Sorry I haven't been posting much lately but, theres just been a lot going on and not much time to write. The Badgers looked horrible in their final game of the year while the four number ones seeds made it to the final four which wasn't a huge surprise to anyone. The only good game of the weekend was Davidson vs Kansas, which Davidson could of won if Stephen Curry could of gotten a three off. The baseballs opening day was yesterday which provide some new excitement in my sports world. This means that my postings will begin to focus on baseball and slow pitch softball. Speaking of which Saturday was my first time out on the field and took some batting practice and a little defense, already getting real excited for the season. Well anyway on to my all shooter team which may be my final high school basketball posting of the year unless something else strikes me. I'll also be posting my sixth man of the year.
1st Team
6'7 JR Michael Hanson Lacrosse Aquinas- Best shooting big man in the state. Falls in love with the three a little too much at times and needs to look to score on the inside.
6'2 SR Ryan Rasmussen Waupun- Was lights out in the game I saw him as he scored 18 first quarter points.
6'0 SR Jimmy Merritt Lake Geneva Badger- Single handily kept Badger in the state game against Madison Memorial with the three ball.
6'3 SR Michael Griffin Iola Scandinavia- Knocks down some of the deepest three pointers in the state and doesn't need much room to get his shot off.
6'4 SR Aris Wurtz Waupun- If he gets a chance to spot up the shots going to drop.
2nd Team
6'1 SR Alex Izzo New Berlin Eisenhower- Dominated the state championship game with his three point shooting. When he's hot he just doesn't miss.
6'4 SR Jon Stubbe Middleton- Best spot up shooter I saw all year long. He sets his feet the shots going to fall.
5'11 JR Johnny Lacy Milwaukee Bay View- Very good three point shooter off the dribble.
6'1 SR Michael Knop Madison Lafollette- Didn't play big minutes but, when he came in you knew he was gonna drop a three and he usually did just that.
6'1 SR Cashton Craig Madison Lafollette- When he gets hot he doesn't even need to be looking at the hoop for his shot to fall.
HM
6'0 JR Jade Royston Wisconsin Dells- Very tough shooter then never lets his struggles get him down. He may struggle in a game but, when the game is on the line he'll knock down the shot.
6'0 SR Marc Manske River Valley- Big time gamer that gets his feet set very quickly and knock down a ton of shots in a hurry.
6'2 SR Brett Semenas Middleton- Another very very good spot up shooter.
5'9 SR Josh Regal Suring- Very good shooter off the dribble, with a great mid range jumper.
6'0 JR Mitch Tordoff Monroe- Knocks down the deep threes with ease give him room and the shot will fall.
Now it comes down to the sixth man award. It came down to two guys. Eric Williams for Wauwatosa East and Kirk Nicklaus from Lacrosse Aquinas. Williams probably would of started for most teams in the state but, for some reason the East coach decided to bring him off the bench. Nicklaus had a great state tournament but, Williams did it for the entire year as he was second on the Tosa East team in scoring. Therefor Eric Willams of Wauwatosa East is my sixth man of the year (Yes he started half the games but, didn't start a majority and came off the bench in the two of the three games I saw him).
Well that concludes my high school basketball talk for the year and we will now start the baseball and softball talk.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
All Underrated Team
The All Underrated Team is probably the team thats the most fun to give. These are the guys that give it their all and do all the little things and may not get the hype of teammates. They don't have the huge numbers but, these guys are the glue players that get their teams going.
1st Team
6'7 JR Zach Ripley Waunakee- Solid rebounder that plays pretty good defense. On the offensive end always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
6'5 SR Kris Wilber Suring- A beast on the offensive and defensive boards. Has the ability to come out and knock down the 15 footer.
6'2 SR Al Mayne Madison East- Great great defensive player that can do alittle bit of everything. Offensively can post up, knock down the outside shot, and helps bring the ball up the court.
6'2 SR Derek Nkemji Madison Memorial- Does all the little things for Memorial. Another very good defender, can knock down the three point shot, free throws, handle the ball, and is one of the best rebounders on the team.
6'2 SR Michael Horton Madison West- Very good pass first point guard that can knock down the three if left open. When this team is playing good its when Horton is making things happen and the ball is in his hands for the majority of the time.
2nd Team
6'6 SR Mike Nezworski Eau Claire Regis- The sophomores get all the hype but, Nezworski gets this team going. He's the force in the middle of their 2-3 zone defense, knocks down his free throws in the clutch, and when the games on the line he's the one that comes up with the big basket.
6'4 SR Chad Gunderson Iola Scandinavia- Griffin is the big time scorer but, Gundersons inside play was the key to their success. He was the force on the boards and it seemed when they looked to him on the inside he always scored.
6'4 SR Darnell Small Madison Lafollette- The only real inside force that Lafollette had. Wasn't a big scorer but, Lafollette's success hinged on his play on the boards and the defensive end. Small was able to hold down taller players by using his strength and his wide frame to keep those players out of the post.
5'11 JR Michael Maas Oshkosh West- Guard play was the question mark for West and Maas answered those questions. Maas knocked down the big threes and handled the ball very well and ran the offense effectively.
5'11 SR Ryan Wenkman Wisconsin Dells- Royston got the hype because of his scoring but, Wenkman was the leader that kept Dells in a lot of games. A very heady guard thats are very hardnosed player.
HM
6'3 SR Aaron Hurley Brookfield Central- Guy that always guards the biggest guy on the opposing team and usually the most physical. Loves to play the physical game on defense and grabs a ton of rebounds.
6'4 JR Jared Reuter Randolph- The only real post player for Randolph that prefers to play with his back to the basket. Scores in the post and always is battling on the inside.
6'3 SR Zach Rickaway Lacrosse Aquinas- Big kid that does it all. Scores in the post, rebounds, knocks down the three, and can help bring the ball up the court.
6'3 JR Kyle Goike Janesville Craig- Another kid that does a little bit of everything. If you key on Burns or Pregont, Goike can go off for a big game. Also rebounds very well.
6'4 SR Garret Peck River Valley- Does a great job of guarding bigger player and battling for rebounds. Can take the bigger players outside and go around them.
Just like the rebounding team these players are always working extremely hard and do all the little things. They typically rebound well, play great defense, and put the team ahead of their individual stats.
1st Team
6'7 JR Zach Ripley Waunakee- Solid rebounder that plays pretty good defense. On the offensive end always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
6'5 SR Kris Wilber Suring- A beast on the offensive and defensive boards. Has the ability to come out and knock down the 15 footer.
6'2 SR Al Mayne Madison East- Great great defensive player that can do alittle bit of everything. Offensively can post up, knock down the outside shot, and helps bring the ball up the court.
6'2 SR Derek Nkemji Madison Memorial- Does all the little things for Memorial. Another very good defender, can knock down the three point shot, free throws, handle the ball, and is one of the best rebounders on the team.
6'2 SR Michael Horton Madison West- Very good pass first point guard that can knock down the three if left open. When this team is playing good its when Horton is making things happen and the ball is in his hands for the majority of the time.
2nd Team
6'6 SR Mike Nezworski Eau Claire Regis- The sophomores get all the hype but, Nezworski gets this team going. He's the force in the middle of their 2-3 zone defense, knocks down his free throws in the clutch, and when the games on the line he's the one that comes up with the big basket.
6'4 SR Chad Gunderson Iola Scandinavia- Griffin is the big time scorer but, Gundersons inside play was the key to their success. He was the force on the boards and it seemed when they looked to him on the inside he always scored.
6'4 SR Darnell Small Madison Lafollette- The only real inside force that Lafollette had. Wasn't a big scorer but, Lafollette's success hinged on his play on the boards and the defensive end. Small was able to hold down taller players by using his strength and his wide frame to keep those players out of the post.
5'11 JR Michael Maas Oshkosh West- Guard play was the question mark for West and Maas answered those questions. Maas knocked down the big threes and handled the ball very well and ran the offense effectively.
5'11 SR Ryan Wenkman Wisconsin Dells- Royston got the hype because of his scoring but, Wenkman was the leader that kept Dells in a lot of games. A very heady guard thats are very hardnosed player.
HM
6'3 SR Aaron Hurley Brookfield Central- Guy that always guards the biggest guy on the opposing team and usually the most physical. Loves to play the physical game on defense and grabs a ton of rebounds.
6'4 JR Jared Reuter Randolph- The only real post player for Randolph that prefers to play with his back to the basket. Scores in the post and always is battling on the inside.
6'3 SR Zach Rickaway Lacrosse Aquinas- Big kid that does it all. Scores in the post, rebounds, knocks down the three, and can help bring the ball up the court.
6'3 JR Kyle Goike Janesville Craig- Another kid that does a little bit of everything. If you key on Burns or Pregont, Goike can go off for a big game. Also rebounds very well.
6'4 SR Garret Peck River Valley- Does a great job of guarding bigger player and battling for rebounds. Can take the bigger players outside and go around them.
Just like the rebounding team these players are always working extremely hard and do all the little things. They typically rebound well, play great defense, and put the team ahead of their individual stats.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
All Rebounding Team
With the NCAA tournament going on I took a bit of a break from my high school basketball talk but, with there being a few days until the tournament starts back up again I figured I'd go back to my All WIAA teams. The team I'm looking at is the All Rebounding team. I'll be selecting players based on how they rebound for their position and size, so my team won't consist of a bunch of 6'6 to 6'11 players but, will also have guards.
1st Team
6'6 Forward JR Jeronne Maymon Madison Memorial- I've said it a hundred times. Maymon is the best rebounder in the state, he never gives up the rebounds and works harder then anyone on the offensive glass.
6'5 Forward SO Marquis Mason Madison East- Best leaper in the state and if he puts his mind to it he can nearly get every rebound in a game.
6'4 Forward JR Tommie Gaston Adams Friendship- Same story as Mason. Great leaper that can dominate the boards at times.
6'3 Guard SR Lance Rongstad Eleva Strum- Mr. Everything is also a great rebounder and as is the case with everything in his game, just out works the opponent.
6'3 Guard SO Vander Blue Madison Memorial- Crashes the boards better then any guard I saw all year and probably leads all guards in second chance points.
2nd Team
6'7 Forward JR Tyler Brown Eau Claire North- Gets great position and uses his body very well to get rebounds.
6'5 Forward SR Kris Wilber Suring- The guards get all the hype but, Wilber really makes this team. Does a great job of getting rebounds without having to out jump his opponent.
6'4 Forward JR Jason Ziemer Verona- Another relentless worker that is right behind Maymon in the rebounding category.
6'2 Guard SR Javonte Walters Madison Lafollette- Another guard that really pounds the offensive glass.
5'11 Guard SR Ryan Wenkman Wisconsin Dells- Seemed that whenever Dells need the big rebound it was Wenkman that came up with it.
HM
6'8 Center SR John Benkoske Oshkosh West- Strong player that can take a beating and still get the board. Very tough box out.
6'3 Forward SR Aaron Hurley Brookfield Central- Very physical rebounder that seems to love the contact.
6'4 Forward SR Brice Powell Wauwatosa East- High energy player that never gives up on the rebound.
6'2 Forward SR Derek Nkemji Madison Memorial- Always seems to be in the right place to get the rebound.
6'1 Guard SR Bradie Ewing Richland Center- Star guard not afraid to go inside and help his teammates get the rebound.
As you can see the one common factor with all these players is that they are hard working guys that play at a high energy level. Another thing is that these guys aren't always the best leapers but, the guys that are able to get the best position.
1st Team
6'6 Forward JR Jeronne Maymon Madison Memorial- I've said it a hundred times. Maymon is the best rebounder in the state, he never gives up the rebounds and works harder then anyone on the offensive glass.
6'5 Forward SO Marquis Mason Madison East- Best leaper in the state and if he puts his mind to it he can nearly get every rebound in a game.
6'4 Forward JR Tommie Gaston Adams Friendship- Same story as Mason. Great leaper that can dominate the boards at times.
6'3 Guard SR Lance Rongstad Eleva Strum- Mr. Everything is also a great rebounder and as is the case with everything in his game, just out works the opponent.
6'3 Guard SO Vander Blue Madison Memorial- Crashes the boards better then any guard I saw all year and probably leads all guards in second chance points.
2nd Team
6'7 Forward JR Tyler Brown Eau Claire North- Gets great position and uses his body very well to get rebounds.
6'5 Forward SR Kris Wilber Suring- The guards get all the hype but, Wilber really makes this team. Does a great job of getting rebounds without having to out jump his opponent.
6'4 Forward JR Jason Ziemer Verona- Another relentless worker that is right behind Maymon in the rebounding category.
6'2 Guard SR Javonte Walters Madison Lafollette- Another guard that really pounds the offensive glass.
5'11 Guard SR Ryan Wenkman Wisconsin Dells- Seemed that whenever Dells need the big rebound it was Wenkman that came up with it.
HM
6'8 Center SR John Benkoske Oshkosh West- Strong player that can take a beating and still get the board. Very tough box out.
6'3 Forward SR Aaron Hurley Brookfield Central- Very physical rebounder that seems to love the contact.
6'4 Forward SR Brice Powell Wauwatosa East- High energy player that never gives up on the rebound.
6'2 Forward SR Derek Nkemji Madison Memorial- Always seems to be in the right place to get the rebound.
6'1 Guard SR Bradie Ewing Richland Center- Star guard not afraid to go inside and help his teammates get the rebound.
As you can see the one common factor with all these players is that they are hard working guys that play at a high energy level. Another thing is that these guys aren't always the best leapers but, the guys that are able to get the best position.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sweet 16 Picks
The first two rounds of the tournament is over and my bracket is basically ruined so I might as well redue my sweet 16 picks. The four number one seeds are still around so those are the obvious picks but, if history shows us anything not all of those number ones will make it to the final four. Well here are my tournament picks from the sweet 16 on.
North Carolina over Washington State- North Carolina looked great in their first two games and just have too many weapons for WSU.
Louisville over Tennessee- The Volunteers really struggled in their game against Butler and Louisville has the inside presence to dominate the Tennessee big men.
Kansas over Villanova- Villanova's hot streak comes to an end as they match up against the far superior Jayhawks.
Wisconsin over Davidson- Davidson star Stephon Curry is shut down by defensive stopper Michael Flowers and Davidson's run ends.
Memphis over Michigan State- State doesn't have the defense to stop Memphis's dribble drive offense.
Texas over Stanford- The versatility of the Texas big men will give the Lopez brothers some trouble.
UCLA over West Kentucky- UCLA has had a great season and West Kentucky has had some lucky draws and that luck will run out.
West Virginia over Xavier- WVU is playing great right now and Xavier has had a couple very tough games.
Elite 8
North Carolina over Louisville- Should be a great game to watch which Tyler Hansbrough being the difference in the end.
Kansas over Wisconsin- Kansas is just too athletic for Wisconsin.
Texas over Memphis- Poor free throw shooting finally hurts Memphis in a close game.
UCLA over West Virginia- Theres no one to stop Love who should have a huge game.
Final Four
North Carolina over Kansas- Kansas has never been able to win the big game.
UCLA over Texas- Love keeps UCLA rolling.
CHAMPIONSHIP
North Carolina over UCLA
UCLA has been getting the breaks all year and I don't think they'll be able to get them in this game.
North Carolina over Washington State- North Carolina looked great in their first two games and just have too many weapons for WSU.
Louisville over Tennessee- The Volunteers really struggled in their game against Butler and Louisville has the inside presence to dominate the Tennessee big men.
Kansas over Villanova- Villanova's hot streak comes to an end as they match up against the far superior Jayhawks.
Wisconsin over Davidson- Davidson star Stephon Curry is shut down by defensive stopper Michael Flowers and Davidson's run ends.
Memphis over Michigan State- State doesn't have the defense to stop Memphis's dribble drive offense.
Texas over Stanford- The versatility of the Texas big men will give the Lopez brothers some trouble.
UCLA over West Kentucky- UCLA has had a great season and West Kentucky has had some lucky draws and that luck will run out.
West Virginia over Xavier- WVU is playing great right now and Xavier has had a couple very tough games.
Elite 8
North Carolina over Louisville- Should be a great game to watch which Tyler Hansbrough being the difference in the end.
Kansas over Wisconsin- Kansas is just too athletic for Wisconsin.
Texas over Memphis- Poor free throw shooting finally hurts Memphis in a close game.
UCLA over West Virginia- Theres no one to stop Love who should have a huge game.
Final Four
North Carolina over Kansas- Kansas has never been able to win the big game.
UCLA over Texas- Love keeps UCLA rolling.
CHAMPIONSHIP
North Carolina over UCLA
UCLA has been getting the breaks all year and I don't think they'll be able to get them in this game.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
NCAA Day 1 Tournament Thoughts
With the NCAA tournament starting today I figured talking about the tournament might be a better topic then the my all whatever high school teams, which can wait until the beginning of next week. Due to having to work (note to self take the first two days of March Madness of next year) I missed all the day games but, will still give some of my thoughts of what I saw from the first day. Right now I'm currently only gotten one game wrong so far, which doesn't say much because probably 80% of people that filled out brackets are probably doing that well.
Georgia looked like they were going to keep the tournament run alive but, Xavier was able to come back and get the win. With Xavier struggling like they did in the first game I'm sticking with Purdue taking down Xavier in the second round.
The first big upset nearly occurred as Belmont and Duke went right to the wire before the game was decided. Belmont was able to run and gun with Duke all night long and gave even more reason to believe that Duke will be making an early exit as many people have predicted. Would not be shocked at all to see Duke get beaten by either West Virginia or Arizona. The winner of that second round game will probably make the elite eight with ease and then give UCLA a pretty good game for the final four.
Kansas State was very impressive in their win tonight as their star Michael Beasley was in foul trouble for much of the game which limited his production. Beasley still got his double double but, it was Bill Walker that was the difference as he scored 17 first half points. If Walker keeps up that and Beasley is his normal self they could really give Wisconsin some problems, who is struggling a bit right now. Badgers are up 28-24 with about two minutes left in the game. Right now the Badgers are turning the ball over and the big guys are having problems sticking with the smaller quicker Cal State Fullerton players. On the other side those bigs are using their size to dominate the boards and get a lot of second chance points. I'm getting alittle worried now as its a two point game with a minute left in the half.
Should be another great day of basketball tomorrow and I should have much more to talk about, if work doesn't get in the way too much.
Georgia looked like they were going to keep the tournament run alive but, Xavier was able to come back and get the win. With Xavier struggling like they did in the first game I'm sticking with Purdue taking down Xavier in the second round.
The first big upset nearly occurred as Belmont and Duke went right to the wire before the game was decided. Belmont was able to run and gun with Duke all night long and gave even more reason to believe that Duke will be making an early exit as many people have predicted. Would not be shocked at all to see Duke get beaten by either West Virginia or Arizona. The winner of that second round game will probably make the elite eight with ease and then give UCLA a pretty good game for the final four.
Kansas State was very impressive in their win tonight as their star Michael Beasley was in foul trouble for much of the game which limited his production. Beasley still got his double double but, it was Bill Walker that was the difference as he scored 17 first half points. If Walker keeps up that and Beasley is his normal self they could really give Wisconsin some problems, who is struggling a bit right now. Badgers are up 28-24 with about two minutes left in the game. Right now the Badgers are turning the ball over and the big guys are having problems sticking with the smaller quicker Cal State Fullerton players. On the other side those bigs are using their size to dominate the boards and get a lot of second chance points. I'm getting alittle worried now as its a two point game with a minute left in the half.
Should be another great day of basketball tomorrow and I should have much more to talk about, if work doesn't get in the way too much.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
All Defensive Team
The ESPN and sports illustrated always doing there all defensive teams, all NBA teams, and sixth man award so I figured I'd do my personal teams excluding an all WIAA team because that can be figured out by my player rankings. I'll be doing all defensive team, all rebounding team, all underrated team, all shooter team and sixth man. I'm going to split each team into separate post that will hopefully take up some more time until the softball season begins.
Defensive Team
1st
Evan Anderson 6'11 So Center Eau Claire North- His height gives him the advantage right away. Big time shot blocker and he alters so many shots.
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 Jr Forward Madison Memorial- Has very quick hands and seemed to be able to his hands on all the inside passes. Showed he's a very good shot blocker at state.
Derek Nkemji 6'2 Sr Forward Madison Memorial- Always guards the other teams best player whether their a guard or big man.
Al Mayne 6'2 Sr Forward Madison East- Always guards the other teams best perimeter player. Probably the best on the ball defender I've seen all year and can get up and block some shots.
Kwamain Mitchell 6'0 Sr Guard Whitefish Bay Dominican- Very quick hands, gets a ton of steals. Can lock down whoever he's guarding at any time.
2nd
Marquis Mason 6'5 So Forward Madison East- Bigtime shot blocker, always looking to pick off lazy passes.
Lance Rongstad 6'2 Sr Guard Eleva Strum- Very physical defender that doesn't let his man touch the ball. Solid shot blocker coming from the weak side.
Lucas Morrissey 6'3 Sr Forward Lacrosse Aquinas- Can guard big men or little guys and will do a good job. Always has a hand in your face and does a good job of denying the post.
Darnell Small 6'4 Sr Forward Madison Lafollette- Big man that uses his strength to make up for his lack of height. Uses his strength to push opponents off the block.
Tony Walls 5'11 Sr Guard Wauwatosa East- Very quick hands, that gets him a bunch of steals.
HM
Javonte Walters 6'2 Sr Guard Madison Lafollette- Does a good job of just denying his man the ball and not letting him touch it.
JD Wise 6'2 Sr Guard Whitefish Bay Dominican- Another great on the ball defender that won't let you get around him.
Ryan Wenkman 5'11 Sr Guard Wisconsin Dells- Very physical defender that gets right up in your face and makes it difficult to get a shot off.
Tommie Gaston 6'4 Jr Forward Adams Friendship- Great shot blocker that has some very good timing.
Darnell Harris 6'6 Fr Forward Milwaukee Bay View- Another big shot blocker but, one of the biggest things is that he's not afraid to take a charge.
Tomorrow will be my all rebounding team. Once again still looking for a softball sponsor in the Dells.
Defensive Team
1st
Evan Anderson 6'11 So Center Eau Claire North- His height gives him the advantage right away. Big time shot blocker and he alters so many shots.
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 Jr Forward Madison Memorial- Has very quick hands and seemed to be able to his hands on all the inside passes. Showed he's a very good shot blocker at state.
Derek Nkemji 6'2 Sr Forward Madison Memorial- Always guards the other teams best player whether their a guard or big man.
Al Mayne 6'2 Sr Forward Madison East- Always guards the other teams best perimeter player. Probably the best on the ball defender I've seen all year and can get up and block some shots.
Kwamain Mitchell 6'0 Sr Guard Whitefish Bay Dominican- Very quick hands, gets a ton of steals. Can lock down whoever he's guarding at any time.
2nd
Marquis Mason 6'5 So Forward Madison East- Bigtime shot blocker, always looking to pick off lazy passes.
Lance Rongstad 6'2 Sr Guard Eleva Strum- Very physical defender that doesn't let his man touch the ball. Solid shot blocker coming from the weak side.
Lucas Morrissey 6'3 Sr Forward Lacrosse Aquinas- Can guard big men or little guys and will do a good job. Always has a hand in your face and does a good job of denying the post.
Darnell Small 6'4 Sr Forward Madison Lafollette- Big man that uses his strength to make up for his lack of height. Uses his strength to push opponents off the block.
Tony Walls 5'11 Sr Guard Wauwatosa East- Very quick hands, that gets him a bunch of steals.
HM
Javonte Walters 6'2 Sr Guard Madison Lafollette- Does a good job of just denying his man the ball and not letting him touch it.
JD Wise 6'2 Sr Guard Whitefish Bay Dominican- Another great on the ball defender that won't let you get around him.
Ryan Wenkman 5'11 Sr Guard Wisconsin Dells- Very physical defender that gets right up in your face and makes it difficult to get a shot off.
Tommie Gaston 6'4 Jr Forward Adams Friendship- Great shot blocker that has some very good timing.
Darnell Harris 6'6 Fr Forward Milwaukee Bay View- Another big shot blocker but, one of the biggest things is that he's not afraid to take a charge.
Tomorrow will be my all rebounding team. Once again still looking for a softball sponsor in the Dells.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Early Favorites For Next Year
The 2007-2008 season has just come to an end and here are my thoughts on some of the earlier favorites for next year.
Division One
Favorite
Madison Memorial- State runner ups lose only two players and return top player in the state Jeronne Maymon.
Contenders
Milwaukee Vincent- Always have loads of talent and bring back Michael Weems, Steve Stovall, and Larry Bradley.
Oshkosh West- Return four starters including 6'8 David Anderson and 6'6 Paul Wojahn.
DarkHorses
Eau Claire North- Bring back three starters and height in 6'11 Evan Anderson, 6'7 Tyler Brown, and 6'5 Andy Kleist.
Milwaukee King- Don't return a lot of players but, King always is there in the end.
Racine Horlick- Jamil Wilson and Antwon Oliver are back.
Milwaukee Bay View- Johnnie Lacy is back along with everyone else.
Division Two
No real favorites just some Contenders
Monroe- Tordoff brothers are back.
Wisconsin Lutheran- Flavian Davis is back so they have a chance.
Adams Friendship- Great defense is back as always along with Tommie Gaston and Lance Fritz.
Catholic Memorial- TJ Bray and Derek Schill are back.
Division Three
Favorite
Lacrosse Aquinas- Good coach and Jimmy Whitehead should lead them back to state. Michael Hanson gives some height at 6'7
Conteders
Racine St Cats- Lawson brothers and Jake Thomas return to form a strong trio.
Eau Claire Regis- State team returns leaving scorers Adams Ganske and Jack Eaton a lot with top bench players Nick Bowe, Connor Miller, and Vincent Phillips.
Darkhorses
Manitowoc Roncalli- Always solid Roncalli brings by star freshmen Ben Stelzer.
Whitefish Bay Dominican- Always talented Knights return Jerrel Harris and Mikael Luter.
Divison Four
Favorite
Randolph- State team losses only one player.
Contenders
Benton- bring back there top four scorers in Hendricks twins, Kane Hoffman, and Michael Droessler.
Darkhorses
Hillsboro- Undefeated in the regular season and return top two leading scorers Pat Alexander and Justin Thompson.
Theres my early favorites for next year. I'm excited for next year but, it will be nice to have a break and get out and play a ton of softball this year.
Speaking of softball I'm currently looking for a softball sponsor for my team in Wisconsin Dells. Anyone out there that might be willing to sponsor a team or know someone that might be interested in sponsoring a team send me a comment or email. Its a cost of $400 dollars for the league and if the sponsor is willing cost of shirts but, we are willing to pay for our own shirts.
Division One
Favorite
Madison Memorial- State runner ups lose only two players and return top player in the state Jeronne Maymon.
Contenders
Milwaukee Vincent- Always have loads of talent and bring back Michael Weems, Steve Stovall, and Larry Bradley.
Oshkosh West- Return four starters including 6'8 David Anderson and 6'6 Paul Wojahn.
DarkHorses
Eau Claire North- Bring back three starters and height in 6'11 Evan Anderson, 6'7 Tyler Brown, and 6'5 Andy Kleist.
Milwaukee King- Don't return a lot of players but, King always is there in the end.
Racine Horlick- Jamil Wilson and Antwon Oliver are back.
Milwaukee Bay View- Johnnie Lacy is back along with everyone else.
Division Two
No real favorites just some Contenders
Monroe- Tordoff brothers are back.
Wisconsin Lutheran- Flavian Davis is back so they have a chance.
Adams Friendship- Great defense is back as always along with Tommie Gaston and Lance Fritz.
Catholic Memorial- TJ Bray and Derek Schill are back.
Division Three
Favorite
Lacrosse Aquinas- Good coach and Jimmy Whitehead should lead them back to state. Michael Hanson gives some height at 6'7
Conteders
Racine St Cats- Lawson brothers and Jake Thomas return to form a strong trio.
Eau Claire Regis- State team returns leaving scorers Adams Ganske and Jack Eaton a lot with top bench players Nick Bowe, Connor Miller, and Vincent Phillips.
Darkhorses
Manitowoc Roncalli- Always solid Roncalli brings by star freshmen Ben Stelzer.
Whitefish Bay Dominican- Always talented Knights return Jerrel Harris and Mikael Luter.
Divison Four
Favorite
Randolph- State team losses only one player.
Contenders
Benton- bring back there top four scorers in Hendricks twins, Kane Hoffman, and Michael Droessler.
Darkhorses
Hillsboro- Undefeated in the regular season and return top two leading scorers Pat Alexander and Justin Thompson.
Theres my early favorites for next year. I'm excited for next year but, it will be nice to have a break and get out and play a ton of softball this year.
Speaking of softball I'm currently looking for a softball sponsor for my team in Wisconsin Dells. Anyone out there that might be willing to sponsor a team or know someone that might be interested in sponsoring a team send me a comment or email. Its a cost of $400 dollars for the league and if the sponsor is willing cost of shirts but, we are willing to pay for our own shirts.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Look Back at Preseason Rankings
I thought it would be interesting to take a look back at my preseason rankings and see how good I actually did on predicting the season. The rankings shown are my preseason rankings, whats in bold is my post season thoughts on my preseason picks.
Division 1
1. Milwauke Pius XI- The #1 ranked player in the state 5'11 Korie Lucious teams with 6'0 Tyrone Gordon to form the states top back court. A state title will hinge on the play of big men 6'5 Matt Chrnelich and 6'4 Anthony Kuenzi. Never really got things going as lack of chemistry really hurt them. Won their conference but couldn't win the big games and lost in the second round of the tournament and finished 15-7 and unranked.
2. Appleton East- A one loss team a year ago returns four starters and is lead by top 50 seniors 5'8 Matt Coenen and 6'5 Matt Clarke. Finished the regular season 7th but, never really lived up to their hype and ended up losing sectional final game.
3. Milwaukee King- Generals lose only 2 players from last years state team. I'd put Kings top 12 against any in the state. Had a pretty good year only losing to good teams but, weren't able to beat any of the good teams. Finished the regular season ranked 11th.
4. Oshkosh West- Two time defending champs may be the tallest team in the state with 5 players at 6'5 or taller. Big question mark at the guard positions though. Struggled early on and had to overcome that slow start but, were able to make it to state once again and lose in semifinal game so I guess you can say they finished in top four. Unranked final ranking.
5. Milwaukee Vincent- Vikings reload once again behind 6'4 senior Marvin Fitzgerald, 6'3 junior sharpshooter Michael Weems, and sensational freshmen 6'2 Larry Bradley. Had a ton of talent and had a good year but, were upended by Germantown in the sectional final by one point. Final ranking 10th.
6. Janesville Craig- Very strong senior class led by 6'6 sharpshooter senior Lucas Burns. Another team that never lived up to their hype and had a slow start with a strong finished but, lost in the sectional semifinals. Finished the year unranked.
7. Verona- Wildcats return 4 starters from a state tournament team from a year ago. Basically had the same year they had last year. Did great in their conference losing twice only to Monroe and had a strong tournament run losing in the sectional final. The lose of Sky Waters really hurt them on the offensive end.
8. Wauwatosa East- Raiders lose only one significant player from last years team. Tosa has 8 very good guards but lack a true big man and may have difficulty spreading out the minutes. Tosa reached their full potential and more as they were able to win state behind those top eight players, who really worked well together. Lost only one game all year and really deserved their championship.
9. Wausau East- East returns 5 players from state team from a year ago. Expecting huge year from 6'3 senior Jordan Fischer. Struggle a lot this year to even win within their conference, probably one of the biggest dissapointments for me.
10. Eau Claire North- #1 ranked Sophmore 6'11 Evan Anderson teams with top 10 6'7 Junior Tyler Brown to for the states top front line. Also have a pretty solid point guard in 5'8 senior Paul Hahn. Thought the height would be huge for them and it was as North was able to get to state before their season came to an end. Lost only three games all year.
HM
Madison Memorial- 6'6 junior Jeronne Maymon is a first team all state player but, the rest of the team remains a question mark. Over achieved most peoples predictions as they dominated the Big Eight Conference once again and were the favorite coming into the state tournament and ended up losing in the championship game. Jeronne Maymon showed he's the most dominating player in the state and Memorial is the early favorite for next year.
Milwaukee Bradley Tech- #5 ranked senior 5'11 Chris McHenry joins 5'10 senior Rashad Carrington and 5'11 senior Marcus Jenkins to form one of the best back courts in the state. Probably the second biggest dissapointment in the state. A year ago Tech lost in the sectional final and this year finished middle of the pack and lost second round of playoffs.
Germantown- Warhawks nearly beat state runners up Milwaukee Vincent in sectionals and return top junior big man 6'6 Ben Averkamp and 6'5 senior Zack Neumann along with ultra quick point guard 6'1 senior Rick Bowers. Met the expectations and even more as they finally defeated Milwaukee Vincent and made it to state before losing to Oshkosh West in OT.
Milwaukee Washington- Last years second place team in the city conference returns first team all city player 6'2 senior DeMarcus Phillips and 6'8 senior Patrick Davis. Had a great year undefeated regular season that nobody saw coming but, unfortunatly lost in the sectional semifinals.
Racine Horlick- Any team with a top 10 nationally ranked player like 6'6 junior Jamil Wilson deserves to be at least honorable mention. Wilson really carried this team to a respectable finish but wasn't enough as Horlick lost in the sectional final.
Ashwaubenon- 6'2 senior Jeremy Paprocki is already a big time scorer and if 6'8 Jacob Koch can have the senior season like older brother Adam had a few years ago, Jaguars will have a good shot at state. Had a pretty solid regular season but, in the playoffs just couldn't get it done as the lost in the sectional semifinals.
Division 2
1. Monroe- Defending state champs return four starters including star guards 6'0 senior Brett Stangel and 5'11 junior Mitch Tordoff. Had another great regular season but, their hot shooting left them in the state semifinal game and they lost to New Berlin Eisenhower.
2. Wisconsin Lutheran- Little Ten champs return top 50 senior 5'11 Brandon Whiteside along with #2 ranked sophmore 6'5 Flavian Davis. Had a good regular season but, kind of laid an egg losing in the regional final.
3. Waupun- Warriors return two 20 point scorers in seniors 6'1 Ryan Rasmussen and 6'4 Aris Wurtz. Would of had a great great year but, just couldn't beat Plymouth who gave them all three of their losses.
4. Waukesha Catholic Memorial- Crusaders will be well prepared for tournament play after playing in one of the toughest D1 conferences. Senior starters 6'6 Tom Neary and 6'5 Dayton Young and super soph 6'3 TJ Bray should be fully recovered from last seasons injury. Another team with a great year but, laid an egg in the playoffs losing second round.
5. East Troy- Trojans return everyone from last years 18-3 team including 6'8 senior Alex Bondar Were as good as expected and ended up losing to Monroe by one in the sectional final.
6. New Richmond- Middle Boarder runner ups return 6'6 seniors Brett Anderson and Dan Stovall along with returning starter 6'0 senior Hayden Zimmerman. Had another solid year but, Spooner was able to take them down once again.
7. Rice Lake- Warriors return elite junior 6'0 Alex Culy and top big man 6'5 senior Andrew Lochmann. Another team that fell apart in the playoffs and lost second round.
8. Seymour- Seymour has to be in the top 10 every year after so many state appearances its just expected. This team was top 10 only in name and showed it in the playoffs as they lost second round.
9. Adams Friendship- 1-3-1 defense always gives AF chance to make a big tourney run. 6'4 junior Tommie Gaston is one of the most exciting players in Division two. Didn't have a great regular season but, should their toughness as they were able to get to the state championship game before losing.
10. Port Washington- State runner ups return their top two players in 6'5 senior Chris Prom and 6'2 sophmore Josh Gasser. Last years state runners up had about the same regular season but, weren't able to turn in on the playoffs like last year.
HM
Wisconsin Dells- State tournament Chiefs are led by a strong back court in 5'11 senior Ryan Wenkman and 5'10 junior Jade Royston Good regular season but, never could beat the top tier teams and it showed in their lose to Monroe in sectiona semifinals.
Madison Edgewood- Crusaders always get the most out of their talent. Played hard and disciplined but, didn't have the talent of years past.
Spooner- Rails return three starters from last years sectional finals team. Made it as far as last year losing in sectional finals in the northwest, so HM was about the right place for them.
Divsion 3
1. Whitefish Bay Dominican- Knights have the top back court in division 3 with 5'10 junior Jerrel Harris, JD Wise, #2 ranked senior, 6'0 Kwamain Mitchell(when he returns from injury). Big question mark is lack of big men. Where a great team but, the lack of a big man kept them from winning a championship.
2. Racine St. Cats- The lost of big man 6'6 James Haarsma will be significantly felt but, the loss will be eased by the return of 4 key players. Lightning quick senior point guard 6'0 Patrick Souter returns in the back court along with sharpshooter junior 6'3 James Thomas. In the post juniors Javar and Jarvis Lawson at 6'4 and 6'3 return. Souter missed the season with an injury which basically sealed St. Cats season.
3. Laconia- Veteran team is led by 6'5 senior Kieran Weed and 6'3 junior Serek Semenas, both returning first team all-conference players. Had a great great regular season going undefeated and then lost to a very hot Iola Scandinavia team in the playoffs.
4. Iola Scandinavia- One loss team a year ago returns everyone including high scoring 6'2 senior Mike Griffin. Everyone knew they could score, this year they finally played defense and made it to the D3 championship game before losing.
5. Arcadia- Defending Coulee champs bring everyone back including 11 seniors and are led by 6'5 senior Jordan Rumpel. Another great regular season but, appeared over matched in the regional final game against Aquinas who dominated them.
6.Cuba City- Cubans have one of the all time great coaches in Jerry Petitgue and are led by super soph 6'2 Evan Richard. Very scrappy team that made it to the sectional final game before getting dominated by Aquinas so 6th was about right.
7. Colby- Horneys lose only 2 players from last year, neither were starters. Are led by a strong junior class that features 6'5 Wade Sebold and 6'2 Jordan Rahm. Colby was a good team but, maybe not 7th as they lost to Fall Creek in regional final.
8. Lacrosse Aquinas- Last years runner ups return 6'3 seniors Lucas Morrissey and Zach Rickaway. Along with JV call up 6'1 junior Jimmy Whitehead to form a solid nucleus. Obviously much better then this 8th ranking as they won state dominating everyone up until the state games.
9. Manitowoc Roncalli- May run the best offense in the state. Look to continue their recent great success. Roncalli had another Roncalli year but, this year belonged to Iola Scandinavia for the northeast.
10. Weyauwega-Fremont- 19-3 a year ago lose only one player and are led by high scoring senior 6'1 Zach Alix. Weyauwega had another great year and once again one of their few losses come in the playoffs.
HM
Marshall- Defending Capitol South champs have strong tradition. HM is probably right for Marshall as they were an extremely talented team but, never lived up to their potential and then had a strong tournament run.
Stratford- Coming off a strong football season returning everyone to the court. Good football players doesn't mean good basketball players as Stratford finished with a .500 record.
Oostburg- Another team with a strong tradition that will be looking to make another strong title run. The strong traidtion continued as Oostburg once again lost to a private school in the playoffs.
Division 4
1. Eleva Strum- Last years defending champs return three starters led by Mr. Everything 6'2 senior Lance Rongstad. Eleva was everything that was predicted as they won state and Rongstad was even more.
2. Randolph- Surprising not to see Rockets at #1 but, lack of experience and loss of big time player Dan Tillema is going to hurt. Defending champs to return three big time starters in 6'3 senior sharpshooter Bryan Johnson, 6'9 sophmore bigman Kyle Kelm, and the last of the Tillema brothers in 6'1 junior Tyler Tillema. Dominating year as usual until they were dominated by Eleva Strum in the state semifinal game.
3. Suring- A return trip to state is likely behind 5'10 senior point guard Josh Regal. Regal dominated like last year and carried this team to the state championship game and really gave ES a very good game before going down.
4. Barneveld- New coach brings in a ton of experience. Expect big seasons from 6'1 senior point guard Trent Sullivan and 5'7 senior three point shooter Kyle Thompson. Both will step out of Nick Allen's shadow and have big years. Didn't meet the 4th ranking spot. Their defense was pretty solid but, their offense just wasn't there.
5. Benton- Pushed Randolph to the limit in sectionals last year and are led by 6'1 junior twins Connor and Jordan Hendricks. Five was just about right as Benton was undefeated until they met up with Randolph in the sectional final.
6. Elmwood- One loss team a year ago returns three big time players in 6'4 senior Michael Brunner and 6'1 senior Cody Maves, along with leading scorer 6'0 junior Steve Pax. After going undefeated last year struggled a bit going 19-4 and losing to Eleva in the regional final.
7. Hillsboro- Scenic Bluffs favorites are led by strong junior class highlighted by 6'5 Pat Alexander and 6'0 Justin Thompson. Dominated their conference but, just couldn't make it happen on the state level.
8. Clayton- Rich tradition Bears return four players that averaged double figures, led by high scorer 6'0 senior Jordan LaBlanc. Rich tradition doesn't carry Clayton to a great year.
9. Clear Lake- Warriors are in one of the toughest D4 conferences with Clayton. Return high scoring seniors 6'0 Josh Wickboldt and 6'5 Vance Friendshuh. Good year but, were taken down by Clayton alittle to early.
10. Oshkosh Lourdes- Always tough knights should compete for a state tournament berth. Good year, still no match for the top D4 teams.
HM
Black Hawk- Warriors lose only one player from last years team. Very good start that cooled off as the year went on.
Gillet- Always tough Tigers return high scorers in 6'7 senior Tyler Tietyen and 5'10 sophmore Nick Krause. Good regular season but, moved up to D3 for playoffs where they lost second round.
Well I think I did fairly well for my preseason picks. I missed a team here and there like Lacrosse Aquinas and New Berlin Eisenhower. Overrated a few teams like Milwaukee Pius and Appleton East. All in all I give myself a B on my rankings, ok maybe a B- but, I still did decent in my eyes. Spell check still isn't working.
Division 1
1. Milwauke Pius XI- The #1 ranked player in the state 5'11 Korie Lucious teams with 6'0 Tyrone Gordon to form the states top back court. A state title will hinge on the play of big men 6'5 Matt Chrnelich and 6'4 Anthony Kuenzi. Never really got things going as lack of chemistry really hurt them. Won their conference but couldn't win the big games and lost in the second round of the tournament and finished 15-7 and unranked.
2. Appleton East- A one loss team a year ago returns four starters and is lead by top 50 seniors 5'8 Matt Coenen and 6'5 Matt Clarke. Finished the regular season 7th but, never really lived up to their hype and ended up losing sectional final game.
3. Milwaukee King- Generals lose only 2 players from last years state team. I'd put Kings top 12 against any in the state. Had a pretty good year only losing to good teams but, weren't able to beat any of the good teams. Finished the regular season ranked 11th.
4. Oshkosh West- Two time defending champs may be the tallest team in the state with 5 players at 6'5 or taller. Big question mark at the guard positions though. Struggled early on and had to overcome that slow start but, were able to make it to state once again and lose in semifinal game so I guess you can say they finished in top four. Unranked final ranking.
5. Milwaukee Vincent- Vikings reload once again behind 6'4 senior Marvin Fitzgerald, 6'3 junior sharpshooter Michael Weems, and sensational freshmen 6'2 Larry Bradley. Had a ton of talent and had a good year but, were upended by Germantown in the sectional final by one point. Final ranking 10th.
6. Janesville Craig- Very strong senior class led by 6'6 sharpshooter senior Lucas Burns. Another team that never lived up to their hype and had a slow start with a strong finished but, lost in the sectional semifinals. Finished the year unranked.
7. Verona- Wildcats return 4 starters from a state tournament team from a year ago. Basically had the same year they had last year. Did great in their conference losing twice only to Monroe and had a strong tournament run losing in the sectional final. The lose of Sky Waters really hurt them on the offensive end.
8. Wauwatosa East- Raiders lose only one significant player from last years team. Tosa has 8 very good guards but lack a true big man and may have difficulty spreading out the minutes. Tosa reached their full potential and more as they were able to win state behind those top eight players, who really worked well together. Lost only one game all year and really deserved their championship.
9. Wausau East- East returns 5 players from state team from a year ago. Expecting huge year from 6'3 senior Jordan Fischer. Struggle a lot this year to even win within their conference, probably one of the biggest dissapointments for me.
10. Eau Claire North- #1 ranked Sophmore 6'11 Evan Anderson teams with top 10 6'7 Junior Tyler Brown to for the states top front line. Also have a pretty solid point guard in 5'8 senior Paul Hahn. Thought the height would be huge for them and it was as North was able to get to state before their season came to an end. Lost only three games all year.
HM
Madison Memorial- 6'6 junior Jeronne Maymon is a first team all state player but, the rest of the team remains a question mark. Over achieved most peoples predictions as they dominated the Big Eight Conference once again and were the favorite coming into the state tournament and ended up losing in the championship game. Jeronne Maymon showed he's the most dominating player in the state and Memorial is the early favorite for next year.
Milwaukee Bradley Tech- #5 ranked senior 5'11 Chris McHenry joins 5'10 senior Rashad Carrington and 5'11 senior Marcus Jenkins to form one of the best back courts in the state. Probably the second biggest dissapointment in the state. A year ago Tech lost in the sectional final and this year finished middle of the pack and lost second round of playoffs.
Germantown- Warhawks nearly beat state runners up Milwaukee Vincent in sectionals and return top junior big man 6'6 Ben Averkamp and 6'5 senior Zack Neumann along with ultra quick point guard 6'1 senior Rick Bowers. Met the expectations and even more as they finally defeated Milwaukee Vincent and made it to state before losing to Oshkosh West in OT.
Milwaukee Washington- Last years second place team in the city conference returns first team all city player 6'2 senior DeMarcus Phillips and 6'8 senior Patrick Davis. Had a great year undefeated regular season that nobody saw coming but, unfortunatly lost in the sectional semifinals.
Racine Horlick- Any team with a top 10 nationally ranked player like 6'6 junior Jamil Wilson deserves to be at least honorable mention. Wilson really carried this team to a respectable finish but wasn't enough as Horlick lost in the sectional final.
Ashwaubenon- 6'2 senior Jeremy Paprocki is already a big time scorer and if 6'8 Jacob Koch can have the senior season like older brother Adam had a few years ago, Jaguars will have a good shot at state. Had a pretty solid regular season but, in the playoffs just couldn't get it done as the lost in the sectional semifinals.
Division 2
1. Monroe- Defending state champs return four starters including star guards 6'0 senior Brett Stangel and 5'11 junior Mitch Tordoff. Had another great regular season but, their hot shooting left them in the state semifinal game and they lost to New Berlin Eisenhower.
2. Wisconsin Lutheran- Little Ten champs return top 50 senior 5'11 Brandon Whiteside along with #2 ranked sophmore 6'5 Flavian Davis. Had a good regular season but, kind of laid an egg losing in the regional final.
3. Waupun- Warriors return two 20 point scorers in seniors 6'1 Ryan Rasmussen and 6'4 Aris Wurtz. Would of had a great great year but, just couldn't beat Plymouth who gave them all three of their losses.
4. Waukesha Catholic Memorial- Crusaders will be well prepared for tournament play after playing in one of the toughest D1 conferences. Senior starters 6'6 Tom Neary and 6'5 Dayton Young and super soph 6'3 TJ Bray should be fully recovered from last seasons injury. Another team with a great year but, laid an egg in the playoffs losing second round.
5. East Troy- Trojans return everyone from last years 18-3 team including 6'8 senior Alex Bondar Were as good as expected and ended up losing to Monroe by one in the sectional final.
6. New Richmond- Middle Boarder runner ups return 6'6 seniors Brett Anderson and Dan Stovall along with returning starter 6'0 senior Hayden Zimmerman. Had another solid year but, Spooner was able to take them down once again.
7. Rice Lake- Warriors return elite junior 6'0 Alex Culy and top big man 6'5 senior Andrew Lochmann. Another team that fell apart in the playoffs and lost second round.
8. Seymour- Seymour has to be in the top 10 every year after so many state appearances its just expected. This team was top 10 only in name and showed it in the playoffs as they lost second round.
9. Adams Friendship- 1-3-1 defense always gives AF chance to make a big tourney run. 6'4 junior Tommie Gaston is one of the most exciting players in Division two. Didn't have a great regular season but, should their toughness as they were able to get to the state championship game before losing.
10. Port Washington- State runner ups return their top two players in 6'5 senior Chris Prom and 6'2 sophmore Josh Gasser. Last years state runners up had about the same regular season but, weren't able to turn in on the playoffs like last year.
HM
Wisconsin Dells- State tournament Chiefs are led by a strong back court in 5'11 senior Ryan Wenkman and 5'10 junior Jade Royston Good regular season but, never could beat the top tier teams and it showed in their lose to Monroe in sectiona semifinals.
Madison Edgewood- Crusaders always get the most out of their talent. Played hard and disciplined but, didn't have the talent of years past.
Spooner- Rails return three starters from last years sectional finals team. Made it as far as last year losing in sectional finals in the northwest, so HM was about the right place for them.
Divsion 3
1. Whitefish Bay Dominican- Knights have the top back court in division 3 with 5'10 junior Jerrel Harris, JD Wise, #2 ranked senior, 6'0 Kwamain Mitchell(when he returns from injury). Big question mark is lack of big men. Where a great team but, the lack of a big man kept them from winning a championship.
2. Racine St. Cats- The lost of big man 6'6 James Haarsma will be significantly felt but, the loss will be eased by the return of 4 key players. Lightning quick senior point guard 6'0 Patrick Souter returns in the back court along with sharpshooter junior 6'3 James Thomas. In the post juniors Javar and Jarvis Lawson at 6'4 and 6'3 return. Souter missed the season with an injury which basically sealed St. Cats season.
3. Laconia- Veteran team is led by 6'5 senior Kieran Weed and 6'3 junior Serek Semenas, both returning first team all-conference players. Had a great great regular season going undefeated and then lost to a very hot Iola Scandinavia team in the playoffs.
4. Iola Scandinavia- One loss team a year ago returns everyone including high scoring 6'2 senior Mike Griffin. Everyone knew they could score, this year they finally played defense and made it to the D3 championship game before losing.
5. Arcadia- Defending Coulee champs bring everyone back including 11 seniors and are led by 6'5 senior Jordan Rumpel. Another great regular season but, appeared over matched in the regional final game against Aquinas who dominated them.
6.Cuba City- Cubans have one of the all time great coaches in Jerry Petitgue and are led by super soph 6'2 Evan Richard. Very scrappy team that made it to the sectional final game before getting dominated by Aquinas so 6th was about right.
7. Colby- Horneys lose only 2 players from last year, neither were starters. Are led by a strong junior class that features 6'5 Wade Sebold and 6'2 Jordan Rahm. Colby was a good team but, maybe not 7th as they lost to Fall Creek in regional final.
8. Lacrosse Aquinas- Last years runner ups return 6'3 seniors Lucas Morrissey and Zach Rickaway. Along with JV call up 6'1 junior Jimmy Whitehead to form a solid nucleus. Obviously much better then this 8th ranking as they won state dominating everyone up until the state games.
9. Manitowoc Roncalli- May run the best offense in the state. Look to continue their recent great success. Roncalli had another Roncalli year but, this year belonged to Iola Scandinavia for the northeast.
10. Weyauwega-Fremont- 19-3 a year ago lose only one player and are led by high scoring senior 6'1 Zach Alix. Weyauwega had another great year and once again one of their few losses come in the playoffs.
HM
Marshall- Defending Capitol South champs have strong tradition. HM is probably right for Marshall as they were an extremely talented team but, never lived up to their potential and then had a strong tournament run.
Stratford- Coming off a strong football season returning everyone to the court. Good football players doesn't mean good basketball players as Stratford finished with a .500 record.
Oostburg- Another team with a strong tradition that will be looking to make another strong title run. The strong traidtion continued as Oostburg once again lost to a private school in the playoffs.
Division 4
1. Eleva Strum- Last years defending champs return three starters led by Mr. Everything 6'2 senior Lance Rongstad. Eleva was everything that was predicted as they won state and Rongstad was even more.
2. Randolph- Surprising not to see Rockets at #1 but, lack of experience and loss of big time player Dan Tillema is going to hurt. Defending champs to return three big time starters in 6'3 senior sharpshooter Bryan Johnson, 6'9 sophmore bigman Kyle Kelm, and the last of the Tillema brothers in 6'1 junior Tyler Tillema. Dominating year as usual until they were dominated by Eleva Strum in the state semifinal game.
3. Suring- A return trip to state is likely behind 5'10 senior point guard Josh Regal. Regal dominated like last year and carried this team to the state championship game and really gave ES a very good game before going down.
4. Barneveld- New coach brings in a ton of experience. Expect big seasons from 6'1 senior point guard Trent Sullivan and 5'7 senior three point shooter Kyle Thompson. Both will step out of Nick Allen's shadow and have big years. Didn't meet the 4th ranking spot. Their defense was pretty solid but, their offense just wasn't there.
5. Benton- Pushed Randolph to the limit in sectionals last year and are led by 6'1 junior twins Connor and Jordan Hendricks. Five was just about right as Benton was undefeated until they met up with Randolph in the sectional final.
6. Elmwood- One loss team a year ago returns three big time players in 6'4 senior Michael Brunner and 6'1 senior Cody Maves, along with leading scorer 6'0 junior Steve Pax. After going undefeated last year struggled a bit going 19-4 and losing to Eleva in the regional final.
7. Hillsboro- Scenic Bluffs favorites are led by strong junior class highlighted by 6'5 Pat Alexander and 6'0 Justin Thompson. Dominated their conference but, just couldn't make it happen on the state level.
8. Clayton- Rich tradition Bears return four players that averaged double figures, led by high scorer 6'0 senior Jordan LaBlanc. Rich tradition doesn't carry Clayton to a great year.
9. Clear Lake- Warriors are in one of the toughest D4 conferences with Clayton. Return high scoring seniors 6'0 Josh Wickboldt and 6'5 Vance Friendshuh. Good year but, were taken down by Clayton alittle to early.
10. Oshkosh Lourdes- Always tough knights should compete for a state tournament berth. Good year, still no match for the top D4 teams.
HM
Black Hawk- Warriors lose only one player from last years team. Very good start that cooled off as the year went on.
Gillet- Always tough Tigers return high scorers in 6'7 senior Tyler Tietyen and 5'10 sophmore Nick Krause. Good regular season but, moved up to D3 for playoffs where they lost second round.
Well I think I did fairly well for my preseason picks. I missed a team here and there like Lacrosse Aquinas and New Berlin Eisenhower. Overrated a few teams like Milwaukee Pius and Appleton East. All in all I give myself a B on my rankings, ok maybe a B- but, I still did decent in my eyes. Spell check still isn't working.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Final Player Rankings
Same as my team rankings. With the season coming to an end its time for my final player rankings of the year. Would of done this last night but, was feeling really sick, so the rankings will be done tonight.
Rankings
1. Jeronne Maymon 6'6 forward junior Madison Memorial (7)- The best rebounder I have seen this year by a long shot. Runs the court extremely well for a big man and can handle the ball. Has the edge over Mason because he can handle the ball better and Mason appears to take a play off here and there.
2. Ryan Rasmussen 6'2 guard senior Waupun (1)- Score first point guard with unlimited range, that can also get inside and score over bigger defenders. If his shots aren't falling does a great job of finding his teammates.
3. Anthony Tucker 6'5 guard senior Minnetonka MN (1)- Guard with very good size that can knock down the deep three pointers with his smooth shot. Unselfish player that does a great job of letting the game come to him.
4. Jared Berggren 6'10 center senior Princeton MN (1)- A true center that has very soft hands and an even softer touch around the rim. Is a solid shot blocker, who is also a very good rebounder.
5. Kwamain Mitchell 6'0 guard senior Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)- Ultra quick lead guard that can get in the lane at will and finish or can set his teammates up for wide open shots. Aside from his offensive game plays great on the ball defense.
6. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward sophomore Madison East (4)- Best leaper in the state. Very explosive shot blocker, fierce rebounder, and is probably the best dunker in the state. Runs the floor well and can go outside and knock down the three pointer.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard junior Milwaukee Bay View (2)- 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.
10. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard junior Lacrosse Aquinas (4)- 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.
11. Kieran Weed 6'5 forward senior Laconia (1)- Kid that can jump out of the gym, that can one step and dunk. Weed is a beast on the inside that is very tough to stop and has the ability to go outside and hit the mid range jumper or three pointer. Also runs the court very well.
12. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard sophomore Madison Lafollette (2)- Nearly impossible to keep out of the lane due to his low center of gravity and is killer crossover. Has a very nice floater in the lane and as of late has shown the ability to knock down the three.
13. Lance Rongstad 6'3 guard senior Eleva Strum (2)- Physically strong guard that does a little bit of everything. Can score from the outside or inside, rebounds very well, plays great defense, (as seen by shutting down Randolph's Johnson and hounding Suring's Regal) and can get up and block shots, not to mention he can throw it down pretty nice.
14. Josh Regal 5'9 guard senior Suring (2)- One of the few players that can take over a game without even taking a shot. Kid averages 20 points and 10 assist plus a game, that says it all. Really looks to get his teammates involved but, when the game is on the line he will look for his own shot and take a game over.
15. Mike Griffin 6'3 guard senior Iola-Scandinavia (2)- The moment Griffin gets over half court he's a threat to shoot the ball. Big time scorer that can knock down the three point shot with the best of them. If the outside shot isn't falling can go inside and post up smaller defenders.
HM
Jojo Pregont 6'6 center junior Janesville Craig (2)
David Hanson 6'6 forward senior Maranatha Christian MN (1)
Derek Braucht 6'6 forward junior Madison Edgewood (1)
Marc Sonnet 6'3 guard junior Tartan MN (1)
Aris Wurtz 6'4 forward senior Waupun (1)
Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas (4)
Senior Rankings
1. Ryan Rasmussen 6'2 guard Waupun
2. Kwamain Mitchell 6'0 guard Whitefish Bay Dominican
3. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward Janesville Craig
4. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard Madison Lafollette
5. Kieran Weed 6'5 forward Laconia
6. Lance Rongstad 6'3 guard Eleva Strum
7. Josh Regal 5'9 guard Suring
8. Mike Griffin 6'3 guard Iola Scandinavia
9. Aris Wurtz 6'4 forward Waupun- Guy that can do a little bit of everything. He passes well, rebounds well, plays good defense, can guard small or big men, and is a very very good three point shooter when he's able to spot up.
10. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas- The ultimate glue player. Does a little bit of everything. Plays great defense, rebounds exceptionally well, can knock down the three, or post score in the post.
HM
Brice Powell 6'4 forward Wauwatosa East
Rick Bowers 6'0 guard Germantown
Mike Hojnacki 6'7 center New Berlin Eisenhower
Ryan Staege 6'2 guard Waunakee
Jimmy Merritt 6'1 guard Lake Geneva Badger
Cory Degner 6'1 guard Brookfield Central
Junior Rankings
1. Jeronne Maymon 6'6 forward Madison Memorial
2. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard Milwaukee Bay View
3. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard Lacrosse Aquinas
4. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center Janesville Craig- Big man that does a great job of sealing off his defender in the post. Also a very very good rebounder.
5. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward Madison Edgewood- Very good three point shooter that can get his shot off at anytime, also very unselfish player that will look to set his teammates up.
6. Ben Averkamp 6'7 forward Germantown (1)- One of the best pure post players I've seen with his back to the basket, does a great job of playing defense in the post without going for the block and getting himself in foul trouble.
7. Eric Williams 6'3 guard Wauwatosa East (3)- High energy player that can really jump. Loves to get out and run in the open court and can knock down the three point shot as well as find space in the inside to score.
8. Tyler Brown 6'7 forward Eau Claire North (1)- Big guy that can step out and knock down the 15 footer at will. Very solid player on the boards that uses his size to get position.
9. Tyler Mazuer 6'4 guard Reedsburg (1/2)- Comes off screens and gets his feet set very quickly. Jumps very well and is a solid defender thats always looking to pick off lazy passes.
10. Jade Royston 6'0 guard Wisconsin Dells (6)- Very smooth shooter that can get his points in a hurry. Shoots the three really well, has a nice midrange shot, rarely misses free throws, and isn't affraid to go inside and score.
HM
Jason Ziemer 6'4 forward Verona (1)
Jerrel Harris 5'10 guard Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)
Michael Maas 5'11 guard Oshkosh West (2)
Paul Wojahn 6'6 forward Oshkosh West (2)
Chris Siebert 6'1 guard Baraboo (1)
Lance Fritz 6'0 guard Adams Friendship (4)
Sophomore Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward Madison East
2. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Vander Blue 6'3 guard Madison (7)- Quickest player I've seen from one end of the court to the other. Good defender that seems to get a hand on everything, great rebounder for a guard.
4. Evan Anderson 6'11 center Eau Claire North (1)- Good shot blocker and a solid rebounder. Has nice hook shot with the left or right hand.
5. Jake Eaton 5'10 guard Eau Claire Regis (2)- Good lead guard with unlimited range from three point land. Does a nice job of knowing when to shoot or when to pass the ball.
6. Austin Armga 6'3 guard Waupun (1)- Will be a big time scorer that can knock down the three and has a very nice runner when he penetrates.
7. David Anderson 6'8 forward Oshkosh West (2)- Strong rebounder that plays some very good defense.
8. Kyle Kelm 6'9 forward Randolph (1)- Moves very well for a 6'9 guy. Can handle the ball alright, runs the court well, and can knock down the three point shot.
9. Kevin Hurd 6'0 guard Portage (1)- Runs the offense very well and can get his shot off at anytime.
10. Adams Ganske 6'3 guard Eau Claire Regis (1)- Good size for a guard and can knock down the three point shot or go inside and score.
11. Demetrius Turner 6'4 forward Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Athletic player that likes to run the floor and go to the hoop hard. Very strong rebounder and blocker.
HM
Mikael Luter 6'4 forward Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)
Jon Dybevik 6'0 guard Madison Lafollette (2)
Nate Gibson 6'9 center Wisconsin Dells (5)
Bryce Wormet 6'4 forward Adams Friendship (4)
Freshmen Rankings
1. Charles Lee 5'7 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Very quick lead guard that does a great job of getting in the lane and finding open teammates for layups.
2. Bryan Tordoff 5'11 guard Monroe (1)- Very good outside shooter, is strong with the ball, and plays some good defense.
3. Elgin Cook 6'3 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Guy that goes to the hoop and can finish strong and is also a very good rebounder.
4. Darnell Harris 6'6 forward Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Extremely good defender that can block shots and knows when to take the charge. Also has a soft touch around the rim.
5. Samar Powell 5'6 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Hard nosed player that is not afraid to go inside and can knock down the outside shot.
6. Connor Miller 5'8 guard Eau Claire Regis (1)- Doesn't look to score much but, does a good job of running the offense and distributing the ball.
7. Haki Stampely 6'0 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Guard that can really put his head down and score.
Those are my final rankings on the year. I'm sure I missed a few players but, it gets hard to remmber everyone that you've seen throughout the year. Remmber I'm only taking into consider the games that I have seen a player play in. So if that player had a bad game then I'm probably not going to rank them as high as what they should be. That may be the case with Jason Ziemer, who many people think is so great but, in the one game I saw him I just wasn't that impressed. Well will see what I have for stories coming in the next coming weeks. I have some ideas to follow up the end of the season. Just haven't decided what order the stories will come in. Spell check didn't work this post, so I apologize for any spelling errors.
Rankings
1. Jeronne Maymon 6'6 forward junior Madison Memorial (7)- The best rebounder I have seen this year by a long shot. Runs the court extremely well for a big man and can handle the ball. Has the edge over Mason because he can handle the ball better and Mason appears to take a play off here and there.
2. Ryan Rasmussen 6'2 guard senior Waupun (1)- Score first point guard with unlimited range, that can also get inside and score over bigger defenders. If his shots aren't falling does a great job of finding his teammates.
3. Anthony Tucker 6'5 guard senior Minnetonka MN (1)- Guard with very good size that can knock down the deep three pointers with his smooth shot. Unselfish player that does a great job of letting the game come to him.
4. Jared Berggren 6'10 center senior Princeton MN (1)- A true center that has very soft hands and an even softer touch around the rim. Is a solid shot blocker, who is also a very good rebounder.
5. Kwamain Mitchell 6'0 guard senior Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)- Ultra quick lead guard that can get in the lane at will and finish or can set his teammates up for wide open shots. Aside from his offensive game plays great on the ball defense.
6. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward sophomore Madison East (4)- Best leaper in the state. Very explosive shot blocker, fierce rebounder, and is probably the best dunker in the state. Runs the floor well and can go outside and knock down the three pointer.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard junior Milwaukee Bay View (2)- 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.
10. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard junior Lacrosse Aquinas (4)- 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.
11. Kieran Weed 6'5 forward senior Laconia (1)- Kid that can jump out of the gym, that can one step and dunk. Weed is a beast on the inside that is very tough to stop and has the ability to go outside and hit the mid range jumper or three pointer. Also runs the court very well.
12. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard sophomore Madison Lafollette (2)- Nearly impossible to keep out of the lane due to his low center of gravity and is killer crossover. Has a very nice floater in the lane and as of late has shown the ability to knock down the three.
13. Lance Rongstad 6'3 guard senior Eleva Strum (2)- Physically strong guard that does a little bit of everything. Can score from the outside or inside, rebounds very well, plays great defense, (as seen by shutting down Randolph's Johnson and hounding Suring's Regal) and can get up and block shots, not to mention he can throw it down pretty nice.
14. Josh Regal 5'9 guard senior Suring (2)- One of the few players that can take over a game without even taking a shot. Kid averages 20 points and 10 assist plus a game, that says it all. Really looks to get his teammates involved but, when the game is on the line he will look for his own shot and take a game over.
15. Mike Griffin 6'3 guard senior Iola-Scandinavia (2)- The moment Griffin gets over half court he's a threat to shoot the ball. Big time scorer that can knock down the three point shot with the best of them. If the outside shot isn't falling can go inside and post up smaller defenders.
HM
Jojo Pregont 6'6 center junior Janesville Craig (2)
David Hanson 6'6 forward senior Maranatha Christian MN (1)
Derek Braucht 6'6 forward junior Madison Edgewood (1)
Marc Sonnet 6'3 guard junior Tartan MN (1)
Aris Wurtz 6'4 forward senior Waupun (1)
Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas (4)
Senior Rankings
1. Ryan Rasmussen 6'2 guard Waupun
2. Kwamain Mitchell 6'0 guard Whitefish Bay Dominican
3. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward Janesville Craig
4. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard Madison Lafollette
5. Kieran Weed 6'5 forward Laconia
6. Lance Rongstad 6'3 guard Eleva Strum
7. Josh Regal 5'9 guard Suring
8. Mike Griffin 6'3 guard Iola Scandinavia
9. Aris Wurtz 6'4 forward Waupun- Guy that can do a little bit of everything. He passes well, rebounds well, plays good defense, can guard small or big men, and is a very very good three point shooter when he's able to spot up.
10. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas- The ultimate glue player. Does a little bit of everything. Plays great defense, rebounds exceptionally well, can knock down the three, or post score in the post.
HM
Brice Powell 6'4 forward Wauwatosa East
Rick Bowers 6'0 guard Germantown
Mike Hojnacki 6'7 center New Berlin Eisenhower
Ryan Staege 6'2 guard Waunakee
Jimmy Merritt 6'1 guard Lake Geneva Badger
Cory Degner 6'1 guard Brookfield Central
Junior Rankings
1. Jeronne Maymon 6'6 forward Madison Memorial
2. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard Milwaukee Bay View
3. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard Lacrosse Aquinas
4. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center Janesville Craig- Big man that does a great job of sealing off his defender in the post. Also a very very good rebounder.
5. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward Madison Edgewood- Very good three point shooter that can get his shot off at anytime, also very unselfish player that will look to set his teammates up.
6. Ben Averkamp 6'7 forward Germantown (1)- One of the best pure post players I've seen with his back to the basket, does a great job of playing defense in the post without going for the block and getting himself in foul trouble.
7. Eric Williams 6'3 guard Wauwatosa East (3)- High energy player that can really jump. Loves to get out and run in the open court and can knock down the three point shot as well as find space in the inside to score.
8. Tyler Brown 6'7 forward Eau Claire North (1)- Big guy that can step out and knock down the 15 footer at will. Very solid player on the boards that uses his size to get position.
9. Tyler Mazuer 6'4 guard Reedsburg (1/2)- Comes off screens and gets his feet set very quickly. Jumps very well and is a solid defender thats always looking to pick off lazy passes.
10. Jade Royston 6'0 guard Wisconsin Dells (6)- Very smooth shooter that can get his points in a hurry. Shoots the three really well, has a nice midrange shot, rarely misses free throws, and isn't affraid to go inside and score.
HM
Jason Ziemer 6'4 forward Verona (1)
Jerrel Harris 5'10 guard Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)
Michael Maas 5'11 guard Oshkosh West (2)
Paul Wojahn 6'6 forward Oshkosh West (2)
Chris Siebert 6'1 guard Baraboo (1)
Lance Fritz 6'0 guard Adams Friendship (4)
Sophomore Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward Madison East
2. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Vander Blue 6'3 guard Madison (7)- Quickest player I've seen from one end of the court to the other. Good defender that seems to get a hand on everything, great rebounder for a guard.
4. Evan Anderson 6'11 center Eau Claire North (1)- Good shot blocker and a solid rebounder. Has nice hook shot with the left or right hand.
5. Jake Eaton 5'10 guard Eau Claire Regis (2)- Good lead guard with unlimited range from three point land. Does a nice job of knowing when to shoot or when to pass the ball.
6. Austin Armga 6'3 guard Waupun (1)- Will be a big time scorer that can knock down the three and has a very nice runner when he penetrates.
7. David Anderson 6'8 forward Oshkosh West (2)- Strong rebounder that plays some very good defense.
8. Kyle Kelm 6'9 forward Randolph (1)- Moves very well for a 6'9 guy. Can handle the ball alright, runs the court well, and can knock down the three point shot.
9. Kevin Hurd 6'0 guard Portage (1)- Runs the offense very well and can get his shot off at anytime.
10. Adams Ganske 6'3 guard Eau Claire Regis (1)- Good size for a guard and can knock down the three point shot or go inside and score.
11. Demetrius Turner 6'4 forward Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Athletic player that likes to run the floor and go to the hoop hard. Very strong rebounder and blocker.
HM
Mikael Luter 6'4 forward Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)
Jon Dybevik 6'0 guard Madison Lafollette (2)
Nate Gibson 6'9 center Wisconsin Dells (5)
Bryce Wormet 6'4 forward Adams Friendship (4)
Freshmen Rankings
1. Charles Lee 5'7 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Very quick lead guard that does a great job of getting in the lane and finding open teammates for layups.
2. Bryan Tordoff 5'11 guard Monroe (1)- Very good outside shooter, is strong with the ball, and plays some good defense.
3. Elgin Cook 6'3 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Guy that goes to the hoop and can finish strong and is also a very good rebounder.
4. Darnell Harris 6'6 forward Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Extremely good defender that can block shots and knows when to take the charge. Also has a soft touch around the rim.
5. Samar Powell 5'6 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Hard nosed player that is not afraid to go inside and can knock down the outside shot.
6. Connor Miller 5'8 guard Eau Claire Regis (1)- Doesn't look to score much but, does a good job of running the offense and distributing the ball.
7. Haki Stampely 6'0 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Guard that can really put his head down and score.
Those are my final rankings on the year. I'm sure I missed a few players but, it gets hard to remmber everyone that you've seen throughout the year. Remmber I'm only taking into consider the games that I have seen a player play in. So if that player had a bad game then I'm probably not going to rank them as high as what they should be. That may be the case with Jason Ziemer, who many people think is so great but, in the one game I saw him I just wasn't that impressed. Well will see what I have for stories coming in the next coming weeks. I have some ideas to follow up the end of the season. Just haven't decided what order the stories will come in. Spell check didn't work this post, so I apologize for any spelling errors.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Final Team Rankings
Now that the season has come to an end its time for my final team rankings. With seeing so many teams in a short period of time I'm probably not going to give each time the appropriate amount of thought but, I'll try to do my best. Once again I will be ranking teams on what I saw not on how they did throughout the entire year. So a team may defeat a team but, if I didn't seem that game I will probably not take that game into my consideration of the rankings.
Rankings
1. Wauwatosa East (3)- Well they won the D1 championship. Tosa has seven players that can go off for 15 plus points in any given game. Are a well balanced team that shoots three incredibly well and can score on the inside as well.
2. Madison Memorial (7)- Have Jeronne Maymon who in my opinion is the best player in the state. Are a extremely athletic team that plays a very tough trapping defense that leads to easy fast break baskets.
3. Minnetonka MN (1)- Team full of players in the 6'5-6'7 height range. Shoot the three very well and play some very good defense.
4. Oshkosh West (2)- An extremely tall team that starts two 6'8 guys and a 6'6 player, teammed with two very good guards. Very disciplined team on the offensive side and play great defense.
5. Germantown (1)- Another tall team, that has arguably the best post player in the state in Ben Averkamp. They have one of the best point guards in the state in Rick Bowers and a very good third scoring option in three point sharp shooter Nick Doedens.
6. Waupun (1)- Yes they didn't make state but, they have the best shooting combo in the state in Ryan Rasmussen and Aris Wurtz. Austin Armga is a very good third option that can get his points in a hurry.
7. Janesville Craig (2)- Tall team that can play the slow paced game or can play an uptempo game. Have a shooter and star in Lucas Burns, have a post presence in Jojo Pregont, and have a solid point guard in Cooper Cullen.
8. Waunakee (1)- Very tall team overall, have very good balance, and lots of depth. Disciplined that plays great defense and doesn't lose a thing when they bring their bench players in.
9. Lacrosse Aquinas (4)- Very disciplined team that likes to play an uptempo game. Their top six players are all very capable scorers. They rebound very very well and play some good defense.
10. Madison Lafollette (3)- Cashton Craig and DJ Fuller are both legit bigtime stars and they have found some inside presence on the defensive end. Play good defense as a team and rebound well as a team.
11. Laconia (1)- Kieran Weed is an absolute stud, that can jump out of the gym. Their starting five is as good as anyones in the state. Weed is the star but, Derek Semenas is a very good #2 option.
12. Brookfield Central (2)- Disciplined team that plays good defense and rebounds very well as a team. Cory Degner is a star that will put the team as his back and carry them.
13. Verona (1)- Another discipline team, that really looks to get the ball inside to their star Jason Ziemer. Led by Ziemer they are a very good rebounding team and play very good defense.
14. Eleva Strum (2)- An extremely physically strong team. They rebound the ball very well and play a very tough defense. They have two stars in Lance Rongstad and Jordan Peterson.
15. New Berlin Eisenhower (2)- Have a big time post player in Mike Hojnacki and shoot the ball very very well from the outside.
HM
Lake Geneva Badger (1)
Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)
That's it for honorable mention these teams are just too far ahead of the rest of the pack in my opinion.
Division 1
1. Wauwatosa East (3)
2. Madison Memorial (7)
3. Oshkosh West (2)
4. Germantown (1)
5. Janesville Craig (2)
6. Waunakee (1)
7. Madison Lafollette (3)
8. Brookfield Central (2)
9. Verona (1)
10. Lake Geneva Badger (1)- Shoot the three ball extremely well, which gives them the ability to beat anyone.
HM
Eau Claire North (1)
Bay Port (1)
Division 2
1. Waupun (1)
2. New Berlin Eisenhower (1)
3. Monroe (1)- Have some very very good guards that can shoot the three ball. Didn't shoot the ball great at state but, that was a rarity.
4. Wisconsin Dells (6)- They were playing great at the end of the year. Guards Jade Royston and Ryan Wenkman were dominating at the end of the year and big man Nate Gibson was finally coming around.
5. Madison Edgewood (1)- Very disciplined team that plays great defense and shoot the three ball very well.
6. Adams Friendship (4)- Tommie Gaston is extremely athletic and does a little bit of everything. Lance Fritz and Ben Pease can really shoot the three.
7. River Valley (1)- Have some great guards that can go off and score big time points and have an athletic big man that can take his defenders outside.
8. Plymouth (1)- They rebounded well and play good defense but, in the game I saw they just couldn't put the ball in the hoop.
9. Reedsburg (1/2)- Tyler Mazur is a real star and Evan Van Cleave is lighting quick that is very tough to stop.
10. Richland Center (1)- Patient team that plays great defense. Bradie Ewing is a bigtime scorer.
Division 3
1. Lacrosse Aquinas (4)
2. Laconia (1)
3. Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)- Team full of extremely athletic guards. Kwamain Mitchell is the second best player in the state.
4. Iola Scandinavia (2)- Mike Griffin is a big time scorer that can go off for 20 points at any time. The entire team can knock down the three point shot.
5. Eau Claire Regis (2)- Team with very good height and plays some very good defense.
6. Marshall (1)- Tall athletic team but, doesn't play the greatest defense.
7. Cuba City (1)- Team that gives 110%. Doesn't have the greatest athleticism but, always gives in their all which will always keep you in games.
Divsion 4
1. Eleva Strum (2)
2. Suring (2)- Josh Regal is a star that can take over a game with his scoring or passing. As a team they shoot the three very well and also rebound very well.
3. Randolph (1)- As usual are a very tall team, that plays good defense and works for good shots.
4. Luck (1)- Athletic team that has some players with good height that can penetrate and get the ball inside.
5. Barneveld (1)- Very patient team, that plays very good defense.
6. Wausau Newman (1/2)- Only on here because I only saw six D4 teams play.
Well theres my final rankings. Within the next two weeks I'll touch base on how my preseason rankings finished off the year and then I'll be doing my final player rankings which may take me some time.
Rankings
1. Wauwatosa East (3)- Well they won the D1 championship. Tosa has seven players that can go off for 15 plus points in any given game. Are a well balanced team that shoots three incredibly well and can score on the inside as well.
2. Madison Memorial (7)- Have Jeronne Maymon who in my opinion is the best player in the state. Are a extremely athletic team that plays a very tough trapping defense that leads to easy fast break baskets.
3. Minnetonka MN (1)- Team full of players in the 6'5-6'7 height range. Shoot the three very well and play some very good defense.
4. Oshkosh West (2)- An extremely tall team that starts two 6'8 guys and a 6'6 player, teammed with two very good guards. Very disciplined team on the offensive side and play great defense.
5. Germantown (1)- Another tall team, that has arguably the best post player in the state in Ben Averkamp. They have one of the best point guards in the state in Rick Bowers and a very good third scoring option in three point sharp shooter Nick Doedens.
6. Waupun (1)- Yes they didn't make state but, they have the best shooting combo in the state in Ryan Rasmussen and Aris Wurtz. Austin Armga is a very good third option that can get his points in a hurry.
7. Janesville Craig (2)- Tall team that can play the slow paced game or can play an uptempo game. Have a shooter and star in Lucas Burns, have a post presence in Jojo Pregont, and have a solid point guard in Cooper Cullen.
8. Waunakee (1)- Very tall team overall, have very good balance, and lots of depth. Disciplined that plays great defense and doesn't lose a thing when they bring their bench players in.
9. Lacrosse Aquinas (4)- Very disciplined team that likes to play an uptempo game. Their top six players are all very capable scorers. They rebound very very well and play some good defense.
10. Madison Lafollette (3)- Cashton Craig and DJ Fuller are both legit bigtime stars and they have found some inside presence on the defensive end. Play good defense as a team and rebound well as a team.
11. Laconia (1)- Kieran Weed is an absolute stud, that can jump out of the gym. Their starting five is as good as anyones in the state. Weed is the star but, Derek Semenas is a very good #2 option.
12. Brookfield Central (2)- Disciplined team that plays good defense and rebounds very well as a team. Cory Degner is a star that will put the team as his back and carry them.
13. Verona (1)- Another discipline team, that really looks to get the ball inside to their star Jason Ziemer. Led by Ziemer they are a very good rebounding team and play very good defense.
14. Eleva Strum (2)- An extremely physically strong team. They rebound the ball very well and play a very tough defense. They have two stars in Lance Rongstad and Jordan Peterson.
15. New Berlin Eisenhower (2)- Have a big time post player in Mike Hojnacki and shoot the ball very very well from the outside.
HM
Lake Geneva Badger (1)
Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)
That's it for honorable mention these teams are just too far ahead of the rest of the pack in my opinion.
Division 1
1. Wauwatosa East (3)
2. Madison Memorial (7)
3. Oshkosh West (2)
4. Germantown (1)
5. Janesville Craig (2)
6. Waunakee (1)
7. Madison Lafollette (3)
8. Brookfield Central (2)
9. Verona (1)
10. Lake Geneva Badger (1)- Shoot the three ball extremely well, which gives them the ability to beat anyone.
HM
Eau Claire North (1)
Bay Port (1)
Division 2
1. Waupun (1)
2. New Berlin Eisenhower (1)
3. Monroe (1)- Have some very very good guards that can shoot the three ball. Didn't shoot the ball great at state but, that was a rarity.
4. Wisconsin Dells (6)- They were playing great at the end of the year. Guards Jade Royston and Ryan Wenkman were dominating at the end of the year and big man Nate Gibson was finally coming around.
5. Madison Edgewood (1)- Very disciplined team that plays great defense and shoot the three ball very well.
6. Adams Friendship (4)- Tommie Gaston is extremely athletic and does a little bit of everything. Lance Fritz and Ben Pease can really shoot the three.
7. River Valley (1)- Have some great guards that can go off and score big time points and have an athletic big man that can take his defenders outside.
8. Plymouth (1)- They rebounded well and play good defense but, in the game I saw they just couldn't put the ball in the hoop.
9. Reedsburg (1/2)- Tyler Mazur is a real star and Evan Van Cleave is lighting quick that is very tough to stop.
10. Richland Center (1)- Patient team that plays great defense. Bradie Ewing is a bigtime scorer.
Division 3
1. Lacrosse Aquinas (4)
2. Laconia (1)
3. Whitefish Bay Dominican (1)- Team full of extremely athletic guards. Kwamain Mitchell is the second best player in the state.
4. Iola Scandinavia (2)- Mike Griffin is a big time scorer that can go off for 20 points at any time. The entire team can knock down the three point shot.
5. Eau Claire Regis (2)- Team with very good height and plays some very good defense.
6. Marshall (1)- Tall athletic team but, doesn't play the greatest defense.
7. Cuba City (1)- Team that gives 110%. Doesn't have the greatest athleticism but, always gives in their all which will always keep you in games.
Divsion 4
1. Eleva Strum (2)
2. Suring (2)- Josh Regal is a star that can take over a game with his scoring or passing. As a team they shoot the three very well and also rebound very well.
3. Randolph (1)- As usual are a very tall team, that plays good defense and works for good shots.
4. Luck (1)- Athletic team that has some players with good height that can penetrate and get the ball inside.
5. Barneveld (1)- Very patient team, that plays very good defense.
6. Wausau Newman (1/2)- Only on here because I only saw six D4 teams play.
Well theres my final rankings. Within the next two weeks I'll touch base on how my preseason rankings finished off the year and then I'll be doing my final player rankings which may take me some time.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
State Tournament Thoughts
With no Milwaukee teams at state everyone thought this state tournament wouldn't be very exciting but, this state tournament turned out to be one of the most entertaining states of recent. There were two over time games and a game on on a shot right at the end. A three quarter court shot made and a half courter made. Every game seemed that either team had a chance to win.
D3 Semifinals
Iola Scandinavia 53 over Eau Claire Regis 50
Regis took an early lead as Mike Griffin star couldn't buy a basket and Regis was able to pound the ball inside and score with ease. Late in the game turnovers and fouls allowed I S to take the lead, by pounding the ball inside themselves and working their offense from the inside out.
Lacrosse Aquinas 68 over Whitefish Bay Dominican 58
Aquinas was able to dominate this game early as they forced Dominican into taking three balls and when those shots didn't drop Aquinas was able to ignite the fast break for easy baskets. Kwamain Mitchell did his best to bring Dominican back but, he just wasn't enough.
D1 Quarterfinals
Madison Memorial 79 over Badger 63
Memorials pressure defense dominated this game, which led to easy baskets for Memorial. Jimmy Merritt did his best to keep Badger in the game with the three ball.
Oshkosh West 66 over Germantown 63 OT
This was a great matchup of big men but, it was the guards that came up huge. Rick Bowers made the huge three to send the game to OT and Nick Doedens knocked down threes all game long but, it was West guard Michael Maas that made the difference by running the West offense and knocking down some big threes.
Brookfield Central 63 over Bay Port 55
Bay Port was unable to get the ball inside to their star Cole Meyer which kept Bay Port from getting their offense going. Cory Degner was the leading scorer for Central as he was able to get inside and create contact and draw fouls and then connect on the free throws, Degner also knocked down a half court shot that gave BC the momentum.
Wauwatosa East 50 over Eau Claire North 38
North's offense is too pound the ball inside to their big men and East limited their inside touches. On the offensive end Eric Williams game up big with 15 points off the bench.
D4 Semifinal
Suring 57 over Luck 45
Josh Regal is all you need to know here. Regal was able to get inside and dish off to open teammates. In the fourth quarter Regal took over even more and knocked down midrange jumpers and the three point shots to put the game away.
Eleva Strum 61 over Randolph 45
ES completely dominated this game with their overall team strength and defense. Bryan Johnson was unable to get a shot off, Tyler Tillema was unable to get inside, and Kyle Kelm was unable to score on the inside.
D2 Semifinal
Adams Friendship 46 over Plymouth 45
Plymouth's inability to knock down their three point shots in this one. That really was the difference in the game. Adams packed their zone in on the defensive end and didn't allow Plymouth to get the ball inside. Ben Pease was the star for Adams as he made a three quarter court shot and then knocked down the game winner three pointer with seven seconds remaining.
New Berlin Eisenhower 53 over Monroe 49
Monroe couldn't knock down the three point shots that they've lived on for the past couple years and Eisenhower was able to get the ball inside and score.
D1 Semifinal
Madison Memorial 61 over Oshkosh West 58
Memorial once again applied the pressure defense and forced West into turnovers which allowed Memorial to dominate early on. In the fourth quarter West was able to apply the pressure back on Memorial which allowed West to make the game close at the end.
Wauwatosa East 52 over Brookfield Central 48
In a conference rematch Tosa East was able to take BC down for the second time this year. Tosa East was able to pound the ball inside to their big scorer Brice Powell and get the fast break going which led to easy baskets.
Championship Saturday
Eleva Strum 62 over Suring 58
ES used their superior defense to take control of this one. ES was able to hound Regal all day long which led to Regal struggling to score late in the game and late in the game Eleva was able to control the offensive and defensive boards.
New Berlin Eisenhower 54 over Adams Friendship 41
The threes weren't falling for Adams in this one and the threes were falling for Eisenhower as they were able to expose the corners in the AF zone. Alex Izzo was able to knock down seven three pointers to lead Eisenhower.
Lacrosse Aquinas 70 over Iola Scandinavia 51
Aquinas was their usual fast breaking well balanced self. For Iola Mike Griffin was unstoppable has he was able to knock down three after three. In the second half Griffin went cold from the outside and Aquinas controlled the boards and pushed the tempo.
Wauwatosa East 58 over Madison Memorial 56 OT
This game was back and forth all game long. Jeronne Maymon absolutely dominated this game in every aspect of the game but, Wauwatosa East knocked down three after three to keep them in the game and then eventaully take the lead. In the overtime period Tosa East went to a zone defense that kept Maymon from getting the ball and no one else from Memorial was able to step up and score.
All Tournament Team
Mike Hojnacki 6'7 Sr Forward New Berlin Eisenhower- Couldn't miss in the game against Monroe, even stepped out to the three point line and knocked down a couple. Didn't score alot against Adams but, was the inside force on the boards for Eisenhower.
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 Jr Forward Madison Memorial- Absolutely dominated this weekend averaging 30 points 15 rebounds 5 blocks 4 steals and 3 assists a game.
Eric Williams 6'3 Jr Guard Wauwatosa East- Came up big in the quarterfinal game to score 15 points off the bench. Scored 14 points in the championship game including the tying three pointer to send the game to OT.
Lance Rongstad 6'2 guard Sr Eleva Strum- Guy does alittle bit of everything. Guards the other teams top player, scores, blocks shots, and rebounds very well.
Josh Regal 5'9 guard Sr Suring- Can dominate a game without even taking a shot. Totally controled the semifinal game and the first half of the championship game. In the semifinal he completely dominated the fourth quarter when the game was still in question.
Second Team All Tournament
Brice Powell 6'4 forward Sr Wauwatosa East- East only inside presence on the offensive end. Knocked down some big free throws throughout the tournament and scored double digits each game.
Mike Griffin 6'3 guard Sr Iola Scandenavia- Knocked down a ton of shots including some long three pointers. Was able to get in the lane and draw contact and make the free throws.
Alex Izzo 6'1 guard Sr New Berlin Eisenhower- Knocked down seven three point shots in the championship game.
Jimmy Whitehead 6'0 guard Jr Lacrosse Aquinas- Was able to penetrate to the inside and score and knock down a couple of three pointers.
Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Sr Lacrosse Aquinas- Another guy that does alittle bit of everything. Played great defense, rebounded well, knocked down the threes, and was able to penetrate to the inside and score.
HM All Tournament
Jimmy Merritt 6'1 guard Jr Badger- Single handily kept Badger in the game against Memorial.
Rick Bowers 6'0 guard Sr Germantown- Controlled the Germantown game by not even taking many shots. Hit the shot to send the game to overtime.
Cory Degner 6'1 guard Sr Brookfield Central- Was the leading scorer in both games form BC. Carried the team in pressure situations.
Michael Maas 5'11 guard Jr Oshkosh West- Bigtime fourth quarter player that helped seal the quarterfinal game and nearly brought them back against Memorial.
Just because the season has ended doesn't mean that I'm done posting for the year. I've got plenty of basketball thoughts to write and then softball season isn't too far away. Anyone interested in seeing box scores from the state games can go to www.wiaawi.org. Thats the WIAA site and they have a very good box score of each game.
D3 Semifinals
Iola Scandinavia 53 over Eau Claire Regis 50
Regis took an early lead as Mike Griffin star couldn't buy a basket and Regis was able to pound the ball inside and score with ease. Late in the game turnovers and fouls allowed I S to take the lead, by pounding the ball inside themselves and working their offense from the inside out.
Lacrosse Aquinas 68 over Whitefish Bay Dominican 58
Aquinas was able to dominate this game early as they forced Dominican into taking three balls and when those shots didn't drop Aquinas was able to ignite the fast break for easy baskets. Kwamain Mitchell did his best to bring Dominican back but, he just wasn't enough.
D1 Quarterfinals
Madison Memorial 79 over Badger 63
Memorials pressure defense dominated this game, which led to easy baskets for Memorial. Jimmy Merritt did his best to keep Badger in the game with the three ball.
Oshkosh West 66 over Germantown 63 OT
This was a great matchup of big men but, it was the guards that came up huge. Rick Bowers made the huge three to send the game to OT and Nick Doedens knocked down threes all game long but, it was West guard Michael Maas that made the difference by running the West offense and knocking down some big threes.
Brookfield Central 63 over Bay Port 55
Bay Port was unable to get the ball inside to their star Cole Meyer which kept Bay Port from getting their offense going. Cory Degner was the leading scorer for Central as he was able to get inside and create contact and draw fouls and then connect on the free throws, Degner also knocked down a half court shot that gave BC the momentum.
Wauwatosa East 50 over Eau Claire North 38
North's offense is too pound the ball inside to their big men and East limited their inside touches. On the offensive end Eric Williams game up big with 15 points off the bench.
D4 Semifinal
Suring 57 over Luck 45
Josh Regal is all you need to know here. Regal was able to get inside and dish off to open teammates. In the fourth quarter Regal took over even more and knocked down midrange jumpers and the three point shots to put the game away.
Eleva Strum 61 over Randolph 45
ES completely dominated this game with their overall team strength and defense. Bryan Johnson was unable to get a shot off, Tyler Tillema was unable to get inside, and Kyle Kelm was unable to score on the inside.
D2 Semifinal
Adams Friendship 46 over Plymouth 45
Plymouth's inability to knock down their three point shots in this one. That really was the difference in the game. Adams packed their zone in on the defensive end and didn't allow Plymouth to get the ball inside. Ben Pease was the star for Adams as he made a three quarter court shot and then knocked down the game winner three pointer with seven seconds remaining.
New Berlin Eisenhower 53 over Monroe 49
Monroe couldn't knock down the three point shots that they've lived on for the past couple years and Eisenhower was able to get the ball inside and score.
D1 Semifinal
Madison Memorial 61 over Oshkosh West 58
Memorial once again applied the pressure defense and forced West into turnovers which allowed Memorial to dominate early on. In the fourth quarter West was able to apply the pressure back on Memorial which allowed West to make the game close at the end.
Wauwatosa East 52 over Brookfield Central 48
In a conference rematch Tosa East was able to take BC down for the second time this year. Tosa East was able to pound the ball inside to their big scorer Brice Powell and get the fast break going which led to easy baskets.
Championship Saturday
Eleva Strum 62 over Suring 58
ES used their superior defense to take control of this one. ES was able to hound Regal all day long which led to Regal struggling to score late in the game and late in the game Eleva was able to control the offensive and defensive boards.
New Berlin Eisenhower 54 over Adams Friendship 41
The threes weren't falling for Adams in this one and the threes were falling for Eisenhower as they were able to expose the corners in the AF zone. Alex Izzo was able to knock down seven three pointers to lead Eisenhower.
Lacrosse Aquinas 70 over Iola Scandinavia 51
Aquinas was their usual fast breaking well balanced self. For Iola Mike Griffin was unstoppable has he was able to knock down three after three. In the second half Griffin went cold from the outside and Aquinas controlled the boards and pushed the tempo.
Wauwatosa East 58 over Madison Memorial 56 OT
This game was back and forth all game long. Jeronne Maymon absolutely dominated this game in every aspect of the game but, Wauwatosa East knocked down three after three to keep them in the game and then eventaully take the lead. In the overtime period Tosa East went to a zone defense that kept Maymon from getting the ball and no one else from Memorial was able to step up and score.
All Tournament Team
Mike Hojnacki 6'7 Sr Forward New Berlin Eisenhower- Couldn't miss in the game against Monroe, even stepped out to the three point line and knocked down a couple. Didn't score alot against Adams but, was the inside force on the boards for Eisenhower.
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 Jr Forward Madison Memorial- Absolutely dominated this weekend averaging 30 points 15 rebounds 5 blocks 4 steals and 3 assists a game.
Eric Williams 6'3 Jr Guard Wauwatosa East- Came up big in the quarterfinal game to score 15 points off the bench. Scored 14 points in the championship game including the tying three pointer to send the game to OT.
Lance Rongstad 6'2 guard Sr Eleva Strum- Guy does alittle bit of everything. Guards the other teams top player, scores, blocks shots, and rebounds very well.
Josh Regal 5'9 guard Sr Suring- Can dominate a game without even taking a shot. Totally controled the semifinal game and the first half of the championship game. In the semifinal he completely dominated the fourth quarter when the game was still in question.
Second Team All Tournament
Brice Powell 6'4 forward Sr Wauwatosa East- East only inside presence on the offensive end. Knocked down some big free throws throughout the tournament and scored double digits each game.
Mike Griffin 6'3 guard Sr Iola Scandenavia- Knocked down a ton of shots including some long three pointers. Was able to get in the lane and draw contact and make the free throws.
Alex Izzo 6'1 guard Sr New Berlin Eisenhower- Knocked down seven three point shots in the championship game.
Jimmy Whitehead 6'0 guard Jr Lacrosse Aquinas- Was able to penetrate to the inside and score and knock down a couple of three pointers.
Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Sr Lacrosse Aquinas- Another guy that does alittle bit of everything. Played great defense, rebounded well, knocked down the threes, and was able to penetrate to the inside and score.
HM All Tournament
Jimmy Merritt 6'1 guard Jr Badger- Single handily kept Badger in the game against Memorial.
Rick Bowers 6'0 guard Sr Germantown- Controlled the Germantown game by not even taking many shots. Hit the shot to send the game to overtime.
Cory Degner 6'1 guard Sr Brookfield Central- Was the leading scorer in both games form BC. Carried the team in pressure situations.
Michael Maas 5'11 guard Jr Oshkosh West- Bigtime fourth quarter player that helped seal the quarterfinal game and nearly brought them back against Memorial.
Just because the season has ended doesn't mean that I'm done posting for the year. I've got plenty of basketball thoughts to write and then softball season isn't too far away. Anyone interested in seeing box scores from the state games can go to www.wiaawi.org. Thats the WIAA site and they have a very good box score of each game.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
State Day 2 Predicitons
Since I probably won't have time to be posting tomorrow night after the long day of games I'm going to do my predictions for day two of the state tournament a couple days early. I'll only be doing the semi final games of D4 and D2 because we don't know who will be playing in the D1 semis yet.
D4 Predictions
Suring over Luck- Suring was here a year ago and return a good amount of last years players including star point guard Josh Regal.
Eleva Strum over Randolph- This may finally be the year that Eleva is able to take down Randolph. Randolph has the height advantage as always but, are a younger team then years past and lack that true go to player that can take the game over. Eleva is a senior dominated team that has been here and against Randolph in years past.
D2 Predictions
Plymouth over Adams Friendship- Plymouth is a very long and lanky team with some very good guard play that should be able to handle the Adams 1-3-1 defense. Adams is a team that has had a so so year and has gotten hot at the right time but, I think that hot streak will end here.
Monroe over New Berlin Eisenhower- Monroe are the defending champs and have it all. A pair of very good guards and a pair of very good big men who were all starters a year ago on the team. Eisenhower is another team that are riding the momentum wave and i think that will end here, the same as Adams.
Well theres day two picks outside of the D1 semis. Hopefully tomorrow I'll make some kind of appearance just to give some thoughts on the games.
D4 Predictions
Suring over Luck- Suring was here a year ago and return a good amount of last years players including star point guard Josh Regal.
Eleva Strum over Randolph- This may finally be the year that Eleva is able to take down Randolph. Randolph has the height advantage as always but, are a younger team then years past and lack that true go to player that can take the game over. Eleva is a senior dominated team that has been here and against Randolph in years past.
D2 Predictions
Plymouth over Adams Friendship- Plymouth is a very long and lanky team with some very good guard play that should be able to handle the Adams 1-3-1 defense. Adams is a team that has had a so so year and has gotten hot at the right time but, I think that hot streak will end here.
Monroe over New Berlin Eisenhower- Monroe are the defending champs and have it all. A pair of very good guards and a pair of very good big men who were all starters a year ago on the team. Eisenhower is another team that are riding the momentum wave and i think that will end here, the same as Adams.
Well theres day two picks outside of the D1 semis. Hopefully tomorrow I'll make some kind of appearance just to give some thoughts on the games.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
State Day 1 Predictions
With state two days away excitement is in the air on wishoops. Day one starts out with two games of division three and concludes with four division one games.
D3 Predictions
Iola Scandinavia over Eau Claire Regis- Regis likes to play zone and IS likes to shoot the three. This basically means that if IS shoots the three well they will win and with high scoring Michael Griffin, IS should be able to shoot their way to victory.
Whitefish Bay Dominican over Lacrosse Aquinas- One of the best match ups at state. Winner of this game should win state. Aquinas guard Jimmy Whitehead matches up against the big three of Dominican in Kwamain Mitchell, JD Wise, and Jerrel Harris, with Dominican with a big advantage. In the post Aquinas has the advantage with Lucas Morrissey, Zach Rickaway, and Michael Hanson who should all have good games. In the end Dominican will just have too much star power for Aquinas. Should be a very fast paced game that should be very fun to watch.
D1 Predictions
Madison Memorial over Lake Geneva Badger- Badger shoots the three really well but Memorial is just took quick for Badger and should force them into multiple turnovers. Not too mention Jeronne Maymon is a beast on the inside and should dominate.
Germantown over Oshkosh West- This will be a great matchup of big men but, the difference will be guard play and Germantown's Rick Bowers will be the best guard on the floor.
Bay Port over Brookfield Central- Honestly don't know much about either team but Bay Port has had the better record and beat better teams on their way to state so I take them.
Wauwatosa East over Eau Claire North- North has a huge height advantage with 6'11 Evan Anderson and 6'7 Tyler Brown but, Tosa has a huge athleticism advantage which gives them the win in this one.
Well theres day one. Day two will follow tomorrow.
D3 Predictions
Iola Scandinavia over Eau Claire Regis- Regis likes to play zone and IS likes to shoot the three. This basically means that if IS shoots the three well they will win and with high scoring Michael Griffin, IS should be able to shoot their way to victory.
Whitefish Bay Dominican over Lacrosse Aquinas- One of the best match ups at state. Winner of this game should win state. Aquinas guard Jimmy Whitehead matches up against the big three of Dominican in Kwamain Mitchell, JD Wise, and Jerrel Harris, with Dominican with a big advantage. In the post Aquinas has the advantage with Lucas Morrissey, Zach Rickaway, and Michael Hanson who should all have good games. In the end Dominican will just have too much star power for Aquinas. Should be a very fast paced game that should be very fun to watch.
D1 Predictions
Madison Memorial over Lake Geneva Badger- Badger shoots the three really well but Memorial is just took quick for Badger and should force them into multiple turnovers. Not too mention Jeronne Maymon is a beast on the inside and should dominate.
Germantown over Oshkosh West- This will be a great matchup of big men but, the difference will be guard play and Germantown's Rick Bowers will be the best guard on the floor.
Bay Port over Brookfield Central- Honestly don't know much about either team but Bay Port has had the better record and beat better teams on their way to state so I take them.
Wauwatosa East over Eau Claire North- North has a huge height advantage with 6'11 Evan Anderson and 6'7 Tyler Brown but, Tosa has a huge athleticism advantage which gives them the win in this one.
Well theres day one. Day two will follow tomorrow.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Aquinas Dominates On Way To State
In the Baraboo Division three sectional final Lacrosse Aquinas defeated Cuba City 64-35, in a game in which Aquinas dominated from the jump on. This game was essentially over mid way through the first quarter. At about the four minute mark with Aquinas already in a comfortable lead, Cuba City star Evan Richard penetrate to the hoop and lost his footing causing him to fall and smoke his head on the ground. Blood was everywhere and Richard laid on the floor for about five minutes and then was helped off the court, never to be seen near the court again. From what I heard after the game, it appeared that Richard was taken to the nearby hospital for further examination. Despite the injury occurring in the first quarter, it seemed that Cuba City could never recover from that point on.
Throughout the entire game Aquinas was able to play some high pressure defense to force Cuba City into turnovers and were able to deny the ball from the post, which seemed to be where Cuba was looking to get the ball early on. In the first half Aquinas was carried offensively by the three point shooting of forwards Lucas Morrissey and Michael Hanson, teamed with some back door cuts by Sam Pederson, which gave him some wide open layups. In the second half that same pressure defense continued and Cuba gave up trying to get the ball to the inside. Cuba City came out in a 1-3-1 zone defense that seemed to confuse Aquinas for about two possessions until the were able to find Hanson on a back door cut that resulted in an ally oop dunk and Cuba City went back to man to man defense for the remained of the game. Jimmy Whitehead was able to do most of his scoring in the second half by getting inside and scoring.
For Cuba City it didn't seem that they could do anything right. Threes weren't dropping, they couldn't get by the Aquinas defenders, and when they tried to pass the ball inside, it was stolen the majority of the time. Aquinas was far more athletic and quicker in every aspect of the game. Cuba's best offense seem to be either Tranel just putting their head down and just driving to the hoop. For the second half of the game Cuba City was just throwing up wild shots that weren't even coming close.
Scoring Breakdown
Lacrosse Aquinas 64- Morrissey 14 Whitehead 13 Pederson 10 Hanson 8 Zach Rickaway 8 Kirk Nicklaus 5 John Ruff 4 Tony Favre 2 Nick Thimis 0 Michael Balduzzi 0 Barrett Hebel 0 Andrew Schroeder 0 Booby Kachel 0
Cuba City 35- J Tranel 12 Ben Pickel 7 D Tranel 6 Jake Meckstroth 6 Joe Schweigert 4 Shane Morrissey 0 Kyle Kaiser 0 Richard 0 Wells Kaiser 0 Justin Alt 0 Brandon Stecklein 0
In tonight's game I was extremely impressed with Aquinas. This team may be even better then last years team that everyone thought couldn't be beaten. The run the court just as well as last year and they look to get the ball inside a lot more then last years team, which may be a plus because last year when Aquinas wasn't able to get out and run, they would look lost in the half court offense at times. Division three should really be a fun state tournament to watch, with Whitefish Bay Dominican, Iola Scandenavia, and Eau Claire Regis joining Aquinas at state.
Throughout the entire game Aquinas was able to play some high pressure defense to force Cuba City into turnovers and were able to deny the ball from the post, which seemed to be where Cuba was looking to get the ball early on. In the first half Aquinas was carried offensively by the three point shooting of forwards Lucas Morrissey and Michael Hanson, teamed with some back door cuts by Sam Pederson, which gave him some wide open layups. In the second half that same pressure defense continued and Cuba gave up trying to get the ball to the inside. Cuba City came out in a 1-3-1 zone defense that seemed to confuse Aquinas for about two possessions until the were able to find Hanson on a back door cut that resulted in an ally oop dunk and Cuba City went back to man to man defense for the remained of the game. Jimmy Whitehead was able to do most of his scoring in the second half by getting inside and scoring.
For Cuba City it didn't seem that they could do anything right. Threes weren't dropping, they couldn't get by the Aquinas defenders, and when they tried to pass the ball inside, it was stolen the majority of the time. Aquinas was far more athletic and quicker in every aspect of the game. Cuba's best offense seem to be either Tranel just putting their head down and just driving to the hoop. For the second half of the game Cuba City was just throwing up wild shots that weren't even coming close.
Scoring Breakdown
Lacrosse Aquinas 64- Morrissey 14 Whitehead 13 Pederson 10 Hanson 8 Zach Rickaway 8 Kirk Nicklaus 5 John Ruff 4 Tony Favre 2 Nick Thimis 0 Michael Balduzzi 0 Barrett Hebel 0 Andrew Schroeder 0 Booby Kachel 0
Cuba City 35- J Tranel 12 Ben Pickel 7 D Tranel 6 Jake Meckstroth 6 Joe Schweigert 4 Shane Morrissey 0 Kyle Kaiser 0 Richard 0 Wells Kaiser 0 Justin Alt 0 Brandon Stecklein 0
In tonight's game I was extremely impressed with Aquinas. This team may be even better then last years team that everyone thought couldn't be beaten. The run the court just as well as last year and they look to get the ball inside a lot more then last years team, which may be a plus because last year when Aquinas wasn't able to get out and run, they would look lost in the half court offense at times. Division three should really be a fun state tournament to watch, with Whitefish Bay Dominican, Iola Scandenavia, and Eau Claire Regis joining Aquinas at state.
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