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.