Third Round Team Rankings

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Madison Memorial (3)- Very smart disciplined team. Probably one of the best rebounding teams in the state. Play very good defense and they have good over all team size.

16. Kaukauna (2)- Pretty athletic team that relies on the three point shot a little too much. Have a handful of guys that can jump out of the gym which allows them to be a very good rebounding team. Have the ability to play slow or quick whatever is necessary.

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

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

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

20 Wauwatosa West (1)- Another very quick team that loves to get up and down to the court. I question their overall shooting but, they have a guy that can really shoot it in Justin Steinike. The potential is there if they can play disciplined.

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

22. Wrightstown (1)- Just an overall solid and disciplined team. Don't rush things and always seem to be playing under control. Play good defense which allows them to get out and run in transition.

23. Sun Prairie (2)- They played without their top three players so I give them a little leeway. The way they played Memorial in the second half was very impressive and I like there size up front and have some athletes. Beating De La Salle was an eye opener and Delware Hale really seems to be coming into his own and this young team seems to be finding their way.

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

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

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

D2
1. Nicolet
3. La Crosse Central 
2. Onalaska
4. Kaukauna
5. Wauwatosa West 
6. Green Bay Southwest
7. Milwaukee Lutheran 
8. Merrill (1)- Really look to pound the ball inside which is their strength as they have a pair of solid post players and their guards play off of them. Another real solid team.
9. Mount Horeb (3)- Feel like I'm repeating but, they are a solid disciplined team that plays great defense and rebound well. Always seem to be under control.
10. Seymour (1)- Can really shoot the ball which allows them to beat anyone. A heady team that knows their strengths and have a pretty solid starting five.

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

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

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

Top Dunks and Scorers

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Jamari Sibley 6'9 junior Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15
Nicolet pulled the ball out and went to a four corners. Star Jalen Johnson handled the ball from the left wing and drove the lane. At the same time Sibley cut back door added by a back screen and Johnson found him with the lob and the completed alley oop dunk.

7. Brayden Dailey 6'5 sophomore Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
Point guard Isaac Lindsey drove just left of the free throw line penetrating the Dells zone while Dailey came from the weak side and Lindsey found him with a nice ally oop pass and dunk.

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

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

10. Terrence Thompson 6'7 junior La Crosse Central vs Brookfield Central December 15
Two on one break away and Thompson took it himself with a thunderous two hand dunk where he cocked it behind his head and the Brookfield defender just stepped out of the way to avoid being dunked on.

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

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

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

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

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

8. 31 Gabe Madsen Rochester Mayo vs Waupun January 26

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

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

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

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

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

Border Battle

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

Minnesota Valley Lutheran 58 Thorp 45

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

Lake City 73 Clear Lake 54

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

St Croix Lutheran 82 Whitefish Bay 74 

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

Waupun 94 Rochester Mayo 68

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

Brookfield East 91 Apple Valley 59

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

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

East Ridge 80 Brookfield Central 62

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

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

Madison East over Madison Memorial

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Dunks and Scorers

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

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

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

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

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

5. Jamari Sibley 6'9 junior Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15
Nicolet pulled the ball out and went to a four corners. Star Jalen Johnson handled the ball from the left wing and drove the lane. At the same time Sibley cut back door added by a back screen and Johnson found him with the lob and the completed alley oop dunk.

6. Brayden Dailey 6'5 sophomore Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
Point guard Isaac Lindsey drove just left of the free throw line penetrating the Dells zone while Dailey came from the weak side and Lindsey found him with a nice ally oop pass and dunk.

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

8. Terrence Thompson 6'7 junior La Crosse Central vs Brookfield Central December 15
Two on one break away and Thompson took it himself with a thunderous two hand dunk where he cocked it behind his head and the Brookfield defender just stepped out of the way to avoid being dunked on.

9. Patrick Baldwin 6'9 sophomore Sussex Hamilton vs Nicolet December 15
Usually I'm a big fan of put back dunks but, maybe Baldwin just made this look to easy. Off the missed layup Baldwin just went up and put it right back down.

10. Anthony Washington 6'3 junior Madison East vs Madison Memorial December 4
A break away dunk that Washington put down with a thunderous one handed dunk.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dells wins and Midwest Players Classic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Dunks and Scorers

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

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

2. Jamari Sibley 6'9 junior Nicolet vs Sussex Hamilton December 15
Nicolet pulled the ball out and went to a four corners. Star Jalen Johnson handled the ball from the left wing and drove the lane. At the same time Sibley cut back door added by a back screen and Johnson found him with the lob and the completed alley oop dunk.

3. Brayden Dailey 6'5 sophomore Mineral Point vs Wisconsin Dells November 30
Point guard Isaac Lindsey drove just left of the free throw line penetrating the Dells zone while Dailey came from the weak side and Lindsey found him with a nice ally oop pass and dunk.

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

5. Terrence Thompson 6'7 junior La Crosse Central vs Brookfield Central December 15
Two on one break away and Thompson took it himself with a thunderous two hand dunk where he cocked it behind his head and the Brookfield defender just stepped out of the way to avoid being dunked on.

6. Patrick Baldwin 6'9 sophomore Sussex Hamilton vs Nicolet December 15
Usually I'm a big fan of put back dunks but, maybe Baldwin just made this look to easy. Off the missed layup Baldwin just went up and put it right back down.

7. Anthony Washington 6'3 junior Madison East vs Madison Memorial December 4
A break away dunk that Washington put down with a thunderous one handed dunk.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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