Waunakee wins big over Baraboo

In my opening game of the season I watched Waunakee take on Baraboo. Waunakee is similar to their teams of years past in that they have tons of talent and go 11 deep in their normal rotation. Waunakee has very good overall height with six players listed at 6'3 or taller in their regular rotation. On the other hand Baraboo only plays two players over 6'3 and don't have alot of talent. Baraboo relys on one played 6'4 senior Sean McGann to do the majority of their scoring. McGann finished the game scoring 30 of Baraboo's 37 points.

Early on in the game it was very obvious that this was an early season game for the fact that both teams could only manage five points each and bunny shots were missed over and over. Baraboo just couldn't get any shots up as it seemed that the only player that could get a shot off was McGann. On the other side Waunakee got lots and lots of easy shots but, just couldn't get them to fall. Their size was just too much for Baraboo as they got offensive rebound after offensive rebound but, just couldn't get the shots to fall.

In the second quarter Waunakee was finally able to get things going applying their full court press and forcing Baraboo to turn the ball over and then their shots started to finally fall. At half Waunakee had extended their lead to 26-13. In the second half Waunakee was able to continue their strong D, as Baraboo's best offense seemed to be when McGann would just take the ball the entire length of the court and score. When Waunakee had the ball they really looked to force the ball to the inside to big man 6'6 senior Joe Tagarelli, who at times was just a bull going to the rim and getting easy buckets. The entire game Waunakee looked to work the ball inside out, which Waunakee has become known for in the last few years. Waunakee was able to knock down the open threes when they were given them. In the end Waunakee was able to cruise to the 55-37 victory.

Top Players
Joe Tagarelli 6'6 senior Waunakee- Very tough on the glass particularly on the offensive end where he really bangs. Also very tough to stop when he gets the ball in the post, sometimes he forces things a bit at times but, he's able to grab his own misses and put them back in. Can get his hand on tons of passes playing on the top of Waunakee's full court press.
Tim Keenan 6'3 senior Waunakee- Don't remember him from last year but, he's a very smooth player with a very nice three point shot and touch around the rim. Just a real nice complement player.
Will Decorah 6'4 junior Waunakee- Very physical player that can do alot of little things. Has a very high release that he can get off at any time and when given the open shot can knock it down. Has a very strong game in the post as well.
Sean McGann 6'4 senior Baraboo- Just a flat out scorer. Has a very nice pull up jumper and can drive to the rim and finish in a variety of ways. Handles the ball well and has a nice outside shot.

Box Score (starters in italics)
Waunakee 55- Tagarelli 17 Keenan 15 Decorah 13 Justin Block 4 Ryan Kruser 4 Ben Cable 3 Jake Heitland 2 Max Chamberlin 1 Alex Cole 0 Patrick O'Connell 0 Dylan DesRochers 0 Austin Ahern 0 Michael Meffert 0 Brett Richgels 0 Brock Carson 0 Dustin Coyle 0 Jakub Bollant-Ulvilden 0
Baraboo 37- McGann 30 Jordan White Eagle 2 Marquez Jackson 2 Andrew Hendricks 2 Ryan Vorndran 1 Joseph Bruni 0 Jesse Klink 0 Jacob Hacker 0 Brock Maxwell 0 Gerrit Bruni 0 Auston Jackson 0 Marquez Jackson 0 Mart Hickey 0

I know this wasn't the longest post but, it's a little late at night so this is the best  I could do. This is going to be a very long year for Baraboo and have to feel for McGann a bit as he's a very good player but, just doesn't have alot around him. Waunakee will more then likely win conference and possibly a regional but, they aren't the state team they were a year ago.