Thought I would just do a quick preseason top five for next year for each division. This is without a ton of research and doing in relatively quickly so I'm sure I'll miss someone. Won't be in any particular order
.
Division One
Stevens Point- Will be going for the four peat and return the bulk of this years championship team. Joey Hauser will go for his fourth title while Drew Blair will go for three.
Sun Prairie- Jalen Johnson will be the top sophomore in the state and senior to be Marlon Ruffin has been improving by leaps and bounds.
Racine Park- A team that really under preformed all year should be back behind a phenomenal junior class.
Bay Port- Lots coming back and they have a ton of size.
Oshkosh North- Undefeated this year and they have their top scorer Tyrese Haliburton back.
Division Two
Kaukauna- Jordan McCabe will hopefully be back along with Eric Carls and big man Dylan Kurey.
Waunakee- State back to back trips and leading scorers from those two teams Mitch Listau and Mason Steffen will be seniors.
Milwaukee Washington- Another state team loaded with talent and their top scorer who will be a junior in Deontay Long.
La Crosse Central- The future looks bright for the champs as the Davis twins have three more years of high school basketball left.
Cedarburg- John Diener carried them to a title game and could very well carry them to a title.
Division Three
Appleton Xavier- State champs bring back their top three scorers. Will be tough to beat.
Waupun- Won state two years ago and Marcus Domask and Owen Theune were starters on that team and will be three year starters.
Whitefish Bay Dominican- Year two of coach Gosz things will turn around and Gacoby Jones will have monster year as the man.
Martin Luther- Lost only three games this year and bring just about everyone back with a very talented junior and sophomore class.
GET- Leading scorers Thompson and Scherr will be back for senior year.
Going to be honest I don't know enough for the two smaller divisions so just gonna mention a few with D4 the Prairie School and also New Glarus. For D5 I really only know of Bangor without doing some serious research.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Final Rankings
I debated doing my finals rankings because whats the point because shouldn't the team that one state be the top team anyway. While that is true I was actually thinking about the remainder of the teams. If a good team just happened to meet up with the champion early in the tournament does that not mean that they should still be ranking higher then a team that made state? Another thing I thought was does one game really make the difference? I've heard many people stating with NCAA tournament that it's basically like throwing 68 teams in a hat and pulling names out and is any one and done tournament any different? Granted the top teams did seem to be the champs and pull it out but, there were a few shockers. Well anyway here are my final rankings of the season and technically it has been three weeks since I've done them. I'm putting a quick reason for each ranking.
Division One
1. Stevens Point- State Champs so an easy call and they beat just about everyone on this list with the exception of Middleton which will call a fluke and then Bay Port which was without Hauser.
2. Oshkosh North- Only team that beat them all year was Point.
3. Madison Memorial- Play Stevens Point much closer the Arrowhead in the championship game.
4. Middleton- Beating Point by 30 still sticks in my head and it was really just Memorial that they couldn't beat.
5. Arrowhead- Made it to the championship game where they weren't impressive but, they made it there.
6. Bay Port- Lost to Arrowhead in sectionals.
7. Brookfield Central- Was in the final four so they have that so ahead of all the other teams in the powerful SouthEast part of the state.
8. Milwaukee Vincent- Lost to BC in sectionals.
9. Milwaukee Riverside- See Vincent.
10. Kimberly- Another team knocked out by Arrowhead.
11. Sun Prairie- Can't see knocking them out of the rankings after the season they had. Lost to a team that underachieved all year and put it together in the playoffs.
12. Muskego- Repeat of SP.
13. Eau Claire North- One of the few teams that played Point tough in the playoffs.
14. Franklin- Made it to sectionals before getting knocked out.
15. Oak Creek- Lost to Franklin in playoffs.
Division Two
1. La Crosse Central- State champs and nearly #1 wire to wire.
2. Cedarburg- Took Central right to the wire in the final after outlasting Washington in OT.
3. Milwaukee Washington- Lost in semi's in OT.
4. Beaver Dam- Faced Cedarburg prior to state what can you say.
5. Waunakee- Got wiped twice by Central.
6. Onalaska- Another team that played a champ just way to early.
7. New Berlin Eisenhower- Was a team on the rise before them fell to Washington in sectionals.
8. Pewaukee- Lost to Eisenhower in a sectional semi final.
9. Brown Deer- Another Cedarburg victim in regionals though.
10. Milwaukee Pius- Losing to Washington in semi sectionals is what it is.
11. Kaukauna- So so season playing D1s all year but, should their D2 stuff beating LC and Pulaski before taking Cedarburg to the wire.
12. Luxemburg Casco- Kaukauna
13. Pulaski- See above.
14. Rice Lake- Had a good season and only lost to Onalaska.
15. Wausau East- Made it to sectionals before Central took them out.
Division Three
1. Xavier- State Champs
2. Ripon- Xavier was only team to beat them all year.
3. Prescott- Made it to the championship before bowing out.
4. Lake Mills- Great run before falling to Prescott.
5. Martin Luther- Lost to Ripon in sectionals.
6. Waupun- Just couldn't beat Ripon all year.
7. Adams Friendship- Surprising deep tourney run before losing to Lake Mills on a buzzer shot.
8. Valders- Had a nice run knocking out a pair of ranked teams.
9. Mauston- Shocking tournament run late in the year beating Westby, GET, and Bloomer all ranked teams.
10. Prairie du Chien- Will call the last game of the season just a monster upset.
11. GET- Mauston got them.
12. Southern Door- Had a good season before falling to Valders.
13. Bloomer- Great season until Mauston got hot late.
14. New Holstein- Valders again.
15. Beloit Turner- Beating Evansville got them back in the rankings.
Division Four
1. Destiny- Champs
2. Darlington- Only lost to Destiny.
3. Cochrane Fountain City- Only lost to Darlington.
4. The Prairie School- Just ended up playing Destiny early.
5. Cameron- Kind of missed them all year but, they were a state team.
6. Stanley Boyd- Had the deep run beating some other ranked teams.
7. Eau Claire Regis- Fell to SB.
8. Young Coggs Prep- Another team that played Destiny early.
9. New Glarius- Darlington.
10. Deerfield- New Glarius took them out.
11. Roncalli- Realy debating this one as they were a .500 team but, hey they made state so felt like they had to be in the rankings somewhere otherwise you have to take out any team that they beat.
12. Marathon- Will just call it a massive upset here.
13. Edgar- Same as Marathon.
14. Shiocton- Lost to the amazing Roncalli run.
15. Spring Valley- Regis knocked them out.
Division Five
1. Barneveld- Champs
2. Columbus Catholic- Lost to Barneveld in semi and put up a better fight then Shullsburg.
3. Shullsburg- Beat most of the teams on this list before falling to Barneveld in final.
4. Seneca- Shullsburg.
5. Bangor- Shullsburg
6. Hilbert- Lost to Barneveld in sectionals.
7. McDonnell Central- Shullsburg.
8. Almond Bancroft- Lost to Columbus Catholic in sectional.
9. Gresham- Columbus Catholic.
10. Alma/Pepin- Lost to Bangor in regionals.
11. Pecatonica- Lost to Barneveld.
12. Black Hawk- Pecatonica.
13. Rio- Barneveld.
14. Clear Lake- Took McDonell Central to OT.
15. Drummond- Rough finish as the got upset in playoffs.
Well there are my final rankings. I know that I really valued playoff performance a bit too much but, in every ranking the last game is the most important.
Division One
1. Stevens Point- State Champs so an easy call and they beat just about everyone on this list with the exception of Middleton which will call a fluke and then Bay Port which was without Hauser.
2. Oshkosh North- Only team that beat them all year was Point.
3. Madison Memorial- Play Stevens Point much closer the Arrowhead in the championship game.
4. Middleton- Beating Point by 30 still sticks in my head and it was really just Memorial that they couldn't beat.
5. Arrowhead- Made it to the championship game where they weren't impressive but, they made it there.
6. Bay Port- Lost to Arrowhead in sectionals.
7. Brookfield Central- Was in the final four so they have that so ahead of all the other teams in the powerful SouthEast part of the state.
8. Milwaukee Vincent- Lost to BC in sectionals.
9. Milwaukee Riverside- See Vincent.
10. Kimberly- Another team knocked out by Arrowhead.
11. Sun Prairie- Can't see knocking them out of the rankings after the season they had. Lost to a team that underachieved all year and put it together in the playoffs.
12. Muskego- Repeat of SP.
13. Eau Claire North- One of the few teams that played Point tough in the playoffs.
14. Franklin- Made it to sectionals before getting knocked out.
15. Oak Creek- Lost to Franklin in playoffs.
Division Two
1. La Crosse Central- State champs and nearly #1 wire to wire.
2. Cedarburg- Took Central right to the wire in the final after outlasting Washington in OT.
3. Milwaukee Washington- Lost in semi's in OT.
4. Beaver Dam- Faced Cedarburg prior to state what can you say.
5. Waunakee- Got wiped twice by Central.
6. Onalaska- Another team that played a champ just way to early.
7. New Berlin Eisenhower- Was a team on the rise before them fell to Washington in sectionals.
8. Pewaukee- Lost to Eisenhower in a sectional semi final.
9. Brown Deer- Another Cedarburg victim in regionals though.
10. Milwaukee Pius- Losing to Washington in semi sectionals is what it is.
11. Kaukauna- So so season playing D1s all year but, should their D2 stuff beating LC and Pulaski before taking Cedarburg to the wire.
12. Luxemburg Casco- Kaukauna
13. Pulaski- See above.
14. Rice Lake- Had a good season and only lost to Onalaska.
15. Wausau East- Made it to sectionals before Central took them out.
Division Three
1. Xavier- State Champs
2. Ripon- Xavier was only team to beat them all year.
3. Prescott- Made it to the championship before bowing out.
4. Lake Mills- Great run before falling to Prescott.
5. Martin Luther- Lost to Ripon in sectionals.
6. Waupun- Just couldn't beat Ripon all year.
7. Adams Friendship- Surprising deep tourney run before losing to Lake Mills on a buzzer shot.
8. Valders- Had a nice run knocking out a pair of ranked teams.
9. Mauston- Shocking tournament run late in the year beating Westby, GET, and Bloomer all ranked teams.
10. Prairie du Chien- Will call the last game of the season just a monster upset.
11. GET- Mauston got them.
12. Southern Door- Had a good season before falling to Valders.
13. Bloomer- Great season until Mauston got hot late.
14. New Holstein- Valders again.
15. Beloit Turner- Beating Evansville got them back in the rankings.
Division Four
1. Destiny- Champs
2. Darlington- Only lost to Destiny.
3. Cochrane Fountain City- Only lost to Darlington.
4. The Prairie School- Just ended up playing Destiny early.
5. Cameron- Kind of missed them all year but, they were a state team.
6. Stanley Boyd- Had the deep run beating some other ranked teams.
7. Eau Claire Regis- Fell to SB.
8. Young Coggs Prep- Another team that played Destiny early.
9. New Glarius- Darlington.
10. Deerfield- New Glarius took them out.
11. Roncalli- Realy debating this one as they were a .500 team but, hey they made state so felt like they had to be in the rankings somewhere otherwise you have to take out any team that they beat.
12. Marathon- Will just call it a massive upset here.
13. Edgar- Same as Marathon.
14. Shiocton- Lost to the amazing Roncalli run.
15. Spring Valley- Regis knocked them out.
Division Five
1. Barneveld- Champs
2. Columbus Catholic- Lost to Barneveld in semi and put up a better fight then Shullsburg.
3. Shullsburg- Beat most of the teams on this list before falling to Barneveld in final.
4. Seneca- Shullsburg.
5. Bangor- Shullsburg
6. Hilbert- Lost to Barneveld in sectionals.
7. McDonnell Central- Shullsburg.
8. Almond Bancroft- Lost to Columbus Catholic in sectional.
9. Gresham- Columbus Catholic.
10. Alma/Pepin- Lost to Bangor in regionals.
11. Pecatonica- Lost to Barneveld.
12. Black Hawk- Pecatonica.
13. Rio- Barneveld.
14. Clear Lake- Took McDonell Central to OT.
15. Drummond- Rough finish as the got upset in playoffs.
Well there are my final rankings. I know that I really valued playoff performance a bit too much but, in every ranking the last game is the most important.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
State Review
Just a quick recap of state this past weekend. Just some of my thoughts of state and lasting impressions.
Division One
Well Stevens Point surprised everyone by getting to state but, they really didn't surprise winning state when they got there. Most people thought they were the favorite but, they way they beat Arrowhead in the championship was very impressive. Arrowhead had no one to guard 6'8 junior Joey Hauser. For Arrowhead 5'11 senior Trevell Cunningham really opened up some eyes I think. I've always loved watching him play the past two years and I think they rest of the state saw what I've been seeing. With how impressive Point was in the final really led me to be impressed with Madison Memorial, at least their defense. Everyone said how physical the Memorial vs Point game was but, honestly it just looked like every other Memorial game I've seen this year. 6'8 senior Chris Knight out played Hauser in this game and nearly gave Memorial a chance to win and I'd rate Memorial as the #2 team at state. Brookfield Central kind of gave a game away to Arrowhead after being up the majority of the game and Arrowhead won in an epic battle. Appears Stevens Point will be the early favorite going into next year.
Division Two
In game one it was just a replay of the La Crosse Central vs Waunakee game of January. Central was just too quick and athletic for Waunakee. 6'4 senior Kobe King did an exceptional defensive job on Waunakee star 6'3 junior Mitch Listau. Listau just wasn't quick enough to get around King or athletic enough to shoot over. 6'0 senior Bailey Kale had a monster game as well to go along with King's solid game. Game two was the 6'4 junior John Diener show. Diener hit every shot he took and really carried his team until late when 6'5 senior Jordan Johnson finally showed up a little bit. Milwaukee Washington star 6'5 sophomore Deontay Longhad a very rough game but, thankfully Washington had enough talent to stay close and force this game into two overtimes before Cedarburg got the win.
What a final in this one,. Diener did his thing and Johnson hit some shots to keep Cedarburg in this game but, in the second half King completely took over. King was hitting everything from mid range out to three point range. Cedarburg had their shot at a full court shot to win and they just missed.
Division Three
Ripon came in with all the hype and were picked to take state but, it was another undefeated team that stole the show. Xaviers 6'0 junior Hunter Plaman and 5'7 junior Sam Ferris stole the show. They were hitting everything they took and used their speed and quickness to run and gun their way past Ripon who turned the ball over a little took much, and then ran right past Prescott whose big man 7'1 senior Owen Hamilton just look a little to slow for this game. Prescott defeated Lake Mills in game one because of the size of Hamilton. I love 6'1 senior Alex Ranney from Lake Mills and his bull dog mentality and I think Lake Mills was the more talented team. Ripon came in a little to confident and turned the ball over a little too much.
Division Four
This was Destiny's state to win from the get go. They were just too big and quick for anyone else in D4. 6'7 senior Sarion McGee was great to watch and he was a real team player and didn't care about his individual stats with his rebounding and passing. McGee might be the best passing big man in the state. 6'6 Terrance Banyard did it all and huge props to their bench players 5'7 Romaine Robinson and 6'0 Diovonte Caldwell. The two of the bench were immediate scoring impact when they came in the game. Darlington was a tremendous team that seemed to be very well coach and played with a ton of heart. Probably a once in a generation team for Darlington. Roncalli made a great run considering their regular season but, their shooting ran out against the power team of Destiny. Cameron had a ton of height but, Darlington was the quicker and smarter team.
Division Five
Wow this game did not go the way I thought at all. The two public schools beat the privates and Shullsburg basically disappeared in the final against Barneveld. Not sure if McDonell Central wasn't used to see a team with the same size of them or what because Central had a tough time getting the ball inside to their big men and turned the ball over time and again when trying to get the ball inside. In the other game Columbus Catholic relied on their outside shooting too much and always see the teams that rely on their outside shooting struggle when they get to the Kohl Center. Barneveld just seemed to be a team destined to win.
Division One
Well Stevens Point surprised everyone by getting to state but, they really didn't surprise winning state when they got there. Most people thought they were the favorite but, they way they beat Arrowhead in the championship was very impressive. Arrowhead had no one to guard 6'8 junior Joey Hauser. For Arrowhead 5'11 senior Trevell Cunningham really opened up some eyes I think. I've always loved watching him play the past two years and I think they rest of the state saw what I've been seeing. With how impressive Point was in the final really led me to be impressed with Madison Memorial, at least their defense. Everyone said how physical the Memorial vs Point game was but, honestly it just looked like every other Memorial game I've seen this year. 6'8 senior Chris Knight out played Hauser in this game and nearly gave Memorial a chance to win and I'd rate Memorial as the #2 team at state. Brookfield Central kind of gave a game away to Arrowhead after being up the majority of the game and Arrowhead won in an epic battle. Appears Stevens Point will be the early favorite going into next year.
Division Two
In game one it was just a replay of the La Crosse Central vs Waunakee game of January. Central was just too quick and athletic for Waunakee. 6'4 senior Kobe King did an exceptional defensive job on Waunakee star 6'3 junior Mitch Listau. Listau just wasn't quick enough to get around King or athletic enough to shoot over. 6'0 senior Bailey Kale had a monster game as well to go along with King's solid game. Game two was the 6'4 junior John Diener show. Diener hit every shot he took and really carried his team until late when 6'5 senior Jordan Johnson finally showed up a little bit. Milwaukee Washington star 6'5 sophomore Deontay Longhad a very rough game but, thankfully Washington had enough talent to stay close and force this game into two overtimes before Cedarburg got the win.
What a final in this one,. Diener did his thing and Johnson hit some shots to keep Cedarburg in this game but, in the second half King completely took over. King was hitting everything from mid range out to three point range. Cedarburg had their shot at a full court shot to win and they just missed.
Division Three
Ripon came in with all the hype and were picked to take state but, it was another undefeated team that stole the show. Xaviers 6'0 junior Hunter Plaman and 5'7 junior Sam Ferris stole the show. They were hitting everything they took and used their speed and quickness to run and gun their way past Ripon who turned the ball over a little took much, and then ran right past Prescott whose big man 7'1 senior Owen Hamilton just look a little to slow for this game. Prescott defeated Lake Mills in game one because of the size of Hamilton. I love 6'1 senior Alex Ranney from Lake Mills and his bull dog mentality and I think Lake Mills was the more talented team. Ripon came in a little to confident and turned the ball over a little too much.
Division Four
This was Destiny's state to win from the get go. They were just too big and quick for anyone else in D4. 6'7 senior Sarion McGee was great to watch and he was a real team player and didn't care about his individual stats with his rebounding and passing. McGee might be the best passing big man in the state. 6'6 Terrance Banyard did it all and huge props to their bench players 5'7 Romaine Robinson and 6'0 Diovonte Caldwell. The two of the bench were immediate scoring impact when they came in the game. Darlington was a tremendous team that seemed to be very well coach and played with a ton of heart. Probably a once in a generation team for Darlington. Roncalli made a great run considering their regular season but, their shooting ran out against the power team of Destiny. Cameron had a ton of height but, Darlington was the quicker and smarter team.
Division Five
Wow this game did not go the way I thought at all. The two public schools beat the privates and Shullsburg basically disappeared in the final against Barneveld. Not sure if McDonell Central wasn't used to see a team with the same size of them or what because Central had a tough time getting the ball inside to their big men and turned the ball over time and again when trying to get the ball inside. In the other game Columbus Catholic relied on their outside shooting too much and always see the teams that rely on their outside shooting struggle when they get to the Kohl Center. Barneveld just seemed to be a team destined to win.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
D3, D4, and D5 State Preview
Division Three
Ripon vs Appleton Xavier
All year it's been Ripon, Ripon, Ripon for D3 and if there is one team that could take them down it's fellow undefeated team Xavier. These two teams were pegged to get here all year and now you have it. Ripon has the big man in Vander Plas and Xavier doesn't have the size but, there going to jack the threes up and that may just provide an upset. In the end though Ripon has too much talent.
Prescott vs Lake Mills
Another match up of quickness vs size. I think Lake Mills has more talent and I love their guards Alex Ranney and Brady Wagner but, Prescott's 7'0 man Owen Hamilton will be tough for them and could change game plans as Mills has no height what so ever. I'm gonna take Lake Mills here but, not super confident with it.
Ripon over Lake Mills
Lake Mills lack of height will be there down fall and Ripon has a little more talent then Prescott. Ripon is a team on a mission.
Division Four
Cameron vs Darlington
Ok I know nothing about Cameron or really Darlington for that matter but, Darlington is undefeated and only lost one or two games a year ago and there loaded with seniors. Those things make Darlington my pick.
Destiny vs Roncalli
I know not to judge Roncalli on their .500 record but, for them to have any chance they will have to be really knocking down the threes, which they can. Destiny is just too big or athletic in this one and the easy choice is Destiny.
Destiny over Darlington
Once again Destiny is just too big and athletic for anyone in Division Four. This will bring about the private/public school debate in full force.
Division Five
Shullsburg vs McDonell Central
This has been a matchup I've been looking forward too all year. Both teams have a ton of size as will be watching a D5 game with six players starting that are 6'5 or taller. The size is something that is nearly unheard of and the talent of that size as nearly all those guys could play at the college level. McDonell Central won a year ago and that experience will carry them.
Barneveld vs Columbus Catholic
This game will be a huge contrast to the other game. There will be no height in this game and both teams will be playing with at least four guards at all times. Will probably be a fun exciting game because both teams are very quick and love to shoot the threes. I think Columbus Catholic's three headed guard monster will be too much and get them the win.
McDonell Central over Columbus Catholic
The height will be too much and Central does have some athleticism. I have a hard time picking teams that rely on the outside shooting as well.
Ripon vs Appleton Xavier
All year it's been Ripon, Ripon, Ripon for D3 and if there is one team that could take them down it's fellow undefeated team Xavier. These two teams were pegged to get here all year and now you have it. Ripon has the big man in Vander Plas and Xavier doesn't have the size but, there going to jack the threes up and that may just provide an upset. In the end though Ripon has too much talent.
Prescott vs Lake Mills
Another match up of quickness vs size. I think Lake Mills has more talent and I love their guards Alex Ranney and Brady Wagner but, Prescott's 7'0 man Owen Hamilton will be tough for them and could change game plans as Mills has no height what so ever. I'm gonna take Lake Mills here but, not super confident with it.
Ripon over Lake Mills
Lake Mills lack of height will be there down fall and Ripon has a little more talent then Prescott. Ripon is a team on a mission.
Division Four
Cameron vs Darlington
Ok I know nothing about Cameron or really Darlington for that matter but, Darlington is undefeated and only lost one or two games a year ago and there loaded with seniors. Those things make Darlington my pick.
Destiny vs Roncalli
I know not to judge Roncalli on their .500 record but, for them to have any chance they will have to be really knocking down the threes, which they can. Destiny is just too big or athletic in this one and the easy choice is Destiny.
Destiny over Darlington
Once again Destiny is just too big and athletic for anyone in Division Four. This will bring about the private/public school debate in full force.
Division Five
Shullsburg vs McDonell Central
This has been a matchup I've been looking forward too all year. Both teams have a ton of size as will be watching a D5 game with six players starting that are 6'5 or taller. The size is something that is nearly unheard of and the talent of that size as nearly all those guys could play at the college level. McDonell Central won a year ago and that experience will carry them.
Barneveld vs Columbus Catholic
This game will be a huge contrast to the other game. There will be no height in this game and both teams will be playing with at least four guards at all times. Will probably be a fun exciting game because both teams are very quick and love to shoot the threes. I think Columbus Catholic's three headed guard monster will be too much and get them the win.
McDonell Central over Columbus Catholic
The height will be too much and Central does have some athleticism. I have a hard time picking teams that rely on the outside shooting as well.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
D1 and D2 State Predictions
State starts is less then two days so I figured I would do a quick run down of my picks and some final thoughts on each of the divisions and match ups.
Division One
Stevens Point vs Madison Memorial
I really thought Oshkosh North was a shoe in to get to state here but, Stevens Point kind of shocked everyone even though they are the two time defending champs. Sounds like they are peaking at the right time and 6'8 junior Joey Hauser is looking every bit of the top player in the state and 6'3 junior Drew Blair is gunning from the outside. Prior to the start of the playoffs I gave Memorial a 33% chance to state with Middleton and Sun Prairie getting 33% as well. Memorial's D proved to be the difference behind the shot blocking of 6'8 senior Chris Knight. Despite Memorial's defense I don't think they have anyone to match up with Hauser. Stevens Point should move on.
Arrowhead vs Brookfield Central
This really is a tough one. Central was able to take down the Milwaukee City Conference which surprised me a bit. Central has the great record but, when I saw them they didn't have a ton of athleticism or that WOW factor or a real go to scorer at least from what I saw. Central is just one of those teams that's just solid and don't overally impress you but, they always get the W. Haven't seen Arrowhead this year but, I love their point guard 5'11 senior Trevell Cunningham. If I recal right they have a lot of height but, will the have enough scoring? I'll take Brookfield Central in a bit of a coin flip.
Final
Stevens Point over Brookfield Central
Hauser and their overall size will be too much for Central.
Division Two
La Crosse Central vs Waunakee
This game already happened about a month ago and Central straight up dominated and I don't see this game being much different. Waunakee will play straight up man to man and no one will be able to stop 6'4 senior Kobe King. On the other side King will guard Waunakee's top scorer 6'3 junior Mason Steffen. Steffen just didn't have the quickness to get around King or the elevation to shoot over him. Both these teams were expected to be here and the result is expected with La Crosse Central getting the win.
Milwaukee Washington vs Cedarburg
This game should really be an exciting one to watch. Both team like to score a lot and don't take a lot of time to do it. Washington loves to run and gun and Cedarburg has a pair of big time scorers in 6'4 junior John Diener and 6'5 senior Jordan Johnson. Both teams were incredibly tested in regionals and sectionals and deserve to be here. I think the D of Washington will turn Cedarburg over and lead to the Milwaukee Washington win.
Final
La Crosse Central over Milwaukee Washington
Everyone thinks that Central will just walk through this but, I wouldn't be completely shocked in any one of the other three teams were to beat them. I'll go with the favorite though if I was betting.
Division One
Stevens Point vs Madison Memorial
I really thought Oshkosh North was a shoe in to get to state here but, Stevens Point kind of shocked everyone even though they are the two time defending champs. Sounds like they are peaking at the right time and 6'8 junior Joey Hauser is looking every bit of the top player in the state and 6'3 junior Drew Blair is gunning from the outside. Prior to the start of the playoffs I gave Memorial a 33% chance to state with Middleton and Sun Prairie getting 33% as well. Memorial's D proved to be the difference behind the shot blocking of 6'8 senior Chris Knight. Despite Memorial's defense I don't think they have anyone to match up with Hauser. Stevens Point should move on.
Arrowhead vs Brookfield Central
This really is a tough one. Central was able to take down the Milwaukee City Conference which surprised me a bit. Central has the great record but, when I saw them they didn't have a ton of athleticism or that WOW factor or a real go to scorer at least from what I saw. Central is just one of those teams that's just solid and don't overally impress you but, they always get the W. Haven't seen Arrowhead this year but, I love their point guard 5'11 senior Trevell Cunningham. If I recal right they have a lot of height but, will the have enough scoring? I'll take Brookfield Central in a bit of a coin flip.
Final
Stevens Point over Brookfield Central
Hauser and their overall size will be too much for Central.
Division Two
La Crosse Central vs Waunakee
This game already happened about a month ago and Central straight up dominated and I don't see this game being much different. Waunakee will play straight up man to man and no one will be able to stop 6'4 senior Kobe King. On the other side King will guard Waunakee's top scorer 6'3 junior Mason Steffen. Steffen just didn't have the quickness to get around King or the elevation to shoot over him. Both these teams were expected to be here and the result is expected with La Crosse Central getting the win.
Milwaukee Washington vs Cedarburg
This game should really be an exciting one to watch. Both team like to score a lot and don't take a lot of time to do it. Washington loves to run and gun and Cedarburg has a pair of big time scorers in 6'4 junior John Diener and 6'5 senior Jordan Johnson. Both teams were incredibly tested in regionals and sectionals and deserve to be here. I think the D of Washington will turn Cedarburg over and lead to the Milwaukee Washington win.
Final
La Crosse Central over Milwaukee Washington
Everyone thinks that Central will just walk through this but, I wouldn't be completely shocked in any one of the other three teams were to beat them. I'll go with the favorite though if I was betting.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Madison Memorial makes state
I took in sectionals this weekend watching Madison Memorial getting back to state. It's been a while but, Memorial has finally made it to state after missing out on the past four years. I'll have to admit I'm alittle surprised with this team but, with their defense anything is possible. If they can keep a game low scoring in the 60s or lower they have a good chance to win. 6'8 senior Chris Knight is the only guy that averages double digits in points and outside of him it's really a team effort.
The sectional semi final saw Memorial taking on Middleton. Memorial had beaten Middleton twice during the season but, I wouldn't be surprised to see Middleton to take this one. Both games had been relatively close and Middleton was my preseason pick to get to state. Middleton's two senior stars 5'11 Storm Murphy and 6'5 Tyree Eady really struggled from the outside. Memorial took a big lead and just couldn't put them away. 6'5 senior Jake Ferguson had a tremendous game doing all the little things as always while Knight struggled a bit. Some extremely poor free throw shooting late gave Middleton a chance and they nearly capitalized on it but, a pair of turnovers sealed the deal. Middleton didn't shoot the ball and Memorial was their normal self dominating on the glass.
In the sectional final Memorial took on the red hot Madison East that had already upset a pair of higher seeds. Ferguson once again did his thing having a great game while Knight struggled again until late when he took the game over. This was a very low scoring game that played completely to Memorial's game. East had the lead throughout the first two thirds behind the strong play of their 6'6 big men junior Keshawn Justice and Steve Wooten. Justice and Wooten did it all hitting threes and driving to the hoop but, I think in the end they just ran out o energy. Both Justice and Wooten played the entire game and just seemed a little drained late to make their shots. Knight finally did his thing late getting the fans to their feet with three monster dunks. They aren't the most entertaining team but, they were able to make it state.
Memorial is for sure not a favorite going into state but, don't be shocked to see them win a game or even push for a title. Their defense will keep them in all the games and if something strange or funny goes their win they could get a W or two. To be honest thought against Stevens Point I see Hauser shutting Knight down and no one on Memorial will be able to stop Hauser.
The sectional semi final saw Memorial taking on Middleton. Memorial had beaten Middleton twice during the season but, I wouldn't be surprised to see Middleton to take this one. Both games had been relatively close and Middleton was my preseason pick to get to state. Middleton's two senior stars 5'11 Storm Murphy and 6'5 Tyree Eady really struggled from the outside. Memorial took a big lead and just couldn't put them away. 6'5 senior Jake Ferguson had a tremendous game doing all the little things as always while Knight struggled a bit. Some extremely poor free throw shooting late gave Middleton a chance and they nearly capitalized on it but, a pair of turnovers sealed the deal. Middleton didn't shoot the ball and Memorial was their normal self dominating on the glass.
In the sectional final Memorial took on the red hot Madison East that had already upset a pair of higher seeds. Ferguson once again did his thing having a great game while Knight struggled again until late when he took the game over. This was a very low scoring game that played completely to Memorial's game. East had the lead throughout the first two thirds behind the strong play of their 6'6 big men junior Keshawn Justice and Steve Wooten. Justice and Wooten did it all hitting threes and driving to the hoop but, I think in the end they just ran out o energy. Both Justice and Wooten played the entire game and just seemed a little drained late to make their shots. Knight finally did his thing late getting the fans to their feet with three monster dunks. They aren't the most entertaining team but, they were able to make it state.
Memorial is for sure not a favorite going into state but, don't be shocked to see them win a game or even push for a title. Their defense will keep them in all the games and if something strange or funny goes their win they could get a W or two. To be honest thought against Stevens Point I see Hauser shutting Knight down and no one on Memorial will be able to stop Hauser.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Regionals
The WIAA tournament is fully under way now and the regionals didn't disappoint. Have been a few upsets, one of which I was witness to but, overall the favorites have been strong.
Madison Edgewood 60 Lakeside Lutheran 51
Foul trouble was the story of this one as both teams were plagued by it. Three of Edgewood's starters were saddled with a pair of early fouls including one of their stars 6'3 junior Mandela Deang. Deang played very little in the first half and he just never got himself going throughout this one. Lakeside had not as much foul trouble but, their star 6'4 senior Cameron Kuepers battled foul trouble all game. Kuepers still got his points scoring 19 in the game but, it was on the defensive end that it was real felt. Kuepers was unable to guard Edgewood's star 6'4 senior Alex Arians and unfortunately no one could stay with Arians. Arians was able to get to the rim and score and he was hitting all of his outside shots. Arians had the highlight of the night with a baseline drive and very nice dunk. Arians had 18 in the first half before finishing with 29 for the game. Arians was just too good and that's why they won.
Madison East 82 Sun Prairie 68
Wow is all I can say as the eight seed took down the one. East was picked to go to state in the preseason for a reason East came out firing behind 6'6 junior Keshawn Justice firing threes from the outside and East jumped out to a 21 to 2 lead and never looked back. Throw in that a pair of seniors 6'6 Steve Wooten and 6'1 Cameron Cratic had their best games of the year. Wooten controlled the inside while Justice and Cratic did their thing on the outside. For Sun Prairie 6'6 freshmen Jalen Johnson had maybe one of his worst games of the season. Johnson couldn't buy a three point shot and even the layups weren't falling. Johnson did get 19 but, a lot of those were on offensive rebounds and put backs. Sun Prairie's other star 6'4 junior Marlon Ruffin struggled early on as well but, he played his heart out in this game and nearly willed his team back into the game before he ran out of gas. Ruffin couldn't hit any threes either until very late in the game and got his team within six at one point before Justice and company sealed the deal.
Madison Edgewood 60 Lakeside Lutheran 51
Foul trouble was the story of this one as both teams were plagued by it. Three of Edgewood's starters were saddled with a pair of early fouls including one of their stars 6'3 junior Mandela Deang. Deang played very little in the first half and he just never got himself going throughout this one. Lakeside had not as much foul trouble but, their star 6'4 senior Cameron Kuepers battled foul trouble all game. Kuepers still got his points scoring 19 in the game but, it was on the defensive end that it was real felt. Kuepers was unable to guard Edgewood's star 6'4 senior Alex Arians and unfortunately no one could stay with Arians. Arians was able to get to the rim and score and he was hitting all of his outside shots. Arians had the highlight of the night with a baseline drive and very nice dunk. Arians had 18 in the first half before finishing with 29 for the game. Arians was just too good and that's why they won.
Madison East 82 Sun Prairie 68
Wow is all I can say as the eight seed took down the one. East was picked to go to state in the preseason for a reason East came out firing behind 6'6 junior Keshawn Justice firing threes from the outside and East jumped out to a 21 to 2 lead and never looked back. Throw in that a pair of seniors 6'6 Steve Wooten and 6'1 Cameron Cratic had their best games of the year. Wooten controlled the inside while Justice and Cratic did their thing on the outside. For Sun Prairie 6'6 freshmen Jalen Johnson had maybe one of his worst games of the season. Johnson couldn't buy a three point shot and even the layups weren't falling. Johnson did get 19 but, a lot of those were on offensive rebounds and put backs. Sun Prairie's other star 6'4 junior Marlon Ruffin struggled early on as well but, he played his heart out in this game and nearly willed his team back into the game before he ran out of gas. Ruffin couldn't hit any threes either until very late in the game and got his team within six at one point before Justice and company sealed the deal.
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