La Crosse Central over Stoughton

Went to Stoughton high school for the first time ever to get another chance to watch La Crosse Central play. I have to say that Stoughton might be the toughest school I've been to, to figure out where to go into the gym. The gym is hidden around back and there is only one skinny little drive way to get there. I drove around the school twice and then past the drive once before finally finding the gym. Once I got there they have a really nice set up with gym, field house, and performing arts center.

I was disappointed to see that Stoughton's number two guy 6'1 senior Max Fernholz wasn't playing a figured the Central would run away with this one but, it ended up being a good game throughout. The three's were going down early for Stoughton as 6'1 senior Aidan McGee hit a pair right off the bat and the they had a couple guys off the bench chip in for some threes as well. Leading scorer 6'0 senior Brady Schipper had kind of a tough first half and struggled with the quickness of Central. Central was led by their man 6'5 sophomore Johnny Davis who game out gunning scoring a quick 11 points to start the game and had 15 in the first half. Davis used his quickness and athleticism to score in the paint and get out a and run in transition. I think that Central could of really put Stoughton away early but, their over all shooting is pretty poor right now. Davis and company really struggled from the free throw line throughout the game and they shouldn't even think about taking a three. I've seen Central four times now and they only guy that can hit consistently from the outside is 5'10 junior David Hayden and he didn't start and didn't seem like himself and he wasn't even there for last Saturdays game, so I'm guessing he was possibly sick?

In the second half Schipper got himself going a bit just putting his head down and using some strength and a quick first step to get to the rim. The outside shooting wasn't there as much in the second half. For Central they did a nice job of driving and then dishing to their big man 6'7 sophomore Terrence Thompson. Thompson had a big second half by simply standing under the rim and his team mates found him. Thompson had a few nice mores but, it was mostly the drives of Johnny Davis or 6'1 junior point guard Noah Parcher finding him on the weak side as they drove. Thompson also did a nice job of battling on the glass. The size and quickness won the game for Central.

Top Players 
Johnny Davis 6'5 sophomore La Crosse Central- He's usually the best athlete on the court and he can use that ability to drive the lane and finish on some pretty wild shots. Does a tremendous job on the defensive glass and he's even able to post up at times when Thompson goes to the high post.

Terrence Thompson 6'7 sophomore La Crosse Central- Big man that really made his presence felt on both ends. Really battled on the glass on both ends, had a nice block, and had a great dunk on a put back. Was one of the few guys that was hitting his free throws too. Would like him use his left hand a little more in the post as he always goes to the right even if that's the tougher shot.

Brady Schipper 6'0 senior Stoughton- Struggled at times but, he's a strong lead guard with a quick first step. Used both of those things to his advantage as he was able to get some space and score against the bigger defenders.

Box Score
Central 58- Joh Davis 21 Thompson 19 Parcher 8 Jordan Davis 6 Hayden 4 De'Andre Davis 0 Jacob Servais 0 Clayton Phillips 0 Brecken Austin 0
Stoughton 53- Schipper 16 A McGee 11 Cael McGee 8 Adam Hobson 6 Tommy McGlain 4 Sean McLaury 2 Trenton Conklin 0

Central is slow close to putting things together. If they could just get some outside shooting going they would be tough to stop. I wouldn't be surprised to see Central make a deep playoff run but, it's probably going to be the next two years when Central gets things going and could very well make back to back state runs. For Stoughton I just don't know if they have enough talent to make a deep run. If their outside shooting is there they could possibly beat some teams but, I just don't think they have the size and the quickness to be a favorite to make state.