Well not much has happened with the week really only starting on Tuesday and Thursday being a holiday but, I decided to update my rankings on a weekly calender basis because it will be easier to look at a small amount of games rather then a large number where there could be lots of changes. Add in that a large number of teams haven't even played a game yet this year but, that will just make it easier to do rankings.
Division One
Only team that lost was Janesville Craig who lost to a good D3 Edgwood team. Not great but, still a good team so I decided to not drop them from the rankings but, have them fall down to 15.
1. Middleton
2. Milwaukee Riverside
3. Oshkosh North
4. Madison Memorial
5. Racine Park
6. Milwaukee Vincent
7. Stevens Point
8. Arrowhead
9. Fond du Lac
10. Kimberly
11. Madison East
12. Mukwonago
13. Germantown
14. De Pere
15. Janesville Craig
Division Two
Whitnall lost to a very good Destiny team that will probably beat some very good bigger schools. Milwaukee Washington lost to New Berline Eisenhower which dropped Washington just behind Eisenhower. Pewaukee lost to a very good Milwaukee Vincent team so they don't drop too far while Pulaski lost badly to Beaver Dam causing them to fall from the rankings and getting replaced by Beaver Dam. Brown Deer lost a close game to Milwaukee Riverside so can't really fault them on that and they sit tight at 13.
1. Kaukauna
2. La Crosse Central
3. Cedarburg
4. Waunakee
5. Onalaska
6. Whitnall
7. La Crosse Logan
8. Stoughton
9. Whitefish Bay
10. Pewaukee
11. Wauwatosa West
12. New Berlin Eisenhower
13. Brown Deer
14. Milwaukee Washington
15. Beaver Dam
Division Three
Nothing changed as no one lost.
1. Ripon
2. Waupun
3. Dominican
4. Xavier
5. Prairie du Chien
6. Lake Mills
7. Prescott
8. Evansville
9. Valders
10. Beloit Turner
11. Columbus
12. Mauston
13. Edgewood
14. Marshall
15. GET
Division Four
Winnebago Lutheran was the only team that lost and was even one of the few that played a game. They lost to a very good ranked Valders team so they still remain in the rankings.
1. Darlington
2. Destiny
3. Prairie School
4. Eau Claire Regis
5. Laconia
6. Shiocton
7. Oshkosh Lourdes
8. Markesan
9. Kenosha St Joes
10. Melrose-Mindoro
11. Phillips
12. Marathon
13. Howards Grove
14. St Mary's Springs
15. Winnebago Lutheran
Division Five
Assumption lost to #2 ranked Columbus Catholic which is to be expected. Sheboygan Lutheran lost to New Holstein. Randolph lost a pair of games to Merrill and Wisconsin Rapids neither are great teams but, they are btoh much larger schools. Almond Bancroft and Port Edwards replaced them in the rankings.
1. McDonell Central
2. Columbus Catholic
3. Barneveld
4. Sullsburg
5. Loyal
6. Gresham
7. Hilbert
8. Bangor
9. Pecatonica
10. Seneca
11. Sheboygan Christian
12. Assumption
13. Alma/Pepin
14. Almond Bancroft
15. Port Edwards
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Saturday, November 26, 2016
JAG Thanksgiving Showcase
Got my first games on the year in today. Wasn't the greatest games but, checked out the JAG Showcase just because it was close and Middleton was playing which made it ok. Didn't realize it before hand but, this morning I checked out last years standings and realized that three of the six teams finished towards the bottom of their conferences and were picked to do so again this year but, I was already committed to going and didn't want to drive anywhere else.
Middleton 74 Oak Creek 54
Oak Creek played with Middleton early on but, the depth and speed of Middleton wore them down before Middleton was able to pull away. In the first half it was the Storm Murphy show. The 5'11 senior guard appears to be improved from last year which is saying something. Murphy completely controlled the game on the offensive end and did a much better job of not getting out of control which he did a lot last year. I counted maybe one time where Murphy was actually out of control but, he was bailed out with a foul. In the second half it was the Tyree Eady show. The 6'5 senior was able to really get out in transition in the second half and push the tempo as Oak Creek turned the ball over time and again. Oak Creek just really didn't have the point guard like Middleton did. OC struggled to get the offense in to a half court set and when they did just rushed things too much. The only calming factor was their star 6'6 senior Drew Yetka who hit numerous three point shots in the game and did a great job of not forcing things and letting the game come to him. In the end the team with the most athletes won this one.
Top Scorers
M- Tyree Eady 32 Storm Murphy 25 CJ Fermanich 9
OC- Drew Yetka 24 Jakup Sinani 9 Bobby Smith 7
Merrill 57 Menasha 53
There just wasn't the talent that we had in the first game but. both these teams played very hard even though it wasn't the most impressive basketball at times. Menasha just didn't have enough scorers and the only guy that could really score was 6'3 junior Alex Zeinert who wasn't anything impressive but, he battled on the inside and was able to hit the spot up three point shot. Menasha really struggled from the outside and couldn't get the ball into the inside on a consistent basis. Merrill started to pull away in the second half but, Menasha went to a zone defense and slowed things down a bit. Merrill didn't shoot great themselves but, they got some timely shooting late from their guards 5'11 sophomore Quinn Steckbauer and 6'2 junior Zack Mootz.
Top Scorers
Mer- Zack Mootz 18 Jared Ollhoff 12 Quinn Steckbauer 11
Men- Alex Zeinert 29 Gage Dewhurst 11 two with 4
Wisconsin Rapids 48 Randolph 44
Think I got the score right as I didn't write it down and just added up the scorers. Game really wasn't that close though because Randolph hit some threes late to make it closer. Rapids was just bigger overall and that was the story and Randolph couldn't hit an outside shot. Randolph did a nice job of getting the ball in the post but, couldn't score much over the bigger Rapids defenders. Rapids struggled to shoot themselves but, they were patient in the second half and really worked the ball around before finding the best shot.
Top Scorers
WR- Isaiah Westfall 16 Zach Langemeier 14 Brett Hanson 7
R- Sawyer Westra 14 Xander Herpel 11 Jake Roberts 8
I know my quick write ups weren't the greatest but, to be honest the games played weren't the greatest. I also didn't mention the top players because Most of the top players I mentioned already and thinking back on it their wasn't a lot of guys I would consider mentioning. You could definitely tell that this was the first week of play.
Middleton 74 Oak Creek 54
Oak Creek played with Middleton early on but, the depth and speed of Middleton wore them down before Middleton was able to pull away. In the first half it was the Storm Murphy show. The 5'11 senior guard appears to be improved from last year which is saying something. Murphy completely controlled the game on the offensive end and did a much better job of not getting out of control which he did a lot last year. I counted maybe one time where Murphy was actually out of control but, he was bailed out with a foul. In the second half it was the Tyree Eady show. The 6'5 senior was able to really get out in transition in the second half and push the tempo as Oak Creek turned the ball over time and again. Oak Creek just really didn't have the point guard like Middleton did. OC struggled to get the offense in to a half court set and when they did just rushed things too much. The only calming factor was their star 6'6 senior Drew Yetka who hit numerous three point shots in the game and did a great job of not forcing things and letting the game come to him. In the end the team with the most athletes won this one.
Top Scorers
M- Tyree Eady 32 Storm Murphy 25 CJ Fermanich 9
OC- Drew Yetka 24 Jakup Sinani 9 Bobby Smith 7
Merrill 57 Menasha 53
There just wasn't the talent that we had in the first game but. both these teams played very hard even though it wasn't the most impressive basketball at times. Menasha just didn't have enough scorers and the only guy that could really score was 6'3 junior Alex Zeinert who wasn't anything impressive but, he battled on the inside and was able to hit the spot up three point shot. Menasha really struggled from the outside and couldn't get the ball into the inside on a consistent basis. Merrill started to pull away in the second half but, Menasha went to a zone defense and slowed things down a bit. Merrill didn't shoot great themselves but, they got some timely shooting late from their guards 5'11 sophomore Quinn Steckbauer and 6'2 junior Zack Mootz.
Top Scorers
Mer- Zack Mootz 18 Jared Ollhoff 12 Quinn Steckbauer 11
Men- Alex Zeinert 29 Gage Dewhurst 11 two with 4
Wisconsin Rapids 48 Randolph 44
Think I got the score right as I didn't write it down and just added up the scorers. Game really wasn't that close though because Randolph hit some threes late to make it closer. Rapids was just bigger overall and that was the story and Randolph couldn't hit an outside shot. Randolph did a nice job of getting the ball in the post but, couldn't score much over the bigger Rapids defenders. Rapids struggled to shoot themselves but, they were patient in the second half and really worked the ball around before finding the best shot.
Top Scorers
WR- Isaiah Westfall 16 Zach Langemeier 14 Brett Hanson 7
R- Sawyer Westra 14 Xander Herpel 11 Jake Roberts 8
I know my quick write ups weren't the greatest but, to be honest the games played weren't the greatest. I also didn't mention the top players because Most of the top players I mentioned already and thinking back on it their wasn't a lot of guys I would consider mentioning. You could definitely tell that this was the first week of play.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Division Five Preseason
Well the last division to do my preseason rankings is D5 of course so here it is. I feel like I know five alittle more then four but, I still don't know it that well and I'll be honest about it.
1. McDonell Central- Defending state champs bring back four starters and have a starting front court of 6'7, 6'6, and 6'6 all three averaged double digit's in points. Then need to replace their top outside shooter but, I think the height will make up for it.
2. Columbus Catholic- 21 and 4 a year ago and they bring back their top two scorers in seniors 5'11 Hunter Schultz and 6'2 Tyler Fuerlinger, who each averaged 18 a game last year. 5'11 junior Nick Malovrh came off the bench a year ago to average 11 points.
3. Barneveld- State team a year ago and they have four starters back including 6'0 senior Matthew Myers who averaged 18 points a game a year ago.
4. Shullsburg- Five starters back from a 20 win team and they have some size in their starting lineup wiht 6'9, 6'5, 6'4, and 6'3. Three of those starters average 10 plus points a game.
5. Loyal- 18 win team a year ago and they bring back their three top scorers. 6'3 senior Cameron Brussow 22 ppg, 5'11 senior Riley Geiger 18 ppg, and 5'10 junior Luke Bogdonovich 11 ppg.
6. Gresham- They've had a great record the past two or three years and won 21 games a year ago. All five starters are back led by 6'2 senior Neal Cerveny who averaged 27 points per game a year ago.
7. Hilbert- Another team with five starters back and three of those starters averaged double digits in scoring.
8. Assumption- Four starters are back from a very good team. Have a pair of starters that averaged double digit in scoring.
9. Bangor- They have two big time scoring juniors back in 6'0 Luke Reader and 6'0 Drew Johnson. Those two headline a strong junior class.
10. Pecatonica- Won 18 games a year ago and have AJ Hendrickson back a 6'4 senior scoring machine and a double double guy.
11. Seneca- Have an extremely strong tradition as of recent. 6'5 senior Nick Payne is a double double guy.
12. Sheboygan Lutheran- Three double digit scorers are back for them.
13. Sheboygan Christian- Top two scorers are back and they both averaged 15 plus points.
14. Randolph- It's tough to do D5 rankings and not have Randolph listed somewhere even though they are no where near where they used to be. They've also lost a pair of games already this year.
15. Alma/Pepin- Have 6'2 senior Caiden Haake who is a double double machine at 23 and 11 a year ago along with 6'1 senior Ben Mueller.
1. McDonell Central- Defending state champs bring back four starters and have a starting front court of 6'7, 6'6, and 6'6 all three averaged double digit's in points. Then need to replace their top outside shooter but, I think the height will make up for it.
2. Columbus Catholic- 21 and 4 a year ago and they bring back their top two scorers in seniors 5'11 Hunter Schultz and 6'2 Tyler Fuerlinger, who each averaged 18 a game last year. 5'11 junior Nick Malovrh came off the bench a year ago to average 11 points.
3. Barneveld- State team a year ago and they have four starters back including 6'0 senior Matthew Myers who averaged 18 points a game a year ago.
4. Shullsburg- Five starters back from a 20 win team and they have some size in their starting lineup wiht 6'9, 6'5, 6'4, and 6'3. Three of those starters average 10 plus points a game.
5. Loyal- 18 win team a year ago and they bring back their three top scorers. 6'3 senior Cameron Brussow 22 ppg, 5'11 senior Riley Geiger 18 ppg, and 5'10 junior Luke Bogdonovich 11 ppg.
6. Gresham- They've had a great record the past two or three years and won 21 games a year ago. All five starters are back led by 6'2 senior Neal Cerveny who averaged 27 points per game a year ago.
7. Hilbert- Another team with five starters back and three of those starters averaged double digits in scoring.
8. Assumption- Four starters are back from a very good team. Have a pair of starters that averaged double digit in scoring.
9. Bangor- They have two big time scoring juniors back in 6'0 Luke Reader and 6'0 Drew Johnson. Those two headline a strong junior class.
10. Pecatonica- Won 18 games a year ago and have AJ Hendrickson back a 6'4 senior scoring machine and a double double guy.
11. Seneca- Have an extremely strong tradition as of recent. 6'5 senior Nick Payne is a double double guy.
12. Sheboygan Lutheran- Three double digit scorers are back for them.
13. Sheboygan Christian- Top two scorers are back and they both averaged 15 plus points.
14. Randolph- It's tough to do D5 rankings and not have Randolph listed somewhere even though they are no where near where they used to be. They've also lost a pair of games already this year.
15. Alma/Pepin- Have 6'2 senior Caiden Haake who is a double double machine at 23 and 11 a year ago along with 6'1 senior Ben Mueller.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Division Four Preseason
In the past you could simply write Dominican as the top team in D4 but, this year will be different with Dominican being push up to D3. This should finally be the year that a public school will win D4 but, you do have Destiny out there waiting in the wings. Destiny isn't a typical private school but, I believe they are a charter school or at least a small school located in a very large city.Here are D4 and I will be honest that I'm going to rely heavily on the yearbook as I don't typically follow the small schools as closely.
1. Darlington- Bring back everyone from an extremely talent team that won 20 games. Darlington has been just behind Dominican the last few years so they should be the team to beat with Dominican moving up. Have a very solid senior class.
2. Destiny- Have a ton of talent and athleticism. Have a starting lineup of 6'8, 6'7, and 6'6 and there probably isn't anyone in D4 that can match up with that.
3. Prairie School- Have four starters back from a team that won 16 games and are led by a D1 college talent in 6'4 junior JC Butler who has the pedigree of his father Caron who played in the NBA.
4.Eau Claire Regis- Outstanding tradition and outstanding coach. Have good overall team height and a very strong senior class with four starters back.
5. Laconia- Five starters back and they are moving down from D3 to D4. Have 6'2 senior Drew Grennick who averaged nearly 20 a game a year ago.
6. Shiocton- Four starers back led by 6'2 senior Nathan Schmidt who averaged 24 a game last year. Won 17 games a year ago.
7. Oshkosh Lourdes- Four starters back led by senior 6'1 Evan Ganther who averaged 20 points a game a year ago.
8. Markesan- 24 and 1 a year ago and bring back two big time scoring juniors in 6'0 Brayden Bernhagen and 6'1 Carson Clark.
9. Kenosha St Joes- Big time scorer 6'2 senior DeAndre Johns leads the way dropping 22 a game.
10. Melrose-Mindoro- Went 24 and 1 last year. Lost a lot but, 6'1 senior guard Erik Christoperson is one of the best in D4.
11. Phillips- Lost a lot but, 6'3 senior Cade Rose is a big time scorer and rebounder.
12. Marathon- They've become a tradition power in D4 and the yearbook has them high but, other then that I don't see much. Yes they were 22-4 last year but, they lost four starters.
13. Howards Grove- Complete yearbook pick here as I don't know a thing about them and not that impressed from what I could see.
14. Winnebago Lutheran- Had a pretty impressive year last year winning 16 games and they have three of their top players back.
15. St Mary's Springs- Very deep team that has a ton of outside shooters and run a ton of guys at you all game long.
1. Darlington- Bring back everyone from an extremely talent team that won 20 games. Darlington has been just behind Dominican the last few years so they should be the team to beat with Dominican moving up. Have a very solid senior class.
2. Destiny- Have a ton of talent and athleticism. Have a starting lineup of 6'8, 6'7, and 6'6 and there probably isn't anyone in D4 that can match up with that.
3. Prairie School- Have four starters back from a team that won 16 games and are led by a D1 college talent in 6'4 junior JC Butler who has the pedigree of his father Caron who played in the NBA.
4.Eau Claire Regis- Outstanding tradition and outstanding coach. Have good overall team height and a very strong senior class with four starters back.
5. Laconia- Five starters back and they are moving down from D3 to D4. Have 6'2 senior Drew Grennick who averaged nearly 20 a game a year ago.
6. Shiocton- Four starers back led by 6'2 senior Nathan Schmidt who averaged 24 a game last year. Won 17 games a year ago.
7. Oshkosh Lourdes- Four starters back led by senior 6'1 Evan Ganther who averaged 20 points a game a year ago.
8. Markesan- 24 and 1 a year ago and bring back two big time scoring juniors in 6'0 Brayden Bernhagen and 6'1 Carson Clark.
9. Kenosha St Joes- Big time scorer 6'2 senior DeAndre Johns leads the way dropping 22 a game.
10. Melrose-Mindoro- Went 24 and 1 last year. Lost a lot but, 6'1 senior guard Erik Christoperson is one of the best in D4.
11. Phillips- Lost a lot but, 6'3 senior Cade Rose is a big time scorer and rebounder.
12. Marathon- They've become a tradition power in D4 and the yearbook has them high but, other then that I don't see much. Yes they were 22-4 last year but, they lost four starters.
13. Howards Grove- Complete yearbook pick here as I don't know a thing about them and not that impressed from what I could see.
14. Winnebago Lutheran- Had a pretty impressive year last year winning 16 games and they have three of their top players back.
15. St Mary's Springs- Very deep team that has a ton of outside shooters and run a ton of guys at you all game long.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Division Three Preseason Rankings
In the past division three always seemed to be one of the most interesting divisions and seemed to have the most "good" teams but, this year D3 actually seems to be a little down. There's not really any dominate teams so that should at least make things interesting. Probably the most interesting thing is D4 power Dominican moving up to D3 as they will try to continue their state dominance. Unfortunately Dominican probably isn't as talented as they've been in the past so I see their state championship streak coming to an end.
1. Ripon- All five starters are back and they are led by D1 recruit 6'8 senior Bennett Vander Plas who averaged 20 and 11 a year ago along with fellow senior 6'4 Eddie Muench who will play at the college level somewhere. I will be curious to see how talented point guard 5'8 senior Mevlin Lee fits into things having transferred from Milwaukee Riverside. Having lost Luke Loewe to transfer Ripon was really missing a solid point guard at times. Muench did his best but, he is much better catching and shooting then scoring off the dribble.
2. Waupun- Defending state champs play in the same conference as Ripon so that will make things very interesting. They lost only one game a year ago and bring back their leading scorer in 6'5 sophomore Marcus Domask along with fellow double digit scorer 6'3 junior Owen Theune.
3. Dominican- The D4 power I mentioned early is down a bit but, they do have some pretty good talent. They have three starters back in 6'0 junior Gacoby Jones who is one of the elite point guards in the state, 6'2 senior Jake Bennett a sharpshooter and three year starter, and 6'2 senior Ralen Brown who is a big time athlete. Throw in 6'8 senior Will Jelacic who average eight and six a year ago coming off the bench.
4. Xavier- State runner ups a year ago and they lost alot but, they've become a staple at state and 6'0 junior Hunter Plamann should have a monster season after having a coming out party at state last year despite playing with an injury.
5. Prairie du Chien- Another state team a year ago having lost only three games. They were extremely deep last year which should help them make up for losing three starters. Leading scorer 6'6 senior Nate Banasik is back as is third leading scorer 6'2 senior Chas Sagedahl who can shoot it from the outside.
6. Lake Mills- May have the best back court in the division behind senior guards 6'1 Alex Ranney and 6'0 Brady Wagner who are both four year varsity players and have the ability to light it up at any time.
7. Prescott- Really grown a rich tradition and they have big man 7'0 senior Owen Hamilton leading the way whose a D1 college recruit along with 5'10 junior Petey Brookshaw who averaged 15 a game last year.
8. Evansville- 22 win team a year ago and they have four starters back, three of which averaged double digits in points, led by 6'0 Brennen Banks who led the team with 18 a game.
9. Valders- Won 21 a year ago and they have a very strong tradition as of recent. A starting line of 6'7, 6'5, and 6'5 shouldn't hurt either.
10. Beloit Turner- Ok this was a complete yearbook steal here. They have 6'5 senior Alec Fruin who averaged 22 points game and 6'0 junior Nacio Villarreal who averaged 12 a game.
11. Columbus- Have two big time scorers back in undersized big man 6'2 senior Tanner Perry and point guard 6'1 senior Noah Coughlin. Perry averaged 20 points a game while Coughlin is a three year starter that averaged 15.
12. Mauston- Grasping a little year but, they are defending champs of the South Central conference and won 19 games a year ago. 6'2 senior Tarren Hall averaged 22 points a game a year ago.
13. Edgewood- Lost a lot from last years team but, it's always hard to count out an Edgewood team. You know their going to be well coached and are going to play extremely hard. 6'4 senior Alex Arians is poised for a monster year.
14. Marshall- Another team with a strong tradition and 6'5 senior Adam Wehking is a double double waiting to happen.
15. GET- Strong tradition rains here again and coach Wagner has always had successful teams.
Well there are my rankings. I'll admit and I think you can tell that things were pretty rough after the first eight. With those thoughts I'm sure the bottom of the rankings will change a decent amount.
1. Ripon- All five starters are back and they are led by D1 recruit 6'8 senior Bennett Vander Plas who averaged 20 and 11 a year ago along with fellow senior 6'4 Eddie Muench who will play at the college level somewhere. I will be curious to see how talented point guard 5'8 senior Mevlin Lee fits into things having transferred from Milwaukee Riverside. Having lost Luke Loewe to transfer Ripon was really missing a solid point guard at times. Muench did his best but, he is much better catching and shooting then scoring off the dribble.
2. Waupun- Defending state champs play in the same conference as Ripon so that will make things very interesting. They lost only one game a year ago and bring back their leading scorer in 6'5 sophomore Marcus Domask along with fellow double digit scorer 6'3 junior Owen Theune.
3. Dominican- The D4 power I mentioned early is down a bit but, they do have some pretty good talent. They have three starters back in 6'0 junior Gacoby Jones who is one of the elite point guards in the state, 6'2 senior Jake Bennett a sharpshooter and three year starter, and 6'2 senior Ralen Brown who is a big time athlete. Throw in 6'8 senior Will Jelacic who average eight and six a year ago coming off the bench.
4. Xavier- State runner ups a year ago and they lost alot but, they've become a staple at state and 6'0 junior Hunter Plamann should have a monster season after having a coming out party at state last year despite playing with an injury.
5. Prairie du Chien- Another state team a year ago having lost only three games. They were extremely deep last year which should help them make up for losing three starters. Leading scorer 6'6 senior Nate Banasik is back as is third leading scorer 6'2 senior Chas Sagedahl who can shoot it from the outside.
6. Lake Mills- May have the best back court in the division behind senior guards 6'1 Alex Ranney and 6'0 Brady Wagner who are both four year varsity players and have the ability to light it up at any time.
7. Prescott- Really grown a rich tradition and they have big man 7'0 senior Owen Hamilton leading the way whose a D1 college recruit along with 5'10 junior Petey Brookshaw who averaged 15 a game last year.
8. Evansville- 22 win team a year ago and they have four starters back, three of which averaged double digits in points, led by 6'0 Brennen Banks who led the team with 18 a game.
9. Valders- Won 21 a year ago and they have a very strong tradition as of recent. A starting line of 6'7, 6'5, and 6'5 shouldn't hurt either.
10. Beloit Turner- Ok this was a complete yearbook steal here. They have 6'5 senior Alec Fruin who averaged 22 points game and 6'0 junior Nacio Villarreal who averaged 12 a game.
11. Columbus- Have two big time scorers back in undersized big man 6'2 senior Tanner Perry and point guard 6'1 senior Noah Coughlin. Perry averaged 20 points a game while Coughlin is a three year starter that averaged 15.
12. Mauston- Grasping a little year but, they are defending champs of the South Central conference and won 19 games a year ago. 6'2 senior Tarren Hall averaged 22 points a game a year ago.
13. Edgewood- Lost a lot from last years team but, it's always hard to count out an Edgewood team. You know their going to be well coached and are going to play extremely hard. 6'4 senior Alex Arians is poised for a monster year.
14. Marshall- Another team with a strong tradition and 6'5 senior Adam Wehking is a double double waiting to happen.
15. GET- Strong tradition rains here again and coach Wagner has always had successful teams.
Well there are my rankings. I'll admit and I think you can tell that things were pretty rough after the first eight. With those thoughts I'm sure the bottom of the rankings will change a decent amount.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Division Two Preseason
Division Two is by far the most interesting division and they have all the stars. All four teams that were at state a year ago return their top players. Honestly I could see up to seven different teams winning state.
1. Kaukauna- Defending state champs return their top two players in West Virginia recruit 6'0 junior Jordan McCabe and D2 recruit 6'2 senior Adam Smith. Those two along with returning big man 6'7 junior Dylan Kurey are a very formidable big three. Yes Smith is out with an injury until January or February but, McCabe should keep them in good standing.
2. La Crosse Central- 6'4 senior Kobe King is a Badger recruit and might be the best player in the state and 6'0 senior Bailey Kale is a very solid player in his own right. Lost only five games a year ago and two of those were two Kaukauna. King and Kale will carry this team throughout the year but, to win it all they'll need a little help from their team mates.
3. Whitnall- State team a year ago return a pair of 20 point scorers in 6'4 junior Tyler Herro who is a Badger recruit and 6'5 senior Kevion Taylor who will play college at the D2 level.
4. Cedarburg- Five starters back from a 20-6 team and lots of experience with numerous guys having started for at least three years. They have a pair of tremendous scorers/outside shooters in 6'4 junior John Diener a Depaul recruit and 6'5 senior Jordan Johnson who will probably end up at a D2 school. 6'7 junior Matthew Barber will control the paint.
5. Waunakee- Another state team a year ago and they bring back both their starting junior guards in 6'4 Mitch Listau and 6'3 Mason Steffen who could each wind up playing at the D1 college level in a couple years.
6. Onalaska- All five starters are back from a team that won 17 games a year ago and have a very solid back court in three seniors 5'10 Jalen Zurbich, 5'10 Noah Fredrickson, and 6'2 Tyler Hughes who all average double digits in points a year ago.
7. Milwaukee Washington- As always Washington will have a ton of athletes and will be a very deep team. 6'4 sophomore Deontay Long is a star in the making.
8. Pewaukee- Went 19-4 last year bring back three starters including 6'6 senior Wyatt Cook a four year varsity player and 6'3 senior Aidan Nordquist. From the sounds of things 6'8 senior Grant Basile
has had a big summer after growing a couple inches and should move into the starting lineup.
9. Lacrosse Logan- Another team that returns a ton of experience with four starters back from a 16 win team and junior 6'0 CJ Siegl is poised for a monster year. 6'4 senior Trey Davis is also a four year starter.
10. Pulaski- To be honest I'm going with the yearbook here but, they have had a ton of success as of recent always seem to find themselves towards the top of the rankings.
11. Stoughton- Another yearbook pick here but, they have won six straight conference titles. Troy Slaby 6'0 senior averaged nearly 20 points a game and 5'11 junior Brady Schipper was also an all conference player.
12. Whitefish Bay- They've started a strong tradition as of late in D2 and will probably once again find them somewhere towards the top behind the scoring of 6'0 senior David Thompson.
13. Brown Deer-They have been a D3 power as of recent and hard to imagine them not being towards the top of D2 but, they did lose a lot and don't have the hype that they've had in the past.
14. Wauwatosa West- Five starters are back and they are led by D1 recruit 6'8 senior Alou Dillon.
15. New Berlin Eisenhower- Going strictly on tradition here as every year I underestimate them and every year they bring another great team.
1. Kaukauna- Defending state champs return their top two players in West Virginia recruit 6'0 junior Jordan McCabe and D2 recruit 6'2 senior Adam Smith. Those two along with returning big man 6'7 junior Dylan Kurey are a very formidable big three. Yes Smith is out with an injury until January or February but, McCabe should keep them in good standing.
2. La Crosse Central- 6'4 senior Kobe King is a Badger recruit and might be the best player in the state and 6'0 senior Bailey Kale is a very solid player in his own right. Lost only five games a year ago and two of those were two Kaukauna. King and Kale will carry this team throughout the year but, to win it all they'll need a little help from their team mates.
3. Whitnall- State team a year ago return a pair of 20 point scorers in 6'4 junior Tyler Herro who is a Badger recruit and 6'5 senior Kevion Taylor who will play college at the D2 level.
4. Cedarburg- Five starters back from a 20-6 team and lots of experience with numerous guys having started for at least three years. They have a pair of tremendous scorers/outside shooters in 6'4 junior John Diener a Depaul recruit and 6'5 senior Jordan Johnson who will probably end up at a D2 school. 6'7 junior Matthew Barber will control the paint.
5. Waunakee- Another state team a year ago and they bring back both their starting junior guards in 6'4 Mitch Listau and 6'3 Mason Steffen who could each wind up playing at the D1 college level in a couple years.
6. Onalaska- All five starters are back from a team that won 17 games a year ago and have a very solid back court in three seniors 5'10 Jalen Zurbich, 5'10 Noah Fredrickson, and 6'2 Tyler Hughes who all average double digits in points a year ago.
7. Milwaukee Washington- As always Washington will have a ton of athletes and will be a very deep team. 6'4 sophomore Deontay Long is a star in the making.
has had a big summer after growing a couple inches and should move into the starting lineup.
9. Lacrosse Logan- Another team that returns a ton of experience with four starters back from a 16 win team and junior 6'0 CJ Siegl is poised for a monster year. 6'4 senior Trey Davis is also a four year starter.
10. Pulaski- To be honest I'm going with the yearbook here but, they have had a ton of success as of recent always seem to find themselves towards the top of the rankings.
11. Stoughton- Another yearbook pick here but, they have won six straight conference titles. Troy Slaby 6'0 senior averaged nearly 20 points a game and 5'11 junior Brady Schipper was also an all conference player.
12. Whitefish Bay- They've started a strong tradition as of late in D2 and will probably once again find them somewhere towards the top behind the scoring of 6'0 senior David Thompson.
13. Brown Deer-They have been a D3 power as of recent and hard to imagine them not being towards the top of D2 but, they did lose a lot and don't have the hype that they've had in the past.
14. Wauwatosa West- Five starters are back and they are led by D1 recruit 6'8 senior Alou Dillon.
15. New Berlin Eisenhower- Going strictly on tradition here as every year I underestimate them and every year they bring another great team.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Division One Preseason
I really went back and forth on whether or not I would continue with this blog since they are something that is kind of dying off but, I figured why not. Even if no one is reading it I'm at least getting my thoughts written down and it's interesting for others to read. I guess you can say that I have a journal but, I'm posting it for the entire world to view. Granted that world may only truly be a handful of people.
Like previous years I will begin the season with my preseason rankings which I will continue to update throughout the entire year. Again these rankings are purely for my benefit, are just for fun, and mean absolutely nothing. If I had a vote in the coaches poll these would be my predictions. I'm looking back at my final thoughts of last year and will go a bit off of them for my rankings and also using the high school yearbook. So here are my starting rankings for division one.
1. Middleton- They bring back nearly everyone from a team that won 19 games a year ago and they are led by a pair of Dl college senior recruits in 6'5 Tyree Eady and 5'11 Storm Murphy. Middleton plays a ton of guys so they have a ton of experience coming back.
2. Milwaukee Riverside- They would of been my clear cut #1 team but, the loss of 6'5 George Dixon will really affect them. Dixon averaged a double double a year ago and absolutely dominated on the inside. Even without Dixon Riverside should have a shot at state led by Iowa State recruit 6'6 senior Terrence Lewis. Lewis also averaged a double double a year ago and is flanked by a pair of fellow double digit scorers in 6'5 senior Alondes Williams and 6'1 junior Carlos Curtis. The question will be what will they do when a team slows them down.
3. Oshkosh North- Headlined by a pair of D1 college recruits in 6'5 senior Phillip Flory and 6'5 junior Tyrese Haliburton combined with the outstanding point guard play of 5'11 senior Shane Wissink. All three of these guys averaged 15 plus points a game. I do question their 1-3-1 zone defense at times but, I think the length of Flory and Haliburton should suit the zone well.
4. Madison Memorial- Another team with five starters back and won 17 games a year ago. 6'8 senior Chris Knight is a D1 college recruit and leads a team with tons of experience. Their D will be good as well as their transition game but, the question mark is what will their offense be in the half court and their outside shooting.
5. Racine Park- Lost only three games a year ago and bring back a pair of double digit scorers in 6'2 sophomore Larry Canady and 5'10 sophomore Demonta Hudson. These two sophomores are joined by fellow sophomore big man 6'9 Nobal Days who averaged a near double double a year ago.
6. Milwaukee Vincent- 18 wins a year ago and they bring back all five starters. They are led by big time scoring seniors 5'7 Justin Brookens and 6'3 Andrew Lewis. Either Brookens or Lewis could go off in the scoring column in a moments notice but, the success of the team will depend on the post play of 6'5 senior twins Jamel and Jamal White.
7. Stevens Point- Yes they have won back to back state championships but, they lost almost everything. The one thing they do have back is 6'8 junior Joey Hauser who will have his choice of any college to go to and could be the best player in the entire state. Question will be, what do they have around Hauser.
8. Arrowhead- 5'11 senior Trevell Cunningham is one of the best point guards in the state and overall their team has some very good size. Seniors 6'5 Alec Hamilton and 6'4 Ben Seefeld are also returing regulars.
9. Fon du Lac- They bring back three double digit scorers in seniors 6'7 Sam Fredrickson, Caleb Goldstein, and 6'1 junior Drew Jorgensen. The most important factor is incoming transfer 6'3 senior Luke Loewe one of the best players in the senior class and more then likely the top point guard.
10. Kimberly- Headlined by a pair of big time scoring seniors in 6'8 Will Chevalier and 6'5 Danny Vandenboom. Kimberly has gotten to the point where they are a top 10- team year in and year out.
11. Janesville Craig- Have a very large and very good senior class. They have stellar senior guard play in 5'10 San'Trell Payton and 6'1 Jake Negus. They also have one of the states better unknown big man in 6'9 senior Adam Anhold.
12. Madison East- Bring back about everyone from a 17 win team but, the once exception is Mr. Everything Deang Deang who scored 20 a game and was the team point guard. I think the scoring will be there but, the point guard play will be the big question mark. 6'6 junior Keshawn Justice is a sharp shooter from the outside and a three year starter and 6'5 senior Steve Wooten should be poised for a break out year.
13. Mukwonago- They have a strong tradition as of late and have 6'8 D1 recruit Brandon Hau leading the way. Also have three starters back.
14. Germantown- Don't know a ton about them this year but, their tradition is so rich it's hard to imagine them not being towards the top.
15. De Pere- Another team that always seem to find them selves somewhere in the top ten and they have a lot of team height.
Well there you have it. Really looking at the rankings you don't have a real favorite and at the end of last year it would of been Riverside by losing Dixon is just to big of a loss so, this thing is really up for grabs. Realistically I would say any of my top seven teams could win state and they next five could have a chance if they got hot at the right time.
Like previous years I will begin the season with my preseason rankings which I will continue to update throughout the entire year. Again these rankings are purely for my benefit, are just for fun, and mean absolutely nothing. If I had a vote in the coaches poll these would be my predictions. I'm looking back at my final thoughts of last year and will go a bit off of them for my rankings and also using the high school yearbook. So here are my starting rankings for division one.
1. Middleton- They bring back nearly everyone from a team that won 19 games a year ago and they are led by a pair of Dl college senior recruits in 6'5 Tyree Eady and 5'11 Storm Murphy. Middleton plays a ton of guys so they have a ton of experience coming back.
2. Milwaukee Riverside- They would of been my clear cut #1 team but, the loss of 6'5 George Dixon will really affect them. Dixon averaged a double double a year ago and absolutely dominated on the inside. Even without Dixon Riverside should have a shot at state led by Iowa State recruit 6'6 senior Terrence Lewis. Lewis also averaged a double double a year ago and is flanked by a pair of fellow double digit scorers in 6'5 senior Alondes Williams and 6'1 junior Carlos Curtis. The question will be what will they do when a team slows them down.
3. Oshkosh North- Headlined by a pair of D1 college recruits in 6'5 senior Phillip Flory and 6'5 junior Tyrese Haliburton combined with the outstanding point guard play of 5'11 senior Shane Wissink. All three of these guys averaged 15 plus points a game. I do question their 1-3-1 zone defense at times but, I think the length of Flory and Haliburton should suit the zone well.
4. Madison Memorial- Another team with five starters back and won 17 games a year ago. 6'8 senior Chris Knight is a D1 college recruit and leads a team with tons of experience. Their D will be good as well as their transition game but, the question mark is what will their offense be in the half court and their outside shooting.
5. Racine Park- Lost only three games a year ago and bring back a pair of double digit scorers in 6'2 sophomore Larry Canady and 5'10 sophomore Demonta Hudson. These two sophomores are joined by fellow sophomore big man 6'9 Nobal Days who averaged a near double double a year ago.
6. Milwaukee Vincent- 18 wins a year ago and they bring back all five starters. They are led by big time scoring seniors 5'7 Justin Brookens and 6'3 Andrew Lewis. Either Brookens or Lewis could go off in the scoring column in a moments notice but, the success of the team will depend on the post play of 6'5 senior twins Jamel and Jamal White.
7. Stevens Point- Yes they have won back to back state championships but, they lost almost everything. The one thing they do have back is 6'8 junior Joey Hauser who will have his choice of any college to go to and could be the best player in the entire state. Question will be, what do they have around Hauser.
8. Arrowhead- 5'11 senior Trevell Cunningham is one of the best point guards in the state and overall their team has some very good size. Seniors 6'5 Alec Hamilton and 6'4 Ben Seefeld are also returing regulars.
9. Fon du Lac- They bring back three double digit scorers in seniors 6'7 Sam Fredrickson, Caleb Goldstein, and 6'1 junior Drew Jorgensen. The most important factor is incoming transfer 6'3 senior Luke Loewe one of the best players in the senior class and more then likely the top point guard.
10. Kimberly- Headlined by a pair of big time scoring seniors in 6'8 Will Chevalier and 6'5 Danny Vandenboom. Kimberly has gotten to the point where they are a top 10- team year in and year out.
11. Janesville Craig- Have a very large and very good senior class. They have stellar senior guard play in 5'10 San'Trell Payton and 6'1 Jake Negus. They also have one of the states better unknown big man in 6'9 senior Adam Anhold.
12. Madison East- Bring back about everyone from a 17 win team but, the once exception is Mr. Everything Deang Deang who scored 20 a game and was the team point guard. I think the scoring will be there but, the point guard play will be the big question mark. 6'6 junior Keshawn Justice is a sharp shooter from the outside and a three year starter and 6'5 senior Steve Wooten should be poised for a break out year.
13. Mukwonago- They have a strong tradition as of late and have 6'8 D1 recruit Brandon Hau leading the way. Also have three starters back.
14. Germantown- Don't know a ton about them this year but, their tradition is so rich it's hard to imagine them not being towards the top.
15. De Pere- Another team that always seem to find them selves somewhere in the top ten and they have a lot of team height.
Well there you have it. Really looking at the rankings you don't have a real favorite and at the end of last year it would of been Riverside by losing Dixon is just to big of a loss so, this thing is really up for grabs. Realistically I would say any of my top seven teams could win state and they next five could have a chance if they got hot at the right time.
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