I decided to just look at my final four for each division as I honestly don't follow the smaller divisions real closely and don't feel that I would really do them justice. Also I've kind of ran out of time as games start tomorrow.
Division Four
Whitefish Bay Dominican over Eau Claire Regis
Mineral Point over Marathon
Championship
Whitefish Bay Dominican over Mineral Point
Probably the easiest pick of any of the divisions. Dominican has the been the favorite all year and may be in the top five of the entire state. Went with the three undefeated teams for the rest of the field. Dominican's big hurdle will be Racine St Cats who actually beat them two weeks ago. I don't really see anyone for Regis maybe Fall Creek but, Regis is very familiar with them. Mineral Point's toughest competition comes within their conference with Cuba City and Darlington who they handled pretty well this year. Marathon is probably my biggest questions because I just don't know much about who they've played. Brillion, Amherst, and Iola Scandenavia would be their biggest challenge in sectionals.
Division Five
Randolph over New Auburn
Wausaukee over Eleva Strum
Wausaukee over Randolph
Not sure if I just have no idea of D5 or if it's just that wide open. I have Randolph in the title game and when I saw them this year I wasn't that impressed. I know nothing about the far northwest so went with New Auburn because they had the best record, Fredric was my second pick. Took Randolph but, not comfortable with it. Sheboygan Lutheran or Central Wisconsin Christian could beat them. Young Coggs Prep is there but, no nothing about them and haven't played much competition this year and when they have they've played much bigger schools. Wausaukee was just the team that seemed to be at the top of a lot of teams list so figured I'd go with them. Port Edwards was a big thought there too and Wausau Newman has beaten some good teams. Went with Eleva Strum because their toughest competition comes from the Scenic Bluffs and I've never thought much of the Scenic Bluffs so I held that against Bangor and Hillsboro.
There are my final thoughts and as you can tell don't have a lot of first hand knowledge of these teams. The only D5 team I saw I didn't like and I picked them to get to the state title game. In D4 Regis and Dominican are the two best teams and no one can stop Dominican's Diamond Stone.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Week 13 Rankings
Final week of the regular season is in the books and here are my final rankings. Not a ton of movement because most teams only played one game. I may very well continue my weekly rankings through the playoffs just for fun but, for the most part the tournament is going to play out who the top teams are though. One thing to factor in though is how many times do you see a team with five to seven losses actually make a title game, usually in the smaller divisions and theirs actual been a couple .500 teams I believe.
Division One
Racine Case lost to Kenosha Indian Trail and that was the only team that lost in my top 15 and they drop to 13 behind Indian Trail. I also reasserts my original rankings decided to drop Superior below Horlick and Madison Memorial.
1. Stevens Point
2. Milwaukee King
3. Germantown
4. Muskego
5. Kimberly
6. De Pere
7. Milwaukee Riverside
8. Neenah
9. Racine Horlick
10. Madison Memorial
11. Superior
12. Kenosha Indian Trail
13. Racine Case
14. Milwaukee Marquette
15. Sheboygan North
Division Two
Kaukauna lost to Neenah and finally were bumped from the top spot and fall to #2. Luxemburg Casco dropped a game to Seymour and Port Washington lost a tough game to Germantown dropping them to nine and ten. Sauk Prairie lost to Mount Horeb falling a couple spots to 13.
1. Seymour
2. Kaukauna
3. Milwaukee Pius
4. Rice Lake
5. Stoughton
6. Milwaukee Washington
7. Mount Horeb
8. Mcfarland
9. Luxemburg Casco
10. Port Washington
11. Wisconsin Lutheran
12. Beaver Dam
13. Sauk Prairie
14. La Crosse Central
15. West De Pere
Division Three
Kettle Moraine Lutheran lost to St Marys Springs and drop a spot to three. Arcadia lost to Fall Creek and fall all the way to 11 with therer being some teams with very good records just below them. Marshall lost to Columbus and drop for the second week down to 14.
1. Prescott
2. GET
3. Kettle Moraine Lutheran
4. Laconia
5. Brookfield Academy
6. Appleton Xavier
7. Ripon
8. Freedom
9. Brown Deer
10. Poynette
11. Arcadia
12. Roncalli
13. Southern Door
14. Marshall
15. Waupun
Division Four
St Cats lost to Racine Horlick a toop D1 team and fall a spot to six. Darlington lost to Cuba City and Brillion lost to Roncalli bringing them in at nine and ten. Markesan lost to Lourdes and fall to 13. Phillips lost to Hayward and Marathon and Spencer lost to Columbus Catholic and Eau Claire Regis knocking both from the rankings. Wabeno/Laona is new to the rankings because I just figured out that they are actually D4 not D5. Ozaukee is the new team to the rankings.
1. Eau Claire Regis
2. Mineral Point
3. Marathon
4. Whitefish Bay Dominican
5. Oshkosh Lourdes
6. Racine St Catherines
7. Unity
8. Fall Creek
9. Darlington
10. Brillion
11. Amherst
12. Wabeno/Laona
13. Markesan
14. Iola Scandenavia
15. Ozaukee
Division Five
Wabeno/Laona moved to D4. Randolph lost to Markesan and drop down to 10. Seneca lost to Kickapoo falling to 11. Central Wisconsin Christian lost to Randolph and fall out of the rankings. Two new teams are Hillsboro and Hustisford.
1. Wausaukee
2. Bangor
3. Port Edwards
4. Cameron
5. Shullsburg
6. Fredric
7. Washburn
8. Gresham
9. New Auburn
10. Randolph
11. Seneca
12. Gilmanton
13. Eleva Strum
14. Hillsboro
15. Hustisford
Division One
Racine Case lost to Kenosha Indian Trail and that was the only team that lost in my top 15 and they drop to 13 behind Indian Trail. I also reasserts my original rankings decided to drop Superior below Horlick and Madison Memorial.
1. Stevens Point
2. Milwaukee King
3. Germantown
4. Muskego
5. Kimberly
6. De Pere
7. Milwaukee Riverside
8. Neenah
9. Racine Horlick
10. Madison Memorial
11. Superior
12. Kenosha Indian Trail
13. Racine Case
14. Milwaukee Marquette
15. Sheboygan North
Division Two
Kaukauna lost to Neenah and finally were bumped from the top spot and fall to #2. Luxemburg Casco dropped a game to Seymour and Port Washington lost a tough game to Germantown dropping them to nine and ten. Sauk Prairie lost to Mount Horeb falling a couple spots to 13.
1. Seymour
2. Kaukauna
3. Milwaukee Pius
4. Rice Lake
5. Stoughton
6. Milwaukee Washington
7. Mount Horeb
8. Mcfarland
9. Luxemburg Casco
10. Port Washington
11. Wisconsin Lutheran
12. Beaver Dam
13. Sauk Prairie
14. La Crosse Central
15. West De Pere
Division Three
Kettle Moraine Lutheran lost to St Marys Springs and drop a spot to three. Arcadia lost to Fall Creek and fall all the way to 11 with therer being some teams with very good records just below them. Marshall lost to Columbus and drop for the second week down to 14.
1. Prescott
2. GET
3. Kettle Moraine Lutheran
4. Laconia
5. Brookfield Academy
6. Appleton Xavier
7. Ripon
8. Freedom
9. Brown Deer
10. Poynette
11. Arcadia
12. Roncalli
13. Southern Door
14. Marshall
15. Waupun
Division Four
St Cats lost to Racine Horlick a toop D1 team and fall a spot to six. Darlington lost to Cuba City and Brillion lost to Roncalli bringing them in at nine and ten. Markesan lost to Lourdes and fall to 13. Phillips lost to Hayward and Marathon and Spencer lost to Columbus Catholic and Eau Claire Regis knocking both from the rankings. Wabeno/Laona is new to the rankings because I just figured out that they are actually D4 not D5. Ozaukee is the new team to the rankings.
1. Eau Claire Regis
2. Mineral Point
3. Marathon
4. Whitefish Bay Dominican
5. Oshkosh Lourdes
6. Racine St Catherines
7. Unity
8. Fall Creek
9. Darlington
10. Brillion
11. Amherst
12. Wabeno/Laona
13. Markesan
14. Iola Scandenavia
15. Ozaukee
Division Five
Wabeno/Laona moved to D4. Randolph lost to Markesan and drop down to 10. Seneca lost to Kickapoo falling to 11. Central Wisconsin Christian lost to Randolph and fall out of the rankings. Two new teams are Hillsboro and Hustisford.
1. Wausaukee
2. Bangor
3. Port Edwards
4. Cameron
5. Shullsburg
6. Fredric
7. Washburn
8. Gresham
9. New Auburn
10. Randolph
11. Seneca
12. Gilmanton
13. Eleva Strum
14. Hillsboro
15. Hustisford
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Division Three State Predictions
Division three is another division that doesn't have a clear cut favorite and there is nearly 10 different teams that could be legitimate state champions. Prescott and Kettle Moraine Lutheran are the top teams record wise but, doesn't seem that there is many people picking either of these two to win state. Here are my thoughts...
Sectional One Eau Claire North
Favorite
GET
This is a tough one because both Prescott and Arcadia have beaten GET this year but, I think GET has the better overall talent and has played stiffer competition all year long.
Contenders
Arcadia, Prescott
As I stated both these teams have beaten GET this year so obviously would be no shocker if either one of these teams won in the playoffs.
Long Shots
Northwestern, Hayward, West Salem
Northwestern and Hayward both have very good records but, their competition is always in question. West Salem was predicted to do be things prior to the start of the year and they have Bailey Williams who could go off for a big night at anytime.
Section Four Whitefish Bay
Favorite
Brown Deer
I really wavered on this one as this is by far the best sectional of the four. Do you go with the defending champs or do you got with the best record Kettle Moraine Lutheran? Haven't seen Brown Deer this year but, people that have seen them have been very impressed and they are people that know there stuff.
Contenders
Poynette, Waupun, Watertown Luther Prep, Ripon, Laconia, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Brookfield Academy
Poynette has only lost two games and seem to be playing their best basketball of the year right now. Waupun has played some very tough competition all year long and Mason Domask can get 40 points on any given night. Luther Prep started the year off 11-0 before falling a part a bit late in the season. Ripon has been near the top all year but, have to worry that their missing one of their top scorers in Bennett Vander Plas. Laconia has a strong tradition and have only lost three games this year. KML is the top team ranking wise and have only lost one game and they have Ethan Bublitz. Brookfield Academy is another team with a great record but, have to question their competition this year.
Long Shots
Milwaukee North, Columbus
North may be a one seed but, in the weakest region in the state. They can put up big offensive numbers but, can they stop anyone? I still think Columbus has some real talent but, just haven't been able to put it together all year.
Sectional Two Menasha
Favorite
Xavier
So many of the teams in sectional four just missed out playing in this sectional which is unfortunate because I think all the contenders in four could win two. Xavier is really the only team that sticks out to me.
Contenders
Freedom, Southern Door, Roncalli, Valders
Freedom has had a great record but, dropped a few big games late in the year. I know nothing about Southern Door but, they have a great record. Roncalli is Roncalli winning their conference and having a great coach. Valders split the conference title with Roncalli so that tells you all you need to know.
Long Shots
Peshtigo
Really isn't much year but, Peshtigo is a team that plays smaller schools all year long have good records and come playoff time can't get it done.
Sectional Three Middleton
Favorite
Marshall
Think they have the best player in the sectional in Adam Link and probably are the most battle tested team as well.
Contenders
Dodgeville, River Valley, Lake Mills, Beloit Turner, East Troy
Don't know a thing about Dodgeville but, Mark Miller picked them to win the sectional so they have that. River Valley did have a very good record but, things kind of feel apart late in the year. Lake Mills same issue with great start and then dropped off. Beloit Turner hasn't been real impressive but, they've beaten some very good teams late in the year. East Troy has a pretty strong tradition and a good coach which should help them.
Long Shots
Lodi
State runner ups a year ago aren't even .500 but, have been playing some good basketball as of late and being that their in a weak division really only need to beat one or two good teams to get to state.
State
Brown Deer over GET
Brown Deer will be way too quick for GET and their 1-3-1 defense.
Marshall over Xavier
Flip of the coin here and no nothing about Xavier.
Brown Deer over Marshall
Lorenzo Byers will repeat as title game MVP.
Sectional One Eau Claire North
Favorite
GET
This is a tough one because both Prescott and Arcadia have beaten GET this year but, I think GET has the better overall talent and has played stiffer competition all year long.
Contenders
Arcadia, Prescott
As I stated both these teams have beaten GET this year so obviously would be no shocker if either one of these teams won in the playoffs.
Long Shots
Northwestern, Hayward, West Salem
Northwestern and Hayward both have very good records but, their competition is always in question. West Salem was predicted to do be things prior to the start of the year and they have Bailey Williams who could go off for a big night at anytime.
Section Four Whitefish Bay
Favorite
Brown Deer
I really wavered on this one as this is by far the best sectional of the four. Do you go with the defending champs or do you got with the best record Kettle Moraine Lutheran? Haven't seen Brown Deer this year but, people that have seen them have been very impressed and they are people that know there stuff.
Contenders
Poynette, Waupun, Watertown Luther Prep, Ripon, Laconia, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Brookfield Academy
Poynette has only lost two games and seem to be playing their best basketball of the year right now. Waupun has played some very tough competition all year long and Mason Domask can get 40 points on any given night. Luther Prep started the year off 11-0 before falling a part a bit late in the season. Ripon has been near the top all year but, have to worry that their missing one of their top scorers in Bennett Vander Plas. Laconia has a strong tradition and have only lost three games this year. KML is the top team ranking wise and have only lost one game and they have Ethan Bublitz. Brookfield Academy is another team with a great record but, have to question their competition this year.
Long Shots
Milwaukee North, Columbus
North may be a one seed but, in the weakest region in the state. They can put up big offensive numbers but, can they stop anyone? I still think Columbus has some real talent but, just haven't been able to put it together all year.
Sectional Two Menasha
Favorite
Xavier
So many of the teams in sectional four just missed out playing in this sectional which is unfortunate because I think all the contenders in four could win two. Xavier is really the only team that sticks out to me.
Contenders
Freedom, Southern Door, Roncalli, Valders
Freedom has had a great record but, dropped a few big games late in the year. I know nothing about Southern Door but, they have a great record. Roncalli is Roncalli winning their conference and having a great coach. Valders split the conference title with Roncalli so that tells you all you need to know.
Long Shots
Peshtigo
Really isn't much year but, Peshtigo is a team that plays smaller schools all year long have good records and come playoff time can't get it done.
Sectional Three Middleton
Favorite
Marshall
Think they have the best player in the sectional in Adam Link and probably are the most battle tested team as well.
Contenders
Dodgeville, River Valley, Lake Mills, Beloit Turner, East Troy
Don't know a thing about Dodgeville but, Mark Miller picked them to win the sectional so they have that. River Valley did have a very good record but, things kind of feel apart late in the year. Lake Mills same issue with great start and then dropped off. Beloit Turner hasn't been real impressive but, they've beaten some very good teams late in the year. East Troy has a pretty strong tradition and a good coach which should help them.
Long Shots
Lodi
State runner ups a year ago aren't even .500 but, have been playing some good basketball as of late and being that their in a weak division really only need to beat one or two good teams to get to state.
State
Brown Deer over GET
Brown Deer will be way too quick for GET and their 1-3-1 defense.
Marshall over Xavier
Flip of the coin here and no nothing about Xavier.
Brown Deer over Marshall
Lorenzo Byers will repeat as title game MVP.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Madison Memorial clinches 12th Conference Title
Yes Memorial had clinched the title already but, they win last night allowed them to clinch the out right title which makes 12 straight years with at least a share of a conference title. Think they may of shared it one year? Anyway this game was a chance for me to see how Memorial is playing heading into the playoffs and see Verona play for the first time this year.
Honestly didn't know much about Verona other then their leading scorer was 6'5 junior Cole Schmitz and remembered 6'4 senior Will Kellerman as one of their better players as well. This was senior night so I'm not really sure if this was their true rotation or getting their seniors in but, of their eight seniors six were in their 10 man rotation and one of the seniors was suited up. Schmitz really didn't get a ton of minutes and he just wasn't that aggressive when he was in, like you would expect a leading scorer to be. Kellerman was pretty impressive shooting the ball and was the only player that played big minutes because Verona subs very frequently.
For Memorial they really seem to be peaking early as 5'10 senior Shareef Smith is playing out of his mind and is being very aggressive on the offensive end. 6'0 senior Koko Songolo seems to be playing a little more under control and not forcing stuff as much and 6'3 senior Henry Houden is continuing to do all the little things to hold this team together. The team as a whole just seems very comfortable with each other and then younger guys and bench players are really seeming to understand their rolls and how to play with the returners.
Early on for Memorial it was the Smith and Songolo show as they were both scoring big early on and carrying Memorial and they were both able to drive the ball to the rim. Verona though was able to hang around with a team effort as they seemed to continually get team mates open under the hoop for easy layups. Throughout the entire game Smith was hitting threes and jumper with defenders in his face all night and his quick first step was able to allow him to get those quick openings. In the second quarter Memorial was able to turn Verona over and took a 3 point lead heading into half time. Memorial extended their lead to 16 at the end of the third and this game seemed all but, over when Kellerman started going off for Verona in leading them to 34 points in the fourth quarter. Kellerman doesn't have a quick release but, he does have unlimited range so he hit a couple threes before the defender realized that they had to guard him and he just always seemed to end up wide open. A couple threes from team mates really made this game interesting. In the end Verona had to foul and Memorial just wasn't missing the free throws. Verona ended up clearing the bench a little early to get all their seniors in, in the end and Memorial won by eight.
Top Players
Shareef Smith 5'10 senior Madison Memorial- I said it all earlier. He's playing his best basketball of the year and he just wasn't missing his shots even when he had a defender in his face. Smith was just too quick for anyone on Verona.
Koko Songolo 6'0 senior Madison Memorial- Did a nice job of picking his spots to score and made the most of a few shots he took. Just a very solid player.
Henry Houden 6'3 senior Madison Memorial- Houden really can jump and is one of the best rebounders I've seen this year. He just plays so hard and didn't have the greatest offensive game but, moves very well without the ball and doesn't need to score to impact a game.
Will Kellerman 6'4 senior Verona- Mr. Three Point in this game, as he was bombing away from the three point range and was dropping them most of the night. Early on was looking for his team mates but, when that wasn't working decided to put the team on his back.
Box Score
MM- Smith 28 Songolo 19 Houden 9 Brett Tauber 8 Jake Ferguson 8 Billy Wilson 7 Travis Lindquist 2 Logan Knecht 0 Jason Weah 0 Austin Wilson 0 Ed Laird 0 Jackson Murphy 0
V- Kellerman 30 Nathaniel Buss 9 Jake Toman 9 Schmitz 7 Tyler Hallmark 6 Avery Fossum 5 Keaton Knueppel 4 Casey McClure 2 Kwam Clements 1 Maurice Richmond 0
After watching this game Memorial really seems poised to get back to state after a two year absence and Verona is a team that could upset some very good teams because they do have so much depth and can shoot the three.
Honestly didn't know much about Verona other then their leading scorer was 6'5 junior Cole Schmitz and remembered 6'4 senior Will Kellerman as one of their better players as well. This was senior night so I'm not really sure if this was their true rotation or getting their seniors in but, of their eight seniors six were in their 10 man rotation and one of the seniors was suited up. Schmitz really didn't get a ton of minutes and he just wasn't that aggressive when he was in, like you would expect a leading scorer to be. Kellerman was pretty impressive shooting the ball and was the only player that played big minutes because Verona subs very frequently.
For Memorial they really seem to be peaking early as 5'10 senior Shareef Smith is playing out of his mind and is being very aggressive on the offensive end. 6'0 senior Koko Songolo seems to be playing a little more under control and not forcing stuff as much and 6'3 senior Henry Houden is continuing to do all the little things to hold this team together. The team as a whole just seems very comfortable with each other and then younger guys and bench players are really seeming to understand their rolls and how to play with the returners.
Early on for Memorial it was the Smith and Songolo show as they were both scoring big early on and carrying Memorial and they were both able to drive the ball to the rim. Verona though was able to hang around with a team effort as they seemed to continually get team mates open under the hoop for easy layups. Throughout the entire game Smith was hitting threes and jumper with defenders in his face all night and his quick first step was able to allow him to get those quick openings. In the second quarter Memorial was able to turn Verona over and took a 3 point lead heading into half time. Memorial extended their lead to 16 at the end of the third and this game seemed all but, over when Kellerman started going off for Verona in leading them to 34 points in the fourth quarter. Kellerman doesn't have a quick release but, he does have unlimited range so he hit a couple threes before the defender realized that they had to guard him and he just always seemed to end up wide open. A couple threes from team mates really made this game interesting. In the end Verona had to foul and Memorial just wasn't missing the free throws. Verona ended up clearing the bench a little early to get all their seniors in, in the end and Memorial won by eight.
Top Players
Shareef Smith 5'10 senior Madison Memorial- I said it all earlier. He's playing his best basketball of the year and he just wasn't missing his shots even when he had a defender in his face. Smith was just too quick for anyone on Verona.
Koko Songolo 6'0 senior Madison Memorial- Did a nice job of picking his spots to score and made the most of a few shots he took. Just a very solid player.
Henry Houden 6'3 senior Madison Memorial- Houden really can jump and is one of the best rebounders I've seen this year. He just plays so hard and didn't have the greatest offensive game but, moves very well without the ball and doesn't need to score to impact a game.
Will Kellerman 6'4 senior Verona- Mr. Three Point in this game, as he was bombing away from the three point range and was dropping them most of the night. Early on was looking for his team mates but, when that wasn't working decided to put the team on his back.
Box Score
MM- Smith 28 Songolo 19 Houden 9 Brett Tauber 8 Jake Ferguson 8 Billy Wilson 7 Travis Lindquist 2 Logan Knecht 0 Jason Weah 0 Austin Wilson 0 Ed Laird 0 Jackson Murphy 0
V- Kellerman 30 Nathaniel Buss 9 Jake Toman 9 Schmitz 7 Tyler Hallmark 6 Avery Fossum 5 Keaton Knueppel 4 Casey McClure 2 Kwam Clements 1 Maurice Richmond 0
After watching this game Memorial really seems poised to get back to state after a two year absence and Verona is a team that could upset some very good teams because they do have so much depth and can shoot the three.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Division Two State Predictions
Division two is probably the most up in the air division. This can be seen in the rankings where every team in my top 15 have at least two losses and a good portion of them have at least five losses. Some of the notable top teams of the past of struggled a bit example Wisconsin Lutheran. All year Kaukauna seems to be the team to beat but, in the past couple weeks they've lost two games. For my third column I'm going to go with Long Shots rather then Sleepers because these teams really aren't sleepers because sleepers are team seeded lower then four, at least in my mind.
Sectional One Marshfield
Favorite
Rice Lake
Henry Ellenson is in the top two players in the state and theres no one in D2 that can match up to Ellsenson. This also might be the weakest sectional so Rice Lake should be the easy favorite.
Contenders
Menomonie, Shawano
Menomonie has had a great year and has a great record and have battled Rice Lake twice already. Shawano comes from a very tough conference full of some of the elite D2 teams and should be prepared to play anyone.
Long Shots
La Crosse Central, Holmen, Onalaska
I really really liked Central when I saw them and I thought they could challenge Rice Lake and throw in Holmen and Onalaska who beat Central out in conference.
Sectional Four Brown Deer
Favorite
Milwaukee Washington
This was a tough one for me. I thought Pius all year to go to state with Levi Bradley leading the way for them but, Washington has really been playing great as of recent. Seems like every year I have Washington picked to go to state and they drop the ball in the regional somewhere. Washington plays in one of the toughest conferences in state and took second amongst mostly D1 schools.
Contenders
Milwaukee Pius, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin Lutheran, Pewaukee
This sectional is loaded with teams that could make it to state. 6'7 Levi Bradley is probably the best player in the sectional but, just don't know that Pius has the side kick to get it done. Whitefish Bay plays in a very tough D1 conference in the North Shore conference and have a pair of big time players in Miles Sighn and Isaiah Johnson. Lutheran is the defending state champion and they have 6'4 Anthony Carver back leading the way. Pewaukee just also seems to be a solid team that can play with anyone.
Long Shots
Messmer, Wauwatosa East
Messmer looked pretty good when I saw them but, seemed to have dropped the ball judging by their record. With their talent wouldn't be surprised to see them make a deep run. East has a pretty good record but, they were a team I wasn't that impressed with seeing them in person.
Sectional Two Ashwaubenon
Favorite
Kaukauna
As said earlier they would of been the odds on favorite to win state easily but, pair of losses recently put some doubt in a lot of people's minds. At this point they are at least co champs in the Fox Valley conference which has a solid argument for best conference in the state. They've beaten numerous D1 powers and Rice Lake and Wisconsin Lutheran already this year.
Contenders
Seymour, West De Pere, Luxemburg Casco, Ashwaubenon, Port Washington
Seymour has been right on Kaukauna's heels all year long and have already beaten most of the top teams in this sectional already as they play in the same conference including West De Pere and Luxemburg Casco. Both WDP and LC are battle tested playing against the likes of Seymour all year. Ash and Port both come from D1 conferences where they are facing tough competition night in and night out.
Long Shots
Beaver Dam, Pulaski, Slinger
Beaver Dam has a very good record and did beat one of the top teams in D2 Mount Horeb and have played Wisconsin Lutheran twice this year. Pulaski has become a traditional power coming out of a very good conference as well and for some reason I just feel that Slinger could cause some problems for the favorites.
Sectional Three Sun Prairie
Favorite
Stoughton
Prior to the start of the year this would of been Mount Horeb but, they've struggled at times this year and Stoughton has been consistent. 6'8 Nick McGlynn should be the difference if these two play.
Contender
Mount Horeb, Sauk Prairie, Monona Grove
A lot of people thought this would be Mount Horeb's year but, it just hasn't play out that way and like I said they've struggled at times. Sauk Prairie has had a very good season and their record shows it but, they've lost twice to Mount Horeb. MG battled Stoughton tough all year and wouldn't be surprised to see them beat them.
Long Shots
Fort Atkinson, Mcfarland, Deforest
Fort has a team with good size and can shoot the ball so wouldn't be surprised to see them make a little run. Mcfarland has a great record but, haven't heard much about them all year so they've been under the radar. Deforest just beat Mount Horeb so that puts them here in my mind.
State
Rice Lake over Milwaukee Washington
Ellenson will just be too much and may set a state record in scoring if they play.
Kaukauna over Stoughton
Kaukauna just has too many guards and is too quick for Stoughton.
Kaukauna over Rice Lake
They've played once this year already with Kaukauna coming out of top and this will be just the same.
Sectional One Marshfield
Favorite
Rice Lake
Henry Ellenson is in the top two players in the state and theres no one in D2 that can match up to Ellsenson. This also might be the weakest sectional so Rice Lake should be the easy favorite.
Contenders
Menomonie, Shawano
Menomonie has had a great year and has a great record and have battled Rice Lake twice already. Shawano comes from a very tough conference full of some of the elite D2 teams and should be prepared to play anyone.
Long Shots
La Crosse Central, Holmen, Onalaska
I really really liked Central when I saw them and I thought they could challenge Rice Lake and throw in Holmen and Onalaska who beat Central out in conference.
Sectional Four Brown Deer
Favorite
Milwaukee Washington
This was a tough one for me. I thought Pius all year to go to state with Levi Bradley leading the way for them but, Washington has really been playing great as of recent. Seems like every year I have Washington picked to go to state and they drop the ball in the regional somewhere. Washington plays in one of the toughest conferences in state and took second amongst mostly D1 schools.
Contenders
Milwaukee Pius, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin Lutheran, Pewaukee
This sectional is loaded with teams that could make it to state. 6'7 Levi Bradley is probably the best player in the sectional but, just don't know that Pius has the side kick to get it done. Whitefish Bay plays in a very tough D1 conference in the North Shore conference and have a pair of big time players in Miles Sighn and Isaiah Johnson. Lutheran is the defending state champion and they have 6'4 Anthony Carver back leading the way. Pewaukee just also seems to be a solid team that can play with anyone.
Long Shots
Messmer, Wauwatosa East
Messmer looked pretty good when I saw them but, seemed to have dropped the ball judging by their record. With their talent wouldn't be surprised to see them make a deep run. East has a pretty good record but, they were a team I wasn't that impressed with seeing them in person.
Sectional Two Ashwaubenon
Favorite
Kaukauna
As said earlier they would of been the odds on favorite to win state easily but, pair of losses recently put some doubt in a lot of people's minds. At this point they are at least co champs in the Fox Valley conference which has a solid argument for best conference in the state. They've beaten numerous D1 powers and Rice Lake and Wisconsin Lutheran already this year.
Contenders
Seymour, West De Pere, Luxemburg Casco, Ashwaubenon, Port Washington
Seymour has been right on Kaukauna's heels all year long and have already beaten most of the top teams in this sectional already as they play in the same conference including West De Pere and Luxemburg Casco. Both WDP and LC are battle tested playing against the likes of Seymour all year. Ash and Port both come from D1 conferences where they are facing tough competition night in and night out.
Long Shots
Beaver Dam, Pulaski, Slinger
Beaver Dam has a very good record and did beat one of the top teams in D2 Mount Horeb and have played Wisconsin Lutheran twice this year. Pulaski has become a traditional power coming out of a very good conference as well and for some reason I just feel that Slinger could cause some problems for the favorites.
Sectional Three Sun Prairie
Favorite
Stoughton
Prior to the start of the year this would of been Mount Horeb but, they've struggled at times this year and Stoughton has been consistent. 6'8 Nick McGlynn should be the difference if these two play.
Contender
Mount Horeb, Sauk Prairie, Monona Grove
A lot of people thought this would be Mount Horeb's year but, it just hasn't play out that way and like I said they've struggled at times. Sauk Prairie has had a very good season and their record shows it but, they've lost twice to Mount Horeb. MG battled Stoughton tough all year and wouldn't be surprised to see them beat them.
Long Shots
Fort Atkinson, Mcfarland, Deforest
Fort has a team with good size and can shoot the ball so wouldn't be surprised to see them make a little run. Mcfarland has a great record but, haven't heard much about them all year so they've been under the radar. Deforest just beat Mount Horeb so that puts them here in my mind.
State
Rice Lake over Milwaukee Washington
Ellenson will just be too much and may set a state record in scoring if they play.
Kaukauna over Stoughton
Kaukauna just has too many guards and is too quick for Stoughton.
Kaukauna over Rice Lake
They've played once this year already with Kaukauna coming out of top and this will be just the same.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Division One State Predictions
State tournament playoffs start a week from today so thought I would give my picks for state. I will give my favorites, contenders, and sleepers. I'll also give a little run down of each sectional.
Sectional One Wausau West
Favorite: Stevens Point
Stevens Point is the odds on favorite to take this one but, they will have to get past the state runner up from a year ago Neenah who is the only team from Wisconsin that has beat them in the last two years. Point has the top two juniors in the state in 6'6 Sam Hauser and 6'2 Trevor Anderson.
Contenders
Neenah, Oshkosh North, and Superior.
Neenah was in the title game a year ago and might have the top player in the sectional in 6'10 senior Matt Heldt. Oshkosh North is a perennial power and their 1-3-1 defense will keep them in every game. Superior is the outlier, they always have a great record but, they play in a Minnesota conference so their tough to judge.
Sleepers
Eau Claire Memorial, Chippewa Falls
These two teams have beaten some very good teams and played right with the likes of Superior and Rice Lake.
Sectional Four West Allis Central
Favorite
Milwaukee King
The traditional power is a given to be at state every year and they are undefeated against teams in the state. The top contender Riverside, they beat by 20.
Contenders
Milwaukee Riverside, Marquette, Racine Case
Riverside was extremely impressive when I saw them in person and their very deep and force teams to play their tempo. Marquette is a surprise team that has only lost four games this year. Racine Case has Darion King in the middle and lead guard Tyrese Pinson.
Sleepers
Racine Horlick, West Allis Central
Horlick has a great record but, no one thought much of them preseason so that's why they fall into the sleeper category. WAC has struggled this year but, their another team I liked when I saw them and Brandon Key is one of the top point guards in the state.
Sectional Two Manitowoc Lincoln
Favorite
Germantown
Defending state champs are undefeated and seemed poised to make another state run. Have a very tall team with a bunch of solid guys that are tough in the post and have a great lead guard in Jalen McCloud.
Contenders
Kimberly, Homestead, De Pere
Kimberly comes out of the always tough Fox Valley Association and they've beaten everyone in the conference at least once. Germantown would have to beat Homestead for a third time and Homestead has big man 6'7 Jaylen Key. De Pere is led by Brevin Pritzl a Badger recruit and if he gets hot De Pere could beat anyone and De Pere has played possibly the toughest schedule in the conference.
Sleepers
Sheboygan North, Arrowhead, Kettle Moraine, Mukwonago
North is always a tough out come playoff time and could easily upset a team or two. Arrowhead is led by 6'6 junior Bryce Nze who I could see leading a team deep in the playoffs. Kettle Moraine has a ton of talent and if they could put it all together could beat some very good teams. Mukwonago has been at state the past two years so their tough to ever count out.
Sectional Three Beloit
Favorite
Madison Memorial
This is the sectional I know the most about but, also they one that has as many as nine different teams that could come out of the sectional. Memorial is the favorite but, any of those teams could beat Memorial and I wouldn't be surprised.
Contenders
Muskego, Kenosha Indian Trail
Muskego is the #1 seed and have the best record so many people could have them as favorites but, I just think Memorial has played better competition. Kenosha Indian Trail has only lost three games and are the surprising team of the sectional.
Sleepers
Middleton, Madison La Follette, Madison East, Sun Prairie, Burlington
Middleton has been on top of the Big Eight all year long and when their hitting their threes they can beat anyone. Lafollette has some very good talent and if things get put together could make a run. East is another team that has been on top of the Big Eight this year and can play with any one. Sun Prairie all hinges on if they have Nick Noskowiak, which at this point I have no idea. With Noskowiak they were a state team and without him their just another decent team. Burlington is a team that has had a very good two years and have been ranked at times.
State
Stevens Point over Milwaukee King
Germantown over Madison Memorial
Finals
Stevens Point over Germantown
Point overall has the most talent in the starting five and don't see anyone matching up with Hauser and Anderson. Germantown has the size and coaching to go far. King also has the coaching and the depth like the other team. Memorial isn't as talented as the past but, their really hitting their prime right now.
Sectional One Wausau West
Favorite: Stevens Point
Stevens Point is the odds on favorite to take this one but, they will have to get past the state runner up from a year ago Neenah who is the only team from Wisconsin that has beat them in the last two years. Point has the top two juniors in the state in 6'6 Sam Hauser and 6'2 Trevor Anderson.
Contenders
Neenah, Oshkosh North, and Superior.
Neenah was in the title game a year ago and might have the top player in the sectional in 6'10 senior Matt Heldt. Oshkosh North is a perennial power and their 1-3-1 defense will keep them in every game. Superior is the outlier, they always have a great record but, they play in a Minnesota conference so their tough to judge.
Sleepers
Eau Claire Memorial, Chippewa Falls
These two teams have beaten some very good teams and played right with the likes of Superior and Rice Lake.
Sectional Four West Allis Central
Favorite
Milwaukee King
The traditional power is a given to be at state every year and they are undefeated against teams in the state. The top contender Riverside, they beat by 20.
Contenders
Milwaukee Riverside, Marquette, Racine Case
Riverside was extremely impressive when I saw them in person and their very deep and force teams to play their tempo. Marquette is a surprise team that has only lost four games this year. Racine Case has Darion King in the middle and lead guard Tyrese Pinson.
Sleepers
Racine Horlick, West Allis Central
Horlick has a great record but, no one thought much of them preseason so that's why they fall into the sleeper category. WAC has struggled this year but, their another team I liked when I saw them and Brandon Key is one of the top point guards in the state.
Sectional Two Manitowoc Lincoln
Favorite
Germantown
Defending state champs are undefeated and seemed poised to make another state run. Have a very tall team with a bunch of solid guys that are tough in the post and have a great lead guard in Jalen McCloud.
Contenders
Kimberly, Homestead, De Pere
Kimberly comes out of the always tough Fox Valley Association and they've beaten everyone in the conference at least once. Germantown would have to beat Homestead for a third time and Homestead has big man 6'7 Jaylen Key. De Pere is led by Brevin Pritzl a Badger recruit and if he gets hot De Pere could beat anyone and De Pere has played possibly the toughest schedule in the conference.
Sleepers
Sheboygan North, Arrowhead, Kettle Moraine, Mukwonago
North is always a tough out come playoff time and could easily upset a team or two. Arrowhead is led by 6'6 junior Bryce Nze who I could see leading a team deep in the playoffs. Kettle Moraine has a ton of talent and if they could put it all together could beat some very good teams. Mukwonago has been at state the past two years so their tough to ever count out.
Sectional Three Beloit
Favorite
Madison Memorial
This is the sectional I know the most about but, also they one that has as many as nine different teams that could come out of the sectional. Memorial is the favorite but, any of those teams could beat Memorial and I wouldn't be surprised.
Contenders
Muskego, Kenosha Indian Trail
Muskego is the #1 seed and have the best record so many people could have them as favorites but, I just think Memorial has played better competition. Kenosha Indian Trail has only lost three games and are the surprising team of the sectional.
Sleepers
Middleton, Madison La Follette, Madison East, Sun Prairie, Burlington
Middleton has been on top of the Big Eight all year long and when their hitting their threes they can beat anyone. Lafollette has some very good talent and if things get put together could make a run. East is another team that has been on top of the Big Eight this year and can play with any one. Sun Prairie all hinges on if they have Nick Noskowiak, which at this point I have no idea. With Noskowiak they were a state team and without him their just another decent team. Burlington is a team that has had a very good two years and have been ranked at times.
State
Stevens Point over Milwaukee King
Germantown over Madison Memorial
Finals
Stevens Point over Germantown
Point overall has the most talent in the starting five and don't see anyone matching up with Hauser and Anderson. Germantown has the size and coaching to go far. King also has the coaching and the depth like the other team. Memorial isn't as talented as the past but, their really hitting their prime right now.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Week 12 Rankings
Sunday and it's another week of rankings. There's only one week to go in the regular season so these rankings are just about final. Most teams only have one game this week or two at the most so things shouldn't change.
Division One
Kimberly lost to top ranked D2 Kaukauna and dropped one spot to five. Superior lost to Rice Lake and fell two spots to 10. Kenosha Indian Trail lost to Racine Horlick, falling to 13. Sheboygan North lost to De Pere and stayed at 15 because there just isn't anyone to replace them.
1. Stevens Point
2. Milwaukee King
3. Germantown
4. Muskego
5. Kimberly
6. De Pere
7. Racine Case
8. Milwaukee Riverside
9. Neenah
10. Superior
11. Racine Horlick
12. Madison Memorial
13. Kenosha Indian Trail
14. Milwaukee Marquette
15. Sheboygan North
Division Two
Some upheaval in D2 which allowed two teams that had been neglected in Mcfarland and Beaver Dam to finally jump into the rankings. Kaukauna dropped a game to Oshkosh North but, they had such a lead in the rankings they didn't fall. Mount Horeb dropped a game to DeForest and fall down to nine. La Crosse Central lost to La Crosse Aquinas and Onalaska and probably would of fallen from the rankings had not most to 10 through 15 lost and check in at 14. Wisconsin Lutheran lost to Hartford and come in at 12. Menomonie lost to Rice Lake and Eau Claire Memorial and fall out of the rankings with Shawano who lost to Menasha.. West De Pere lost to Seymour and drop one spot to 15.
1. Kaukauna
2. Seymour
3. Milwaukee Pius
4. Rice Lake
5. Stoughton
6. Luxemburg Casco
7. Port Washington
8. Milwaukee Washington
9. Mount Horeb
10. Sauk Prairie
11. Mcfarland
12. Wisconsin Lutheran
13. Beaver Dam
14. La Crosse Central
15. West De Pere
Division Three
D3 really was a hard one with some of the top teams losing and with Xavier winning and then there was Poynette sitting at 12 which I really wanted to move up but, couldn't find anyone for them to jump. Ripon lost to Appleton Xavier which allowed Xavier to jump to seven and Ripon fell to eight. Marshall lost to Beloit Turner which dropped them all the way to 11. Freedom lost to Ripon falling just behind them at nine. Waupun lost to Two Rivers and hang on to the rankings at 15. Northwestern lost to Barron and Ashland dropping from the rankings and are replaced by Southern Door.
1. Prescott
2. Kettle Moraine utheran
3. GET
4. Arcadia
5. Laconia
6. Brookfield Academy
7. Appleton Xavier
8. Ripon
9. Freedom
10. Brown Deer
11. Marshall
12. Poynette
13. Roncalli
14. Southern Door
15. Waupun
Divison Four
Big news was Dominican lost to St Cats so the question was where to drop them. Four seemed right behind the three undefeated teams but, just ahead of St Cats who they ended up splitting with on the season. That being said Dominican is still odds on favorite to win the whole thing. Brillion lost to Valders falling to nine. Darlington lost to Mineral Point for the second time this season and drop one spot to seven. Phillips lost to Hayward and Spencer lost to Athens checking in at 13 and 14. Howards Grove lost to Kiel, dropping from my rankings and are replaced by Iola Scandenavia.
1. Eau Claire Regis
2. Mineral Point
3. Marathon
4. Whitefish Bay Dominican
5. Racine St Catherines
6. Oshkosh Lourdes
7. Darlington
8. Unity
9. Brillion
10. Fall Creek
11. Amherst
12. Markesan
13. Phillips
14. Spencer
15. Iola Scandenavia
Division Five
Randolph lost to Oshkosh Lourdes falling to six. Fredric lost to Unity and drop just a spot to eight. Gresham lost to Port Edwards and fall to 11. Necedah gets bumped from the rankings because finally realized they are D4 and are replaced by Eleva Strum at 15.
1. Wabeno/Laona
2. Wausauke
3. Bangor
4. Port Edwards
5. Cameron
6. Randolph
7. Shullsburg
8. Fredric
9. Seneca
10. Washburn
11. Gresham
12. New Auburn
13. Gilmanton
14. Central Wisconsin Christian
15. Eleva Strum
There are my week 12 rankings which more then likely be my final rankings. The state playoff seedings have come out so this next week I will be making some of my picks for state and top contenders. Only attending one game this coming week on Thursday so that will be my only write up. One interesting note is that there were only five teams that remained undefeated throughout the year, well figuring they'll all win their last game. Two of those teams are in D1 and three in D4.
Division One
Kimberly lost to top ranked D2 Kaukauna and dropped one spot to five. Superior lost to Rice Lake and fell two spots to 10. Kenosha Indian Trail lost to Racine Horlick, falling to 13. Sheboygan North lost to De Pere and stayed at 15 because there just isn't anyone to replace them.
1. Stevens Point
2. Milwaukee King
3. Germantown
4. Muskego
5. Kimberly
6. De Pere
7. Racine Case
8. Milwaukee Riverside
9. Neenah
10. Superior
11. Racine Horlick
12. Madison Memorial
13. Kenosha Indian Trail
14. Milwaukee Marquette
15. Sheboygan North
Division Two
Some upheaval in D2 which allowed two teams that had been neglected in Mcfarland and Beaver Dam to finally jump into the rankings. Kaukauna dropped a game to Oshkosh North but, they had such a lead in the rankings they didn't fall. Mount Horeb dropped a game to DeForest and fall down to nine. La Crosse Central lost to La Crosse Aquinas and Onalaska and probably would of fallen from the rankings had not most to 10 through 15 lost and check in at 14. Wisconsin Lutheran lost to Hartford and come in at 12. Menomonie lost to Rice Lake and Eau Claire Memorial and fall out of the rankings with Shawano who lost to Menasha.. West De Pere lost to Seymour and drop one spot to 15.
1. Kaukauna
2. Seymour
3. Milwaukee Pius
4. Rice Lake
5. Stoughton
6. Luxemburg Casco
7. Port Washington
8. Milwaukee Washington
9. Mount Horeb
10. Sauk Prairie
11. Mcfarland
12. Wisconsin Lutheran
13. Beaver Dam
14. La Crosse Central
15. West De Pere
Division Three
D3 really was a hard one with some of the top teams losing and with Xavier winning and then there was Poynette sitting at 12 which I really wanted to move up but, couldn't find anyone for them to jump. Ripon lost to Appleton Xavier which allowed Xavier to jump to seven and Ripon fell to eight. Marshall lost to Beloit Turner which dropped them all the way to 11. Freedom lost to Ripon falling just behind them at nine. Waupun lost to Two Rivers and hang on to the rankings at 15. Northwestern lost to Barron and Ashland dropping from the rankings and are replaced by Southern Door.
1. Prescott
2. Kettle Moraine utheran
3. GET
4. Arcadia
5. Laconia
6. Brookfield Academy
7. Appleton Xavier
8. Ripon
9. Freedom
10. Brown Deer
11. Marshall
12. Poynette
13. Roncalli
14. Southern Door
15. Waupun
Divison Four
Big news was Dominican lost to St Cats so the question was where to drop them. Four seemed right behind the three undefeated teams but, just ahead of St Cats who they ended up splitting with on the season. That being said Dominican is still odds on favorite to win the whole thing. Brillion lost to Valders falling to nine. Darlington lost to Mineral Point for the second time this season and drop one spot to seven. Phillips lost to Hayward and Spencer lost to Athens checking in at 13 and 14. Howards Grove lost to Kiel, dropping from my rankings and are replaced by Iola Scandenavia.
1. Eau Claire Regis
2. Mineral Point
3. Marathon
4. Whitefish Bay Dominican
5. Racine St Catherines
6. Oshkosh Lourdes
7. Darlington
8. Unity
9. Brillion
10. Fall Creek
11. Amherst
12. Markesan
13. Phillips
14. Spencer
15. Iola Scandenavia
Division Five
Randolph lost to Oshkosh Lourdes falling to six. Fredric lost to Unity and drop just a spot to eight. Gresham lost to Port Edwards and fall to 11. Necedah gets bumped from the rankings because finally realized they are D4 and are replaced by Eleva Strum at 15.
1. Wabeno/Laona
2. Wausauke
3. Bangor
4. Port Edwards
5. Cameron
6. Randolph
7. Shullsburg
8. Fredric
9. Seneca
10. Washburn
11. Gresham
12. New Auburn
13. Gilmanton
14. Central Wisconsin Christian
15. Eleva Strum
There are my week 12 rankings which more then likely be my final rankings. The state playoff seedings have come out so this next week I will be making some of my picks for state and top contenders. Only attending one game this coming week on Thursday so that will be my only write up. One interesting note is that there were only five teams that remained undefeated throughout the year, well figuring they'll all win their last game. Two of those teams are in D1 and three in D4.
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