In the Big Eight Conference Madison Memorial is easily the favorite for anyone that follows high school basketball at all. They have two division one recruits in 6'6 senior Jeronne Maymon and 6'3 junior Vander Blue, Maymon is considered the top player in the conference, and Memorial was the runner ups last year for D1 state. The rest of the conference predictions depend on who you talk to. Madison Lafollette, Verona, Janesville Craig, Beloit, and Madison East are all very even teams that will give good games night in and night out. Those five teams could finish in any order and I would not be surprised. Memorial may be the clear cut favorite but, after that the conference may be the most competitive that I have seen it since I began following high school basketball closely. Now on to my picks which seem to differ greatly from the picks of the yearbook and wishoops.
Predictions
1. Madison Memorial- I pretty much stated everything above. Maymon and Blue are great players and teamed with returning starter 6'3 junior Tre Creamer and an incoming freshmen from Canada that is supposedly a top player in the 2012 class.
2. Verona- 6'4 senior Jason Ziemer is a beast on the boards and in the paint and Verona is always a strong team year in and year out.
3. Janesville Craig- I know many people disagree with me on this but, I truly think Craig will be towards the top of the conference. They bring back 6'6 JoJo Pregont and 6'3 senior Kyle Goike, have a very good coach, and are a pretty tall team overall.
4. Madison East- Very strong post game with the return of mister everything 6'5 junior Marquis Mason, 6'7 senior James Bartelt, and 6'4 junior Jeff Hull off the bench. Their play hindges on their play of their guards and from highlights I've seen 5'10 sophomore Nimrod Hilliard should have no problem contributing big time at the varsity level.
5. Madison Lafollette- Almost everyone has Lafollette as a top 10 team in the state but, I just don't see it. 5'10 junior DJ Fuller is a great great player but, he's their only proven player. Their only post presence 6'6 senior Deonte Thompson has shown some flashes of brilliance but, there are rumors that he may not be playing this year.
6. Beloit- Can't see a Beloit team being towards the bottom of the conference two years in a row. They also return almost everyone and add 6'7 senior Terrell Parks.
7. Sun Praire- 6'1 juniors Michael Boos and Michael Handel are in their third year on varsity and should continue to make great strides.
8. Middleton- 6'0 senior Brooks Braga may be a one man team this year.
9. Madison West- Lost all of their starters from a year ago and don't seem to have a lot of discipline.
10. Janesville Parker- Well their Janseville Parker and they lost Riley Grafft from last year.
Conference Standings Predictions
1. Madison Memorial 18-0
2. Verona 14-4
3. Janesville Craig 13-5
4. Madison East 12-6
Madison Lafollette 12-6
6. Beloit 8-10
7. Sun Praire 5-13
8. Middleton 4-14
9. Madison West 2-16
10. Janesville Parker 1-17
All Conference 1st Team
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 senior Madison Memorial
Marquis Mason 6'5 junior Madison East
Jason Ziemer 6'4 senior Verona
Vander Blue 6'3 junior Madison Memorial
DJ Fuller 5'10 junior Madison Lafollette
2nd Team
JoJo Pregont 6'6 senior Janesville Craig
Brooks Braga 6'0 senior Middleton
Michael Boos 6'1 junior Sun Praire
Kyle Goike 6'3 senior Janesville Craig
Adam Wadzinski 6'3 junior Verona
3rd Team
Nimrod Hilliard 5'10 sophomore Madison East
Michael Handel 6'1 junior Sun Praire
Tre Creamer 6'3 junior Madison Memorial
Jahil Smith 6'1 junior Beloit
Terrell Parks 6'7 senior Beloit
This is the last of my preseason predictions. After this week if I see a few more games I will probably begin my player and team rankings.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Janesville Craig over Madison Edgewood
Tonight I took in my first high school basketball game of the year. I went down to Madison to check out the Edgewood vs Craig game. As usual Edgewood is a very undersized team that has a lot of scrappy players that give 110%. Edgewoods only real height is their star senior Derek Braucht who is 6'6 but, is not much of a low post player and whose game is more suited to the perimeter. Janesville Craig is a team with some height that has a very good inside game but, lacks any perimeter scoring.
The game started off with Craig taking an early lead using their size to score on the inside. Craig came out in a man to man defense which surprised me a bit since last year they played mostly zone but, then I realized they were switching on nearly every cut and pick, so it was basically the same defense as last year. The two big men for Craig, a pair of 6'6 seniors Will Clanfield and JoJo Pregont, were able to use a nice high low game to get Craig going early on. 6'3 senior Kyle Goike was also able to knock down a pair of three pointers to help pace the Cougars. Edgewood was able to hang tough as they were able to dominate the boards despite being vastly out sized by Craig and were able to knock down some threes, including a three at the buzzer that sent the game to halftime tied at 23 a piece. Braucht carried Edgewood for the first half scoring half of the teams points primarily by penetrating to the inside. AJ Fredricks came off the bench for Craig looking to score right away and was probably the leading scorer in the second quarter.
In the second half Edgewood came out looking to press and were able to force Craig into some turnovers and some erratic play on the offensive end. Pregont as still able to get out on a few fast breaks though and finish a couple and one baskets. The second half also saw Edgewoods bench make an impression with 5'10 senior Scott Hird knocking down a big three and then a long two late in the game. Craigs height ended up being too much in the end as Pregont had a big fourth quarter on the defensive end having about five blocks as well as being able to get back inside and score on offense. Goike knocked down a three at the end to help seal the game. Edgewood did have their chances though as they missed a pair of free throws at the end that could of tied the game.
Final Score
Janesville Craig 49
Madison Edgewood 46
Box Score
Craig- J. Pregont 18, Goike 15, Fredricks 7, Brad Cagney 4, Joe Kennedy 3, Clanfield 2, Cody Dare 0, Keith Wright 0, Brett Bates 0, Michael Pregont 0
Edgewood- Braucht 17, Hird 8, Mario Minnart 7, Patrick Lagman 5, Christiaan Wabers 5, Bruin Armwald 2, Connor Balczewski 2, Joe Docter 0, Michael Eshun 0, Noah Kachelski 0
Top Players
JoJo Pregont 6'6 senior Janesville Craig- Very solid in the post on the offensive and defensive end. Great shot blocker on defense. On offense scores in the post, in transition, and is a solid free throw shooter.
Kyle Goike 6'3 senior Janesville Craig- Very solid three point shooter. If he has time to set his feet Goike will knock down the shot.
AJ Fredricks 6'2 senior Janesville Craig- As I mentioned earlier a bench player that comes in looking to score right away. Maybe shoots a little too much but, goes to the hoop hard and can knock down the outside shot. Is also a very solid aggressive defensive player.
Derek Braucht 6'6 senior Madison Edgewood- Has a very smooth outside game. Will be able to play at the next level as a perimeter player but, forced to play inside because of Edgewood's lack of height. I love how he lets the game come to him and doesn't force too much. When the threes there he takes it or when they can't get anything going on offense he looks to penetrate and score or get fouled.
Scott Hird 5'10 senior Madison Edgewood- Another kid that came off the bench looking to score. As mentioned early came in and knocked down some big shots.
Within the next two days I'll be doing a preview of the Big Eight conference and will be checking out the Dells game on Tuesday and then possible the Madison Lafollete vs Milwaukee Washington on Saturday.
The game started off with Craig taking an early lead using their size to score on the inside. Craig came out in a man to man defense which surprised me a bit since last year they played mostly zone but, then I realized they were switching on nearly every cut and pick, so it was basically the same defense as last year. The two big men for Craig, a pair of 6'6 seniors Will Clanfield and JoJo Pregont, were able to use a nice high low game to get Craig going early on. 6'3 senior Kyle Goike was also able to knock down a pair of three pointers to help pace the Cougars. Edgewood was able to hang tough as they were able to dominate the boards despite being vastly out sized by Craig and were able to knock down some threes, including a three at the buzzer that sent the game to halftime tied at 23 a piece. Braucht carried Edgewood for the first half scoring half of the teams points primarily by penetrating to the inside. AJ Fredricks came off the bench for Craig looking to score right away and was probably the leading scorer in the second quarter.
In the second half Edgewood came out looking to press and were able to force Craig into some turnovers and some erratic play on the offensive end. Pregont as still able to get out on a few fast breaks though and finish a couple and one baskets. The second half also saw Edgewoods bench make an impression with 5'10 senior Scott Hird knocking down a big three and then a long two late in the game. Craigs height ended up being too much in the end as Pregont had a big fourth quarter on the defensive end having about five blocks as well as being able to get back inside and score on offense. Goike knocked down a three at the end to help seal the game. Edgewood did have their chances though as they missed a pair of free throws at the end that could of tied the game.
Final Score
Janesville Craig 49
Madison Edgewood 46
Box Score
Craig- J. Pregont 18, Goike 15, Fredricks 7, Brad Cagney 4, Joe Kennedy 3, Clanfield 2, Cody Dare 0, Keith Wright 0, Brett Bates 0, Michael Pregont 0
Edgewood- Braucht 17, Hird 8, Mario Minnart 7, Patrick Lagman 5, Christiaan Wabers 5, Bruin Armwald 2, Connor Balczewski 2, Joe Docter 0, Michael Eshun 0, Noah Kachelski 0
Top Players
JoJo Pregont 6'6 senior Janesville Craig- Very solid in the post on the offensive and defensive end. Great shot blocker on defense. On offense scores in the post, in transition, and is a solid free throw shooter.
Kyle Goike 6'3 senior Janesville Craig- Very solid three point shooter. If he has time to set his feet Goike will knock down the shot.
AJ Fredricks 6'2 senior Janesville Craig- As I mentioned earlier a bench player that comes in looking to score right away. Maybe shoots a little too much but, goes to the hoop hard and can knock down the outside shot. Is also a very solid aggressive defensive player.
Derek Braucht 6'6 senior Madison Edgewood- Has a very smooth outside game. Will be able to play at the next level as a perimeter player but, forced to play inside because of Edgewood's lack of height. I love how he lets the game come to him and doesn't force too much. When the threes there he takes it or when they can't get anything going on offense he looks to penetrate and score or get fouled.
Scott Hird 5'10 senior Madison Edgewood- Another kid that came off the bench looking to score. As mentioned early came in and knocked down some big shots.
Within the next two days I'll be doing a preview of the Big Eight conference and will be checking out the Dells game on Tuesday and then possible the Madison Lafollete vs Milwaukee Washington on Saturday.
Friday, November 28, 2008
South Central Preview
Being that I am from Wisconsin Dells I follow the home team fairly closely, which means that I follow the South Central pretty close. I will admit that I focuses most of my attention to the top two teams in the conference Wisconsin Dells and Adams Friendship. This is because WD is my home team and Adams is really the only other good team in the conference. The remaining teams in the conference are pretty low level and they last few years the only teams with over .500 conference records are Adams and the Dells.
Once again the conference will come down to the top two teams. Adams was the state runner ups in division two last year but, took a huge hit when it was announced that senior Tommie Gaston, one of the top players in the state, will not be at Adams Friendship this year. Despite the loss of Gaston Adams should be right there with Wisconsin Dells for the top team. They bring back their top scorer 6'1 senior Lance Fritz who will probably see his scoring average increase even more with the departure of Gaston, and 6'4 junior Bryce Wormet, who was the sixth man last year but, showed some flashes of brilliance last year and I expect him to have a huge year.
Wisconsin Dells will also be a two man show with the return of 6'0 senior Jade Royston who was a 20 point scorer a year ago and 6'9 junior big man Nate Gibson. Royston has a very smooth shot from 15 foot out to through point range and last year really started to open up his game a bit by taking the ball to the hoop more. Gibson right now is pretty raw at this point but, he's 6'9 and that means he's a game changed. Gibson has a real nice hook shot that he uses with his back to the basket and from what I've heard has had a nice summer.
Mauston will probably finish third in the conference as 6'4 senior Tyler Tardiff is a returning first team all conference player and is another guy that had a strong off season. The Golden Eagles also have 6'0 senior Brian Hall back who average 10 points a game last year. Wautoma is next in line coming off a very successful football season and have three starters back including 5'9 senior Ryan Renner who average 13 points a game a year ago. Nekoosa brings back three starters and appear to have quite a few guys in the 6'2 and 6'3 range that should contribute. Westfield should be bottom of the barrel again as it appears that they do not have a player over 6'1.
Predicted Conference Finish
1. Adams Friendship 9-1
Wisconsin Dells 9-1
3. Mauston 5-5
4. Wautoma 4-6
5. Nekoosa 2-8
6. Westfield 1-9
All Conference 1st Team
Jade Royston 6'0 senior Wisconsin Dells
Lance Fritz 6'1 senior Adams Friendship
Tyler Tardiff 6'4 senior Mauston
Bryce Wormet 6'4 junior Adams Friendship
Nate Gibson 6'9 junior Wisconsin Dells
2nd Team
Ryan Renner 5'9 senior Wautoma
Brian Hall 6'0 senior Mauston
Logan Nelson 6'0 senior Nekoosa
Sean Wise 6'2 senior Wautoma
Tony Kuchta 5'11 senior Adams Friendship
HM
Jimmy Alvin 5'11 senior Wisconsin Dells
Nick Mittelstedt 6'1 senior Westfield
Parker Detjens 6'4 senior Wautoma
I know I was a little harsh to the rest of the teams outside of Adams and Wisconsin Dells but, the truth is no one else has really competed with those two teams since the conference lost Lodi and Poynette and added Wautoma. Tomorrow I will be focusing on the Big Eight conference and may be taking in the Janesville Craig vs Madison Edgewood game tomorrow night.
Once again the conference will come down to the top two teams. Adams was the state runner ups in division two last year but, took a huge hit when it was announced that senior Tommie Gaston, one of the top players in the state, will not be at Adams Friendship this year. Despite the loss of Gaston Adams should be right there with Wisconsin Dells for the top team. They bring back their top scorer 6'1 senior Lance Fritz who will probably see his scoring average increase even more with the departure of Gaston, and 6'4 junior Bryce Wormet, who was the sixth man last year but, showed some flashes of brilliance last year and I expect him to have a huge year.
Wisconsin Dells will also be a two man show with the return of 6'0 senior Jade Royston who was a 20 point scorer a year ago and 6'9 junior big man Nate Gibson. Royston has a very smooth shot from 15 foot out to through point range and last year really started to open up his game a bit by taking the ball to the hoop more. Gibson right now is pretty raw at this point but, he's 6'9 and that means he's a game changed. Gibson has a real nice hook shot that he uses with his back to the basket and from what I've heard has had a nice summer.
Mauston will probably finish third in the conference as 6'4 senior Tyler Tardiff is a returning first team all conference player and is another guy that had a strong off season. The Golden Eagles also have 6'0 senior Brian Hall back who average 10 points a game last year. Wautoma is next in line coming off a very successful football season and have three starters back including 5'9 senior Ryan Renner who average 13 points a game a year ago. Nekoosa brings back three starters and appear to have quite a few guys in the 6'2 and 6'3 range that should contribute. Westfield should be bottom of the barrel again as it appears that they do not have a player over 6'1.
Predicted Conference Finish
1. Adams Friendship 9-1
Wisconsin Dells 9-1
3. Mauston 5-5
4. Wautoma 4-6
5. Nekoosa 2-8
6. Westfield 1-9
All Conference 1st Team
Jade Royston 6'0 senior Wisconsin Dells
Lance Fritz 6'1 senior Adams Friendship
Tyler Tardiff 6'4 senior Mauston
Bryce Wormet 6'4 junior Adams Friendship
Nate Gibson 6'9 junior Wisconsin Dells
2nd Team
Ryan Renner 5'9 senior Wautoma
Brian Hall 6'0 senior Mauston
Logan Nelson 6'0 senior Nekoosa
Sean Wise 6'2 senior Wautoma
Tony Kuchta 5'11 senior Adams Friendship
HM
Jimmy Alvin 5'11 senior Wisconsin Dells
Nick Mittelstedt 6'1 senior Westfield
Parker Detjens 6'4 senior Wautoma
I know I was a little harsh to the rest of the teams outside of Adams and Wisconsin Dells but, the truth is no one else has really competed with those two teams since the conference lost Lodi and Poynette and added Wautoma. Tomorrow I will be focusing on the Big Eight conference and may be taking in the Janesville Craig vs Madison Edgewood game tomorrow night.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Division Four Preview
Division four comes down to a two team race. The race is between the perennial D4 powerhouse Randolph and Benton who has been unable to get past Randolph the previous two years but, have had an exceptional summer and return four starters from last years team. The edge still goes to Randolph though because they have the big 6'9 junior Kyle Kelm.
1. Randolph- Third year starter 6'3 Tyler Tillema carries on the Tillema and Randolph tradition teaming with Kyle Kelm.
2. Benton- Hendricks twins and Kane Hoffman form the best backcourt in D4 if not the entire state.
3. Hillsboro- Three starters return and are led by 6'5 junior Pat Alexander.
4. Barneveld- Senior Pat Clerkin is in his fourth year on varsity while junior Logan Johnson is in his third.
5. Burlington Catholic Central- Extremely tough regular season should prepare Hilltoppers for post season.
6. Blair Taylor- Strong tradition and an impressive jv team should lead to success.
7. Wisconsin Rapids Assumption- Defending Marawood champs bring back two starters.
8. Fall River- Pirates bring back an impressive lead guard and double digit scorer.
9. Spring Valley- Cardinals are led by a pair of impressive guards.
10. Port Edwards- Only lost one player from last years team.
HM
Cochrane-Fountain City
North Crawford
Marshfield Columbus
1st Team
Kyle Kelm 6'9 junior Randolph
Tyler Tillema 6'3 senior Randolph
Connor Hendricks 6'1 senior Benton
Jordan Hendricks 6'1 senior Benton
Kane Hoffmann 6'0 senior Benton
2nd Team
Pat Alexander 6'5 junior Hillsboro
John Schmidtknecht 6'6 senior Cochrane-Fountain City
Logan Johnson 6'3 junior Barneveld
Brendan Bauer 6'4 senior Gilmanton
Brad Brooks 6'4 junior Green Lake
3rd Team
Patrick Clerkin 6'2 senior Barneveld
Tyler Bosshard 5'10 senior Spring Valley
Michael Droessler 6'3 junior Benton
Reese Hartlage 6'3 senior Catholic Central
Brian Brooks 6'3 senior Destiny
I know its pretty unheard of to have two teams make up the first team but, I truly think that Benton and Randolph are just that far ahead of the class in D4. The only other player that I even considered possibly being first team was Pat Alexander otherwise the rest off the picks were pretty easy. In the following days I'll be doing preseason picks for the two conferences I follow the closely. The South Central and the Big Eight.
1. Randolph- Third year starter 6'3 Tyler Tillema carries on the Tillema and Randolph tradition teaming with Kyle Kelm.
2. Benton- Hendricks twins and Kane Hoffman form the best backcourt in D4 if not the entire state.
3. Hillsboro- Three starters return and are led by 6'5 junior Pat Alexander.
4. Barneveld- Senior Pat Clerkin is in his fourth year on varsity while junior Logan Johnson is in his third.
5. Burlington Catholic Central- Extremely tough regular season should prepare Hilltoppers for post season.
6. Blair Taylor- Strong tradition and an impressive jv team should lead to success.
7. Wisconsin Rapids Assumption- Defending Marawood champs bring back two starters.
8. Fall River- Pirates bring back an impressive lead guard and double digit scorer.
9. Spring Valley- Cardinals are led by a pair of impressive guards.
10. Port Edwards- Only lost one player from last years team.
HM
Cochrane-Fountain City
North Crawford
Marshfield Columbus
1st Team
Kyle Kelm 6'9 junior Randolph
Tyler Tillema 6'3 senior Randolph
Connor Hendricks 6'1 senior Benton
Jordan Hendricks 6'1 senior Benton
Kane Hoffmann 6'0 senior Benton
2nd Team
Pat Alexander 6'5 junior Hillsboro
John Schmidtknecht 6'6 senior Cochrane-Fountain City
Logan Johnson 6'3 junior Barneveld
Brendan Bauer 6'4 senior Gilmanton
Brad Brooks 6'4 junior Green Lake
3rd Team
Patrick Clerkin 6'2 senior Barneveld
Tyler Bosshard 5'10 senior Spring Valley
Michael Droessler 6'3 junior Benton
Reese Hartlage 6'3 senior Catholic Central
Brian Brooks 6'3 senior Destiny
I know its pretty unheard of to have two teams make up the first team but, I truly think that Benton and Randolph are just that far ahead of the class in D4. The only other player that I even considered possibly being first team was Pat Alexander otherwise the rest off the picks were pretty easy. In the following days I'll be doing preseason picks for the two conferences I follow the closely. The South Central and the Big Eight.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Divison Three Preseason
Division three might be the most interesting division in the state. There are just so many good teams that could probably compete with most of the top D1 schools. This division also brings the most controversy with the private verse public debate. Since private schools have join the WIAA this division has been dominated by privates and this year should be no different.
1. Racine St Catherines- St Cats bring back four starters from last year and are led by a trio of 6'3 seniors in the Lawson twins and Jake Thomas.
2. Eau Claire Regis- State team a year ago, return their two best players in 6'3 junior Adam Ganske and 5'11 junior Jack Eaton.
3. Lacrosse Aquinas- Defending state champs return seniors 6'1 Jimmy Whitehead and 6'7 Michael Hanson.
4. Whitefish Bay Dominican- Always tough Knights bring back 5'11 senior Jerrel Harris and 6'4 junior Mikael Luter along with most of their bench.
5. Laconia- 6'3 senior Derek Semenas is a D1 recruit that can go off at any time.
6. Marshall- Bring back lots of experience and height.
7. Milwaukee Northwest- Coming out of the City Conference they will be well prepared for tournament play.
8. Manitowoc Roncalli- Strong tradition and emergence of 6'0 sophomore Ben Stelzer should carry team.
9. Luck- D4 state team year ago brings back 6'5 senior Brennan Olson.
10. Cuba City- Scrappy team is led by sharpshooter 6'2 junior Evan Richard.
HM
Hurley
Amherst
Fall Creek
Brillion
Preseason All State
1st Team
Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Derem Semenas 6'3 senior Laconia
Javar Lawson 6'3 senior Racine St Catherines
Jake Thomas 6'3 senior Raince St Catherines
Adam Ganske 6'3 junior Eau Claire Regis
2nd Team
Jerrel Harris 5'11 senior Whitefish Bay Dominican
Brennan Olson 6'5 senior Luck
Mike Boebel 6'6 senior Marshall
Jordan Reetz 6'5 junior Fall Creek
Jack Eaton 5'11 junior Eau Claire Regis
3rd Team
Michael Hanson 6'7 senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Mikael Luter 6'4 junior Whitefish Bay Dominican
Daulton Levra 5'8 junior Hurley
Nate Martin 6'1 senior Amherst
Evan Richard 6'2 junior Cuba City
I will admit I show some favoritism to players that I have actually seen in person, just because its so difficult to rank players based on what others say. Well in the next coming days will be D4 preview and the season will begin in a week.
1. Racine St Catherines- St Cats bring back four starters from last year and are led by a trio of 6'3 seniors in the Lawson twins and Jake Thomas.
2. Eau Claire Regis- State team a year ago, return their two best players in 6'3 junior Adam Ganske and 5'11 junior Jack Eaton.
3. Lacrosse Aquinas- Defending state champs return seniors 6'1 Jimmy Whitehead and 6'7 Michael Hanson.
4. Whitefish Bay Dominican- Always tough Knights bring back 5'11 senior Jerrel Harris and 6'4 junior Mikael Luter along with most of their bench.
5. Laconia- 6'3 senior Derek Semenas is a D1 recruit that can go off at any time.
6. Marshall- Bring back lots of experience and height.
7. Milwaukee Northwest- Coming out of the City Conference they will be well prepared for tournament play.
8. Manitowoc Roncalli- Strong tradition and emergence of 6'0 sophomore Ben Stelzer should carry team.
9. Luck- D4 state team year ago brings back 6'5 senior Brennan Olson.
10. Cuba City- Scrappy team is led by sharpshooter 6'2 junior Evan Richard.
HM
Hurley
Amherst
Fall Creek
Brillion
Preseason All State
1st Team
Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Derem Semenas 6'3 senior Laconia
Javar Lawson 6'3 senior Racine St Catherines
Jake Thomas 6'3 senior Raince St Catherines
Adam Ganske 6'3 junior Eau Claire Regis
2nd Team
Jerrel Harris 5'11 senior Whitefish Bay Dominican
Brennan Olson 6'5 senior Luck
Mike Boebel 6'6 senior Marshall
Jordan Reetz 6'5 junior Fall Creek
Jack Eaton 5'11 junior Eau Claire Regis
3rd Team
Michael Hanson 6'7 senior Lacrosse Aquinas
Mikael Luter 6'4 junior Whitefish Bay Dominican
Daulton Levra 5'8 junior Hurley
Nate Martin 6'1 senior Amherst
Evan Richard 6'2 junior Cuba City
I will admit I show some favoritism to players that I have actually seen in person, just because its so difficult to rank players based on what others say. Well in the next coming days will be D4 preview and the season will begin in a week.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Division Two Preseason
Of all the divisions in the state, division two is probably the most wide open. At this point in time there is no clear cut favorites. There is a lot of good players in the division but, they just don't seem to have enough around them to be considered a true favorite. Originally Adams Friendship was going to be my #1 team, being that the were the state runner ups last year and were returning their top two scores in Lance Fritz and Tommie Gaston. Now with Gaston no longer being at Adams they are no longer the favorites.
1. Monroe- Top back court in D2 with Tordoff brothers.
2. Wisconsin Lutheran- 6'4 Junior star Flavian Davis is looking to have a breakout season after a subpar year the previous season.
3.Northwestern- Tallest overall frontline in 6'4 junior Steve Tecker, 6'6 senior Aaron Corry, and 6'7 Junior Donnie Hissa, all double digit scorers last year.
4. Milwaukee Lutheran- Red Knights should be able to make some noise with the return of D1 recruit 6'5 junior Chim Kadima.
5. Waukesha Catholic Memorial- 6'4 junior TJ Bray is in his third year on varsity, while 5'11 guards junior Derek Schill and Jack Fleming form a solid backcourt.
6. Adams Friendship- May of lost their top player in Gaston but, return their leading scorer in Lance Fritz and their 1-3-1 defense.
7. Port Washington- Battle tested Pirates should go far led by 6'4 junior Josh Gasser.
8. Wisconsin Dells- 6'0 senior Jade Royston is a 20 point per game scorer and teams with 6'9 junior Nate Gibson.
9. Madison Edgewood- Always scrappy team should be able to play with anyone and have ultra talented 6'6 senior Derek Braucht.
10. Black River Falls- Led by leading scorer in the state 5'10 senior Jack Taylor.
HM
Rice Lake
New Berlin Eisenhower
Appleton Xavier
River Valley
Reedsburg
Seymour
Preseason All State
1st Team
Flavian Davis 6'4 Jr Wisconsin Lutheran
Josh Gasser 6'4 Jr Port Washington
Chim Kadima 6'5 Jr Milwaukee Lutheran
Mitch Tordoff 5'11 Sr Monroe
Derek Braucht 6'6 Sr Madison Edgewood
2nd Team
Steve Tecker 6'4 Jr Northwestern
Alex Culy 6'2 Sr Rice Lake
Jack Taylor 5'11 Sr Black River Falls
Jimmy Sherburne- 6'3 Sr Whitefish Bay
Tyler Mazur- 6'4 Sr Reedsburg
3rd Team
Jade Royston- 6'0 Sr Wisconsin Dells
Andrew Kiester- 6'1 Sr Evansville
Lance Fritz- 6'0 Sr Adams Friendship
TJ Bray- 6'3 Jr Catholic Memorial
Chauncey Williams- 6'0 Sr Milwaukee Marshall
The all state team was a little difficult because the players from smaller schools are not as well known as the guys from the big schools but, I believe that I did a pretty solid job. As you can see by the all state team there aren't a lot of top big men in division two as the majority of the guys that I put on the all state are guards. About 90% are guards.
1. Monroe- Top back court in D2 with Tordoff brothers.
2. Wisconsin Lutheran- 6'4 Junior star Flavian Davis is looking to have a breakout season after a subpar year the previous season.
3.Northwestern- Tallest overall frontline in 6'4 junior Steve Tecker, 6'6 senior Aaron Corry, and 6'7 Junior Donnie Hissa, all double digit scorers last year.
4. Milwaukee Lutheran- Red Knights should be able to make some noise with the return of D1 recruit 6'5 junior Chim Kadima.
5. Waukesha Catholic Memorial- 6'4 junior TJ Bray is in his third year on varsity, while 5'11 guards junior Derek Schill and Jack Fleming form a solid backcourt.
6. Adams Friendship- May of lost their top player in Gaston but, return their leading scorer in Lance Fritz and their 1-3-1 defense.
7. Port Washington- Battle tested Pirates should go far led by 6'4 junior Josh Gasser.
8. Wisconsin Dells- 6'0 senior Jade Royston is a 20 point per game scorer and teams with 6'9 junior Nate Gibson.
9. Madison Edgewood- Always scrappy team should be able to play with anyone and have ultra talented 6'6 senior Derek Braucht.
10. Black River Falls- Led by leading scorer in the state 5'10 senior Jack Taylor.
HM
Rice Lake
New Berlin Eisenhower
Appleton Xavier
River Valley
Reedsburg
Seymour
Preseason All State
1st Team
Flavian Davis 6'4 Jr Wisconsin Lutheran
Josh Gasser 6'4 Jr Port Washington
Chim Kadima 6'5 Jr Milwaukee Lutheran
Mitch Tordoff 5'11 Sr Monroe
Derek Braucht 6'6 Sr Madison Edgewood
2nd Team
Steve Tecker 6'4 Jr Northwestern
Alex Culy 6'2 Sr Rice Lake
Jack Taylor 5'11 Sr Black River Falls
Jimmy Sherburne- 6'3 Sr Whitefish Bay
Tyler Mazur- 6'4 Sr Reedsburg
3rd Team
Jade Royston- 6'0 Sr Wisconsin Dells
Andrew Kiester- 6'1 Sr Evansville
Lance Fritz- 6'0 Sr Adams Friendship
TJ Bray- 6'3 Jr Catholic Memorial
Chauncey Williams- 6'0 Sr Milwaukee Marshall
The all state team was a little difficult because the players from smaller schools are not as well known as the guys from the big schools but, I believe that I did a pretty solid job. As you can see by the all state team there aren't a lot of top big men in division two as the majority of the guys that I put on the all state are guards. About 90% are guards.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Division One Preseason
In my division one preseason rankings it appears to be the same familiar teams looking for state championships.
1. Madison Memorial- Last years state runner ups are led by two D1 recruits in 6'6 Jeronne Maymon and 6'3 Vander Blue. Add in the return of 6'3 Tre Creamer and a very talented incoming freshmen.
2. Oshkosh West- Lose only two players from last years final four team. West always seems to be there at the end coming out of the always tough FVA.
3. Wauwatosa East- Defending champs return their hero of the championship game 6'3 Eric Williams and starting point guard 5'10 Michael Cupertino. Team those two with the addition of the #1 sophomore 6'3 Larry Bradley from Milwaukee Vincent and they have a great chance of repeating.
4. Eau Claire North- Most talent and possibly the best frontline in the state of Wisconsin with D1 recruits 6'11 junior Evan Anders and 6'7 senior Tyler Brown. 6'5 senior Andy Kleist gives them even more height in the starting lineup.
5. Milwaukee Washington- One loss team from a year ago return stars in the making in 6'3 senior Antoine Byrd and 6'5 sophomore Quevyn Winters.
6. Racine Horlick- Height and experience are on Horlick's side with 6'7 senior Jamil Wilson and 6'5 senior Antwon Oliver.
7. Hamiliton Sussex- Extremely talented junior class led by D1 recruit 6'1 Kameron Cerroni.
8. Milwaukee Vincent- Always tough Vincent is expecting big years from three seniors. 6'3 Michael Weems, 6'2 Trent Thomas, and 6'6 Steve Stoval.
9. Germantown- State finalist a year ago a led by one of the top big men in the state in 6'7 senior Ben Averkamp.
10. Milwaukee Custer- Surprise team a year ago return big man 6'7 junior Calvin Godfrey and 6'1 senior Devereaux Ingram.
HM (Listed in ranking order)
Milwaukee King
Manitowoc Lincoln
Waunakee
Milwaukee Hamiliton
Kaukana
Preseason All State
1st Team
Evan Anderson 6'11 Jr Eau Claire North
Jamil Wilson 6'7 Sr Racine Horlick
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 Sr Madison Memorial
Antoine Byrd 6'3 Sr Milwaukee Washington
Kameron Cerroni 6'1 Jr Hamilton Sussex
2nd team
Ben Averkamp 6'7 Sr Germantown
Clayton Heur 6'9 Sr Wisconsin Rapids
Vander Blue 6'3 Jr Madison Memorial
Larry Bradley 6'3 So Wauwatosa East
DJ Fuller 5'10 Jr Madison Lafollette
3rd Team
Tyler Brown 6'7 Sr Eau Claire North
Marquis Mason 6'5 Jr Madison East
Nathan Zastrow 6'0 Sr Manitowoc Lincoln
Eric Williams 6'3 Sr Wauwatosa East
Jason Ziemer 6'4 Sr Verona
Well there are my thoughts on Division one. I apologize to any teams or players that I may of left out. Most of this I'm doing off the top of my head so I may forgot a player or two.
1. Madison Memorial- Last years state runner ups are led by two D1 recruits in 6'6 Jeronne Maymon and 6'3 Vander Blue. Add in the return of 6'3 Tre Creamer and a very talented incoming freshmen.
2. Oshkosh West- Lose only two players from last years final four team. West always seems to be there at the end coming out of the always tough FVA.
3. Wauwatosa East- Defending champs return their hero of the championship game 6'3 Eric Williams and starting point guard 5'10 Michael Cupertino. Team those two with the addition of the #1 sophomore 6'3 Larry Bradley from Milwaukee Vincent and they have a great chance of repeating.
4. Eau Claire North- Most talent and possibly the best frontline in the state of Wisconsin with D1 recruits 6'11 junior Evan Anders and 6'7 senior Tyler Brown. 6'5 senior Andy Kleist gives them even more height in the starting lineup.
5. Milwaukee Washington- One loss team from a year ago return stars in the making in 6'3 senior Antoine Byrd and 6'5 sophomore Quevyn Winters.
6. Racine Horlick- Height and experience are on Horlick's side with 6'7 senior Jamil Wilson and 6'5 senior Antwon Oliver.
7. Hamiliton Sussex- Extremely talented junior class led by D1 recruit 6'1 Kameron Cerroni.
8. Milwaukee Vincent- Always tough Vincent is expecting big years from three seniors. 6'3 Michael Weems, 6'2 Trent Thomas, and 6'6 Steve Stoval.
9. Germantown- State finalist a year ago a led by one of the top big men in the state in 6'7 senior Ben Averkamp.
10. Milwaukee Custer- Surprise team a year ago return big man 6'7 junior Calvin Godfrey and 6'1 senior Devereaux Ingram.
HM (Listed in ranking order)
Milwaukee King
Manitowoc Lincoln
Waunakee
Milwaukee Hamiliton
Kaukana
Preseason All State
1st Team
Evan Anderson 6'11 Jr Eau Claire North
Jamil Wilson 6'7 Sr Racine Horlick
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 Sr Madison Memorial
Antoine Byrd 6'3 Sr Milwaukee Washington
Kameron Cerroni 6'1 Jr Hamilton Sussex
2nd team
Ben Averkamp 6'7 Sr Germantown
Clayton Heur 6'9 Sr Wisconsin Rapids
Vander Blue 6'3 Jr Madison Memorial
Larry Bradley 6'3 So Wauwatosa East
DJ Fuller 5'10 Jr Madison Lafollette
3rd Team
Tyler Brown 6'7 Sr Eau Claire North
Marquis Mason 6'5 Jr Madison East
Nathan Zastrow 6'0 Sr Manitowoc Lincoln
Eric Williams 6'3 Sr Wauwatosa East
Jason Ziemer 6'4 Sr Verona
Well there are my thoughts on Division one. I apologize to any teams or players that I may of left out. Most of this I'm doing off the top of my head so I may forgot a player or two.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
High School Basketball Right Around the Corner
With high school basketball starting in a little over a week my sports journal is really going to pickup in posts. As last year I will be doing a continuous playing and team ranking of players and teams that I watch play and will also be doing previews for games. To kick off the season I'll just be talking about some of the big stories of the season.
The biggest story in division one this year is the transfer of four of the top 25 sophomores transferring from Milwaukee Bay View to Milwaukee Hamiliton. Many people see Hamiliton as a state contender but, personally I believe that they are still a season away from seriously contending for state. Last year at Bay View they were towards of the bottom of the City conference and they had a division one recruit in Johnnie Lacy playing with them. The Hamiliton transfers are getting the headlines but, a bigger transfer is the move of number one soph Larry Bradley transferring from perennial power Milwaukee Vincent to the defending state champions Wauwatosa East. Tosa East was once again going to be a very good team but, Bradley coming in makes them one of the top teams in division one. Along with Tosa East, Madison Memorial and Oshkosh West are the top teams, in my mind, gunning for a state title. Madison Memorial has a pair of division one recruits in 6'6 Jeronne Maymon and 6'3 Vander Blue and adding in freshmen from Canada that is supposedly going to be the top player in his class. Oshkosh West lost only two players from their final four team from a year ago and as usual have great height and bring back there two starting guards.
In division two is probably the most wide open of any division, as to who is the favorite to win state. You could ask 10 people and probably get at least eight different answers as to who is the favorite. Personally I had my money on state runner ups Adams Friendship having the best shot but, now there are rumors that their best player 6'4 Tommie Gaston may not be playing this year. If the rumor is true that may make the division even more unpredictable.
Division three will once again be the debate of privates verse publics, as privates have seemed to dominate D3 year in and year out. The early favorites, all privates, are Lacrosse Aquinas, Eau Claire Regis, Racine St Catherines, and Whitefish Bay Dominican. The top public schools looking to knock them off are Laconia, Cuba City, and Marshall along with the two schools that moved up from division four in Luck and Eleva Strum, who were both at state for D4 last year.
Division four is Randolph as usual and if Benton can finally get past them and win state. Benton has had a great summer playing against many D1 schools and beating a good majority of them. They also have three guards that are in their fourth year of starting and were knocked out by Randolph last year in the sectional final by two points. Randolph is once again Randolph. They have a big man, 6'9 Kyle Kelm, and a Tillema, 6'3 Tyler Tillema, leading the way.
Those are some of the early thoughts of the season with the season just over a week away. In the following week I will be giving my top teams for each division and my preseason all state for each division and possibly a preview into some of the top early season games I will be going to.
The biggest story in division one this year is the transfer of four of the top 25 sophomores transferring from Milwaukee Bay View to Milwaukee Hamiliton. Many people see Hamiliton as a state contender but, personally I believe that they are still a season away from seriously contending for state. Last year at Bay View they were towards of the bottom of the City conference and they had a division one recruit in Johnnie Lacy playing with them. The Hamiliton transfers are getting the headlines but, a bigger transfer is the move of number one soph Larry Bradley transferring from perennial power Milwaukee Vincent to the defending state champions Wauwatosa East. Tosa East was once again going to be a very good team but, Bradley coming in makes them one of the top teams in division one. Along with Tosa East, Madison Memorial and Oshkosh West are the top teams, in my mind, gunning for a state title. Madison Memorial has a pair of division one recruits in 6'6 Jeronne Maymon and 6'3 Vander Blue and adding in freshmen from Canada that is supposedly going to be the top player in his class. Oshkosh West lost only two players from their final four team from a year ago and as usual have great height and bring back there two starting guards.
In division two is probably the most wide open of any division, as to who is the favorite to win state. You could ask 10 people and probably get at least eight different answers as to who is the favorite. Personally I had my money on state runner ups Adams Friendship having the best shot but, now there are rumors that their best player 6'4 Tommie Gaston may not be playing this year. If the rumor is true that may make the division even more unpredictable.
Division three will once again be the debate of privates verse publics, as privates have seemed to dominate D3 year in and year out. The early favorites, all privates, are Lacrosse Aquinas, Eau Claire Regis, Racine St Catherines, and Whitefish Bay Dominican. The top public schools looking to knock them off are Laconia, Cuba City, and Marshall along with the two schools that moved up from division four in Luck and Eleva Strum, who were both at state for D4 last year.
Division four is Randolph as usual and if Benton can finally get past them and win state. Benton has had a great summer playing against many D1 schools and beating a good majority of them. They also have three guards that are in their fourth year of starting and were knocked out by Randolph last year in the sectional final by two points. Randolph is once again Randolph. They have a big man, 6'9 Kyle Kelm, and a Tillema, 6'3 Tyler Tillema, leading the way.
Those are some of the early thoughts of the season with the season just over a week away. In the following week I will be giving my top teams for each division and my preseason all state for each division and possibly a preview into some of the top early season games I will be going to.
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