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.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
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.
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.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
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.
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.
Monday, November 12, 2018
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.
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.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
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.
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.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
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.
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.
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