Well I'm finally back to posting on my blog as another year of high school basketball is upon us. Hopefully there are a few readers left (if I ever had any) or I can earn some new readers. My life has seemed to have gotten to busy during the summer months with being married now so my posting has gone down to just being done during the winter months and only about high school basketball in Wisconsin. This may or may not be my last year of blogging and attending so many high school games, as I turn 30th this January. I always told myself that I would be done with the high school basketball thing when I turned 30. As I don't have a child yet this may not be the case, we will just see how this season goes and if I still enjoy it I will probably continue to go to games and right about it, maybe not as much as I have in the past but, at least a little bit.
Enough about myself and on to the point of this post, My Preseason Division One Rankings. Obviously my rankings mean exactly zero but, are simply just for fun and compare my thoughts to the "experts". Yes I may never see some of these teams play or have ever seen them play but, hey neither do the coaches that do the rankings. I can go by who they've played and beaten what their history says, just like the coaches. Anyway here are my rankings.
1. Germantown- Probably everyone has G'Town as #1 as they returned four starters from their state championship team of a year ago, three of which have earned D1 scholarships and a fourth that earned a D2 scholarship.
2. Brookfield Central- Gave Germantown a good game last year and pushed Milwaukee King to the limit in the game to get to state. Have lots of overall size and are led by Vanderbilt recruit 6'2 senior Riley LaChance.
3. Oshkosh North- Bring back all four starters from their state final four team from a year ago and are headlined by a pair of three year starters in 6'6 senior Cooper Radtke and 5'10 Nathan Neveau.
4. Stevens Point- Won 22 games a year ago and bring back their top three scores, headlined by 20 point a game man in 6'2 sophomore Trevor Anderson.
5. Sun Prairie- Have an extremely talented junior class that is led by 6'2 Marquette recruit Nick Noskowiak.
6. Milwaukee King- Every year King brings a team that is capable of making it to state and have one of the top coaches in the state. Add in the transfer of 6'2 point guard, junior Joe Biyoti and this is a very tough team.
7. Racine Case- Another team that won 22 games last year and bring back four of those starters.
8. De Pere- Have really gotten a strong tradition going now, also have good size, and are led by 6'3 junior Breven Pretzl.
9. Madison Memorial- Team has size and lots of talent but, just question their outside shooting and lack that go to guy that can go out and get 20 points on any given night despite what the rest of the team is doing.
10. Milwaukee Hamilton- Lost David Burrell from last years great team but, still have one of the most highly recruited players from the state ever in 6'8 senior Kevon Looney who just committed to UCLA.
11. Neenah- Bring back three starters and 6'10 D1 recruit junior Matt Heldt.
12. Milwaukee Vincent- 6'6 senior Marcus White and 6'0 junior Malik Brown who form a very nice one two punch.
13. Mukwonago- State runner ups a year ago really opened peoples eyes and though they lost a lot seemed to have a ton of depth.
14. Sussex Hamilton- Had a tremendous record a year ago. Lost four starters but, that one starter back is 6'4 Iowa recruit senior Brady Ellingson.
15. Homestead- The last few years I've thought Homestead would be pretty good and they never seem to live up to the hype. This year they still have a lot of height and maybe this year they will meet expectations.
There are my beginning rankings to start year. I will try to update the rankings weekly, if there is a full week of games with the holidays right around the corner.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
2013-2014 Thoughs
The year has ended and this could very well be my final post until next season starts up. I have a lot of thoughts about next year and this will probably be my last chance to put them in writing with warm weather just around the corner
Division One
Of any division this one seems to have the most coming back on top anyway. Germantown is the defending champion and had only one senior that really played even though that senior was Mr. Basketball and scored 20 points a game. The top player is Kevon Looney who teams with David Burrell on Milwaukee Hamilton to give them the top post tandem and should be right there with Germantonw. Brookfield Central brings back their top two scorers and would be surprised to see them come out on top. A final four team this year, Oshkosh North brings back all five starters and then theres Sun Prairie, who loses only two guys in their rotation and have a very good sophomore class and they pushed Iowa champ Iowa City West to the limit. Those are my top five teams but, I like Madison Memorial, with their size coming back and strong tradition and lost only two guys in their top 10. Of course you can never count out the Milwaukee schools in King and Vincent, De Pere, has a lot coming back, and theres always they top teams from the Fox Valley.
Division Two
Traditionally this division is very up and down and is up for grabs throughout the year but, next year could be different. Seymour has the top two players coming back in Dakota Oskey and Sandy Cohen. Rice Lake may finally have a chance to make state now that Matt Thomas has graduated. I really like the teams at Wisconsin Lutheran and Milwaukee Washington who just have so much talented and really don't have a go to player that their losing. A team I could see being a sleeper is Wauwautosa West, who really had a bad season but, when I saw them play I was impressed and thought they were much better then their record showed. A team I have kind of forgotten is Whitefish Bay, who was the only team that beat Little Chute during the regular season and have a very deep junior class.
Division Three
I really think this division is going to be hit hard by graduation. All the top teams were senior led. I could see Lodi coming back with Jordan Shea back and Jacob Hatch, who is extremely athletic and I really like him. Also Marshall has their big time scorer Cam Ward who could carry them far. Roncalli and Brillion will both probably be teams to watch. Other then that I really don't know who will be back at the top. Maybe a Brown Deer or possibly Aquinas to repeat.
Division Four
Basically it begins and ends with Dominican. Diamond Stone is a 6'9 beast and there is no one in D4 to match him. I like a return of Aburndale as they lose only two guys but, they were their leading scorer and size in the inside. Otherwise the usual with the strong tradition will probably be around. Cuba City, Laconia, and Brookfield Academy will be teams to record with and probably another private or two.
Division Five
This division is probably the most up for grabs there is. Randolph is the easy choice but, really only have Duke Vander Galien back unless they have someone coming up the ranks. GB NEW Lutheran has 6'7 Nathan Toenjes coming back but, not much else. Other then these two really isn't a clear favorite. In D5 more then any you can typically go with tradition. D5 doesn't get the stars of the bigger schools and usually coaching is the difference between good and bad teams, so usually you can go with the typical top teams.
There are just a few of my early thoughts for next year as the season has just recently end. Of course most of my thoughts are on the teams that actually made state and I probably haven't seen many of the top teams in the smaller divisions outside of the teams that actually made state. This years senior class was truly amazing and I just don't see next year living up to this season.
Division One
Of any division this one seems to have the most coming back on top anyway. Germantown is the defending champion and had only one senior that really played even though that senior was Mr. Basketball and scored 20 points a game. The top player is Kevon Looney who teams with David Burrell on Milwaukee Hamilton to give them the top post tandem and should be right there with Germantonw. Brookfield Central brings back their top two scorers and would be surprised to see them come out on top. A final four team this year, Oshkosh North brings back all five starters and then theres Sun Prairie, who loses only two guys in their rotation and have a very good sophomore class and they pushed Iowa champ Iowa City West to the limit. Those are my top five teams but, I like Madison Memorial, with their size coming back and strong tradition and lost only two guys in their top 10. Of course you can never count out the Milwaukee schools in King and Vincent, De Pere, has a lot coming back, and theres always they top teams from the Fox Valley.
Division Two
Traditionally this division is very up and down and is up for grabs throughout the year but, next year could be different. Seymour has the top two players coming back in Dakota Oskey and Sandy Cohen. Rice Lake may finally have a chance to make state now that Matt Thomas has graduated. I really like the teams at Wisconsin Lutheran and Milwaukee Washington who just have so much talented and really don't have a go to player that their losing. A team I could see being a sleeper is Wauwautosa West, who really had a bad season but, when I saw them play I was impressed and thought they were much better then their record showed. A team I have kind of forgotten is Whitefish Bay, who was the only team that beat Little Chute during the regular season and have a very deep junior class.
Division Three
I really think this division is going to be hit hard by graduation. All the top teams were senior led. I could see Lodi coming back with Jordan Shea back and Jacob Hatch, who is extremely athletic and I really like him. Also Marshall has their big time scorer Cam Ward who could carry them far. Roncalli and Brillion will both probably be teams to watch. Other then that I really don't know who will be back at the top. Maybe a Brown Deer or possibly Aquinas to repeat.
Division Four
Basically it begins and ends with Dominican. Diamond Stone is a 6'9 beast and there is no one in D4 to match him. I like a return of Aburndale as they lose only two guys but, they were their leading scorer and size in the inside. Otherwise the usual with the strong tradition will probably be around. Cuba City, Laconia, and Brookfield Academy will be teams to record with and probably another private or two.
Division Five
This division is probably the most up for grabs there is. Randolph is the easy choice but, really only have Duke Vander Galien back unless they have someone coming up the ranks. GB NEW Lutheran has 6'7 Nathan Toenjes coming back but, not much else. Other then these two really isn't a clear favorite. In D5 more then any you can typically go with tradition. D5 doesn't get the stars of the bigger schools and usually coaching is the difference between good and bad teams, so usually you can go with the typical top teams.
There are just a few of my early thoughts for next year as the season has just recently end. Of course most of my thoughts are on the teams that actually made state and I probably haven't seen many of the top teams in the smaller divisions outside of the teams that actually made state. This years senior class was truly amazing and I just don't see next year living up to this season.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
State Recap
Well now that state has been over a week ago and the girls have already started I figured I would do a quick write up of the summary of each division and my "All Tournament Team" (top five players) of each division and just some of my thoughts.
Division Five
Once again like always this division was Randoph's too lose. Randolph has a tough semi-final game against Elmwood and if not for some foul trouble Elmwood may of been able to knock Randolph off. With Randolph really struggling early one sophomore point guard Duke Vander Galien really took over and controlled the game and was able to get to the rim and score and was always pushing the tempo. On the other side Drummond was back and it was nice to see them play well after basically getting embarrassed last year and pushed Green Bay NEW Lutheran too the limit before bowing out in overtime. Travis Voigt for GBNL really caught my attention in this one I always love the true point guards and Voigt is exactly that. He can score but, looks for his team mates first it seems. The championship game was a great match up of point guards with Voigt and Vander Galien going head to head. Honestly they kind of cancelled each other out but, it was the interior play particularly for Aaron Retzlaff who used an array of moves to score in the paint. Have to say it was very different seeing Randolph push the tempo when they have been so slow paced in the past.
All Tournament
Aaron Retzlaff 6'4 senior Randolph- Just was a beast in the paint on the offensive end. Wasn't the biggest player but, used a variety of skills to score around and the rim and also did all the little things rebounding and finding open team mates cutting to the hoop. Ran the court well as well which allowed him to finish with a nice dunk.
Ben Best 6'6 senior Drummond- Gives a 100% at all times and grabs every rebound. Can see why he is an automatic double double every time he is on the court.
Travis Voigt 5'8 senior GBNL- I've pretty much said it already above. Ultimate point guard in being a pass first leader but, can also score as well.
Duke Vander Galien 5'7 sophomore Randolph- Really controlled the tempo in both games they played and was the reason that Randolph is playing different then they have in the past.
Logan Wolf 6'2 senior Elmwood- Battled foul trouble throughout the entire game but, still really showed the ability to shoot the ball from the outside and didn't need a lot of room.
Division Four
As expected it was Whitefish Bay Dominican that came out on top but, it wasn't nearly as easy as the majority of people thought it would be. Dominican was in a battle with both Cuba City and Aburndale but, in the end Duane Wilson and Diamond Stone were just too much for anyone else at state. I don't remember much about the first game but, Aburndale was able to defeat Amherst fairly easily as Amherst just wasn't able to get anything to fall. Aburndale really worked the high post to low post game using their size advantage. Cuba City didn't back down one bit and actually had a much better showing this year against Dominican then last year. Dominican really struggled to make anything early but, in the second half Wilson took over and he wasn't going to be denied. Cuba City bombed the threes but, just didn't hit enough to win this one. In the championship game Aburndale played close tell Wilson went on one of his runs and he and Stone had some dunks and they were able to run away. Wilson and Stone had the highlights but, it was Aurndale's Austin Hawkins that was the top player in the game as he had 31 points and he just couldn't miss in either state game and Dominican had no one to guard him even when the 6'9 Stone was on him.
All Tournament
Austin Hawkins 6'4 senior Aburndale- Just couldn't miss in either game and I thought he was the most impressive player in the division. Showed the ability to hit the deep jumper as well as get in the post as score. Will be a really good division three player.
Duane Wilson 6'2 senior Dominican- Has got to be the quickest player in the state when the ball is in his hands. Showed the full arsenal this weekend. Hit the deep deep threes, showed the floater in the land, mid range jumper, the ball handling, and of course the power dunks.
Diamond Stone 6'9 sophomore Dominican- Looked awkward at times but, have to remember that he is only a sophomore and a big man. Showed some very nice moves with his back to the basket. Blocked a ton of shots and had a ton of rebounds.
Caleb Glennon 6'1 senior Amherst- His team didn't have a great game but, Glennon played extremely hard. Moves very well without the ball and showed the ability to cut and get to the rim and score.
Jake Jelacic 6'6 junior Dominican- Probably catch a little flack for not having a Cuba City guy but, I really liked how Jelacic did all the little things for Dominican. Played great defense and was the teams leading rebounder I believe. (At least it seemed)
Division Three
This was the most hyped up division and they really lived up to it. Game one saw a ton of talent with Little Chute and Lacrosse Aquinas. Both teams had the size and talent. I thought the bigs of Little Chute would have their way but, the less heralded big man of Aquinas really stuck with them. The biggest difference in this game was Bronson Koenig who was the best player on the court and really showed that he makes his team mates better and that was probably why they won. In game two Lodi came out firing to avenge their embarrassing performance last year and nearly ran East Troy out of the gym but, East Troy fought back and made this one close late before Lodi clinched it with free throws. Lodi did a great job of limiting the 6'9 Prahl twins but, basically collapsing on them and triple teaming them anytime that they touched the ball. Throughout the Lodi D in with the struggles of Nate Dodge, makes them extremely hard. In the title game Aquinas had too much fire power and if not for some hot shooting from Kris Seffrood this game would of been over very early.
All Tournament
Bronson Koenig 6'3 senior Aquinas- He is the perfect point guard.Might be the best scorer in the state but, seems to get as much enjoyment watching his team mates score as he does scoring himself. Just makes his team so much better.
Parker Weber 6'7 junior Aquinas- Really benefits from playing with Koenig but, really showed me something against Little Chute scoring over defenders that were his size and staying with the much more athletic Little Chute big men.
Turner Botz 6'6 senior Little Chute- Struggled in the first half but, played twice as hard in the second half and didn't settle just sitting outside and cut to the hoop to score and grabbed offensive rebounds.
Kenneth Lowe 6'7 senior Little Chute- Showed his wide array of post moves in the game and also showed that he was an extremely athletic big man and can score in a wide variety of ways.
Jordan Shea 6'4 junior Lodi- Thought about picking team mate Seffrood but, Shea did such a great job of guarding Nate Dodge against East Troy and did a solid job on Koenig in the championship. Oh yea was Lodi's top scorer as well.
Division Two
This division always seems too be the least exciting and also the most unpredictable. Onalaska had a lot of hype and had the top player in Matt Thomas but, Pulaski really impressed me with the ability so slow things down and always seemed to be under control playing their game. Pulaski did a nice job of limiting Matt Thomas and company by switching between a man to man to a zone throughout the game. Yea Thomas got his but, no one else looked good. In the other game Wisconsin Lutheran just pressed and pressured Stoughton and ran them out of the gym very very quickly. Just seemed like Lutheran was playing with seven guys on the court as every pass Stoughton through was picked off. In the second game Pulaski still played their slow down game and just seemed unaffected by the Lutheran pressure. Lutheran on the other side looked very uncomfortable in the half court setting and in particular against the Pulaski zone. Patients out lasted the speed in the end.
All Tournament
Cody Wichmann 6'4 senior Pulaski- Was the teams leading scorer throughout and also helped control the tempo and was their number two ball handler.
Deiondre Cunningham 6'0 senior Lutheran- Was one of the few Lutheran players that was actually able to hit the three point shot. Whenever Lutheran needed a big shot or was trying to get back in the game against Pulaski, Cunningham was the guy that would hit the shot.
Jordan Stiede 5'10 senior Pulaski- Wasn't a huge scorer but, did hit the open three when it was given. What he did do was control the overall team tempo and did a great great job of running the point against Lutheran's pressure and didn't turn the ball over.
Matt Thomas 6'4 senior Onalaska- Was his usual self scoring at will and moving without the ball. I also think he may of reached double digit rebounds as well.
Nick McGlynn 6'7 sophomore Stoughton- Was the one Stoughton player that had a very good game. He dominated the glass on both sides and was able to score in the paint.
Division One
The first game was a entertaining up and down game. Germantown wanted to run and Oshkosh North ran right with them. Unfortunately for North, Germantown just had a lot more guns. North couldn't go inside to their big man Cooper Radtke with the size of Germantown inside so they had to rely on their outside play and they just didn't have enough. Game two was the biggest shocker of state as Mukwonago defeated Milwaukee King, when King tried to press Mukwonago and speed up the game they were unable to and Mukwonago was just too big and strong on the inside. If you have seen Mukwonago they really looked like men playing against boys. In the championship though it was just too much Germantown and their entire team talent and size was too much.
All Tournament
Dominic Cizauskas 6'1 junior Mukwonago- Just have to say wow. This kid is huge. Looks like a nfl middle linebacker but, may of been the most athletic player at state. Handles the ball, rebounds, shots, and can really jump.
Luke Fisher 7'0 senior Germantown- Just solid guy that will always have a good game. Rebounds, blocks shots, and of course scores at will.
Nathan Neveau 5'11 junior Oshkosh North- Really had a smooth game and looked like he loved playing the uptempo game. Has a very nice mid range jump shot.
Jake Showalter 6'3 junior Germantown- This kid just loves shooting at state and he really bombs away from the outside. If he's open shot is going to go down.
Nate Tanguay 6'4 senior Mukwonago- Does alittle bit of everything. Scores in the post, rebounds, shoots the three, and helped bring the ball up the court against the pressure defenses.
I would say that it was a so so state tournament this year and I'm already looking towards next year to pick who the top teams will be and who will be able to make the trip back to Madison and repeat. Germantown maybe a three peat? Well I will leave that for my next post.
Division Five
Once again like always this division was Randoph's too lose. Randolph has a tough semi-final game against Elmwood and if not for some foul trouble Elmwood may of been able to knock Randolph off. With Randolph really struggling early one sophomore point guard Duke Vander Galien really took over and controlled the game and was able to get to the rim and score and was always pushing the tempo. On the other side Drummond was back and it was nice to see them play well after basically getting embarrassed last year and pushed Green Bay NEW Lutheran too the limit before bowing out in overtime. Travis Voigt for GBNL really caught my attention in this one I always love the true point guards and Voigt is exactly that. He can score but, looks for his team mates first it seems. The championship game was a great match up of point guards with Voigt and Vander Galien going head to head. Honestly they kind of cancelled each other out but, it was the interior play particularly for Aaron Retzlaff who used an array of moves to score in the paint. Have to say it was very different seeing Randolph push the tempo when they have been so slow paced in the past.
All Tournament
Aaron Retzlaff 6'4 senior Randolph- Just was a beast in the paint on the offensive end. Wasn't the biggest player but, used a variety of skills to score around and the rim and also did all the little things rebounding and finding open team mates cutting to the hoop. Ran the court well as well which allowed him to finish with a nice dunk.
Ben Best 6'6 senior Drummond- Gives a 100% at all times and grabs every rebound. Can see why he is an automatic double double every time he is on the court.
Travis Voigt 5'8 senior GBNL- I've pretty much said it already above. Ultimate point guard in being a pass first leader but, can also score as well.
Duke Vander Galien 5'7 sophomore Randolph- Really controlled the tempo in both games they played and was the reason that Randolph is playing different then they have in the past.
Logan Wolf 6'2 senior Elmwood- Battled foul trouble throughout the entire game but, still really showed the ability to shoot the ball from the outside and didn't need a lot of room.
Division Four
As expected it was Whitefish Bay Dominican that came out on top but, it wasn't nearly as easy as the majority of people thought it would be. Dominican was in a battle with both Cuba City and Aburndale but, in the end Duane Wilson and Diamond Stone were just too much for anyone else at state. I don't remember much about the first game but, Aburndale was able to defeat Amherst fairly easily as Amherst just wasn't able to get anything to fall. Aburndale really worked the high post to low post game using their size advantage. Cuba City didn't back down one bit and actually had a much better showing this year against Dominican then last year. Dominican really struggled to make anything early but, in the second half Wilson took over and he wasn't going to be denied. Cuba City bombed the threes but, just didn't hit enough to win this one. In the championship game Aburndale played close tell Wilson went on one of his runs and he and Stone had some dunks and they were able to run away. Wilson and Stone had the highlights but, it was Aurndale's Austin Hawkins that was the top player in the game as he had 31 points and he just couldn't miss in either state game and Dominican had no one to guard him even when the 6'9 Stone was on him.
All Tournament
Austin Hawkins 6'4 senior Aburndale- Just couldn't miss in either game and I thought he was the most impressive player in the division. Showed the ability to hit the deep jumper as well as get in the post as score. Will be a really good division three player.
Duane Wilson 6'2 senior Dominican- Has got to be the quickest player in the state when the ball is in his hands. Showed the full arsenal this weekend. Hit the deep deep threes, showed the floater in the land, mid range jumper, the ball handling, and of course the power dunks.
Diamond Stone 6'9 sophomore Dominican- Looked awkward at times but, have to remember that he is only a sophomore and a big man. Showed some very nice moves with his back to the basket. Blocked a ton of shots and had a ton of rebounds.
Caleb Glennon 6'1 senior Amherst- His team didn't have a great game but, Glennon played extremely hard. Moves very well without the ball and showed the ability to cut and get to the rim and score.
Jake Jelacic 6'6 junior Dominican- Probably catch a little flack for not having a Cuba City guy but, I really liked how Jelacic did all the little things for Dominican. Played great defense and was the teams leading rebounder I believe. (At least it seemed)
Division Three
This was the most hyped up division and they really lived up to it. Game one saw a ton of talent with Little Chute and Lacrosse Aquinas. Both teams had the size and talent. I thought the bigs of Little Chute would have their way but, the less heralded big man of Aquinas really stuck with them. The biggest difference in this game was Bronson Koenig who was the best player on the court and really showed that he makes his team mates better and that was probably why they won. In game two Lodi came out firing to avenge their embarrassing performance last year and nearly ran East Troy out of the gym but, East Troy fought back and made this one close late before Lodi clinched it with free throws. Lodi did a great job of limiting the 6'9 Prahl twins but, basically collapsing on them and triple teaming them anytime that they touched the ball. Throughout the Lodi D in with the struggles of Nate Dodge, makes them extremely hard. In the title game Aquinas had too much fire power and if not for some hot shooting from Kris Seffrood this game would of been over very early.
All Tournament
Bronson Koenig 6'3 senior Aquinas- He is the perfect point guard.Might be the best scorer in the state but, seems to get as much enjoyment watching his team mates score as he does scoring himself. Just makes his team so much better.
Parker Weber 6'7 junior Aquinas- Really benefits from playing with Koenig but, really showed me something against Little Chute scoring over defenders that were his size and staying with the much more athletic Little Chute big men.
Turner Botz 6'6 senior Little Chute- Struggled in the first half but, played twice as hard in the second half and didn't settle just sitting outside and cut to the hoop to score and grabbed offensive rebounds.
Kenneth Lowe 6'7 senior Little Chute- Showed his wide array of post moves in the game and also showed that he was an extremely athletic big man and can score in a wide variety of ways.
Jordan Shea 6'4 junior Lodi- Thought about picking team mate Seffrood but, Shea did such a great job of guarding Nate Dodge against East Troy and did a solid job on Koenig in the championship. Oh yea was Lodi's top scorer as well.
Division Two
This division always seems too be the least exciting and also the most unpredictable. Onalaska had a lot of hype and had the top player in Matt Thomas but, Pulaski really impressed me with the ability so slow things down and always seemed to be under control playing their game. Pulaski did a nice job of limiting Matt Thomas and company by switching between a man to man to a zone throughout the game. Yea Thomas got his but, no one else looked good. In the other game Wisconsin Lutheran just pressed and pressured Stoughton and ran them out of the gym very very quickly. Just seemed like Lutheran was playing with seven guys on the court as every pass Stoughton through was picked off. In the second game Pulaski still played their slow down game and just seemed unaffected by the Lutheran pressure. Lutheran on the other side looked very uncomfortable in the half court setting and in particular against the Pulaski zone. Patients out lasted the speed in the end.
All Tournament
Cody Wichmann 6'4 senior Pulaski- Was the teams leading scorer throughout and also helped control the tempo and was their number two ball handler.
Deiondre Cunningham 6'0 senior Lutheran- Was one of the few Lutheran players that was actually able to hit the three point shot. Whenever Lutheran needed a big shot or was trying to get back in the game against Pulaski, Cunningham was the guy that would hit the shot.
Jordan Stiede 5'10 senior Pulaski- Wasn't a huge scorer but, did hit the open three when it was given. What he did do was control the overall team tempo and did a great great job of running the point against Lutheran's pressure and didn't turn the ball over.
Matt Thomas 6'4 senior Onalaska- Was his usual self scoring at will and moving without the ball. I also think he may of reached double digit rebounds as well.
Nick McGlynn 6'7 sophomore Stoughton- Was the one Stoughton player that had a very good game. He dominated the glass on both sides and was able to score in the paint.
Division One
The first game was a entertaining up and down game. Germantown wanted to run and Oshkosh North ran right with them. Unfortunately for North, Germantown just had a lot more guns. North couldn't go inside to their big man Cooper Radtke with the size of Germantown inside so they had to rely on their outside play and they just didn't have enough. Game two was the biggest shocker of state as Mukwonago defeated Milwaukee King, when King tried to press Mukwonago and speed up the game they were unable to and Mukwonago was just too big and strong on the inside. If you have seen Mukwonago they really looked like men playing against boys. In the championship though it was just too much Germantown and their entire team talent and size was too much.
All Tournament
Dominic Cizauskas 6'1 junior Mukwonago- Just have to say wow. This kid is huge. Looks like a nfl middle linebacker but, may of been the most athletic player at state. Handles the ball, rebounds, shots, and can really jump.
Luke Fisher 7'0 senior Germantown- Just solid guy that will always have a good game. Rebounds, blocks shots, and of course scores at will.
Nathan Neveau 5'11 junior Oshkosh North- Really had a smooth game and looked like he loved playing the uptempo game. Has a very nice mid range jump shot.
Jake Showalter 6'3 junior Germantown- This kid just loves shooting at state and he really bombs away from the outside. If he's open shot is going to go down.
Nate Tanguay 6'4 senior Mukwonago- Does alittle bit of everything. Scores in the post, rebounds, shoots the three, and helped bring the ball up the court against the pressure defenses.
I would say that it was a so so state tournament this year and I'm already looking towards next year to pick who the top teams will be and who will be able to make the trip back to Madison and repeat. Germantown maybe a three peat? Well I will leave that for my next post.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
State Predictions
Well tomorrow is the start of the final four state tournament so I figured that I would make my predictions now that we finally know the teams that are at state. Even though I will only be watching the state games on TV it still feels like Christmas Eve to me and this years tournament is full of stars which is great to see.
Division Five
Green Bay NEW Lutheran over Drummond
Randolph over Elmwood
Green Bay NEW Lutheran over Randolph
Even though Drummond battled GBNL very tough during the regular season I still think that Lutheran wins again here and facing a much tougher regular season. I know nothing about Elmwood but, Randolph is Randolph and they are of course battle tested and should be able to beat Elmwood. In the final I have NEW Lutheran because this Randolph team just isn't the teams of old and they don't have a go to scorer and can't get behind.
Division Four
Dominican over Cuba City
Aburndale over Amherst
Dominican over Aburndale
I really don't see anyone beating Dominican here. They have way too much talent for anyone else in the field and no one has the size to stay with Diamond Stone. Aburndale should get to the title game being that they have been battled tested, have the coach, and just looking at Amherst roster, schedule, and stats see Aburndale winning.
Division Three
Little Chute over Aquinas
East Troy over Lodi
Little Chute over East Troy
This is easily the most anticipated division with the most high level individual players. I'm taking Little Chute over Aquinas because of the size and athleticism of Kenneth Lowe and Turner Botz on the inside and outside. Bronson Koenig will have the huge game but, it'll be Little Chute with the W. On the other side I just don't see Lodi matching up with the size and talent of East Troy but, I could be wrong as Lodi beat East Troy last year to go to state. In the final Little Chute should win going a way but, should be a great battle of big men.
Division Two
Onalaska over Pulaski
Wisconsin Lutheran over Stoughton
Wisconsin Lutheran over Onalaska
Should be the Matt Thomas show which should be enough to lift Onalaska over Pulaski but, I'm interested to see Cody Wichman play who I have never seen play. In the other game Wisco should roll using their depth and speed to run away. Thomas won't have enough help around him in the final and Wisco will get the W but, it was a very tough pick for me.
Division One
Germantown over Oshkosh North
Milwaukee King over Mukwonago
Germantown over Milwaukee King
Last year North didn't have the guards to battle King and this year they won't have the bigs to battle Gtown. Just like North last year Muk doesn't have the guards to handle King. In a rematch of last years final Germantown should defeat King and once again the size will be the difference.
Really should be a great year once again with some tremendous individual talents at state. There are at last 11 D1 college athletes playing and an additional handful that could play at that level as well. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight.
Division Five
Green Bay NEW Lutheran over Drummond
Randolph over Elmwood
Green Bay NEW Lutheran over Randolph
Even though Drummond battled GBNL very tough during the regular season I still think that Lutheran wins again here and facing a much tougher regular season. I know nothing about Elmwood but, Randolph is Randolph and they are of course battle tested and should be able to beat Elmwood. In the final I have NEW Lutheran because this Randolph team just isn't the teams of old and they don't have a go to scorer and can't get behind.
Division Four
Dominican over Cuba City
Aburndale over Amherst
Dominican over Aburndale
I really don't see anyone beating Dominican here. They have way too much talent for anyone else in the field and no one has the size to stay with Diamond Stone. Aburndale should get to the title game being that they have been battled tested, have the coach, and just looking at Amherst roster, schedule, and stats see Aburndale winning.
Division Three
Little Chute over Aquinas
East Troy over Lodi
Little Chute over East Troy
This is easily the most anticipated division with the most high level individual players. I'm taking Little Chute over Aquinas because of the size and athleticism of Kenneth Lowe and Turner Botz on the inside and outside. Bronson Koenig will have the huge game but, it'll be Little Chute with the W. On the other side I just don't see Lodi matching up with the size and talent of East Troy but, I could be wrong as Lodi beat East Troy last year to go to state. In the final Little Chute should win going a way but, should be a great battle of big men.
Division Two
Onalaska over Pulaski
Wisconsin Lutheran over Stoughton
Wisconsin Lutheran over Onalaska
Should be the Matt Thomas show which should be enough to lift Onalaska over Pulaski but, I'm interested to see Cody Wichman play who I have never seen play. In the other game Wisco should roll using their depth and speed to run away. Thomas won't have enough help around him in the final and Wisco will get the W but, it was a very tough pick for me.
Division One
Germantown over Oshkosh North
Milwaukee King over Mukwonago
Germantown over Milwaukee King
Last year North didn't have the guards to battle King and this year they won't have the bigs to battle Gtown. Just like North last year Muk doesn't have the guards to handle King. In a rematch of last years final Germantown should defeat King and once again the size will be the difference.
Really should be a great year once again with some tremendous individual talents at state. There are at last 11 D1 college athletes playing and an additional handful that could play at that level as well. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Wisconsin Dells Season Ends
It has been a little while since I have been able to post but, I have been busy going to games and just haven't had the chance. This past weekend the final four state teams were set and unfortunately for the Wisconsin Dells Chiefs they weren't one of them. I have heard how good this senior class was and that they would win state for the past six years since they were in 7th grade. It was kind of a yea right until I saw these kids playing as sophomores and even more when they were juniors. All year Dells was one of the top teams in the state in D3 and spent much of the year ranked #1. End of the year the Dell just seemed to be complacent and didn't seem like the team I saw early on. All year they had shared the ball and showed some great ball movement but, since the second half of the East Troy game (at least from what I saw) there was just too much one on one play and the ball seemed to stick at times. This was very evident in the Chiefs final two games of the year.
On Thursday the Chiefs defeated Prairie du Chien but, they game wasn't pretty to say the least. Early on Dells seemed a little slow in getting out to the PDC three point shooters and the PDC shooters were knocking down the three point shot. Prairie got physical with the Dells lone big man Shane Wimann and Wimann didn't seem to like the physical play which caused him to miss some bunnies and force a few too many shots. The forcing a shots was partially because the only players really looking for their shot was Wimann and fellow star MJ Delmore. Prairie got the lead to 11 at one point and if not for a tremendous three point barrage by Delmore in the second quarter this could of been a very different outcome. Dells went on a 16-0 run to take the lead behind four Delmore threes to take the second half lead. In the second half Dells was very confident to hold the ball and just let the clock run down and hang on to a eight point lead which was mostly due to free throws late.
Against Lodi the game started much the same with Lodi knocking down all their outside shots but, this time there was no Delmore three point shooting to bail them out. Delmore never really got things going in this game and was even struggling from the free throw line where he had shot over 90 % this year. Early one Colyn Buss was hitting the three to keep the Chiefs somewhat close and in the second half he just wasn't getting his looks from three point range. Once again Wimann and Delmore were forced to take the majority of the shots. This game Lodi was just on fire and it didn't matter what the Chiefs did when they had the ball they weren't gonna be able to come back. The length and size of Lodi just bothered them too much and Lodi was able to get the ball in the middle of the Dells zone and find their team mate going baseline for easy baskets. Dells got close in the fourth quarter when Mike Dickman started getting some shots off, scoring all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter but, it was just alittle too late. Now I will just be able to set back and watch some great basketball for the three days of state which actually makes the games a little more enjoyable.
On Thursday the Chiefs defeated Prairie du Chien but, they game wasn't pretty to say the least. Early on Dells seemed a little slow in getting out to the PDC three point shooters and the PDC shooters were knocking down the three point shot. Prairie got physical with the Dells lone big man Shane Wimann and Wimann didn't seem to like the physical play which caused him to miss some bunnies and force a few too many shots. The forcing a shots was partially because the only players really looking for their shot was Wimann and fellow star MJ Delmore. Prairie got the lead to 11 at one point and if not for a tremendous three point barrage by Delmore in the second quarter this could of been a very different outcome. Dells went on a 16-0 run to take the lead behind four Delmore threes to take the second half lead. In the second half Dells was very confident to hold the ball and just let the clock run down and hang on to a eight point lead which was mostly due to free throws late.
Against Lodi the game started much the same with Lodi knocking down all their outside shots but, this time there was no Delmore three point shooting to bail them out. Delmore never really got things going in this game and was even struggling from the free throw line where he had shot over 90 % this year. Early one Colyn Buss was hitting the three to keep the Chiefs somewhat close and in the second half he just wasn't getting his looks from three point range. Once again Wimann and Delmore were forced to take the majority of the shots. This game Lodi was just on fire and it didn't matter what the Chiefs did when they had the ball they weren't gonna be able to come back. The length and size of Lodi just bothered them too much and Lodi was able to get the ball in the middle of the Dells zone and find their team mate going baseline for easy baskets. Dells got close in the fourth quarter when Mike Dickman started getting some shots off, scoring all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter but, it was just alittle too late. Now I will just be able to set back and watch some great basketball for the three days of state which actually makes the games a little more enjoyable.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Madison Memorial wins Regional
It has to be good to be the Madison Memorial basketball team. They have been to state nine straight years and things just keep falling into place for them to make it a tenth time. This years team isn't nearly as strong as last years team but, their sectional as a whole isn't really that strong either. Their two top teams standing in their way were Sun Prairie and Mukwonago. Sun Prairie who beat Memorial once this year ended up getting upset last night to Middleton who Memorial has defeated twice this year already and then will more then likely meet Mukwonago in Sun Prairie which will give Memorial somewhat of a home court advantage.
Madison Memorial 87 Madison East 54
This game was just flat out Memorials size and pressing that one them this game. East is a very undersized team and with Memorial's size they were able to dominate on the glass getting second and third opportunities. I'm not sure if it's because Memorial had the size advantage of they were looking to feature there junior big man but, Memorial really looked to force feed Tyler Lindquist in the post and Lindquist was able to get position and score at will. In the second half they didn't look inside as much but, there was no need to as the were able to force turnovers over and over and get easy buckets on the other end. Memorial really looked to push the tempo whether it was on the turnovers or rebounds. In the third quarter Memorial was able to push their lead from seven to 27 by, pushing that tempo.
Top Players
Jester Weah 6'4 senior Madison Memorial- Really showed his whole package of athleticism. Hitting the midrange jumper, running the court, and putting back offensive rebounds.
Tyler Lindquist 6'6 junior Madison Memorial- As always really battled on the glass on both ends of the court and really showed the ability to score in the post when his team mates went to him.
Madison Memorial 59 Madison Lafollette 56
Unlike the previous night this game was a real struggle for Memorial throughout. This game was fast passed early on but, Lafollette was able to slow the pace and look inside to Nygel Drury who was able to score over the Memorial big man who were strapped with foul trouble early. Also the strong play of sophomore point guard, Darold Thomas, against the Memorial pressure allowed them to keep this game close throughout. Memorial wasn't hitting anything but, they were able to grab offensive rebounds and get put backs and score but, not nearly as easy as things were against East in the previous night. In the second half Memorial upped the pressure defense a notch and forced Lafollette into numerous turnovers even before they got the ball past half court. With the Memorial big man hindered with foul trouble it was Memorials little guards Shareef Smith and Julian Walters who had huge second halfs. Smith more then Walters but, they able to penetrate with no fear and finish with a variety of moves over larger defenders. Memorial was up by eight in the third quarter as they game got to a frenzied pace which really favored Memorial but, the defense and patience of Lafollette allowed themselves to claw back into the game. Throughout most of the game Memorial actually hit their free throws but, some missed free throws late allowed Lafollette a shot late they was taken just after the buzzer to tie it up. The shot did go down but, it was clearly after the buzzer.
Top Players
Shareef Smith 5'10 sophomore Memorial- With no one really taking over on the offensive end for Memorial Smith stepped up in the second half and was able to score over and around much bigger defenders. Was also very clutch from the free throw line throughout the entire game.
Jester Weah 6'4 senior Memorial- Just his normal self doing all the dirty work rebounding and running the court.
Nygel Drury 6'5 senior Lafollette- Took advantage of Memorial's foul trouble and score at will on the inside.
Even with Sun Prairie losing Memorial still isn't a lock to make state. Middleton missed a three point shot late that would of allowed them to beat Memorial and then they have Mukwonago awaiting them in the game to go to state.
Madison Memorial 87 Madison East 54
This game was just flat out Memorials size and pressing that one them this game. East is a very undersized team and with Memorial's size they were able to dominate on the glass getting second and third opportunities. I'm not sure if it's because Memorial had the size advantage of they were looking to feature there junior big man but, Memorial really looked to force feed Tyler Lindquist in the post and Lindquist was able to get position and score at will. In the second half they didn't look inside as much but, there was no need to as the were able to force turnovers over and over and get easy buckets on the other end. Memorial really looked to push the tempo whether it was on the turnovers or rebounds. In the third quarter Memorial was able to push their lead from seven to 27 by, pushing that tempo.
Top Players
Jester Weah 6'4 senior Madison Memorial- Really showed his whole package of athleticism. Hitting the midrange jumper, running the court, and putting back offensive rebounds.
Tyler Lindquist 6'6 junior Madison Memorial- As always really battled on the glass on both ends of the court and really showed the ability to score in the post when his team mates went to him.
Madison Memorial 59 Madison Lafollette 56
Unlike the previous night this game was a real struggle for Memorial throughout. This game was fast passed early on but, Lafollette was able to slow the pace and look inside to Nygel Drury who was able to score over the Memorial big man who were strapped with foul trouble early. Also the strong play of sophomore point guard, Darold Thomas, against the Memorial pressure allowed them to keep this game close throughout. Memorial wasn't hitting anything but, they were able to grab offensive rebounds and get put backs and score but, not nearly as easy as things were against East in the previous night. In the second half Memorial upped the pressure defense a notch and forced Lafollette into numerous turnovers even before they got the ball past half court. With the Memorial big man hindered with foul trouble it was Memorials little guards Shareef Smith and Julian Walters who had huge second halfs. Smith more then Walters but, they able to penetrate with no fear and finish with a variety of moves over larger defenders. Memorial was up by eight in the third quarter as they game got to a frenzied pace which really favored Memorial but, the defense and patience of Lafollette allowed themselves to claw back into the game. Throughout most of the game Memorial actually hit their free throws but, some missed free throws late allowed Lafollette a shot late they was taken just after the buzzer to tie it up. The shot did go down but, it was clearly after the buzzer.
Top Players
Shareef Smith 5'10 sophomore Memorial- With no one really taking over on the offensive end for Memorial Smith stepped up in the second half and was able to score over and around much bigger defenders. Was also very clutch from the free throw line throughout the entire game.
Jester Weah 6'4 senior Memorial- Just his normal self doing all the dirty work rebounding and running the court.
Nygel Drury 6'5 senior Lafollette- Took advantage of Memorial's foul trouble and score at will on the inside.
Even with Sun Prairie losing Memorial still isn't a lock to make state. Middleton missed a three point shot late that would of allowed them to beat Memorial and then they have Mukwonago awaiting them in the game to go to state.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Portage over Madison Edgewood
As I suspected I didn't do any more tournament predictions so glad I did the two I did as they are the two big ones to watch for. Tournaments have started now and on a night when there really isn't much for games I decided to take in the local game in the town where I work and watch Portage played Madison Edgewood. I knew with Edgewood you would always get a team that played with a ton of heart, hustle, and very disciplined. The heart and hustle were there but, not always the discipline. Unlike the Edgewood teams of the past they really didn't work the ball as much and took the first shot that was there.
Portage really came out firing early on and seemed to be riding the energy of playing at home in a playoff game. Ian Taylor came out firing hitting three first half three point shots and was the steadying influence throughout the game. Watching the game it felt like Portage was just running away with the game but, when you looked at the scoreboard Edgewood was always within striking distance. Portage did finally get some room late in the first half as Edgewood turned the ball over a few times which allowed Portage to build a nine point half time lead. In the second half Edgewood got their outside shooting going as they were led by Nicholas Wiese who came off the bench in the first half but, started the second half and he was huge for Edgewood. Everytime Wiese was able to get his feet set he was able to knock down the outside shot. In the fourth quarter Portage started turning the ball over and with the hot shooting of Edgewood and Wiese it was a three point game with 56 seconds left in the game. Edgewood showed some lack of discipline as they came down and took the very first shot they saw which was a miss. Portage hit their free throws late to seal the game and sneak away with a win.
Top Players
Ian Taylor 6'1 senior Portage- Really was a steadying influence on the game running the point and was really hitting the threes from the outside.
Daniel Beck 6'3 senior Portage- Was very strong with the ball in the post and showed a great leaping ability in rebounding and blocking shots.
Nicholas Wiese 6'2 senior Edgewood- If he was given the open shot from the outside the shot was going to fall.
Jeffrey Zellner 5'10 junior Edgewood- Really liked this kid as a point guard. Handles the ball well, really looks to distribute to team mates, can hit the outside shot, or take the ball strong to the rim.
Box Score
Portage 63- Taylor 22 Beck 14 Jordan Walker 12 Stian Anderson 10 Matt Bate 5 Mitchell Gray 2 Brock Holmes 0 Taylor Krocker 0 Sam Harkins 0
Edgewood 55- Wiese 16 Zellner 11 Connor McGinnis 11 Paul Mutch 8 Samuel Wolfe 4 Alexander Wendler 3 SamuelSchemmel 2 Daniel Miller 0
Round one is done and we have only four rounds to go until we reach state. I know this write up wasn't the greatest but, this wasn't a huge game and I just couldn't get myself into it.
Portage really came out firing early on and seemed to be riding the energy of playing at home in a playoff game. Ian Taylor came out firing hitting three first half three point shots and was the steadying influence throughout the game. Watching the game it felt like Portage was just running away with the game but, when you looked at the scoreboard Edgewood was always within striking distance. Portage did finally get some room late in the first half as Edgewood turned the ball over a few times which allowed Portage to build a nine point half time lead. In the second half Edgewood got their outside shooting going as they were led by Nicholas Wiese who came off the bench in the first half but, started the second half and he was huge for Edgewood. Everytime Wiese was able to get his feet set he was able to knock down the outside shot. In the fourth quarter Portage started turning the ball over and with the hot shooting of Edgewood and Wiese it was a three point game with 56 seconds left in the game. Edgewood showed some lack of discipline as they came down and took the very first shot they saw which was a miss. Portage hit their free throws late to seal the game and sneak away with a win.
Top Players
Ian Taylor 6'1 senior Portage- Really was a steadying influence on the game running the point and was really hitting the threes from the outside.
Daniel Beck 6'3 senior Portage- Was very strong with the ball in the post and showed a great leaping ability in rebounding and blocking shots.
Nicholas Wiese 6'2 senior Edgewood- If he was given the open shot from the outside the shot was going to fall.
Jeffrey Zellner 5'10 junior Edgewood- Really liked this kid as a point guard. Handles the ball well, really looks to distribute to team mates, can hit the outside shot, or take the ball strong to the rim.
Box Score
Portage 63- Taylor 22 Beck 14 Jordan Walker 12 Stian Anderson 10 Matt Bate 5 Mitchell Gray 2 Brock Holmes 0 Taylor Krocker 0 Sam Harkins 0
Edgewood 55- Wiese 16 Zellner 11 Connor McGinnis 11 Paul Mutch 8 Samuel Wolfe 4 Alexander Wendler 3 SamuelSchemmel 2 Daniel Miller 0
Round one is done and we have only four rounds to go until we reach state. I know this write up wasn't the greatest but, this wasn't a huge game and I just couldn't get myself into it.
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