out for Bemidji were Patrick Cassidy, Arron Evans, and Sergej Baskow. Cassidy didn't score much but, was one of the few guys that were aggressive and was able to get inside, unfortunately the shots weren't falling, I also saw Cassidy played in high school so I paid close attention to him. Evans seemed to be able to score at will early in the game it seemed as he was able to use his quickness to get inside or get separation and pull up for a jumper. At only six foot though he wore down go against the bigger Winona defenders and was a non factor in the second half. Baskow was another guy that was able to get inside and score. Basow had 12 points and I think he scored 10 of them in a row, as he was able to get the ball in the post and make some nice moves with his back to the basket. Baskow's domination may of been because Winona was already in cruise control but, 12 points is 12 points.

For Winona I'm gonna do a run down of each player on their team because many of the players are from Wisconsin high schools.

Starters
Travis Whipple 5'10 jr (Minn HS) I've never been a big fan of Whipple but, does a pretty good job of running the Warriors offense. Despite his size Whipple handles the full court pressure fairly well. When he penetrates he is usually looking to pass, does most of his scoring from the three point line.
David Johnson 6'2 soph (Minn HS) Is a big time gunner out on the court. Can score points in a hurry. Is a very very good three point shooter, when Winona is on the break you need to find Johnson.
Jonte Flowers 6'5 sr (Madison Lafollette) Since he's come to Winona he had been the best defender in the conference and always guards the other teams best player. Gets into foul trouble at times when he gets too greedy going for steals. Every year his offensive game has improved. Jonte can knock down the outside shot, post up, or penetrate and score. Flowers is everyones favorite player.
Quincy Henderson 6'5 sr (Madison Lafollette) Does all the little things. Typically guards the other teams power forward despite really being a guard. Henderson does a great job rebounding and can really shoot the three pointer as well as post up. Is always looking to set his teammates up and in my opinion is too unselfish at times. When Flowers is in foul trouble Henderson will typically take the challenge of guarding the other teams best player.
John Smith 6'8 sr (ILL HS) The reigning player of the year in D2 says it all. Nothing finesse in Smiths game at all. When he gets the ball he's taking it to the hoop strong and loves to finish with a dunk. Is a 20 point 10 rebound guy every night. Very very physical player that's looking to bang, that has improved his outside game this year it appears. Hit a three pointer in the game and in warm ups was knocking down three after three. One thing I would like to see Smith do is pass out of the double team more. Seems at times when he gets the ball he's shooting it no matter what.

Bench
Ben Fischer 6'1 fr (Wausau East) Loved this kid in high school and continue to like him now. Probably could be a double digit scorer but, really is a true point guard looking to set his teammates up but, can score when needed. Could always really get up and showed it with a one handed throw down in the game.
Josh Korth 6'7 jr (Minn HS) Big time sharp shooter from three point range, surprised when he misses. Has improved his off the dribble game but, is only offensive game is still the spot up three pointer.
Curtrel Robinson 6'5 jr (Madison Lafollette) Another very good defender from Lafollette who has no problem guarding a guard or a post player. A very good rebounder who can knock down the spot up three.
Matt Smith 6'9 fr ( Burlington Catholic Central) Lacks an offensive game at this time but, plays good defensive and is a solid rebounder. Does a good job of spelling John Smith.
Brent Riese 6'1 sr (Oregon) Usually comes in to knock down the three point shot. Does a decent job of bring the ball down the court and is a solid on the ball defender.
Bryce Welch 6'1 fr (Weyawega Fremont) Top scorer in the state of Wisconsin two years ago. Watching in warm ups it appears that he can torch the net but, just needs more playing time.

Guys that weren't suited up.
Ryan Gargaro 6'10 sr ( Minn HS) Finesse big man that's happy fading away then going into the defense, looks to pass more then score. Not a shot blocker but, does a go job of moving his feet on defense.
Shane Neis 6'5 sr (Ill HS) Garbage time player that can knock down the three point shot.
Brad Meyer 6'4 fr (Winona) Never seen him play so can't say much.
Michael Muller 6'9 ( Lacrosse Aquinas) Simply on the team because he's tall.

Winona State will once again challenge for the division two national championship title but, they aren't nearly as good as the last two seasons. They don't have the guard that has the ball in their hands all the time that can score at will. Smith is their big time player but, he needs a guard to get him the ball for him to score. Jonte Flowers or David Johnson will have to be big in the scoring department in order for Winona to make it back to the championship game.