WBBY Shootout

Took in the WBBY shootout last week. Traditionally this is one of the best high school basketball events of the season but, this year they didn't seem to get the elite or elite teams. There is probably multiple reasons for this but, I think a big one is that many teams are headed to other states to play in tournaments which causes them to not have open schedules to play in multiple events. Even though some of the top teams weren't there was still a very impressive event as always and still had a handful of very talented teams. Day one I didn't get to the tournament until game four and day two I left a game early so will only give a small recap of the games that I saw.

Day 1
Milwaukee Academy of Science 78 Kettle Moraine Lutheran 74
This game was really about KML's inability to make shots or get offensive rebounds late. MAS basically just ran out all day and hoped their bigs could get the rebounds. The guy that didn't score a ton but, was player of the game was 6'5 juinior Amani Glosson for Academy of Science. Glosson was the guy getting all the rebounds while his smaller guards just leaked out for wide open layups after outlet passes from Glosson. Glosson also had a very nice break away jam. 5'7 MAC freshmen Armani Jones also really impressed me with his shooting ability off the dribble and the ability to finish over bigger defenders. He scored 33 points but, half of those were just kind of cherry picking.

Oshkosh West 87 Brown Deer 70
Third time I've seen Brown Deer play and this was probably their best game but, in the end their poor shot selection and outside shooting did them in. 6'2 senior Brooklyn Jagers played the best I've seen him as he played under control and gave up on that stupid floater in the lane. For West 6'0 junior Karter Thomas paced them. Thomas started very slow but, got going midway through the first half with his outside shot. 6'10 senior Luke Haasl was out for both Shootout games.

Green Bay Southwest 75 Wisconsin Lutheran 64
Southwest isn't the most athletically impressive team but, their one of those solid teams that just get it done. Wisconsin Lutheran just doesn't have a ton of talent right now. Gotta give it up to 6'3 senior Will Pytleski for Soutwest. Pytleski just always seemed to be at the right spot at the right time scoring and also showed the ability to hit the outside shot.

Kettle Moraine 75 New Berlin West 45
Well West really misses Desmond Polk. Just not much talent for them right now. No body really stood out for Kettle Morain by 6'6 junior Nolan Dahmen had a solid game scoring 28 points.

Brookfield Central 78 Martin Luther 68
The game of the day. Martin Luther has three tremendous senior players in 5'10 Trequan Carrington, 6'2 Ace Evans, and 6'5 Xzavier Jones. Carrington might be the best ball handler in the state and has a tremendous shot off the dribble. Evans is an elite athlete with D1 college ability but, needs to work on his outside shot and right hand. Had the dunk of the year in my mind when he threw down an angry dunk on Central's 6'6 big man. Jones could very well be the best player in the state but, did disappear in the second half. 15 feet and in Jones is going to score and man can he jump. In the end Central just wore Martin Luther down. Central's senior guards 6'0 Gage Malensek and 6'3 Cole Nau don't wow you but, they just don't do anything wrong. They also have a pair of talent sophomores 6'1 Ben Nau who can get his shot at any time, has a quick release, and moves well without the ball. They also have sophomore big man 6'6 David Joplin. Outside of getting dunked on Joplin just had a solid game rebounding, playing defense, and doing all the little glue things.

Milwaukee Lutheran 70 Mount Horeb 64
This game was a late game and I found it alittle boring to be honest. Personally thought Mount Horeb should win this one easily but, they kind of struggled. 6'0 Milwaukee Lutheran junior Javeon Tolliver was the difference in this one driving to the rim and finding his team mates.

Day 2
Eau Claire Regis 64 Milwaukee Messmer 55
I really thought Messmer would win this game. This was a case of the more disciplined team won this game. Messmer's inability to hit the outside shot killed them and allowed Regis to take the lead early on. Messmer got the transition game going to take the lead but, then when they game got close they forced some poor shots and allowed Regis to run away with it late. Regis is just a real solid team all around. I really like Messmer senior 6'1 Myreon Gant. Gant is the ultimate point guard that controls everything and does a great job of running the offense. Everything goes through Gant and unfortunately late he took some poor shots and may of cost them the game.

Brookfield Academy 67 Manitowoc Lutheran 46
Unfortunately Lutheran's star 6'0 senior Trey Zastrow was out and that basically ended the game before it starter. I really like Brookfield Academy's team though. BA has two solid big men in 6'6 junior Alex Leach, a beast in the post, and 6'8 sophomore Logan Landers whose a little more versitile and step outside some. BA also has three very good guards in 6'1 junior Aidan Cleary, 5'10 senior Jack Falzon, and 6'3 sophomore Max Kunnert. Cleary gets all the hype and the scoring numbers but, the other two are very good in their own right hitting the outside shots and finishing at the rim in a variety of ways.

Sheboygan Lutheran 81 St Thomas More 62
Thomas More couldn't get anything going and their leading scorer 6'3 senior Noah Glembin really really struggled. Lutheran's leading scorer 6'7 junior Jacob Ognacevic was the difference scoring and just disrupting on the defensive end. 5'11 freshmen Casey Verhagen was very impressive driving to the hoop and finishing.

Appleton Xavier 78 Pius XI 62
Well Pius struggled and Xavier was Xavier pushing the ball in transition and knocking down outside shots. 6'4 senior Nick Otto had a huge game hitting threes and rebounding on the way to 26 points.

Greenbay Southwest 47 Oshkosh West 45
A very physical slow game between two very physical disciplined teams. In the end West had no answer for Pytleski who scored over half his teams points. Thomas never could find his shot for West.

Mineral Point 84 Milwaukee Academy of Science 78
Was a great game and was nice to see Mineral Points stars 6'5 sophomore Braden Dailey and 6'4 junior Isaac Lindsay been more aggressive and impressive then they were in the past. Dailey in particular who was the best player on the court and was super aggressive as he tried to dunk over a defender twice as well as a pair of put back dunks. He missed them all but, it was nice to see Dailey be aggressive. Dailey also hit big shot after big shot. On the other side it was nice to see 6'2 junior Kaleem Taylor get himself going after foul trouble limited him the day before. Taylor has a very nice mid range shot and had a nice little battle between him and Lindsay going back and forth.

Waukesha West 62 Onalaska 58
I didn't know much about either team but, came away very impressed. Waukesha West is a very big team over all and they had six very good players and all six seemed that they could be the leading scorer at any time. Two guys that stuck out were 6'4 senior Rocky Martinex and 6'4 sophomore Cam Palesse. Onalaska was also very impressive. Onalaska have two very nice juniors in 6'4 Carson Arenz and 6'4 Tyrell Suttley. Arenz showed the ability to hit the outside shot or drive to the lane and score. Suttley was just a beast in the post and when he wanted to score he wasn't going to be denied. Super athletic player that can do it all on offense.

Racine Park 67 Mount Horeb 64
Mount Horeb shocked me with the ability to keep this game close. It was the three point shooting of a trio of senior players that kept them in the game in 6'2 Gunnar Nortman, 6'5 Jason Larson, and 6'1 Owen Ziegeler. On the other end 6'9 senior Nobal Days was blocking everything and on the offensive end it was a team effort hitting shots. Late in the game 6'3 senior Larry Canady was the go to guy and showed the ability to hit the mid range shot off the dribble.

Was a great two days of basketball which really tired me out but, hope to be able to get down to it every year at least for the near future.

Top Dunks and Scorers

Here are my updated dunks of year and scorers I've seen. Also a little push for my twitter jwood902 if you want to follow. I'm new to the twitter thing so I don't post a ton. Yes I know I'm very late to the whole twitter thing.

Top Dunks
1. Jamari Sibley 6'9 junior Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15
Nicolet pulled the ball out and went to a four corners. Star Jalen Johnson handled the ball from the left wing and drove the lane. At the same time Sibley cut back door added by a back screen and Johnson found him with the lob and the completed alley oop dunk.

2. Brayden Dailey 6'5 sophomore Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
Point guard Isaac Lindsey drove just left of the free throw line penetrating the Dells zone while Dailey came from the weak side and Lindsey found him with a nice ally oop pass and dunk.

3. Terrence Thompson 6'7 junior La Crosse Central vs Brookfield Central December 15
Two on one break away and Thompson took it himself with a thunderous two hand dunk where he cocked it behind his head and the Brookfield defender just stepped out of the way to avoid being dunked on.

4. Patrick Baldwin 6'9 sophomore Sussex Hamilton vs Nicolet December 15
Usually I'm a big fan of put back dunks but, maybe Baldwin just made this look to easy. Off the missed layup Baldwin just went up and put it right back down.

7. Anthony Washington 6'3 junior Madison East vs Madison Memorial December 4
A break away dunk that Washington put down with a thunderous one handed dunk.

6. Donovan Ivory 6'5 senior Kaukauna vs Wauwatosa West December 8
Another break away dunk that was just a nice two handed dunk.

Top Scorers
1.36 Mayson Hazaert Wrightstown vs Brown Deer December 8

2. 30 Jalen Johnson Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15

3. 28 Ryan Waddell Homestead vs Brown Deer December 15

4. 27 Riley Murphy Seymour vs Merrill December 8

5. 26 Brock Voigt Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29
     Justin Steinike Wauwatosa West vs Kaukauna December 8 

7. 23 Calvin Mavin La Crosse Logan vs Marshfield December 8
         Ben Nau Brookfield Central vs La Crosse Central December 15

9. 22 Bryson Funmaker Wisconsin Dells vs Mineral Point November 30
     Isaac Meverden Marshfield vs La Crosse Logan December 8

11. 21 Donovan Ivory Kaukauna vs Wauwatosa West December 8
         Patrick Baldwin Sussex Hamilton vs Nicolet December 15

13. 20 Cade Ellingson Madison Memorial vs Sun Prairie November 29 
         Brooklyn Jagers Brown Deer vs Homestead December 15

15. 19 Brayden Dailey Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
     Bryce Farnsworth Mount Horeb vs Platteville November 20
     Jeremy Van Zeeland Wrightstown vs Brown Deer December 8
     Johnny Davis La Crosse Central vs Brookfield Cenral December 15

19. 18 Anthony Washington Madison East vs Madison Memorial December 4
           Charlie Bender Lake Mills vs Wisconsin Dells December 11

20. 17 Isaac Lindsey Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
     Dylan Anchor Wisconsin Dells vs Mineral Point November 30
    Brooklyn Jagers Brown Deer vs Wrightstown December 8
    Michael Casper Merrill vs Seymour December 8

24. 16 Cade Ellingson Madison Memorial vs Madison East December 4
     Jaylon Gentry Brown Deer vs Wrightstown December 8
     Caleb Timm Merrill vs Seymour December 8 
     Kordell Renken Merrill vs Seymour December 8
     Mason Dorn Seymour vs Merrill December 8 

Player Rankings

This is my first round of player rankings. Just a reminder these rankings will only include players that I have seen this year and will solely be based on the game that I saw them play. If a player had a bad game unfortunately I will base my ranking on that. Now if I'm being honest a players true ranking will come into play a little bit. I will rank the top 25 players I've seen and then break it down by class of the top 10.

Overall Rankings
1. Jalen Johnson 6'9 junior Nicolet- Has NBA written all over him. There's only been a handful of kids I have said that about. Johnson and Baldwin are two of those. Can hit the three off the bounce, can handle the ball, has that NBA step back shot, plays like a wing despite being 6'9, and can also play a little D guarding on the wing or blocking shots.

2. Patrick Baldwin 6'9 sophomore Sussex Hamilton- Repeat everything I just said for Johnson. Might be a slightly better ball handler and a little quicker. Doesn't have Johnson's strength or explosion yet.

3. Jamari Sibley 6'9 junior Nicolet- An elite athlete. Can guard anyone on the court and is a big time shot blocker. Can also jump out of the gym and runs the court like a deer. Has the ability to shoot the jumper but, wasn't falling in the game I saw.

4. Ryan Waddell 6'2 senior Homestead- Really attacks the basket. Can elevate and finish through contact and bigger defenders. When his feet are set he can also hit the three point shot. Big time competitor.

5. Johnny Davis 6'5 junior La Crosse Central- Another elite athlete. Really attacks the rim and can finish in a variety of ways around the rim. Has also showed the ability to step out and hit the three point shot. Can get up and block some shots and can rebound pretty well as well.

6. Justin Steinike 6'1 junior Wauwatosa West- Really like this kid, he's a shooter. Comes off the screen and can set his feet very quick and knock the shot down. When you give him space and the time to set his feet that shot is going to fall. Has the three point shot as well as the mid range shot and can also handle the ball a little bit.

7. Brayden Dailey 6'5 sophomore Mineral Point- Long lanky kid that is a very good shooter. Just seems to have a high basketball IQ. Can real get up and finish when he attacks the rim and that same leaping ability allows him to be a strong rebounder.

8. Anthony Washington 6'3 junior Madison East- Tremendous athlete that can jump out of the gym. That ability allows him to be able to attack the rim and finish. When he wants to he can really control the glass on both ends.

9. Isaac Lindsey 6'4 junior Mineral Point- Really a true point guard that can score when he needs to. When he is able to spot up can knock down the three or has the ability to penetrate to the middle of the defense and finish. Really controls the offense as a point guard.

10. Ben Nau 6'1 sophomore Brookfield Central- Shooter shooter shooter. Can hit the three spotted up, off the screen, or off the dribble. Just seems like a very smart kid.

11. Donovan Ivory 6'5 senior Kaukauna- Feel like I'm using the word athlete a lot but, it's trust. There's a lot of athletes in the elite players. Tenacious rebounder and plays some very good defense where he can guard anyone on the court whether in the post or on the wing.

12. Mayson Bazaert 6'4 senior Wrightstown- Guy that can finish at the rim in a variety of ways. Can also really run the court for a guy his size. When he can spot up can also hit the outside shot.

13. David Joplin 6'6 sophomore Brookfield Central- Big man with a very soft tough around the rim. Battles on the glass and another big that can really move and run the court.

14. Riley Murphy 5'11 junior Seymour- A shooter that really hunts his shot and moves with out the ball. Showed the ability to hit the spot up three, off the dribble, or coming off the screen. Another big time competitor.

15. Cade Ellingson 6'3 senior Madison Memorial- Hard nose point guard that can use his strength to get in the middle of the defense and can finish over the defender. Can also hit the spot up three when his feet are set.

16. Jaylen Gentry 5'8 senior Brown Deer- Ultra quick point guard that is almost impossible to stop from the outside. Has unlimited range from deep. When he drives can finish in a variety of ways or find his team mates.

17. Jeremy Van Zeeland 6'2 junior Wrightstown- Just a real heady player. Glue guy that can do a little big of everything. Can run the point or play in the post if needed. Can drive the lane and finish with either hand.

18. Brock Voigt 6'5 senior Sun Prairie- Very athletic big that uses his quickness to drive by fellow big men. Really battles on the glass on both ends of the court.

19. Bryson Funmaker 5'10 junior Wisconsin Dells- Lighting quick lead guard. Very good ball handler that's tough to stop when he drives to the right where he can pull up for the jumper or take it to the hoop. Can hit the three off the dribble or spotted up.

20. Bryce Farnsworth 6'5 senior Mount Horeb- Big man that moves very well and loves to take the three point shot. Can do a little bit of everything for a big man whether it be handling the ball or playing in the post.

21. Gage Malensek 6'0 senior Brookfield Central- Very heady tough point guard. Really looks to get his team mates involved pushing the tempo or controlling things. Had the ability to take over late in the game when it was needed.

22. Damontae Thompson 5'10 senior Madison East- Another tough point guard that is very tough off the dribble. Has some of the best handles I've seen this year and can finish in the paint despite his size.

23. Tanner Resch 6'0 sophomore Sussex Hamilton- Tremendous three point shooter but, also has the ability to score off the dribble with a nice little floater.

24. Isaac Meverden 6'4 junior Marshfield- Tough kid in the post that has the strength and the smarts to score at any time. Another very smart player.

25. Gunnar Nortman 6'2 senior Mount Horeb- Very athletic kid that can jump out of the gym and just seems to know where to find the openings on the offensive end. Mid range shooter, three point shooter, or posting can go it all.


Seniors
1. Ryan Waddell 6'2 Homestead
2. Donovan Ivory 6'5 Kaukauna
3. Mayson Bazaert 6'4 Wrightstown
4. Cade Ellingson 6'3 Madison Memorial
5. Jaylen Gentry 5'8 Brown Deer
6. Brock Voigt 6'5 Sun Prairie
7. Bryce Farnsworth 6'5 Mount Horeb
8. Gage Malensek 6'0 Brookfield Central
9. Damontae Thompson 5'10 Madison East
10. Gunnar Nortman 6'2 Mount Horeb

Juniors
1. Jalen Johnson 6'9 Nicolet
2. Jamari Sibley 6'9 Nicolet
3. Johnny Davis 6'5 La Crosse Central
4. Justin Steinike 6'1 Wauwatosa West
5. Anthony Washington 6'3 Madison East
6. Isaac Lindsey 6'4 Mineral Point
7. Riley Murphy 5'11 Seymour
8. Jeremy Van Zeeland 6'2 Wrightstown
9. Bryson Funmaker 5'10 Wisconsin Dells
10. Isaac Meverden 6'4 Marshfield
Sophomores
1. Patrick Baldwin 6'9 Sussex Hamilton
2. Brayden Dailey 6'5 Mineral Point
3. Ben Nau 6'1 Brookfield Central
4. David Joplin 6'6 Brookfield Central
5. Tanner Resch 6'0 Sussex Hamilton
6. Mason Dorn 5'10 Seymour- Sharpshooter from the outside that can really light it up.
7. Jevan Boyton 6'5 Madison East- Big athletic big man that battles in the post and crashes the glass hard.
8. Jeremiah Dotson 6'5 Brown Deer- Another athletic big man that can really run the court. Can finish at the rim in a variety of ways and has a nice little mid range jumper.
9. Charlie Bender 6'2 Lake Mills- Tough three point shooter, that can also get in the lane and finish.
10. Kobe Johnson 6'3 Nicolet- Had a tough game but, handles the ball nicely and does a nice job of moving without the ball and making himself available cutting to the rim.

Freshmen
1. Aaron Rhode 6'0 Brookfield Central- Really didn't play but, they only freshmen that I have seen see the court.

NY2LA Recap

Went do to Brookfield Saturday to take in what I assumed to be some of the best basketball that I would see all year and I wasn't disappointed. Yes the first two games ended up not being so good but, the last game really made up for it.

Homestead 79 Brown Deer 61 
This game went about how I expected with the exception that Brown Deer played close for the first half. In the first half 5'8 senior Jaylon Gentry was hitting some very deep threes and was caring his team but, in the second half he went ice cold and didn't score in the second half. Homestead was the bigger more disciplined team and kept wearing Brown Deer away. If was Homestead size in the first half and then it was the play of 6'2 senior Ryan Waddell in the second half. Waddell is a just a flat out scorer. Brown Deer looked better then last week but, still no patients and too many bad shots.

Brookfield Central 72 La Crosse Central 49
La Crosse Central looked flat out bad and nothing going offensively. 6'5 junior Johnny Davis hit some threes in the first half but, then got shut down in the second and no one looked good for Lax. I think at times La Crosse got anxious and really started forcing some things and weren't playing team ball. One the other side Brookfield executed team basketball to a T. BC moved the ball so well which led to 6'1 sophomore Ben Nau hitting six first half threes on the way to a team high 23 points. Late in the game Brookfield's senior guards 6'0 Gage Malensek and 6'3 Cole Nau salted the game way. I really like the play of 6'6 sophomore David Joplin whose really a smooth player and can really run the court.

Nicolet 78 Sussex Hamilton 70
As I said earlier this game really lived up to the hype. 6'9 Nicolet junior Jalen Johnson did his thing and 6'9 Sussex sophomore Patrick Baldwin did his. Both players are very similar and showed why they are both top five players nationally in their classes. Johnson came out earl firing the threes and knocking them down while Baldwin played with his team mates a little more but, when things got tight he took the shot. Both guys hit the threes, drove the lane, and dished off to their team mates. Johnson is probably a little more explosive right now and stronger while Baldwin is probably quicker and better ball handler. Watching these guys they have NBA written all over them. Big long players that can handle the ball and move more like guards then clumsy big man.

Nicolet was the far more talented team in this one but, Sussex played more like a team. Sussex relied on the three point shot very heavily and unfortunately for them the threes went a little cold late. Nicolet did a great job of playing off Johnson all night. When Johnson drove his team mates would cut to the hoop and he would find them open cutting. Nicolet junior 6'9 Jamari Sibley had a relatively quiet came but, he did take his time guarding Baldwin which helped Johnson get some rest and not having to guard all the time while Baldwin was switching off guarding both big men. I truly think that Baldwin will end up being the better player when it's said and done.

Top Players 
Jaylon Gentry 5'8 senior Brown Deer- Really carried his team in the first half hitting some very deep threes. Also was quick driving the lane and scoring over the bigger defenders.

Brooklyn Jagers 6'2 senior Brown Deer- Yea he took a lot of shots but, was able to finish in a variety of ways around the rim. As a floater that's a nice shot but, shoots it a little too much.

Declan Ciurlik 6'3 junior Homestead- A real glue guy that does a bit of everything. Scoring and defending in the paint. Rebounding, running the point, and having the ability to guard anyone on the court.

Ryan Waddell 6'2 senior Homestead- Like I said earlier just a flat out scorer. Super athletic and can really get to the rim and score.

Johnny Davis 6'5 junior La Crosse Central- Superior athlete that showed the ability to step out and hit the tough three point shot. Can drive the lane and uses his leaping ability to finish at the rim.

Ben Nau 6'1 sophomore Brookfield Central- Hit six threes in the first half what more do you have to say. A flat out shooter that can get his shot off in a hurry.

David Joplin 6'6 sophomore Brookfield Central- Big man with a very soft touch around the rim. Can really run the court for a big man as well.

Tanner Resch 6'0 sophomore Sussex Hamilton- Came off the bench ready to shoot. Was really hitting the threes in this game and showed the ability to hit the floater in the lane.

Patrick Baldwin 6'9 sophomore Sussex Hamilton- Can do it all. There's a reason he's #1 sophomore in the country. Handle the ball, shoot it, pass the ball, block shots, and can guard anyone on the court.

Jalen Johnson 6'9 junior Nicolet- Basically repeat everything I just said for Baldwin and might be a little stronger.

Jamari Sibley 6'9 junior Nicolet- Didn't have a great game but, really showed his athletic ability in this one. Can run the court like a deer and can really get up off the floor and attack the rim.

Sonny Phinisee 6'0 senior Nicolet- Doesn't get a lot of hype but, I really like this kid. Plays with a ton of heart and can defend like no other. Can knock down the three when he's left open.

First Round Team Rankings

Gotten to the point where I've seen enough teams that I think that I can do my team rankings now. These rankings mean nothing and are purely for my enjoyment. These rankings are based on the games that I saw and I may not believe that a certain team is better then another team but, they played better in the game that I saw. I will put in ( ) how many times I've actually seen the team play. Initially I will ranked all teams as one and then break down by divisions.

Overall
1. Madison East (1)- Really like this team that plays with a ton of energy. Quickest team I'm seen so far this year and have a pair of legit big time players in Anthony Washington and Keonte Jones. Also have some nice size as a team.

2. Madison Memorial (2)- Very smart disciplined team. Probably one of the best rebounding teams in the state. Play very good defense and they have good over all team size.

3. Kaukauna (1)- Pretty athletic team that relies on the three point shot a little too much. Have a handful of guys that can jump out of the gym which allows them to be a very good rebounding team. Have the ability to play slow or quick whatever is necessary.

4. Wauwatosa West (1)- Another very quick team that loves to get up and down to the court. I question their overall shooting but, they have a guy that can really shoot it in Justin Steinike. The potential is there if they can play disciplined.

5. Wrightstown (1)- Just an overall solid and disciplined team. Don't rush things and always seem to be playing under control. Play good defense which allows them to get out and run in transition.

6. Merrill (1)- Really look to pound the ball inside which is their strength as they have a pair of solid post players and their guards play off of them. Another real solid team.

7. Sun Prairie (1)- They played without their top three players so I give them a little leeway. The way they played Memorial in the second half was very impressive and I like there size up front and have some athletes.

8. Mount Horeb (1)- Feel like I'm repeating but, they are a solid disciplined team that plays great defense and rebound well. Always seem to be under control.

9. Seymour (1)- Can really shoot the ball which allows them to beat anyone. A heady team that knows their strengths and have a pretty solid starting five.

10. La Crosse Logan (1)- Athletic team that likes to get up and down the court. Don't shoot great but, can get to the hoop and score.

11. Marshfield (1)- Another solid team that really doesn't have a go to guy but, are very deep one through eight not losing a thing.

12. Brown Deer (1)- Extremely athletic team that wants to get out and run. Shooting is a little rough but, have a pair of guards that can drive the lane and get their shot at any time.

13. Lake Mills (1)- A little undersized but, play good defense and rebound as a team. Can really shoot the three as well.

14. Wisconsin Dells (2)- Speed and defense is their calling card. Showed the ability to shoot the three as well.

15. Mineral Point (1)- Just didn't play with energy in the game I saw them. Have a pair of very talented individuals but, need to play tougher and with more energy.

16. Platteville (1)- Not a lot to say about them as they played pretty bad in the game that I saw them.

D1
1. Madison East
2. Madison Memorial
3. Sun Prairie

D2
1. Kaukauna
2. Wauwatosa West
3. Merrill
4. Mount Horeb
5. Seymour
6. La Crosse Logan
7. Marshfield

D3
1. Wrightstown
2. Brown Deer
3. Lake Mills
4. Wisconsin Dells

D4 
1. Mineral Point
2. Platteville

Lake Mills over Wisconsin Dells

In my second chance to see Wisconsin Dells play, I watched them take on Lake Mills. Lake Mills has been a very good team in the past five years or so. Lake Mills once again proved that despite their lack of height they are always a tough out and will be battle tell the very end. Tonight Lake Mills showed it time and time again.

The game started off with Wisconsin Dells playing their classic zone defense which has become their staple in the last few years. I've really become a believer in playing a zone defense at the high school level as time and again I've seen teams continue to struggle against the zone. Tonight was no different as Lake Mills struggled against the zone early on and Dells got out to the early lead. Eventually Lake Mills settled down and started finding open players in the corners and the three started to fall. Lake Mills was led by 6'2 sophomore Charlie Bender who hit three three point shots in the first half. On the other side Dells struggled immensely and couldn't get anything to fall. The Dells top two scores 5'10 junior Bryson Funmaker and 6'2 junior Brett Hirst went scoreless in the first half leading to a Lake Mills lead of 68-57 at half.

In the second half Lake Mills was able to penetrate the Dells zone a little bit easier. Lake Mills was able to find openings in the high post which led to easy buckets coming from the weak side. Lake Mills was also able to pitch in a few three point shots as well from the outside as well. Late in the game Funmaker finally hit a couple shots and Hirst got himself going by getting fouled and making some free throws. In the end Lake Mills made just enough free throws and the Dells continued to struggle. Despite Lake Mills best efforts to throw the game and ball away, Dells just couldn't capitalize.

Top Players 
Dylan Anchor 6'3 senior Wisconsin Dells- One of the few Dells players to play some what well. Did a nice job of scoring in the post and battling on the glass. Also showed the ability to step out and hit the three.

Charlie Bender 6'2 sophomore Lake Mills- Really carried his team in the first half with the three point shot as well as helping handle the ball against the zone defense. Hit a pair of nice floaters in the second half as well.

Adam Moen 6'3 sophomore Lake Mills- In the second half really was the man finding the opening in the middle of the Dells offense. Was really the lone post scorer in the entire game.

Box Score
LM 68- Bender 18 JT Toepfer 14 Moen 13 Mike Harrington 9 Jaxson Retrum 9 Matt Johnson 3 Drew Stoddard 2
WD 57- Anchor 12 Hirst 11 Riley Eck 9 Sam Millard 8 Dylan Musiedlak 8 Funmaker 6 Dyland Nevar 6

Some final thoughts I think Lake Mills will be a tough out but, not sure they have the height or the depth to truly make it very far come playoff time. Wisconsin Dells has probably been over ranked and will fall back to earth as they should be but, honestly they probably underachieved in tonights game.

Top Dunks and Scorers

Got a few more games under my belt so thought time to update top dunks I've seen as well as the top scorers I've seen.

Top Dunks
1. Brayden Dailey 6'5 sophomore Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
Point guard Isaac Lindsey drove just left of the free throw line penetrating the Dells zone while Dailey came from the weak side and Lindsey found him with a nice ally oop pass and dunk.

2. Anthony Washington 6'3 junior Madison East vs Madison Memorial December 4
A break away dunk that Washington put down with a thunderous one handed dunk.

3. Donovan Ivory 6'5 senior Kaukauna vs Wauwatosa West December 8
Another break away dunk that was just a nice two handed dunk.

Top Scorers
1.36 Mayson Hazaert Wrightstown vs Brown Deer December 8

2. 27 Riley Murphy Seymour vs Merrill December 8

3. 26 Brock Voigt Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29
     Justin Steinike Wauwatosa West vs Kaukauna December 8 

5. 23 Calvin Mavin 6'2 La Crosse Logan vs Marshfield December 8

6. 22 Bryson Funmaker Wisconsin Dells vs Mineral Point November 30
     Isaac Meverden Marshfield vs La Crosse Logan December 8

8. 21 Donovan Ivory Kaukauna vs Wauwatosa West December 8

9. 20 Cade Ellingson Madison Memorial vs Sun Prairie November 29 

10. 19 Brayden Dailey Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
     Bryce Farnsworth Mount Horeb vs Platteville November 20
     Jeremy Van Zeeland Wrightstown vs Brown Deer December 8

13. 18 Anthony Washington Madison East vs Madison Memorial December 4

14. 17 Isaac Lindsey Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
     Dylan Anchor Wisconsin Dells vs Mineral Point November 30
    Brooklyn Jagers Brown Deer vs Wrightstown December 8
    Michael Casper Merrill vs Seymour December 8

18. 16 Cade Ellingson Madison Memorial vs Madison East December 4
     Jaylon Gentry Brown Deer vs Wrightstown December 8
     Caleb Timm Merrill vs Seymour December 8 
     Kordell Renken Merrill vs Seymour December 8
     Mason Dorn Seymour vs Merrill December 8 

23. 15 Nick Caropreso Madison Memorial vs Sun Prairie November 29
    Rajai Williams Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29
     Anthony Posteluk Marshfield vs La Crosse Logan December 8

Baird Bustman Shootout

Headed up to Kaukauna this Saturday to watch some teams that I typically won't get the chance to see during the regular season.I knew going in that it probably wasn't going to be the most elite talent but, I came away pretty happy with the day and felt like I watched some very good games.

Wrightstown 75 Brown Deer 62
Well Brown Deer is a very young team and that was pretty evident in this game. Wrightstown seemed to get lay up after lay up right at the rim and on the other side Brown Deer took the first shot they could take. The poor shot selection and flat out lack of hustle allowed Wrightstown to get out and run time and time again. This was the classic case of the young athletic team playing an old experienced team. Wrightstown dominated the glass on both ends and were up by 20 before Brown Deer made a little run late with their guards driving the lane and scoring or finding open team mates.

La Crosse Logan 65 Marshfield 63
This was kind of a weird game to watch. It felt Marshfield had the upper hand early on and the second half was all Logan but, then Marshfield faught back and hit a three late to send it to over time. Okay wasn't the most clean game but, hey a game that goes to overtime has to be a good one. Marshfield looked like the more experienced team early on and seemed to be the more disciplined team but, in the second half the athleticism and quickness took over for Logan. Logan was able to continually drive the ball to the rim in the second half and score or get fouled. Logan also was able to use their size advantage going to their big man 6'6 senior Maguier Werner.

Merrill 76 Seymour 69
This game wasn't the closest of the day but, in my mind was the most entertaining. Merrill really looked to pound the ball inside first and then kick it out to the three point land if they had to, while Seymour really looked to shoot the three. As what happens more times then not the three point shooting went cold late and Seymour couldn't hang on. The first half Merrill's bigs got in some foul trouble and Seymour's 5'11 junior guard Riley Murphy went off hitting five first half three point shots. In the second half Merrill staid out of foul trouble and they started hitting some threes of their own to take the win.

Kaukauna 73 Wauwatosa West 70
A total tale of two halves in this one. In the first half Kaukauna couldn't hit a shot outside of two foot and West was playing with a ton of energy and took a lead from the jump. Kaukauna came out in a triangle and two on the end which confused West at first but, after the first few possessions West settled down and took advantage of the open shots they were given. Kaukauna had to come out of the zone defense When Kaukauna come out of the zone Tosa West shooting 6'1 junior Justin Steinike got himself going coming off the screens and hitting the jumpers and West was able to get out and score in transition as well. In the second half Kaukauna stopped settling for the outside shots and the wheels fell off for Tosa West. West starting taking ill advised shots, wasn't playing good defense, and were turning the ball over. One of the biggest changes was Kaukauna put 6'5 senior Donovan Ivory on Steinike which really cause Steinike some problems and he just had to work twice as hard to score of the bigger defender. Fouling was also a huge difference as Kaukauna spent a ton of time at the free throw line and West ended up losing their composure late and Kaukauna clung to the victory but, I'm not sure that they earned it.

Top Players
Jaylon Gentry 5'8 senior Brown Deer- Ultra quick guard that could get to the rim at anytime and when the defense came to help he was able to find team mates for open layups.
Jeremy Van Zeeland 6'2 junior Wrightstown- Just the calming influence in the game. Just that heady guard that controlled the game throughout without having to score much.
Mayson Hazaert 6'4 senior Wrightstown- Big time scorer of the day. Really showed an ability to run the court and finish in transition.
Isaac Meverden 6'4 junior Marshfield- Heady player that never seemed to do too much and just had a knack for scoring.
Calvin Mavin 6'2 senior La Crosse Logan-Superior athlete that took some bad shots but, did a good job of controlling the game. Hit some huge shots.
Caleb Timm 6'4 junior Merrill- A tireless worker that always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Battled in the paint throughout the game.
Riley Murphy 5'11 junior Seymour- A kid that moves extremely well to get his shot off. When he's able to get his feet set that shots going to call. Despite his height can get his shot off at any time.
Donovan Ivory 6'5 senior Kaukauna- Just a solid athlete all around that can make a difference in the game without having the score. Really changed the game when he guarded Steinike and shut him down.
Justin Steinike 6'1 junior Wauwatosa West- Tremendous shooter that can hit his shot when his feet are set. Does a tremendous job of moving without the ball and when he comes off the screen he's ready to shoot.

Like I said earlier overall it was a pretty good day of basketball that allowed me to see teams that I probably won't get to see again throughout the year unless one makes a run to state.

Madison East over Memorial

Went to Madison East last night and I would contest that East might be one of the most entertaining places to watch a game. The gym is relatively small and feels like the fans are right on top of the court add in to the fact that 2/3 of the seating is behind the hoops and that's where the students sit. The gym always seems very loud and I've always seen it as a very tough place to play or get a win. Last night was no different as East took down number six ranked Madison Memorial.

From the get go East just seemed like the quicker and more aggressive team. Early on East point guard 5'10 senior Damontae Thompson hit a pair of early deep jumpers to get things going and East really never looked back. Everytime Memorial would make a run and they did take a lead mid way through the first half East was there to push them back. Memorial just wasn't quick enough to drive past the East and ever shot was contended and just never seemed like they had an open look. East did a great job of keeping Memorial off the offensive glass which they typically thrive on the offensive glass getting second chances. East is a team that has the size to battle Memorial where typically there just bigger then the other team.

I wish I had more to say but, I really don't. The story of the game was East's defense which forced Memorial into turnovers and bad deep shots which allowed East to get out and run. There was a lot of intensity in the game and a bit of pushing and chest pumping but, after half time the game was never in doubt.

Top Players 
Cade Ellingson 6'3 senior Madison Memorial- In the two games that I've seen he's really started to separate himself as the leader of this team. When he's on the bench their offense just falls apart. Really the calming force on the team and the one guy that you can count on being able to drive the lane and score.
Justin Jackson 6'4 junior Madison Memorial- Really didn't score much but, when he was in the game their offense just seemed to click. Had some huge assists when he'd drive to the hoop and find open team mates.
Damontae Thompson 5'10 senior Madison East- Looking a lot like his brother from last year uses his quickness to get his shot at any time or driving to the hoop. Appears to of really improved his ball handling since last year and his shot off the bounce is tough.
Anthony Washington 6'3 junior Madison East- Scored 18 points in the game but, it was really a quiet 18. Appears to be a little more offensive focused and not so much on the rebounding. Just a nice lanky player.
Jadyn Walsvick 5'11 junior Madison East- I really like this kid off the bench. Handles the ball extremely well and finds his team mates cutting to the rim. Has a very pretty shot and when he was given space you were expecting it to go in.

Box Score
MM 49- Ellingson 16 Kwam Lewis 7 Ian Brown 6 Nick Caropreso 5 Jackson 5 Dryden Schaefer 3 Daemiontae Bates 3 JR Mitchell 3 Kyle Yu 1 Adam Bergman 0 Logan Younk 0 Drew Collins 0 Kole Kerkhoff 0
ME 66- Washington 18 Thompson 13 Jevan Boyton 12 Walsvick 10 Keontae Jones 8 David McKinley 2 Moses Fadele 2 Marcus Justice 1 Ben Davis 0 Michael McIntosh 0 Jack Tupta 0 Will Devin 0

Was a fun night at Eastside as it always is. I honestly could see Madison East winning the conference this year but, as always its tough to count Memorial out. If I was betting on it my money would be on East though and should be a good race between East, Memorial, Lafollette and probably even Sun Prairie if and when they get back to full health.

Top Dunks and Scorers

Here is my opening list of top dunks and scorers on the year so far. Only seen one dunk so far but, I'll start forgetting plays later in the year so have to start the list early.

Top Dunks
Brayden Dailey 6'5 sophomore Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
Point guard Isaac Lindsey drove just left of the free throw line penetrating the Dells zone while Dailey came from the weak side and Lindsey found him with a nice ally oop pass and dunk.


Top Scorers
26 Brock Voigt Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29

22 Bryson Funmaker Wisconsin Dells vs Mineral Point November 30

20 Cade Ellingson Madison Memorial vs Sun Prairie November 29 

19 Brayden Dailey Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
     Bryce Farnsworth Mount Horeb vs Platteville November 20

17 Isaac Lindsey Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
     Dylan Anchor Wisconsin Dells vs Mineral Point November 30

15 Nick Caropreso Madison Memorial vs Sun Prairie November 29
     Rajai Williams Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29

Mad Memorial and Wisconsin Dells get the W

Took in a pair of games this past week and would of been three had the weather not been so bad Saturday night. Both games were chances to see a pair of teams that were completely different, having lost players from last years teams but, for different reasons. I also got a chance to see some smaller schools and bigger schools. Sometimes I get wrapped up in the D1 games that I really don't give the smaller schools much attention but, I want to try and get to more smaller school games. I have to say atmospheres are completely different when talking big city schools and smaller rural schools.

Thursday night took in Madison Memorial verse Sun Prairie. Memorial is considered the favorite in the conference and Sun Prairie is making a transition since the transferring of Jalen Johnson and the graduation of Marlon Ruffin. Unfortunately for me Sun Prairie was without their top three returning players juniors 6'0 Colin Schaefer and 6'6 Delaware Hale, who both should have break out years, along with 6'5 senior Cooper Nelson who has a ton of experience from the last two years. With those three missing Madison Memorial completely controlled the game from go and cruised to a 40-14 half time lead. Memorial will once again play a tough switching man to man defense and will dominate the glass on both ends. Those two things mentioned killed Sun Prairie as the couldn't get any good looks at the basket and they were only getting one shot every time down. Memorial was able to play every guy on their team in the first half.

In the second half Sun Prairie really pressed Memorial and pushed the tempo forcing Memorial to turn the ball over time and time again and the game completely switched. Sun Prairie was actually able to cut the lead to nine at one point and Memorial ended up hanging on for the 71-61 win.

Top Players
Brock Voigt 6'5 senior Sun Prairie- Had the game of his life and I don't thin he even saw the court a year ago. Battled in the paint all night and showed the ability to drive to the rim and finished with either hand. Early on I thought he was a lefty but, after he went to the free throw line realized he was a righty.
Rajai Williams 6'0 senior Sun Prairie- Had a terrible first half forcing bad shots and turning the ball over but, in the second half turned that energy into something. Hitting a couple things and was able to turn the turnovers into easy buckets.
Nick Caropreso 6'4 senior Madison Memorial- Just a battler on the inside scoring on second chance buckets and he also hit three three point shots in the game.
Cade Ellingson 6'3 senior Madison Memorial- Ok no way he's 6'3. Was really able to drive to the lane and was able to finish over the Sun Prairie defenders. Not the quickest guy but, he's a heady player that just has a knack for scoring.

Top Scorers
SP 61- B Voigt 26 Williams 15 Dawson Hughes 13
MM 71- Ellingson 20 Caropreso 15 Kyle Yu 11


Friday night was the game that really surprised me. Honestly I was going to see Mineral Point play who is ranked number one in division four. Wisconsin Dells lost a ton from last years Sectional Final team. I half expected Mineral Point to just run away and hide, that wasn't even close to the truth.

Mineral Point really seemed disinterested and lacked energy as they just kind of went through the motions. Patricularily their two stars 6'5 sophomore Brayden Dailey and 6'4 junior Isaac Lindsey. No maybe they just aren't high emotion players or don't let their emotions show but, they really seemed to lack energy. I would like to see Dailey look to score more and demand the ball. Dailey seemed content to stand in the corner and wait for the ball to come to him. Lindsey threw a lot of lazy passes which led to turnovers and just tipped balls that wouldn't allow them to get their offense going. Lindsey also was aggressive enough and seemed ok to just set outside swing the ball and would occasionally hoist a three. Mineral Point seemed like the better team but, they let the Dells hang around. Junior Bryson Funmaker was extremely impressive despite his lack of height of a generous 5'10. Funmaker was able to get anywhere he wanted as he was just quicker then anyone else on the court. Funmaker hit some threes coming off of screens and then off the dribble he was able to get to the rim and finish in a variety of ways or he was able to pull up for the mid range jumper.

As the game came to an end I felt like I was re watching Mineral Points lose in the Sectional Final. Three straight times Mineral Point went to the line with a chance to seal the game up only one. Three straight times they missed the front end and gave the Dells a chance. If you follow high school ball at all you know how this ended. Dells had a chance for a last second shot and inbounded to 6'7 junior Sam Millard who pump faked once and then pulled up for the three that found the bottom of the net for the Dells win. Losing the game was big but, the bigger thing was that Linsdsey turned his ankle pretty badly with about a minute and a half left and wound up leaving the gym on crutches.

Top Players 
Brayden Dailey 6'5 sophomore Mineral Point- Boy he had a pretty stroke from the outside and can get his shot off at any time and usually it's going to fall. Just a smooth player all around.
Isaac Lindsey 6'4 junior Mineral Point- Yes he didn't have a great game but, he did have some nice drives to the rim and hit some nice mid range shots.
Bryson Funmaker 5'10 junior Wisconsin Dells- I've pretty much said it all already. He's really taken his game to another level since last season.
Dylan Anchor 6'3 senior Wisconsin Dells- Not the most talented guy but, I really liked his game. Just works hard in the paint and he was able to hit the spot up jumper.

Top Scorers 
MP 65- B Dailey 19 Lindsey 17 Liam Stumpf 9
WB 67- Funmaker 22 Anchor 17 Brett Hirst 10

Big Eight Preview

The season is under way but, the Big Eight conference hasn't started conference games yet. They are far and away the conference that I keep the closest eye on as they are a very good conference, their a division one conference, and they are fairly close to home for me. There always seems to be one or two teams that really surprise and you have some get rivalries in the Madison area because the schools are located so close together. Madison Memorial has always been the class of the conference but, last year Sun Prairie won the conference and finally got to state. Prior to last year Memorial had won 14 straight conference titles.Well here are my picks...

1. Madison Memorial- I think Memorial will get back on top. They have a very good senior class with a good chunk of them having played varsity since they were sophomores. This isn't the Memorial teams of past that loved to get up and down the court. This team will be a slow and steady team that will play great defense, control the tempo, and won't look to shoot a lot of threes, pounding the ball inside. A pair of seniors 6'2 Cade Ellingson and 6'4 Ian Brown will probably do most of the ball handling duties and 6'4 Nick Caropreso will do the dirty work on the inside. I really expect big things from 6'6 junior Yacouba Traore who seemed a little timid at times. 6'4 senior Dryden Schaefer might be the X factor as he's the one guy that can really shoot the three.

2. Madison La Follette- I saw them run Memorial out of the gym in the playoffs last year but, I think their lack of height is going to kill them. Last year they had a couple guys around 6'2 last year but, those guys have graduated. Even without that height they have the top back court in the conference in a pair of seniors 5'8 Donnell Gray and 5'11 Troy Reeves. Gray really controls the game from the point position and Reeves plays off of him and doesn't force things too much. They will miss their senior glass a bit though and will need to get something from last years JV.

3. Madison East- I'm a little higher on East then others but, I really like their juniors 6'3 Keonte Jones and 6'3 Anthony Washington. Both will get more shots now that their top two scorers Keshawn Justice and Early Lewis have moved on. Jones will score but, he's also a tenacious defender. From the summer reports it seems that Washington has made huge strides and is considered a D1 scholarship player at the next level, the athleticism has always been there but, he has to put the shooting and ball handling together. Throw in returning starting point guard 5'10 senior Demonate Thompson and thats a solid core to build around. If they can get something out of their big men 6'5 junior Marcus Justice and 6'6 sophomore Jevan Boyton that would be huge and seeing them finish in the top three.

4. Sun Prairie- A state team a year ago they were killed by graduation and transferring. Jalen Johnson is probably the best player in the state and brother Kobe seemed to be on his way to being a very good player as well. They also graduated their other four starters as well but, the future is bright here. I'm really excited to see 5'11 junior point guard Colin Schaefer as a starter and playing big minutes. His future is very bright. I'm also interested in 6'6 junior Delaware Hale who has been ranked very high in his class but, needs to know his roll and play under control. 6'5 senior Cooper Nelson has started a times in the past. Fellow senior 6'0 Rajai Williams has shown flashes and will be interesting to see what happens if he sees some big minutes.

5. Middleton- Now I'm getting into the unknown here. They basically lost everything but, Middleton always has a ton of seniors and you know their always going to compete. Can't imagine them falling down too much. They were hurt by 6'7 senior Max Schlicht going down with an injury and will miss the season.

6. Verona- Another team I put here basically based on their tradition. Don't know much but, they return a pair of seniors that averaged double digits in 6'0 Tyler Slawek and 6'4 Ryan Van Handel.

7. Janesville Craig- Lost just about everything from last year but, another team that you won't ever find at the bottom of the conference. Honestly that's about all I can say.

8. Madison West- A little cheating here as they did beat Milwaukee Vincent already this year otherwise I might of had them a little lower. Also seems to have a lot of individual talent but, just can't seem to ever put it all together. Four starters back but, they only won four games a year ago.

9. Beloit- Traditionally a better team then this but, year book had them down this low. Haven't seen them play in a couple years so I'll still with the yearbook.

10. Janesville Parker- Well their Parker and unfortunately you basically just always put Parker here. Only won two games last year and lost their top scorer to graduation.

Predicted Conference Records
Memorial 15-3
La Follette 14-4
East 13-5
Sun Prairie 12-6
Middleton 10-8
Verona 9-9
Craig 7-11
West 6-12
Beloit 4-14
Parker 0-18

Well there you have my Big Eight thoughts. To be honest probably everyone will lose at least five games and it wouldn't surprise me one bit. All of these teams are just so close.

Mount Horeb over Platteville

Got to my first game of the year taking in Platteville verse Mount Horeb. This was a match up of two teams ranked in the top ten in their divisions according to the Wisconsin Yearbook anyway. Both were ranked ninth in each division.

This game was very obviously the first game of the year for everyone involved. The shooting for both teams was extremely poor and their were a ton of fouls. Now the fouls I'm not going to put on the refs because this game was pretty sloppy which makes it pretty tough to officiate. Unfortunately due to the fouls that really became the story line as both teams dealt with foul trouble. In the first half Platteville couldn't buy a three pointer and then their two starting big men both 6'4 seniors Conor Riely and Trey Bartels got in foul trouble and spent more time on the bench then on the court. At one point it seemed Riley got himself going but, then the second foul occurred and sent him to the bench. I would guess that Platteville was probably under 20% from three point range as they only hit a pair of threes in the first half and with the big men on the bench they weren't getting any rebounds.

On the other side foul trouble struck Mount Horeb as well. Their top player 6'2 Gunnar Nortman was saddled with two fouls early on and sat a good portion of the first half. Mount Horeb was paced by 6'5 senior Jackson Larson who did a very nice job of scoring around the rim and finishing in a variety of ways. Mount Horeb also got a nice little run from 5'10 senior Logan Rasmussen who came off the bench and hit back to back threes at one point which led to a half time lead of 30-17.

In the second half this continued much the same, poor shooting and lots of fouls. Platteville took advantage of the early fouls in the second half to get into bonus early and try to crawl back into the game. Platteville though once again wasn't hitting the three as they really only hit one three in the second half until they hit a second in the final minute of the game when it was over. Just wasn't a lot to say about Platteville positively in this one. All their guards struggled shooting and big men were in foul trouble.

For Mount Horeb in the second half Larson got himself in foul and sat a good chunk but, Nortman and fellow 6'5 senior Bryce Farnsworth got themselves going. Nortman had a nice little run in the second half hitting a three and then a pair of mid range jumpers. Farnsworth hit a pair of threes and really controlled the boards on both sides as all the other big men were out with foul trouble.

Top Players
Jason Larson 6'5 senior Mount Horeb- Really does the dirty work for Mount Horeb. Kind of a glue guy too but, he can really finish around the rim. Had a pair of some nice reverse layups and when he was in he was crashing the glass.
Gunnar Nortman 6'2 senior Mount Horeb- Was hindered by the foul trouble but, showed some nice game in the second half. Has a very nice shot with very little excess movement goes straight up and down. Does a nice job of letting the game come to him and not pressing things.
Bryce Farnsworth 6'5 senior Mount Horeb- Despite his size really plays more like a guard. Moves very well for a big guy and has a nice shot from the outside whether off the bounce or off the screen.
Brandon Weigel 6'2 senior Platteville- Really the only bright spot for Platteville in my opinion. Saw big time minutes off the bench due to the foul trouble and made the most of the them. Really battled in the point rebounding and fighting for position which led to a 5-6 from the free throw line. Also had a pair of nice led mid range jump shots from either wing.

Box Score (again starters in italics)
Mount Horeb 60- Farnsworth 16 Nortman 13 Larson 12 Dustin Zenz 10 Rasmussen 6 Owen Ziegler 4 Carter Gilkes 0 Ethan Post 0 Simeon Smith 0 Gunnar Bagstad 0 Joey Henderson 0 Dylan Pierce 0 Cade Johnson 0 Zach Nelson 0 Trey Ryan 0
Platteville 44- Weigel 11 Cade Rohrbach 9 Isaih Oswald 6 Andy Eggers 5 Bartels 5 Riley 4 Gabe Tashner 3 Garrett Baxter 1 Austin Wein 0 Nathan Busch 0 Calvin Wernimont 0 Austin Shaffer 0 Tyler McClain 0

Will be about another week before I'll see another game but, just some final thoughts. Platteville have a ways to go but, if their big men can come to play they will have a very good season in D4 while Mount Horeb will be a good team in D3. A great team? Well I don't know about that but, a good season none the less and probably contend for conference with Waunakee not being as strong as the past.

Division Four and Five Preseason Rankings

I'm gonna be honest that I'm pretty clueless with the two smallest divisions when it comes to the top 10 rankings. I could maybe do a top five for division four but, don't know a thing for division five. I've decided rather then me just regurgitating what the yearbook says I'll give some quick thoughts for each division.

Divison Four
I was going to do my top five and then realized that my top five was just the yearbook top five. I think just about everyone can agree the top two teams are Mineral Point and Milwaukee Academy of Science. Mineral Point really should of been at state last year and may of been the best team in D4 and they have two legit D1 college prospects in 6'3 junior point guard Isaach Lindsey and 6'5 sophomore Brayden Dailey. Milwaukee Academy is another weird charter school situation that I'm sure will cause a ton of uproar if they make it to state. I haven't seen them but, have heard a ton about their D1 talent. They bring back four starters from a pretty successful team and have the D1 talent in 6'3 junior Kaleim Taylor and 6'9 junior Darius Hannah who average 16 points and 17 rebounds a game last year. Those numbers are unheard of and if it isn't this year it will be next year that they get to state. They also have the benefit of playing an independent schedule so they typically schedule some pretty talented teams. My number three is New Glarus who has seemed to have great season the past two season but, haven't been able to get to state and this year should be no different. They have four starters back from a team that won 24 games a year ago including a pair of senior guards in 6'0 Zack Feller who averaged 19 a game last year and 5'11 Jaden Kreklow who averaged 20 a game. The fourth team that I really have an opinion about is Manitowoc Roncalli. Roncalli has almost got to the point where they are a given to get to state. They have 5'9 senior Chombi Lambert back who has been a star the past two years at state and could very well carry them again. After that its kind of a crap shoot in my mind. Howards Grove had an impressive record last year. Clear Lake made the state run last year, Cuba City, Colfax, and Marathon have the past history in their favor of very good teams.

Division Five
Like I said I'm completely lost here. You can always go with privates in Sheboygan Lutheran and Green Bay NEW Lutheran. Sheboygan evidently received a very talented transfer from Kansas City and NEW Lutheran also seems to be at state after having poor records having played bigger schools all year long. Wauzeka-Steuben had a very good record last year and return a pair of big time scorers. Barneveld has some history and I know they have senior Malcolm Reed whose an elite talent. Hilbert is maybe another team that has some great history.

Well those are my final preseason thoughts and the season will start this year.

Division Three Preseason Rankings

On to division three rankings. Doesn't seem to have as many elite teams as there have been in the past but, it should still be a great season. It seems that private schools are making their mark on D3 once again.

1. Martin Luther- Won 21 games a year ago and have a ton of talent back in their senior class. 6'5 Xzavier Jones is a high major college player, 6'2 Ace Evans had a coming out party a year ago, 6'6 Jeramie King should improve moving into the starting lineup, and 5'10 Trequan Carrington was their leading scorer a year ago.
2. Waupun- Lost only two games a year ago and bring back three starters led by Northern Kentucky recruit 6'6 senior Marcus Domask who has been the leading scorer for the past three years. They also received a talented transfer in 6'4 senior Quintin Winterfeldt who was leading scorer for Fon du Lac last year.
3. Lakeside Lutheran- Four starters back from a 19 win team and led by a trio of seniors who have starter for two years already in 6'0 Will DeNoyer, 6'4 Jack Monis, and 6'6 Cameron Paske.
4. Brookfield Academy- Another team that brings back five players that started at times a year ago from a team that won 20 games. Have a big time scorer in 6'1 junior Aidan Cleary who averaged 20 a game as a sophomore. Also have some nice size in 6'8 sophomore Logan Landers and 6'6 junior Alex Leach.
5. Racine St Catherines- Five starters are back from a 17 win team and they are led by 6'6 senior Quinn Cafferty.
6. Golda Meir- Upstart team that is a newer school and bring back four starters and a ton of height in 6'6 senior Mario Williams, 6'6 senior Brandon Herman, 6'4 senior Duane Rogers, and 6'8 sophomore Selle Dime off the bench.
7. Southern Door- Again another team that won 20 games and brought back four starters led by 6'2 senior Kyle Daoust who averaged 22 points a game.
8. Brown Deer- They lost a lot of players but, they always seem to find their way up to the top. Keith Appleby has become one of the top coaches in the state and have a pair of double digit scoring seniors in 5'8 Jaylon Gentry and 6'2 Jeremiah Dotson.
9. Prescott- State runner up last year and they bring back a pair of starters with lots of experience in 5'11 senior Brian Tayson and 6'3 junior Parker Nielson who was their second leading scorer a year ago.
10. Platteville- Feel like I'm repeating the same story over and over. Won 19 games last year and bring back four starters.

Preseason Division Two Rankings

The past few years it also seemed like the high major talent has been in division two and this year appears to be no different. The top three teams in the state regardless of division may very all be in D2 this year.

1. Nicolet- Might be the the most talented team in the state with the top two juniors in the state in 6'8 Jalen Johnson and 6'9 Jamari Sibley. Johnson can basically go anywhere he wants to for college and Sibley has his own handful of college offers. It seems every week they get another transfer that was starting for another school a year ago.
2. La Crosse Central- A state team a year ago they bring back all five starters and they are headlined by a trio of scholarship college players in 6'5 junior twins Johnny and Jordan Davis along with 6'7 junior Terrence Thompson. Can't over look 6'1 senior point guard Noah Parcher a four year varsity player as well.
3. Milwaukee Washington- Lost in the championship game a year ago and bring back their top two scorers in 6'5 senior Deontay Long and 6'9 sophomore Michael Foster. Forster is considered by many a top three sophomore in the country.
4. Onalaska- Went 20-4 a  year ago and bring back three starters from that team that averaged double digits in points along with 6'9 sophomore Gavin McGrath off the bench.
5. Westosha Central- A state team a year ago and they bring back three starters including their top two scoers in 6'1 senior Jaeden Zackery and 6'3 senior Dyland Anderson. Zackery is one of the elite players in the state.
6. Kaukauna- Another returning state team they bring back two starters in 6'0 junior Keaton Ferris and 6'5 senior Donovan Ivory who should have monster years after the graduation of a very talented senior class.
7. Green Bay Southwest- A little yearbook help here but, they bring back two all conference senior performers in 6'3 Will Pytleski and 6'2 Lucas Stieber.
8. Monona Grove- 6'7 senior Sam Hepp seems poised for a monster senior season and fellow senior 6'1 Caden Nelson is a returning first team all conference player.
9. Milwaukee Madison- A little yearbook help here but, they bring back four starters from a very successful team last year. Three returners averaged double digit points while the fourth starer averaged double digit rebounds.
10. Mount Horeb- Yearbook help here but, they won 18 games a year ago and bring back four starters that all averaged eight plus points a game.

Preseason Division One Rankings

I did my early thoughts so now time to look at each division individually. These rankings are my own and really don't mean anything and are purely just for my own entertainment and see how close they finish out at the end of the year. I will also admit that I do get a little help from the Wisconsin Basketball Yearkbook. So anyway here are my D1 rankings.

1. Racine Park- A team with a ton of talent and a ton of experience in seniors 6'9 Nobal Days and 6'3 Larry Canady. If this team is able to push the tempo I'm not sure anyone in the state can keep up with them.
2. Brookfield Central- They've had a ton of success in the past three season and the main reasons for that is their guard play led by a pair of seniors in 6'0 Gage Malensek and 6'3 Ben Nau. Malensek and Nau form the best back court in the state in my opinion. A state title will probably hinge on the play of 6'6 sophomore David Joplin who was a double digit scorer a year ago.
3. Hamilton Sussex- A state team a year ago and they have one of the elite sophomores in the country in 6'8 Patrick Balldwin Jr they also bring back three other starters from that team that got to state.
4. Waukesha West- Took this one from the yearbook but, looking at the numbers make sense. Bring back four starters that all average double digits from a team that won 16 games a year ago. They are led by 6'10 senior David Skogman who is evidently a D1 scholarship player at some big time schools.
5. Madison Memorial- Memorial has gotten to be just a given to be in the top 10 and they have three senior starters back with a ton of experience. 6'4 Ian Brown is working on his fourth year, while 6'4 Nick Caropreso and 6'2 Cade Ellingson are on their third.
6. Kimberly- Took this one from the year book a bit but, 6'5 senior Levi Nienhaus'Borchert is back after averaging a double double a year ago and they received a talented transfer in 6'6 senior Reed Miller who was a double digit scorer for Marshfield last year.
7. Brookfield East- Lost in the state championship game a year and bring back three starters from that team. 6'2 junior Sam McGath had a great state showing and that should carry into this year.
8. Oshkosh West- Took a flyer on this one to be honest. 6'10 senior Luke Haasl is ranked 10th in the class and should have a big year as a senior and West always brings a talented team.
9. Madison La Follette- Another team with a great senior back court in 5'8 Donneil Gray and 5'11 Troy Reeves. If they are allowed to push the tempo and they basically can at will they can play with anyone in the state. Height is a concern though.
10. Franklin- Had a tremendous record last year going 22-2 and they bring back a pair of starters. Hey the yearbook has them ranked in the top 10 as well.

2018-19 Season

Well the new basketball season is less then a month tell it start I thought I might give some quick thoughts for each division.

Division One
In my mind things really opened up with the transfer of Jalen Johnson from Sun Prairie to Nicolet as Sun Praire would of been my favorite. Now I can see any of half dozen teams with very good shots at taking the title. Brookfield Central has the best backcourt but, are very young up front. Racine Park has a pair of guys that have been on varsity forever in Nobal Days and Larry Canady. Sussex Hamitlon was a bit of a surprise last year but, they really bring back a lot including one of the top sophomores in the country in Patrick Baldwin Jr. Evidently Waukesha West and Kimberly have lots of talent that I had over looked and you always have to figure in the class of the Big Eight Conference.

Division Two
This really comes down to a three team race and there's a ton of talent there. Nicolet has a hand full of high major talent headlined by Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley. La Crosse Central has a trio of D1 talent in the Davis twins Johnny and Jordan and big man Terreance Thompson. Milwaukee Washington might be the biggest question mark with Deontay Long's well publicized legal issues and if he will be eligible to play along with Michael Foster another top sophomore in the country. I'm all for second chances so I hope Long makes the most of it and of course the fan in me would love to see these three teams at state.

Division Three
Will it be a public or a private school? In the past the privates have dominated but, Waupun might be the favorite but, there is a handful of private schools right behind them that might provide a problem. Not a ton of high level talent but, lots of very good teams. Martin Luther, Racine St Cats, Brookfield Academy, and Lakeside Lutheran bring back a lot and then there iis Golda Meir which I'm not sure what to call.

Division Four
Not privates but, "charter?" schools have been the problem here for the public schools. Milwaukee Academy of Science is the school this year but, Mineral Point has a pair of high D1 players that could play with anyone. Roncalli is the traditional power and they have one of the best point guards around in Chombi Lambert. Howards Groves brings a ton back from an extremely impressive record last year.

Division Five
I'm gonna be honest I'm completely lost on this one. You have a handful of the traditional privates up at the top and a handful of new teams that are new to the rankings. This one I'll leave it up to the season to call. 

State Recap

This is just a quick recap of the state games done primarily from memory.

Division One
Unfortunately the hyped match up of Sun Prairie vs Oshkosh North never happened. In my opinion kind of dropped the ball on their end. Sun Prairie really need to go through Jalen Johnson on every possession and the foul trouble of Marlon Ruffin didn't help things. Looking at the stats after the fact Marty Strey took the most shots of anyone on the team and that just can't happen if your Sun Prairie. Brookfield East did their part though. Patrick Cartier showed he is the top post player in the state and some hot shooting from freshmen Hayden Doyle was a huge factor. In the other game Oshkosh North appeared to be running Hamilton out of the gym and then went into cruise control and nearly let Hamilton back into the game. I know Haliburton is the top ranked player on the team but, honestly in my mind Quincy Anderson was the most impressive player for North on the weekend. Anderson has tremendously approved since last year when he was a top reserve and is an elite athlete. Freshmen Patrick Baldwin is right behind Washington freshmen Michael Foster for the top freshmen in all the land. Like Foster Baldwin is a guard in a posts body.

The final was a bit of a sleeper with Oshkosh North pretty much handling the game from the get go. Easts guards really couldn't handle the 1-3-1 trapping zone of North and they couldn't get Cartier much for touches in the paint.

Division Two 
Westoha Central kind of surprised me but, all the attention went to Kaukauna and Jordan McCabe. McCabe didn't play a great game as he had a few too many turnovers in my mind. Central was led by numerous juniors and I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a run at state next year. Kaukauna didn't shoot the ball very well but, the did their thing on the glass to get the win. The second game was filled with loads of talent in La Crosse Central and Milwaukee Washington. Central took the early lead behind their talented sophomore class but, in the end it was the experience of Washington that willed them back into the game. Some hot shooting from Jordan Dinsmore sealed the deal.

In the final despite the tremendous play of Deontay Long and Michael Foster Washington just couldn't put Kaukauna away. Some late clutch shooting from McCabe and company got them back in the lead and McCabe hit the shot late to get the win. This was probably the most exciting game overall at least in my mind with all the talent.

Division Three
Game one was a pair of very evenly match teams in Valders and Kettle Moraine Lutheran. I honestly knew nothing about Valders and paid most of my attention to Kettle Moraine Lutheran as they were the favorite in my mind having come out of the toughest sectional in the southeast. Big man Zachary Zulliger had a very good game as his perimeter team mates struggled a bit before Solomon Zarling got things going late in the game. I'll be honest I didn't notice much of Valders but, this game went to overtime and the only bucket scored was scored right at the end at the perfect time to give Valders the win. Game two wasn't nearly as well played game. I really think that it was East Troy that caused the poor play. I think that East Troy was in over their heads at state but, they were a very scrapping team that caused this game to be alittle ugly at time. Super soph AJ Vukovich was impressive but, I didn't see a lot more out of this East Troy team. Peter Brookshaw was his normal impressive self while fellow score Parker Nielsen struggled.

The final was nearly a one on one game with Brookshaw and Kyle Tuma of Valders. In the end Tuma hit the three to give Valders the lead with 10 seconds left but, that was too much time for Brookshaw who hit the game winner as time expired.

Division Four
This was basically Manitowoc Roncalli putting on a show. Despite having no one taller then 6'1 Roncalli played tremendous defense, moved well without the ball, and hitting the threes. Unfortunately for Pardeeville they were never really in this game and their top player Nicholas Henke turned his ankle early in the first half. The second game I thought would be better but, the bigs of Marathon really took it to the bigs of Clear Lake. Kind of an ugly game but, Marathon took control late and cruised.

In the final Marathon's size gave Roncalli problems early on as Marathon had the lead with about 10 minutes left in the game and then all heck broke loose. Roncalli turned up the pressure which led to turnovers and even when Roncalli didn't press Marathon's guards seemed flustered which led to a win for Roncalli of 20 plus. Chambi Lambert for Roncalli really put on a show scoring at will. Lambert used his quickness and cross over to drive the lane and then the threes were money whether he was spotted up over coming off the screen.

Division Five
Bangor Bangor Bangor. They dominated as a team in every which way. The best player was McDonnell Central's 6'5 Hayden Baughman but, the best team by far was Bangor. Bangor star Luke Reader didn't have a great game scoring wise but, he really did make his team mates better finding them wide open in the lane and drawing the attention to himself to free team mates. Also props to Caleb Miendema who really showed his athletic ability at 6'6 and came back from a pretty badly turned ankle.

Well the season has ended and I'm already looking forward to next years season. Also debating if this blog will continue or if it was just be my love of basketball on its own, as I feel that my content has dropped a lot this year.

Top Dunks and Scoring

Well this will be my top dunks of the year and the top scorers that I saw. I will do a state recap in the coming days.

Top Dunks 
1. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison La Follette February 22
This dunk I really thought Ruffin would just lay in. He chased down a loose ball side by side with a La Follette defender and I believe the La Follette defender thought he would lay it in as well. Needless to say Ruffin through it down hard in the defenders face as the defender wound up laying on his stomach on the ground and all he could do was just smile.

2. Anthony Washington 6'3 sophomore Madison East vs Waunakee March 8
This dunk pretty much sealed a sectional semi final game. East had spread the floor with the five out and Washington took advantage driving past the 6'6 Nate Carter and the lane opened up for a monster two handed jam. I thought he might rip down the entire back board as the entire thing shook to the ceiling.

3. Trej Holloman 6'2 8th grader Minneapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
Questionable if he actually finished the dunk but, that ball went in the hoop and his hand was on the rim. On a break away I thought we was just gonna lay it in but, I could see he was gathering himself to jump and 6'8 Kaukauna senior Dylan Kurey was trailing. Kurey went up to block the shot and ended up getting posterized by Holloman.

4. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
In a two point game with under three minutes left Minnehaha star Jalen Suggs drove a threw up the lay up which went long and Aligbe caught it and threw down the monster put back dunk to give them a four point leave. After the dunk Aligbe let out a Garnett type growl.

5. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial February 8
This dunk was all about the momentum. In a very tight game Ruffin got the ball on the break with a trailing 6'6 sophomore Yacouba Traore Jr who made the mistake of trying to block the shot. Ruffin had the powerful one handed dunk and the foul on Traoroe. After some chawing from both sides led to a double technical and another on the Memorial bench, Ruffin sank all three free throws leading to a five point play.

6. Patrick Cartier 6'7 senior Brookfield East vs Homestead February 10
This was more about the play but, Cartier tipped the ball away on defense tracked it down and got free with a behind the back dribble and fnished it off with the powerful one handed dunk.

7. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
Within the first five minutes of the game Aligbe grabbed the offensive rebound and in one quick move went right back up and threw down the dunk and left everyone in aw right off the bat.

8. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Yes this was a breakaway but, you don't see a lot of windmill for in game dunks.

9. Terrence Thompson 6'7 sophomore La Crosse Central vs Stoughton January 30
I'm always partial to put back dunks and this one almost happened to quick to enjoy. Johnny Davis drove the lane and threw up a lay up that came off very hard but, Thompson was there for a very quick put back dunk as no one blocked him out. It was hard with authority and at a time when Stoughton was making a run.

10. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Brookfield East March 16
Johnson grabbed the offensive rebound went the length of the court and the East defense parted and Johnson went to the hoop throwing down the monster one handed dunk.


Top Scorers
1. 40 points Drew Blair 6'3 senior Stevens Point vs Minnehaha Academy January 27 

2. 39 points Nasir El-Amin 6'0 junior Minnapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27 

3. 38 points Brady Schipper 6'0 senior Stoughton vs Monona Grove January 12 

4. 36 points Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Minneapolis North January 27 
                Jalen Suggs 6'4 sophomore Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27

6. 35 points Kyle Tuma 6'5 senior Valders vs Prescott March 17

7. 34 points Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Lake City MN January 27
                    Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs East Troy March 15

9. 32 points Payton Dachel 6'3 senior Bloomer vs La Crosse Logan January 13
                    Chombi Lambert 5'9 junior Roncalli vs Pardeeville Marh 15
                    Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Milwaukee Washington March 17

12. 30 points Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Nicolet January 6
                    Jay Gentry 6'1 senior Brown Deer vs Stoughton February 10
                    Desmond Polk 6'3 sophomore New Berlin West vs Milwaukee Messmer Feb 10
                   Tyrese Haliburton 6'6 senior Oshkosh North vs Brookfield East March 17

16. 29 points JC Butler 6'5 senoir The Prairie School vs Caledonia January 13
                    Cameron Cloud 6'0 senior Stevens Point Pacelli vs Spring Grove MN January 27

18. 28 points Max Beuthin 6'4 sophomore Ripon vs Lakeside Lutheran January 6
                      Ryan Waddell 6'0 junior Homestead vs Brookfield East February 10
                      Tyson Tully 6'4 senior Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
                      Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Madison East March 8
                      Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Valders March 17

23. 27 points Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17 
                      Jack Plumb 6'8 senior Bay Port vs Sun Prairie February 17
                      Will Fuhrmann 6'0 sophomore Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
                      Mason Steffen 6'4 senior Waunakee vs Madison East March 8

Sectional Recap

I'm been a little delayed on this so I will have to do a quick recap of the three sectional games I saw this weekend. Took in one sectional final Thursday in Middleton and then a pair of finals Saturday.

Madison East 76 Waunakee 71
East was just flat out quicker and more athletic then Waunakee in this one. Waunakee's two stars Mitch Listau and Mason Steffen held their own just fine but, the other guys were just over matched in this one. 6'6 senior Nate Carter had a handful of big blocks for Waunakee but, late in the game East went to a five out and just let their guards go one on one with the big man. Steffen was huge in the first half as the style of play in this game really worked to his advantage as he was able to play with the freedom to drive the lane and score. On the other side Listau struggled to score in the first half but, in the second half he got things going starting out with getting to the free throw line where he doesn't miss.

For East it really was a team effort as five guys scored in double digits headlined by Earl Lewis who dropped 19. It seemed everyone was hitting their shots from the outside. Star Keshawn Justice didn't have the greatest game but, everyone else picked him up. Big props to Anthony Washington who had a monster dunk having driven past Waunakee big man Carter. Washington nearly brought the rim down and got the crowd pumped up. In the end the East team was too much for Listau and Steffen.

Pardeeville 62 Mineral Point 61
I was lucky to get into this game. The game was sold out and thankfully I found someone I knew with an extra ticket and ended up standing the whole game without a program so I had a hard time following the game. In the first half it was all the two young stars of Mineral Point in freshmen Brayden Dailey and sophomore Isaac Lindsey. Dailey and Lindsey scored all but, two points in the first half and they were hitting everything from the outside. With 3:30 left in the game Mineral Point was up 13 and then everything collapsed. Both Lindsey and Dailey decided to force some wild shots and as a team they struggled from the line and allowed Pardeeville to get back in the game. In the end Pardeeville hit a free throw with 0.7 seconds left after Mineral Point had to tie it up.

For Pardeeville Nicholas Henke was huge scoring particularly hitting a pair of huge threes late and he was the go to scorer all game long but, it was really Jonathan Kamrath that was the key. Kamrath was the one moving the ball to set up team mates and just seemed to always do the little things leading to baskets.

Sun Prairie 82 Madison East 58
This one made sure to get their super early to assure a seat and it was packed. It was an entertaining game but, unfortunately this game was over early. Sun Prairie lived up to the hype and what I thought they could be all year long. Jalen Johnson is the real deal and will be the best player in the state next year and may well be the best right now. Marlon Ruffin is an elite athlete and is a big time scorer that can get his at any time. East just didn't have the talented to match Sun Prairie and those outside shots just weren't falling for them tonight. This team could very well be a state champion but, it will be a great game if they meet Oshkosh North in the final.

Top Dunks and Scorers

Top Dunks 
1. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison La Follette February 22
This dunk I really thought Ruffin would just lay in. He chased down a loose ball side by side with a La Follette defender and I believe the La Follette defender thought he would lay it in as well. Needless to say Ruffin through it down hard in the defenders face as the defender wound up laying on his stomach on the ground and all he could do was just smile.

2. Trej Holloman 6'2 8th grader Minneapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
Questionable if he actually finished the dunk but, that ball went in the hoop and his hand was on the rim. On a break away I thought we was just gonna lay it in but, I could see he was gathering himself to jump and 6'8 Kaukauna senior Dylan Kurey was trailing. Kurey went up to block the shot and ended up getting posterized by Holloman.

3. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
In a two point game with under three minutes left Minnehaha star Jalen Suggs drove a threw up the lay up which went long and Aligbe caught it and threw down the monster put back dunk to give them a four point leave. After the dunk Aligbe let out a Garnett type growl.

4. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial February 8
This dunk was all about the momentum. In a very tight game Ruffin got the ball on the break with a trailing 6'6 sophomore Yacouba Traore Jr who made the mistake of trying to block the shot. Ruffin had the powerful one handed dunk and the foul on Traoroe. After some chawing from both sides led to a double technical and another on the Memorial bench, Ruffin sank all three free throws leading to a five point play.

5. Patrick Cartier 6'7 senior Brookfield East vs Homestead February 10
This was more about the play but, Cartier tipped the ball away on defense tracked it down and got free with a behind the back dribble and fnished it off with the powerful one handed dunk.

6. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
Within the first five minutes of the game Aligbe grabbed the offensive rebound and in one quick move went right back up and threw down the dunk and left everyone in aw right off the bat.

7. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Yes this was a breakaway but, you don't see a lot of windmill for in game dunks.

8. Terrence Thompson 6'7 sophomore La Crosse Central vs Stoughton January 30
I'm always partial to put back dunks and this one almost happened to quick to enjoy. Johnny Davis drove the lane and threw up a lay up that came off very hard but, Thompson was there for a very quick put back dunk as no one blocked him out. It was hard with authority and at a time when Stoughton was making a run.

9. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stoughton January 13
Maybe it's because he is an 8th grader but, he really had a great dunk. The guard drove the lane and found him on the left block and he threw down a power dunk over the Stoughton defender.

10. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Madison East December 21
Johnson caught the ball in transition one dribble to cut back to the middle to the court from the left side and threw it down over an East defender. This was very much a Giannis type dunk.


Top Scorers
1. 40 points Drew Blair 6'3 senior Stevens Point vs Minnehaha Academy January 27 

2. 39 points Nasir El-Amin 6'0 junior Minnapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27 

3. 38 points Brady Schipper 6'0 senior Stoughton vs Monona Grove January 12 

4. 36 points Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Minneapolis North January 27 
                Jalen Suggs 6'4 sophomore Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27

6. 34 points Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Lake City MN January 27

7. 32 points Payton Dachel 6'3 senior Bloomer vs La Crosse Logan January 13

8. 30 points Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Nicolet January 6
                    Jay Gentry 6'1 senior Brown Deer vs Stoughton February 10
                    Desmond Polk 6'3 sophomore New Berlin West vs Milwaukee Messmer Feb 10
                    Brandon Merfeld 5'11 junior La Crosse Aquinas vs Wisconsin Heights March 2

12. 29 points JC Butler 6'5 senoir The Prairie School vs Caledonia January 13
                    Cameron Cloud 6'0 senior Stevens Point Pacelli vs Spring Grove MN January 27

14. 28 points Max Beuthin 6'4 sophomore Ripon vs Lakeside Lutheran January 6
                      Ryan Waddell 6'0 junior Homestead vs Brookfield East February 10
                      Tyson Tully 6'4 senior Reedsburg vs Portage February 27

17. 27 points Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17 
                      Jack Plumb 6'8 senior Bay Port vs Sun Prairie February 17
                      Will Fuhrmann 6'0 sophomore Reedsburg vs Portage February 27

20. 26 points Keshawn Justice 6'6 senior Madison East vs Sun Prairie December 21 
                    Mason Peterson 6'3 senior Baraboo vs Wisconsin Dells December 5
                    Keyron Gouveia 6'0 senior Milwaukee Messmer vs New Berlin West February 10

23. 25 points Keshawn Justice 6'6 senior Madison East vs Minneapolis DeLaSalle January 6 
                     Keaton Ferris 5'10 sophomore Kaukauna vs Minnepolis North January 27
                     Craig Steele 6'4 senior Portage vs Reedsburg February 27