State Predictions

With the final four teams finally set now for all of the five divisions here are my predictions for state.

Division One
Madison Memorial over Milwaukee Hamilton
I think that Hamilton's inexperience and lack of depth will get to them and Memorial will break this game open late. Memorial seems to be on a tare at the right time.

Appleton East over De Pere
This was a very tough pick for me but, East is undefeated and have five guys that basically average double digits scoring. De Pere has a ton of height but, I think East's three point shooting will negate that and East was at the Kohl Center a year ago.

Appleton East over Madison Memorial
East has been my pick before the playoffs started and I will stick with them. East has the experience to handle the Memorial pressure and rebound just as good as they do.

Division Two
Waunakee over Merrill
Waunakee just seems destined to play in the championship game this year. Merrill has Jesperson but, just don't think they have enough to beat Waunakee. Yes Merrill has played a lot of D1 schools but, Waunakee is no stranger to playing D1s so no advantage there. Jesperson may have a big scoring night but, sticking with Waunakee.

Seymour over Whitefish Bay
Don't know much about Whitefish Bay but, Seymour only losses to top ranked teams with the exception of a lose to Appleton West who has played with some very good teams.

Seymour over Waunakee
Seymour has two players that average nearly 20 points a game that I think will carry them to the title. Waunakee goes into some scoring droughts at times and I think that will hurt them here. If Austin Maly has a real good game though I could be proved wrong. Along with the D1 title game this one seems very difficult for me to pick.

Division Three
Lacrosse Aquinas over Lakeside Lutheran
I have seen each team play once and really don't think this game will be that close. If Lakeside is hitting their threes they may stay close but. Aquinas is just too quick and athletic here. Looking forward to the matchup of Pederson and Jarnigo in this one.

Racine St. Catherines over Little Chute
Know nothing about Little Chute but, St. Cats is St. Cats so go with them and their coach. They are battle tested and as everyone knows they have been there before.

Lacrosse Aquinas over Racine St. Catherines
Aquinas has the biggest star and have more athletes then St. Cats and should cruise to the victory. Guessing St. Cats will look to slow the tempo, while Aquinas will push it.

Division Four
Blair Taylor over Grantsburg
BT has the better record and is just the better team, not much else to be said.

Oostburg over Marathon
Oostburg has played better competition and will be prepared for this game.

Blair Taylor over Oostburg
Third time is the charm for BT. Most of these players have been here twice before and won't let the excitement or the moment get to them.

Division Five
Clayton over Wauzeka-Steuben
Going with this pick because Clayton was here a year ago and have the experience edge.

Randolph over Green Bay NEW Lutheran
Lutheran will push Randolph to the limit but, in the end Randolph has been the more consistent team and won't get nervous when the pressure is on. This game may be within five points.

Randolph over Clayton
Think the championship will actually be decided in the semi final game and Randolph should win this one easily.

Super Tuesday
Just some quick thoughts on the Super Tuesday for D1. If there are not going to be eight D1 teams at state then this is the best alternative. The teams got to play at college facilities and the games were broadcast on the Internet and you could actually watch all four games at the same time. It may of been a better experience if my computer or Internet connection were better and it was constantly buffering but, sounded like most people had no problem viewing the games. There were some glitches with some clock, which will only add fuel to the fire of the debate that these games should of been at the Kohl Center. Yes I would of liked to have seen these games at state but, like I said if that isn't a possibility this was a good setup and will be in favor of it instead of going to a normal sectional final and then state with the final four teams. Now if they go back to eight D1s at state I will be all in favor of it.

With the long weekend of basketball coming up I probably won't be back until next week, maybe Sunday but, probably not tell Monday or Tuesday.