Third Round Team Rankings

Wow I didn't realize how long it had been since I had done my last rankings but, it was for sure time to update them. With how many games I go to sometimes there just isn't time to do the updated rankings. Fortunately the weather and a weak schedule this week I've gotten the time.



Overall
1. Nicolet (1)- I don't think anyone in the state can beat Nicolet. They have a pair of high level D1 college players in Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley and they can go eight deep and not lose much. A ton of height on this team and they can shoot the three as well.

2. East Ridge Mn (1)- Have three D1 players 6'10 junior Ben Carlson, 6'6 senior Courtney Brown, and 6'7 sophomore Kendall Brown. Outside of the big three they have a ton of height overall. Can shoot the three, play in transition, and got obviously control the paint as the big three are all super athletic. The way they took care of Brookfield Central really impressed me.

3. Minnehaha Academy Mn (2)- Ultra athletic and talented team led by a top player in the nation in 6'4 junior Jalen Suggs. 7'0 sophomore big man Chet Holgrem is always ranked nationally and really changes the game with his shot blocking and overall offensive game. 6'5 freshmen Prince Aligbe is an athletic freak that hasn't come into his own yet.

4. Sussex Hamilton (1)- The game I saw they played out of their minds but, they can really shoot the three and they move the ball extremely well. One could argue that Patrick Baldwin is the best player in the state.

5. Brookfield Central (3)- Another team that plays as a team so well together. They can really shoot the three as well and have four guys that could go off at any time scoring the ball. Their trio of guards with the Nau brothers and Gage Malensek is as good as any in the state. East Ridge really took it to them but, I don't think anyone was beating East Ridge besides Nicolet.

6. Waukesha West (1)- Very big team that controls the tempo and they aren't afraid to play fast or slow. Start no one under 6'4 and this team probably has four or five scholarship level players in my mind.

7. Madison East (4)- Really like this team that plays with a ton of energy. One of the quickest teams I've seen and have a pair of legit big time players in Anthony Washington and Keonte Jones. Also have some nice size as a team.They continue to grow on me every time I see them play.

8. Martin Luther (2)- Their top three are as good as any in the state and could probably all play at the highest level. I question the rest of their team and lack of depth though after the top five and foul trouble could doom them at some point.

9. Brookfield East (1)- Not super talented but, they just play so well together. They really run their offense and move so well without the ball.

10. La Crosse Central (2)- Have a lot of talent and athletes that can go pretty deep. Now they had a terrible game when I saw them but, I think Brookfield Central is just that good. Central played much better against Minnehaha and really showed some of the talent of their big three in the Davis twins and Terrence Thompson.

11. Madison La Follette (2)- Probably the quickest team that I've seen all year. They are loaded with a ton of talented guards and they play harder then any team that I've seen this year.

12. Racine Park (1)- A team full of a ton of athletes that love to get up and run and when you have Nobal Days protecting the rim it makes a world of difference. Days is easily best defender in the state. Larry Canady really seems to be coming into his own as their go to scorer.

13. Waupun (1)- Another team that is extremely disciplined and play some very tough defense. Quintin Winterfield and Marcus Domask might be the best combo in the state.

14. Onalaska (2)- Might take some heat on this one having them above Lax Central but, Onalaska played really well in their game with Waukesha West. They have a very deep nice team with size. Tyrell Suttley might be the best player you've never heard of. Carson Arenz is also a very solid player.

15. Madison Memorial (3)- 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.

16. Kaukauna (2)- 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.

17. Rochestor Mayo Mn (1)- The Madsen twins are super super good and athletic and really carry this teams. Gabe is probably as good as anyone I've seen in the state and Mason is pretty talented too.

18. Homestead (1)- A very solid disciplined team that have just enough talent in the scoring column to get them through. Ryan Waddell is that big time scorer and they have some nice size.

19. Minneapolis North (1)- Super quick athletic team with a ton of talent and enough shooters to really carry them at times.

20 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.

21. Green Bay Southwest (2)- Not an overally impressive team but, they play hard and are just solid is all I can say. Their defense is pretty tough and they have some very nice players that can score when needed in Will Pytleski and Lucas Steiber.

22. 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.

23. Sun Prairie (2)- 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. Beating De La Salle was an eye opener and Delware Hale really seems to be coming into his own and this young team seems to be finding their way.

24. Oshkosh West (2)- Very similar to Southwest. Everyone can shoot the three ball on this team and they have a go to scorer in Karter Thomas. They also have nice size and I didn't see 6'10 Luke Haasl play.

25. Milwaukee Lutheran (1)- An athletic team that knows how to play under control and not press.

D1
1. Sussex Hamilton
2. Brookfield Central
3. Waukesha West 
4. Madison East
5. Brookfield East
6. Madison LaFollette 
7. Racine Park
8. Madison Memorial 
9. Homestead
10. Sun Prairie

D2
1. Nicolet
3. La Crosse Central 
2. Onalaska
4. Kaukauna
5. Wauwatosa West 
6. Green Bay Southwest
7. Milwaukee Lutheran 
8. 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.
9. Mount Horeb (3)- 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.
10. 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.

D3
1. Martin Luther 
2. Waupun
3. Wrightstown 
4. Brookfield Academy (1)- Really really liked this team for D3. Have three very good guards led by high scoring Aidan Cleary and have a pair of very good big men in Alex Leach and Logan Landers.
5. Appleton Xavier (1)- Team that loves to get up and run. They also love to shoot the three ball and everyone on their team can shoot it.
6. Lakeside Lutheran (1)- A ton of experience on this team and they have the talent to go with it with four starters that have been on varsity three or four years already.
6. Brown Deer (3)- 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.
7. Lake Mills (2)- A little undersized but, play good defense and rebound as a team. Can really shoot the three as well.
8. Wisconsin Dells (3)- Speed and defense is their calling card. Showed the ability to shoot the three as well.
9. Kettle Moraine Lutheran (1)- No go to scorers on this team but, just a solid team over all.
10. Milwaukee Messmer (1)- Very talented team with some real athletes but, lack discipline.

D4
1. Laconia (1)- Reed Gunnick is a star and he's a guy that could go off for 30 points at any time. The rest of the team is very solid as well.
2. Mineral Point (3)- 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. Played much better the second time I saw as Braden Dailey and Isaac Lindsey are showing they are D1 level players. They were hit hard with Dailey quitting the team now.
3. Milwaukee Academy of Science (2)- Super athletic team with a ton of talented guards. Have a big man that can jump out of the gym which is huge in D4.
4. Eau Claire Regis (1)- Very hard playing team and their very disciplined.
5. Clear Lake (1)- I saw them without their star Blanchard but, lets say they weren't too impressive.
6. La Crosse Aquinas (1)- Merfeld is tough but, the rest of the team leaves something to be desired.
7. Platteville (1)- Not a lot to say about them as they played pretty bad in the game that I saw them.

D5
1. Sheboygan Lutheran (1)- Have an elite player in Jacob Ognacevic and have some guys that can really light it up from the outside.
2. Manitowoc Lutheran (1)- Not much to say here. Their star as out and they looked terrible.

Top Dunks and Scorers

Just been another week but, had a full weekend and lots of updates to the list.

Top Dunks
1. Ace Evans 6'2 senior Martin Luther vs Brookfield Central December 29
This dunk had the entire gym buzzing. The game was late and Central pretty much had the game in hand. Evans drove left and threw down a very angry dunk right on top of poor Central big man 6'6 sophomore David Joplin. All Joplin could do was smile after the dunk.

2. Prince Aligbe 6'5 freshmen Minnehaha Academy vs Onalaska January 26 
Yes he missed like three or four dunks in the game but, this was one of the top of the year. After all the missed I think the team was determined to get him a dunk. First play of the second half out of the half court set Jalen Suggs found Aligbe on the weak side and Aligbe skied out jumping the Onalaska defender and then it right down on him.

3. Prince Aligbe 6'5 freshmen Minnehaha Academy vs La Crosse Central January 19 
Nice out of bounds play where the in bounder threw the lob pass over the backboard and Aligbe grabbed it one handed and threw down the dunk all in one motion.

4. Jalen Suggs 6'4 junior Minnehaha Academy vs La Crosse Central January 19 
Kind of a transition dunk where Suggs had a defender running side by side and Suggs threw it down on the defender.

5. Johnny Davis 6'5 junior La Crosse Central vs Minnehaha Academy January 19
Very nice out of bounce sideline play. Brother Jordan Davis found brother Johnny Davis cutting to the hoop on the back side and Johnny absolutely skied to the rim to complete the ally oop dunk.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Amani Glosson 6'5 junior Milwaukee Academy of Science vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran December 29
Can't recall how Glosson got the ball whether it was a steal or long rebound but, as he was getting his steps timed up the defenders caught up to him which allowed Glosson to throw down a monster dunk right on their heads.

9. Nick Caropreso 6'4 senior Madison Memorial vs Madison East January 25
More shock value here but, in the half court setting he kind of surprised the East defense and drove to the hoop as the defense opened up. East was caught off guard and let Caropreso just throw it right down on half the team.

10. 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.

Top Scorers
1. 36 Mayson Hazaert Wrightstown vs Brown Deer December 8
        Will Pytleski Green Bay Southwest vs Wisconsin Lutheran December 29

3. 35 Karter Thomas Oshkosh West vs Brown Deer December 29

4. 34 Riley LeTourneau Brookfield East vs Apply Valley Mn January 26

5. 33 Armani Jones Milwaukee Academy of Science vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran December 29

6. 32 Jacob Ognacevic Sheboygan Lutheran vs St Thomas More December 30
         Trequan Carrington Martin Luther vs Minneapolis North January 19

8. 31 Gabe Madsen Rochester Mayo vs Waupun January 26

9. 30 Jalen Johnson Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15
         Reed Gunnick Laconia vs Lake Mills January 5

11. 29 Nolan Dahmen Kettle Moraine vs New Berlin West December 2926

12. 28 Ryan Waddell Homestead vs Brown Deer December 15
         Austin Westra DeForest vs Lakeside Lutheran January 8 
         Riley Eck Wisconsin Dells vs Mauston January 18 
         Logan Jedwabny Kaukauna vs La Crosse Logan January 19 

16. 27 Riley Murphy Seymour vs Merrill December 8
         Cole Nau Brookfield Central vs Martin Luther December 29
         Brayden Dailey Mineral Point vs Milwaukee Academy of Science December 30
         Reid Gastner Lake City Mn vs Clear Lake January 26
         Jalen Suggs Minnehaha Academy Mn vs Onalaska January 26

21. 26 Brock Voigt Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29
     Justin Steinike Wauwatosa West vs Kaukauna December 8 
     Ace Evans Marin Luther vs Brookfield Central December 29
     Isaac Lindsey Mineral Point vs Milwaukee Academy of Science December 30
     Jason Larson Mount Horeb vs Milwaukee Lutheran December 29
     Nick Otto Appleton Xavier vs Milwaukee Pius December 30
     Zach Longueville St Croix Lutheran Mn vs Whitefish Bay January 26

Border Battle

Took in the Border Battle Saturday up in Woodbury Minnesota. Unfortunately for Wisconsin they dropped another Border Battle 5-2. There were some very good teams at the Battle but, unfortunately there weren't a lot of close games. 

Minnesota Valley Lutheran 58 Thorp 45

Honestly just caught the very end of this game to really nothing to say about it. 

Lake City 73 Clear Lake 54

Clear Lake's top scorer 6'5 senior Bailey Blanchard was out this game for whatever reason so Lake City was able to jump out early and never look back. Lake City game out gunning from three point land and jumped out early. 6'4 junior Nathan Heise and 6'4 junior Reid Gastner led the way for Lake City. Both players were able to shoot the three and Heise used his quickness and ball handling to get free whether it was shooting the three or driving to the hoop. On the other hand Gastner used his strength and determination to get to hoop and score when he wasn't playing off Heise hitting the three. 

St Croix Lutheran 82 Whitefish Bay 74 

This game was a little sloppy Both teams tried to push the tempo which led to some poor shot selection and lots of turnovers. The difference in this one was that St Croix started to shoot the lights out late in the first half and that carried through to the second half. On the other side Whitefish Bay struggled greatly from three point range and maybe only hit one or two threes. St Croix really provided a team effort  as four players scored 15 plus points. Game away very impressed with Whitefish Bay sophomore 6'3 Jayden Jackson whose a very strong heady guard. Also impressed with 6'2 sophomore Cullen Starker who was very tough in the post and seemed to do all the little things. 

Waupun 94 Rochester Mayo 68

A classic game of the more disciplined team beating the team with more talent. Mayo has the junior Madsen twins 6'5 Gabe and 6'3 Mason. Both are incredibly talented and can get their shots any time they wanted. I was extremely impressed with Gabe who can really handle the ball and plays with a ton of bounce in his game. I can really see why Gabe was offered by Marquette. Gabe could get his shot off at any time and would of liked to of seen him get a chance to throw a dunk down. Gabe had a very good game while Mason really struggled in this game. Mason isn't quite as quick as Gabe but, still is able to get his shot at any time. For Waupun they are a very impressive team for D3 and any level for that matter. 6'6 senior Marcus Domask is the star who does it all but, doesn't really demand the ball. Domask has a pair of dunks including a tough one in the post. 6'4 senior Quintin Winterfeldt was huge for Waupun. Winterfeldt was able to hit the three and moved very well without the ball scoring in the paint or hitting the jump shot. 

Brookfield East 91 Apple Valley 59

Well Apple Valley just isn't the team they were of the past and they are very young and the talent just isn't there yet. On the other hand Brookfield East is a very solid disciplined team. East doesn't wow you with talent but, they move extremely well without the ball and play exceptionally well together. This isn't Roncalli like Coach Rux old team but, they still remind me of the old Roncalli teams. I really like post player 6'4 senior Riley LeTourneau. LeTourneau isn't real big or super talented but, he is a beast in the post. LeTourneau was great with his back to the basket where he was able to score at will. The rest of the team does a great job of playing around LeTourneau as they work things from the inside out and spot up for threes. 

Minnehaha Academy 76 Onalaska 60 Onalaska never really had a chance in this game. Minnehaha and 6'4 junior Jalen Suggs were just too tough. To be honest Minnehaha never seemed to be into this game and felt like they knew they were going to win this game. Suggs never really took over in the game with the exception of back to back steals and dunks but, he never looked overly aggressive. 7'0 sophomore Chet Holmgrin is also a game changer. Holmgrin can step out and hit the three and also has the ability to score in the post. Yes he's super skinny but. he moves better then any 7'0 sophomore that I've ever seen in the past. 6'5 freshmen Prince Aligbe is super athletic and he bricked a handful of dunks in the game but, if he would of thrown any of those down it would of been the best dunk I had seen of the year. Aligbe still did throw down an ally opp dunk over an Onalaska defender. 

East Ridge 80 Brookfield Central 62

Central was just out gunned in this game from the get go. East Ridge has three D1 college players and only played one player under 6'3 the entire game while Central only played two players over 6'3. 6'10 junior Ben Carlson is a pretty athletic 6'10 player, even if that's a little exaggerated, and he did a great job of getting out in transition and just controlling the game over all. Brothers 6'6 senior Courtney Brown and 6'7 sophomore Kendall Brown did the damaged in the half court. Both Browns particularily Kendall were able to drive the line and finish with their length and athleticism. Central senior 6'0 Gage Malensek was the only Central player that could get himself doing. Despite Malensek's height he was able to score around the hoop time and time again. 

Was a great day of basketball even though the games weren't the greatest. Hopefully next year Wisconsin can have a little better showing. 

Madison East over Madison Memorial

Took in a Big Eight battle last night between Madison Memorial and Madison East. Memorial the perennial power that has dominated the conference the past 15 years while East is the up and coming team that appears to be the cream of the crop now. East has had some very good teams that always seemed to run into some great Memorial teams, while this year Memorial's team is down a bit so this could be East's year.

Game started out early with East struggling a bit to hit any outside shots and looking a little lost on offense. I'm not sure if it was something new or not but, Memorial was playing a straight up 3-2 zone defense of 1-2-2 whatever you want to call it. I'm not sure if it was this zone of not but, East's offense was really struggling. Memorial struggled just as well but, they've seemed to struggle to score all year long and rest their hat on the defensive end. 6'4 senior Nick Caropreso really came out firing early looking for his three point shot as he scored 10 points in the first half including a pair of threes. For East 5'10 senior Damontae Thompson got himself going a bit hitting some very tough mid range jump shots. East got a little transition game going late with 6'3 junior Anthony Washington getting out and running a bit. At the half the game was tied 24 all.

The second half started out a bit of the same but, East did eventually get themselves going. The biggest impact was probably the choice to start 6'5 sophomore Jevan Boyton. Boyton hit some huge threes from the corners and worked very well with fellow big man 6'4 junior Marcus Justice. Whether it was Boyton in the high post finding Justice or Justice in the high post working into Boyton the offense just seemed to flow a little better in the second half. East turned up the pressure late in the second half which forced some turnovers and led to a pair of big dunks from Washington and fellow junior 6'3 Keonte Jones. Jones dunk in particular really got the crowd and team pumped up which always seems to be the case with anything involving Jones. For Memorial Caropreso continued to play strong including a very nice dunk in traffic but, never could get much help from his team mates. 6'3 senior Cade Ellingson scored some points late in the game but, at that point the game was basically over as East won 56-50.

Top Players 
Nick Caropreso 6'4 senior Madison Memorial- Really has greatly improved his offensive game this year. Showed the ability to step out and hit the three point shot and show the ability to drive to the hoop and score. The dunk he had in the game really surprised me and frankly surprised the East defense.
Damontae Thompson 5'10 senior Madison East- With out question is the leader of this team and he is really able to do that running the point for the team. Just a tremendous ball handler that can get to the middle of the defense where he loves that mid range jump shot and when he gets hot he's tough to stop.
Jevan Boyton 6'5 sophomore Madison East- Kind of a silent killer as he does stick out but, just gets the job done. Hit some huge threes from the corner in the second half and like I said earlier did a nice job of working with Justice in the post. Really battled on the glass as well. With Boyton starting in the second half really swung things East's way.

Box Score
East 56- Boyton 16 Washington 12 Thompson 10 Jones 9 Justice 6 David McKinley 3 Jadyn Walsvick 0 Michael McIntosh 0
Memorial 50- Caropreso 20 Ellingson 12 Kyle Yu 6 Dryden Schaefer 4 Ian Brown 2 Logan Younk 2 Justin Jackson 2 Kwan Lewis 1 Daemiontae Bates 0 JR Mitchell 0 Drew Collins 0

Unfortunately I don't see Memorial doing to much this year, their size and defense give them a chance against anyone but, they just don't have that scoring punch this year. Madison East on the other side could very well be a state team. Part of the reason though is because there just really isn't anyone in East's way. East is a very talented team but, I do question any scoring outside of their big three. If they can keep getting the play out of Boyton they will be tough to beat.

Top Dunks and Scorers

Only been one week but, it was a big weekend with tons of high level play and lots of updating.

Top Dunks
1. Ace Evans 6'2 senior Martin Luther vs Brookfield Central December 29
This dunk had the entire gym buzzing. The game was late and Central pretty much had the game in hand. Evans drove left and threw down a very angry dunk right on top of poor Central big man 6'6 sophomore David Joplin. All Joplin could do was smile after the dunk.

2. Prince Aligbe 6'5 freshmen Minnehaha Academy vs La Crosse Central January 19 
Nice out of bounds play where the in bounder threw the lob pass over the backboard and Aligbe grabbed it one handed and threw down the dunk all in one motion.

3. Jalen Suggs 6'4 junior Minnehaha Academy vs La Crosse Central January 19 
Kind of a transition dunk where Suggs had a defender running side by side and Suggs threw it down on the defender.

4. Johnny Davis 6'5 junior La Crosse Central vs Minnehaha Academy January 19
Very nice out of bounce sideline play. Brother Jordan Davis found brother Johnny Davis cutting to the hoop on the back side and Johnny absolutely skied to the rim to complete the ally oop dunk.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Amani Glosson 6'5 junior Milwaukee Academy of Science vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran December 29
Can't recall how Glosson got the ball whether it was a steal or long rebound but, as he was getting his steps timed up the defenders caught up to him which allowed Glosson to throw down a monster dunk right on their heads.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.


Top Scorers
1. 36 Mayson Hazaert Wrightstown vs Brown Deer December 8
        Will Pytleski Green Bay Southwest vs Wisconsin Lutheran December 29

3. 35 Karter Thomas Oshkosh West vs Brown Deer December 29

4. 33 Armani Jones Milwaukee Academy of Science vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran December 29

5. 32 Jacob Ognacevic Sheboygan Lutheran vs St Thomas More December 30
         Trequan Carrington Martin Luther vs Minneapolis North January 19

7. 30 Jalen Johnson Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15
         Reed Gunnick Laconia vs Lake Mills January 5

9. 29 Nolan Dahmen Kettle Moraine vs New Berlin West December 29

10. 28 Ryan Waddell Homestead vs Brown Deer December 15
         Austin Westra DeForest vs Lakeside Lutheran January 8 
         Riley Eck Wisconsin Dells vs Mauston January 18 
         Logan Jedwabny Kaukauna vs La Crosse Logan January 19 

14. 27 Riley Murphy Seymour vs Merrill December 8
         Cole Nau Brookfield Central vs Martin Luther December 29
         Brayden Dailey Mineral Point vs Milwaukee Academy of Science December 30

17. 26 Brock Voigt Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29
     Justin Steinike Wauwatosa West vs Kaukauna December 8 
     Ace Evans Marin Luther vs Brookfield Central December 29
     Isaac Lindsey Mineral Point vs Milwaukee Academy of Science December 30
     Jason Larson Mount Horeb vs Milwaukee Lutheran December 29
     Nick Otto Appleton Xavier vs Milwaukee Pius December 30

23. 25 Tyrell Terry De La Salle vs Sun Prairie January 19 

24. 24 Will Pytleski Green Bay Southwest vs Oshkosh West December 30
     Larry Canady Racine Park vs Mount Horeb December 30
     Brandon Merfeld La Crosse Aquinas vs La Crescent January 19 
     Zach Todd La Crescent vs La Crosse Aquinas January 19 

Dells wins and Midwest Players Classic

Took in a Friday night game and a great day of basketball at the La Crosse Center on Saturday.

Wisconsin Dells 68 Mauston 66
Took in a battle of top South Central Conference teams Friday night. Dells jumped out early as Mauston struggled against the Wisconsin Dells defense. The threes just weren't falling for Mauston but, on the other side the shots weren't falling for the Dells either. 6'0 junior Riley Eck carried the Dells to a first half lead of six. Mauston did get things going with the high low game against the Dells zone. 6'0 senior Kyran Fitzgerald did a great job of getting to the middle of the Dells zone and scoring or finding open team mates. Despite Fitzgerald's lack of height he really does a great job of scoring in the paint and using his strength. In the second half Mauston's outside shooters 6'4 junior Cade Hall and 6'1 senior Joe Bauer got things going. I really like Hall's athleticism and ability to get to the hoop or hitting the three. For Dells Eck continue to carry the team right to the end. Mauston turned up the pressure and forced the turnovers which allowed them to take the lead late after trailing the entire game. The game end on a three by Eck with about 10 seconds left and all Mauston could do was heave a wild desperation shot.

La Crescent 70 La Crosse Aquinas 58
Aquinas probably had the best player in the game in 5'11 senior Brandon Merfeld. Merfeld was hitting threes at will in this game and at times he seemed to be the only guy that could score. On the other side La Crescent was a team effort as they did a great job of moving the ball. The two leading scorers 6'0 junior Isaac Peterson and 6'3 junior Zach Todd but, they purely benefitted from their team mates setting them up. Peterson got hot from three in the second half and carried the team, while Todd scored throughout by moving without the ball and grabbing offensive rebounds.

Kaukauna 75 La Crosse Logan 62
Two big stories of this game was the 1-3-1 zone defense of Kaukauna and their outside shooting. Kaukauna junior 6'2 Logan Jedwabny was easily the player of the game. Every three Jedwabny took you expected it to go in and he was playing on the top of the zone defense. Logan couldn't get anything going offensive outside of the occasional drive of 6'6 junior Jacksun Hamilton who was able to get to the hoop occasionally. Fellow junior 5'11 Keaton Ferris helped Jedwabny hitting his fair share of three point shots as well.

Caledonia 85 Mineral Point 57 
Mineral Point was without their superstar 6'5 sophomore Brayden Dailey who could very well be done with Mineral Point for sure. 6'4 junior Isaac Lindsey did his best playing a great overall game, hitting the mid range shot, the floater in the lane, and the three point shot. 6'0 sophomore Liam Stumpf helped out dropping the threes from the outside. Stumpf is very impressive from long range and hunting his shot. For Caledonia is was the young guns 6'1 freshmen Eli King and 6'0 sophomore Austin Klug doing the heavy hitting. Klug was on fire from the outside and Eli King is a tremendous athlete that can do a little bit of everything. In the second half it was all 6'2 junior Noah King. Noah King completely took over the second half using his strength to get to the rim, create separation  scoring from mid range, or grabbing offensive rebounds.

Minnehaha Academy 59 La Crosse Central 55
Easily the game of the day. 6'5 junior Johnny Davis had a great first half driving to the rim and scoring while his fellow junior stars brother 6'5 Jordan Davis and 6'7 Terrance Thompson never could get things going. In the second half the refs really let the players play allowing them to be very physical. Minnehaha star 6'4 junior Jalen Suggs and company got extremely aggressive with Johnny Davis which really seemed to frustrate Davis and ended up shutting down. Suggs was really all over Davis picking his pocket three or four times. Suggs also did his thing on the offensive end hitting mid range jumpers and driving to the hoop. The big difference maker in this game was the 7'0 sophomore Chet Holmgren. Holmgren blocked a ton of shots and hit four three point shots in this game. Despite his lack of bulk Holmgren moves incredibly well and he's only a sophomore so the weight will come.

Sun Prairie 72 Minneapolis De La Salle 61
The upset of the day. Honestly De La Salle just didn't look that great. Their star 6'3 senior Tyrell Terry did his thing hitting the three point shot, driving the lane, and running the offense but, no one else could get anything going. Sun Prairie's bigs used their size and quickness to score and really controlled things on the offensive end. 6'6 junior Delaware Hale was just flat out quicker then the bigs of De La Salle.

Martin Luther 81 Minneapolis North 73
Another game that I wasn't super impressed with the Minnesota team. 6'2 junior Joey Immekus was huge for Martin Luther in the first half as he seemed to get open threes time and time again on his way to 19 points. 5'10 senior Trequan Carrington was just flat out quicker then anyone else on the court. Despite Carrington's size he was able to finish in the lane and get his shot off any time that he wanted. Late in the game 6'2 senior Ace Evans was able to pick up a bunch of garbage points but, it was really Immekus and Carrington throughout the entire game. For North senior Eli Campbell was huge hitting the threes and being able to free himself for mid range jumpers as well. Campbell doesn't have Carrington's quickness but, he can get the open shots regardless. The biggest star in the game Martin Luther's 6'5 senior Xzavier Jones was relatively quiet in this one and his team mates didn't even look for him. I think sometimes post players can disappear in the way the game is played right now.

Overall was a good day of basketball and the Midwest Players Classic is a tournament to put on the calender every single year. I left the last game early as Onalaska easily beat Oconomowoc as Oconomowoc just isn't that good this year.

Top Dunks and Scorers

Updated list of scorers and dunks I have seen this year.

Top Dunks
1. Ace Evans 6'2 senior Martin Luther vs Brookfield Central December 29
This dunk had the entire gym buzzing. The game was late and Central pretty much had the game in hand. Evans drove left and threw down a very angry dunk right on top of poor Central big man 6'6 sophomore David Joplin. All Joplin could do was smile after the dunk.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Amani Glosson 6'5 junior Milwaukee Academy of Science vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran December 29
Can't recall how Glosson got the ball whether it was a steal or long rebound but, as he was getting his steps timed up the defenders caught up to him which allowed Glosson to throw down a monster dunk right on their heads.

5. 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.

6. 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.

8. Rocky Martinez 6'4 senior Waukesha West vs Onalaska
Mostly had everything to do with how athletic Martinez looked when he did it. Took a break away and went down and dunked it hard with the right hand.

9. Richard Bradley 6'3 junior Milwaukee Pius vs Appleton Xavier
Another break away but, really had to do with how quick Bradley got up and how high. Really showed off the bounce.

10. Gavin McGrath 6'9 sopohomore Onalaska vs Waukesha West
This was more about the play but, I honestly can't remember who drove the ball. It was a drive by a guard to the hoop and the dish went to McGrath who thorugh it down form the left block.


Top Scorers
1. 36 Mayson Hazaert Wrightstown vs Brown Deer December 8
        Will Pytleski Green Bay Southwest vs Wisconsin Lutheran December 29

3. 35 Karter Thomas Oshkosh West vs Brown Deer December 29

4. 33 Armani Jones Milwaukee Academy of Science vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran December 29

5. 32 Jacob Ognacevic Sheboygan Lutheran vs St Thomas More December 30

6. 30 Jalen Johnson Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15
         Reed Gunnick Laconia vs Lake Mills January 5

8. 29 Nolan Dahmen Kettle Moraine vs New Berlin West December 29

9. 28 Ryan Waddell Homestead vs Brown Deer December 15
         Austin Westra DeForest vs Lakeside Lutheran January 8 

11. 27 Riley Murphy Seymour vs Merrill December 8
         Cole Nau Brookfield Central vs Martin Luther December 29
         Brayden Dailey Mineral Point vs Milwaukee Academy of Science December 30

14. 26 Brock Voigt Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29
     Justin Steinike Wauwatosa West vs Kaukauna December 8 
     Ace Evans Marin Luther vs Brookfield Central December 29
     Isaac Lindsey Mineral Point vs Milwaukee Academy of Science December 30
     Jason Larson Mount Horeb vs Milwaukee Lutheran December 29
     Nick Otto Appleton Xavier vs Milwaukee Pius December 30

20. 24 Will Pytleski Green Bay Southwest vs Oshkosh West December 30
     Larry Canady Racine Park vs Mount Horeb December 30

22. 23 Calvin Mavin La Crosse Logan vs Marshfield December 8
         Ben Nau Brookfield Central vs La Crosse Central December 15
         Gunnar Nortman Mount Horeb vs Racine Park December 30
         Demontae Thompson Madison East vs Middleton January 12

Lafollette over Waunakee

Went down to Lafollette last night to take in a game of contrasting teams in more ways then one. Madison Lafollette is a D1 school for an all D1 conference of "big city" schools while Waunakee is a smaller D1 playing rural schools that are mostly D2. Lafollette loves to push the tempo and play with a ton of speed while Waunakee prefers the more slower deliberate offense. Waunakee is very much coach controlled at all times while Lafollette is given the freedom to play. Neither way is better and when you have a very skilled point guard you can allow your team a little more freedom. I figured with the contrasting styles the team that controlled the tempo would win this one.

Early on in the game Waunakee controlled the tempo with their patient offense and playing a 2-3 zone defense. This slowed down basketball didn't seem to both Lafollette as the bombed the threes away and they were hitting them. Waunakee did their best early on to match Lafollette three for three but, Waunakee just couldn't hang early on. In the first half Lafollette was led by 6'1 junior Ben Probst who hit four threes in the first half on his way to 16 first half points. I think he hit four I know three for sure. Probst probably forced Waunakee out of their zone. After some early success Lafollette turned up the pressure and forced Waunakee into some costly turnovers and late in the first half Waunkaee had a tough time even getting any shots off.

For whatever reason Lafollette isn't starting 6'1 senior Troy Reeves but, Reeves does come off the bench to be a big scorer. Not an emotional guy but, he is an assassin coming off the bench and comes out looking to shoot. Lafollette continued to give Waunakee trouble with their in your face defense in the second half. The other huge thing was Lafollette's hassling on Waunakee on the glass. The Waunakee defenders would grab the rebound and the the Lafollette player would swipe at the ball knocking it away and give Lafollette second chance buckets. Lafollette basically came out with the intensity and Waunakee didn't meet it. Late in the game though Waunakee just kind of methodically climbed back into the game and Lafollette didn't really try to run the clock as missed shots and turnovers mounted up. In the end though Lafollette's quickness was just too much.

Top Players 
Josh Cash 6'5 senior Waunakee- I've always liked his game last year when he's was coming off the bench shooting threes. This year though he's become the main guy and he's really improved his post game. Unfortunately as his post game has improved his outside game has seemed to of diminished. Did a great job on the glass and being able to drive to the lane from 15 feet and in.
Zach Deering 6'6 senior Waunakee- Came off the bench dropping threes. Didn't need much breathing room but, with his height could get it off.
Ben Probst 6'1 junior Madison Lafollette- Was hitting the three from the get go and really carried the team throughout offensively.
Donneil Gray 5'9 senior Madison Lafollette- Really one of the elite point guards in the state. Off the dribble just impossible to stop whether driving to the lane or knocking down the jumper. Very aggressive defender looking to get steals.
Troy Reeves 6'1 senior Madison Lafollette- Like I said earlier is a huge offensive weapon coming off the bench. Has a very good jumper from mid range and out. Also has the ability to occasionally drive the lane and finish with his athleticism.

Box Score
Lafollette 65- Probst 21 Do Gray 17 Reeves 15 Drekwon Smith 4 Isiah Stewart 4 Da Gray 2 De Gray 2 Dakovin Prather 0 Charlie Kunkel 0
Waunakee 57- Cash 14 Will Knatz 13 Deering 10 Casey Fischer 7 Josh Block 7 Caden Nelson 6 Jacob May 0 Trey Fancher 0 Ryan Johnson 0 Andrew Keller 0

Well unfortunately for Waunakee I just don't think that they have the talent to get past the Big Eight teams in D1 while Lafollette could be a real contender. Lafollette's quickness and defense give them a chance against anyone.

Madison East over Middleton

Saturday night I took in Madison East at Middleton. This was my first chance getting to see Middleton play and they were playing the "top team" in the state. I use the " " because even though Madison East is ranked number one for D1 I believe  I have seen four teams that are better then them and would beat them head to head. I think that Brookfield Central, Sussex Hamilton, and Waukesha West would beat them in D1 as well as Nicolet in D2. No matter what though East is number one as it is right now. 

Middleton was their usual selves playing a ton of guys and constantly rotating players in and out. On the other side East's stars struggled a bit but, 5'10 senior Demontae Thompson really carried them. In the first half Middleton was able to play with East as East really struggled to get anything going as 6'3 junior Keonte Jones picked up two quick fouls and 6'3 junior Anthony Washington pick up two mid way through the first half, and Thompson did picked up his second one late in the first half. Isn't wasn't making any threes and they weren't able to get out in transition and score. At the half East was only up one. 

In the second half Madison East went to the a zone defense and Middleton had no answer for it. Middleton turned the ball over time and time again which led to run outs by East where Jones and Washington are at their best. I'll be honest I don't know how I feel about this East team on the state level but, each time I see them I come away more impressed and I seem to be pushing myself to believe that they have more and more of a chance to do something. Maybe East could even beat some of the top teams that I mentioned earlier. 

Top Players 

Demontae Thompson 5'10 senior Madison East- Seems to be playing his best basketball of the year. Off the dribble he's just so tough to stop and his pull up jumper off the dribble is a tough as any. He was really hitting that mid range shot in this game and Middleton had no answers for him defensively. 

Cole Deptula 6'3 junior Middleton- Didn't get on the court until late in the first half but, he made a huge impact. He was one of the few guys that was able to hit the three point shot tonight and was able to penetrate to the middle of the East zone and score. 

Box Score

Madison East 64- Thompson 23 Washington 11 Jones 9 David McKinley 9 Michael Mcintosh 6 Marcus Justice 4 Jevan Boyton 2 Ben Davis 0

Middleton 47- Deptula 14 Jack Klubertanz 12 Sam Close 9 Jack Boyle 4 Parker Van Buren 4 Henry Patterson 2 Wyatt Wirkus 2 Chandon Thomas 0 Casey Hellendbrand 0 Ben Scher 0 Billy Johnson 0

Well I've already state most of my East thoughts and honestly there just isn't much there for Middleton right now. This year will probably be a rough one. 

Second Round Player Rankings

I've seen quite a few more teams play so thought it was time to update rankings. It's always tough having seen so many teams in such a short time particularly having seen 14 games in two days.

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. Xzavier Jones 6'5 senior Martin Luther- Just watching him warm up you can tell he's an elite athlete, can just jump out of the rim. When he gets the ball 15 feet and in he's going to score if he wants to. With his leaping ability he's a great rebounder and shot blocker as well.

5. Nobal Days 6'9 senior Racine Park- Doesn't score much but, really controls the game without scoring. Probably the best shot blocker in the state and is a very good rebounder. Moves extremely well for 6'9 high school player.

6. Larry Canady 6'3 senior Racine Park- Flat out scorer that has a little bit of a James Harden game. Shoots the ball extremely well off the dribble and has a nice little step back shot.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Trequan Carrington 5'10 senior Martin Luther- Might be the best ball handler in the state right now and his shot off the dribble is just so pure. Lightning quick player as well with the ball in this hand.

12. Reed Gunnink 6'4 junior Laconia- Just a super super smooth player. Has a very nice outside shot with the nice arc and all. Also has the ability to drive the lane and finish over small defenders.

13. Ace Evans 6'2 senior Martin Luther- Could be the best athlete in the state. Goes to his left a bit too much but, man can this kid finish. Can slam it down or can finish in a variety of ways around the rim.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. Donneil Gray 5'9 senior Madison La Follette- Another tremendous point guard. Despite his height can get his shot off at any time and can drive it to the rim and finish over and around the big men. Has a very nice shot off the dribble.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Austin Westra 6'6 senior Deforest- Big man that can do it all. Shoots the three well, post up, has a mid range game, and can find his team mates with the open pass.

23. Jacob Ognacevic 6'7 junior Sheboygan Lutheran- More of a traditional big man but, he runs the court very very well and can hit the three when he spots up. Just knows how to make space in the post.

24. Karter Thomas 6'0 junior Oshkosh West- Shooting is his game and he's pretty good at it. Has a quick release and doesn't need a ton of space.

25. Aidan Clarey 6'1 junior Brookfield Academy- Another very good shooter whether it is off the dribble or spotting up. Also a kid thats just a scorer.


Seniors
1. Xzavier Jones 6'5 senior Martin Luther
2. Nobal Days 6'9 senior Racine Park
3. Larry Canady 6'3 senior Racine Park
4. Ryan Waddell 6'2 Homestead
5. Trequan Carrington 5'10 senior Martin Luther
6. Ace Evans 6'2 senior Martin Luther
7. Donovan Ivory 6'5 Kaukauna
8. Mayson Bazaert 6'4 Wrightstown
9. Austin Westra 6'6 senior Deforest
10. Cade Ellingson 6'3 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.

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. Reed Gunnink 6'4 junior Laconia-
6. Anthony Washington 6'3 Madison East
7. Isaac Lindsey 6'4 Mineral Point
8. Riley Murphy 5'11 Seymour
9. Jacob Ognacevic 6'7 junior Sheboygan Lutheran
10. Karter Thomas 6'0 junior Oshkosh West

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. Cam Palesse 6'4 Waukesha West
6. Tanner Resch 6'0 Sussex Hamilton- Tremendous three point shooter but, also has the ability to score off the dribble with a nice little floater.
7. Gavin McGrath 6'9 Onalaska- Big man with a very soft touch around the rim. Rebounds well and blocks shots as well.
8. Mason Dorn 5'10 Seymour- Sharpshooter from the outside that can really light it up.
9. Jevan Boyton 6'5 Madison East- Big athletic big man that battles in the post and crashes the glass hard.
10. 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.


Freshmen
1. Armani Jones 5'7 Milwaukee Academy of Science- Very tough ball handler, that gets buckets in a hurry, and can get his shot at any time. Can hit the three as well.
2. Casey Verhagen 5'11 Sheboygan Lutheran- Just a strong heady player, that can be the point guard or play off the ball. Goes to the hoop very strong and can hit the three.
3. Aaron Rhode 6'0 Brookfield Central- A shooter off the bench that can really shoot the three.
4. Josh Riegler 6'0 New Berlin West- A very athletic player that can do a bit of everything but, not a great shooter right now.
5. Austin Wagner 6'2 Kettle Moraine Lutheran- Had five points in the game but, don't remember them.
6. Max Weisbrod 5'10 Deforest- Starts for Deforest.

DeForest over Lakeside Lutheran

Took in an interesting matchup last night as number five ranked D3 team Lakeside Lutheran took on a pretty good D2 team in Deforest. These match ups are kind of interesting in that they can really show you the differences between two divisions. Typically the bigger school will win purely becomes of depth and wearing the small school down.

This game felt different to me because honestly I thought Lakeside Lutheran was the better team but, the best player on the court was on the Deforest side. 6'6 senior Austin Westra was clearly the best player on the court and this was obvious from the get go as Westra came out firing scoring 19 points in the first half. Westra was strong going to the rim, hitting the three point shot, and mid range jumpers. When Westra wasn't scoring he was passing to open team mates. I'm guessing Westra probably finished with 29 points 10 rebounds and six assists. I know the points are right but, the other two stats I'm guessing on. Probably the next best four players in the game were on the Lakeside side but, the one won tonight with some help late in the game.

I really like this Lakeside team and they have a ton of experience. Lakeside starts five very talented seniors and play a total of seven seniors in their nine man rotation. 6'1 senior Will DeNoyer is their leading scorer and top outside shooter and he had a pretty good game shooting the ball from the outside, he's playing off the ball this year and relies on his team mates getting him the ball at times. Sometimes I feel like DeNoyer force some things in the middle at times. 6'5 senior Jack Monis had a solid game really in the unsung parts of the game playing defense and rebounding. Monis is a very good athlete and took up a lot of the post loan when fellow post man 6'7 senior Cameron Paske was in foul trouble. Speaking of Paske his a very solid post player for Lakeside and might be their most valuable player because of his height. Paske was really hampered in the first half due to a pair of early fouls. Paske showed the ability to hit the mid range shot in this game but, had some rough passes late in the game. 6'2 senior Caleb Kuepers might be the best athlete on the team and have the most potential but, seems to play out of control sometimes. Kuepers did a tremendous job of penetrating the defense and kicking to open team mates.

Despite Westra's early efforts Lakeside was right with them every step hitting shots as a team. First half was very entertaining as both teams went back and forth as Deforest had a two point lead at the half. Second half continued quite the same with both teams battling back and forth with Deforest having a three point lead late. DeNoyer picked up a foul late on a three point shot and hit all three to tie the game up. Deforest came down unable to get the ball to Westra point guard 6'0 junior Trey Schroeder drove left and may of done a bit of a push off to get open and then hit the step back jumper ahla James Harden, for the winning shot. Lakeside threw a pass the length of the court which Deforest stole and got fouled and hit one of two to seal the deal.

Top Players
Austin Westra 6'6 senior Deforest- Big man that can do it all. I've said it all already. Westra hit the three point shot, the jumper, and pounded the paint as well. After some early struggles from the line Westra settled in and went 5-5 in the second half.
Colby Hartig 6'3 junior Deforest- Didn't look like it but, came off the bench to make a big impact in the post and moving without the ball.
Will DeNoyer 6'1 senior Lakeside Lutheran- Hit some big threes early on and hit the three free throws late to tie the game.
Jack Monis 6'5 senior Lakeside Lutheran- Did a nice job of guarding Westra when Paske was on the bench. Really was the hustler rebounding and grabbing loose balls. Also showed the ability to hit the three point shot.
Cameron Paske 6'7 senior Lakeside Lutheran- Showed the ability to hit the mid range shot and moves well without the ball. Appears to of gotten himself into shape and has lost a ton of weight since his sophomore year.

Box Score
Deforest 68- Westra 29 Hartig 12 Jack Bogan 11 Schroeder 6 Cody Riggs 5 Cade Ludeman 3 Alex Elvekrog 2 Max Weisbrod 0 Jack Creger 0
Lakeside Lutheran 65- DeNoyer 19 Paske 13 Monis 13 Kuepers 6 Matthew Davis 6 Brevin Jegerlehner 2 Carter Schneider 2 Jacob Ulrich 2 Caleb Raymond 2

To be honest I just don't see Deforest going that far come playoff time but, Westra will take them a round or two. Lakeside Lutheran is a team that could do some damaged in my opinion, their starting five is as good as any D3 team I've seen this year. Maybe they aren't a state team but, probably a sectional team.

Madison East and Swing Fam Weekend

Madison East 66 Madison LaFollette 64
Friday night I took in the Madison East game which was a tough ticket to get as they locked the doors shortly after I got in and probably a couple hundred people were turned away. This game lived up to the hype as it came right down to the wire. Madison East had a huge height advantage but, LaFollette really battled on the glass and they were a very scrappy despite that lack of height. LaFollette is an extremely quick team and they play extremely good defense. Player that really stood out for LaFollette was 5'9 senior Donneil Gray. Gray was the quickest player on the court and he was able to hit some big shots off the dribble. Despite his lack of height like everyone else on Lafollette Gray was over to finished around and over bigger defenders. For East their size eventually took over as well as the strong play of their star 6'3 junior Anthony Washington. Washington was able to get out and score in transition. East jumped out early took a lead and LaFollette crawled back into the game and took the lead mid way through the second half. Late in the game LaFollette had the lead by one and East number two man 6'3 junior Keonte Jones had the ball. Everyone assumed they would go to the Washington but, Jones seemed to be struggling to find the opening in the defense so he took it upon himself to score. Jones drove and then made a very nice step back move and drained the three to take the two point lead. LaFollette had enough time to attempt a last second three but, they couldn't get it in to Gray so ended up with a last second three that was just off.

Swingfam Shootout
Saturday I took in the swingfam shootout. I knew that it wouldn't be the greatest games but, any time you can take in four games in one day thats a plus to me.

Madison Edgewood 68 Ripon 46
This was kind of an interesting game. First half Edgewood struggled to hit a shot and Ripon controlled the tempo and had a one point lead at the half. IN the second half Edgewood got transition game going and hit some open three pointers. Edgewood doesn't have the talent of their past teams but, as most Zwettler coached teams they play as a team and it was really a team effort that got things done. 6'5 senior Michael Meriggioli is the leading scorer but, it really is a team effort. Nine players scored for Edgewood and four of those reached double digits. While Edgewood's offensive excelled Ripon's fell apart which led to the 20 point win for Edgewood.

Waunakee 47 Franklin 44
Really a defensive struggle in this game. Neither team could get anything going in the first half and neither team could hit the three point shot. Was a good game but, kind of boring as there wasn't much for scoring. 6'1 senior Jacob Vonderwell was the only one that could do much offensively for Franklin as they scored only 17 points in the first half. Really not a whole lot to write about as both teams struggled throughout. In the second half Franklin really struggled with foul trouble as with about eight minutes left Franklin had three starters for foul fouls and a fourth with three which really hampered a come back from Franklin. Waunakee is another team that is really a team effort as Edgewood. Waunakee doesn't really have that star and they play nine or ten guys very evenly.

Janesville Parker 50 Columbus 47
This was a very interesting game as you had a school with an enrollment of 1500 students playing a school of about 400. First half it appeared that Columbus was just going to discipline them to death and had the first half lead of seven. In the second half Parker really turned up the pressure led by 6'2 senior Tremar Curry. Columbus just didn't seem to have any idea how to deal with the pressure and looked completely lost in the second half. The refs did let things go a bit which allowed Parker to be super aggressive and Columbus wasn't ready for it. Parker was up about 10 with two minutes to go though and got a little over confident and then couldn't make their free throws and things got real interesting. Columbus ended up tying the game up before a last second three by Parker sophomore 6'5 Brenden Weis hitting a corner three off the Curry assist to give Parker the buzzer win. Yes it was a small school but, it was only Parker's second win of the season so, good for them.

Laconia 87 Lake Mills 76
Easily the most entertaining came of the day. Laconia jumped out to a 10 or 12 point lead early and after that the game was basically even. Not sure if Lake Mills thought they would come out and win this one easily or they were just shelled shocked but, they came out super slow while Laconia was firing on all cylinders. Laconia 6'0 sophomore Eli Leonard hit a pair of threes right off the bat and then it was 6'4 junior Reed Gunnink the rest of the way. Lake Mills settled for threes the entire first half and the shots weren't falling. Laconia led by 12 at the half. In the second half Lake Mills finally started driving the ball to the hoop led by their lone senior 6'0 JT Toepfer and 6'2 sophomore Charlie Bender. Toeper was very impressive driving hard to the rim and being able to finish in a variety of ways. For Laconia Gunnick kept it going all game long hitting the threes and being able to drive to the rim and score. Lake Mills really had no answer for sowing down Gunnick.

Second Round Team Rankings

Finally have the opportunity to update the team rankings of the teams that I have actually seen. I will admit being that it has been awhile since I've done rankings and has been a little bit since I've see the teams play so this gets a little tough. Since the last rankings I have seen 16 games since that last rankings.

Overall
1. Nicolet (1)- I don't think anyone in the state can beat Nicolet. They have a pair of high level D1 college players in Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley and they can go eight deep and not lose much. A ton of height on this team and they can shoot the three as well.

2. Sussex Hamilton (1)- The game I saw they played out of their minds but, they can really shoot the three and they move the ball extremely well. One could argue that Patrick Baldwin is the best player in the state.

3. Brookfield Central (2)- Another team that plays as a team so well together. They can really shoot the three as well and have four guys that could go off at any time scoring the ball. Their trio of guards with the Nau brothers and Gage Malensek is as good as any in the state.

4. Waukesha West (1)- Very big team that controls the tempo and they aren't afraid to play fast or slow. Start no one under 6'4 and this team probably has four or five scholarship level players in my mind.

5. Martin Luther (1)- Their top three are as good as any in the state and could probably all play at the highest level. I question the rest of their team and lack of depth though after the top five and foul trouble could doom them at some point.

6. Madison East (1)- Really like this team that plays with a ton of energy. One of the quickest teams I've seen and have a pair of legit big time players in Anthony Washington and Keonte Jones. Also have some nice size as a team.

7. Onalaska (1)- Might take some heat on this one having them above Lax Central but, Onalaska played really well in their game with Waukesha West. They have a very deep nice team with size. Tyrell Suttley might be the best player you've never heard of. Carson Arenz is also a very solid player.

8. Racine Park (1)- A team full of a ton of athletes that love to get up and run and when you have Nobal Days protecting the rim it makes a world of difference. Days is easily best defender in the state. Larry Canady really seems to be coming into his own as their go to scorer.

9. 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.

10. La Crosse Central (1)- Have a lot of talent and athletes that can go pretty deep. Now they had a terrible game when I saw them but, I think Brookfield Central is just that good.

11. 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.

12. Homestead (1)- A very solid disciplined team that have just enough talent in the scoring column to get them through. Ryan Waddell is that big time scorer and they have some nice size.

13. 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.

14. Green Bay Southwest (2)- Not an overally impressive team but, they play hard and are just solid is all I can say. Their defense is pretty tough and they have some very nice players that can score when needed in Will Pytleski and Lucas Steiber.

15. 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.

16. Oshkosh West (2)- Very similar to Southwest. Everyone can shoot the three ball on this team and they have a go to scorer in Karter Thomas. They also have nice size and I didn't see 6'10 Luke Haasl play.

17. Milwaukee Lutheran (1)- An athletic team that knows how to play under control and not press.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Mount Horeb (3)- 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.

21. 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.

22. Brookfield Academy (1)- Really really liked this team for D3. Have three very good guards led by high scoring Aidan Cleary and have a pair of very good big men in Alex Leach and Logan Landers.

23. Appleton Xavier (1)- Team that loves to get up and run. They also love to shoot the three ball and everyone on their team can shoot it.

24. Wisconsin Lutheran (1)- Nothing overally impressive but, they play extremely hard and don't try to do too much.

25. 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.

D1
1. Sussex Hamilton
2. Brookfield Central
3. Waukesha West 
4. Madison East 
5. Racine Park
6. Madison Memorial 
7. Homestead
8. Oshkosh West
9. Sun Prairie

D2
1. Nicolet
2. Onalaska
3. La Crosse Central 
4. Kaukauna
5. Wauwatosa West 
6. Green Bay Southwest
7. Milwaukee Lutheran 
8. Merrill 
9. Mount Horeb 
10. Seymour

D3
1. Martin Luther 
2. Wrightstown 
3. Brookfield Academy
4. Appleton Xavier
5. Brown Deer (3)- 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.
6. Lake Mills (1)- A little undersized but, play good defense and rebound as a team. Can really shoot the three as well.
7. Wisconsin Dells (2)- Speed and defense is their calling card. Showed the ability to shoot the three as well.
8. Kettle Moraine Lutheran (1)- No go to scorers on this team but, just a solid team over all.
9. Milwaukee Messmer (1)- Very talented team with some real athletes but, lack discipline.
10. St Thomas More (1)- Shot the ball terribly in the game I saw. Honestly didn't have good athletes.

D4
1. Mineral Point (2)- 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. Played much better the second time I saw as Braden Dailey and Isaac Lindsey are showing they are D1 level players.
2. Milwaukee Academy of Science (2)- Super athletic team with a ton of talented guards. Have a big man that can jump out of the gym which is huge in D4.
3. Eau Claire Regis (1)- Very hard playing team and their very disciplined.
4. Platteville (1)- Not a lot to say about them as they played pretty bad in the game that I saw them.

D5
1. Sheboygan Lutheran (1)- Have an elite player in Jacob Ognacevic and have some guys that can really light it up from the outside.
2. Manitowoc Lutheran (1)- Not much to say here. Their star as out and they looked terrible.

Top Dunks and Scorers

Here is updated list of top dunks and scorers. I saw 13 games down at the WBBY Shootout so have a pretty good chunk to update.

Top Dunks
1. Ace Evans 6'2 senior Martin Luther vs Brookfield Central December 29
This dunk had the entire gym buzzing. The game was late and Central pretty much had the game in hand. Evans drove left and threw down a very angry dunk right on top of poor Central big man 6'6 sophomore David Joplin. All Joplin could do was smile after the dunk.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Amani Glosson 6'5 junior Milwaukee Academy of Science vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran December 29
Can't recall how Glosson got the ball whether it was a steal or long rebound but, as he was getting his steps timed up the defenders caught up to him which allowed Glosson to throw down a monster dunk right on their heads.

5. 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.

6. 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.

8. Rocky Martinez 6'4 senior Waukesha West vs Onalaska
Mostly had everything to do with how athletic Martinez looked when he did it. Took a break away and went down and dunked it hard with the right hand.

9. Richard Bradley 6'3 junior Milwaukee Pius vs Appleton Xavier
Another break away but, really had to do with how quick Bradley got up and how high. Really showed off the bounce.

10. Gavin McGrath 6'9 sopohomore Onalaska vs Waukesha West
This was more about the play but, I honestly can't remember who drove the ball. It was a drive by a guard to the hoop and the dish went to McGrath who thorugh it down form the left block.


Top Scorers
1. 36 Mayson Hazaert Wrightstown vs Brown Deer December 8
        Will Pytleski Green Bay Southwest vs Wisconsin Lutheran December 29

3. 35 Karter Thomas Oshkosh West vs Brown Deer December 29

4. 33 Armani Jones Milwaukee Academy of Science vs Kettle Moraine Lutheran December 29

5. 32 Jacob Ognacevic Sheboygan Lutheran vs St Thomas More December 30

6. 30 Jalen Johnson Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15

7. 29 Nolan Dahmen Kettle Moraine vs New Berlin West December 29

8. 28 Ryan Waddell Homestead vs Brown Deer December 15

9. 27 Riley Murphy Seymour vs Merrill December 8
         Cole Nau Brookfield Central vs Martin Luther December 29
         Brayden Dailey Mineral Point vs Milwaukee Academy of Science December 30

12. 26 Brock Voigt Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial November 29
     Justin Steinike Wauwatosa West vs Kaukauna December 8 
     Ace Evans Marin Luther vs Brookfield Central December 29
     Isaac Lindsey Mineral Point vs Milwaukee Academy of Science December 30
     Jason Larson Mount Horeb vs Milwaukee Lutheran December 29
     Nick Otto Appleton Xavier vs Milwaukee Pius December 30

18. 24 Will Pytleski Green Bay Southwest vs Oshkosh West December 30
     Larry Canady Racine Park vs Mount Horeb December 30

20. 23 Calvin Mavin La Crosse Logan vs Marshfield December 8
         Ben Nau Brookfield Central vs La Crosse Central December 15
         Gunnar Nortman Mount Horeb vs Racine Park December 30

23. 22 Bryson Funmaker Wisconsin Dells vs Mineral Point November 30
     Isaac Meverden Marshfield vs La Crosse Logan December 8
     Brooklyn Jagers Brown Deer vs Oshkosh West December 29