With the season over, it's time to take a look at next years early favorites. This certain teams that you can always pencil in to make a run at the title and then theres the teams that may just have a very strong class.
Division One
Madison Memorial- They may of had an ugly finish to the year and lost a lot of scoring from this team but, Memorial just reloads year after year and Brendan Ortiz is a four year starter and Jester Weah is a three year starter.
Germantown- The defending state champs bring back the 6'10 Luke Fischer, the younger Showalter, and a pair of 6'6 to be juniors.
Milwaukee King- Always a very tough team and bring back a lot of guards. Coach Grosz will always have his team prepared.
Milwaukee Hamilton- Have an extremely talented sophomore class headlined by Kevin Looney. This is probably my #1 coming into next year.
Milwaukee Vincent- Strong junior class led by Deonte Burton.
Oshkosh North- A bit of a long shot but, they do return their starting back court from last years state team.
Homestead- Lost two games this past year and only had one senior.
Depere- Have a very strong junior class.
West Allis Central- Jarvis Garrett is back for his senior year.
Sun Prairie- Jordan Noskowiak will be a year older and Nick Fuller is a star and is poised to finally make it to state as a senior.
Division Two
Onalaska- Bring back their starting back court from their title team including their leading scorer Matt Thomas.
Rice Lake- The two younger Ellenson brothers should have a strong showing.
Waunakee- Will Decorah should be a huge scorer next year and they are another program that should reload every year.
Milwaukee Washington- Have leading scorer Jamaar Mckay back.
Beaver Dam- RJ Shelton is back along with big man 6'6 Owen Salzwedel.
Division Three
Little Chute- Bring back everyone from last years team that lost three games all year.
East Troy- Nate Dodge is deadly from the outside and the 6'9 twins on the inside are super tough.
Wisconsin Dells- Bring back their top three scorers from this years team.
Lodi- Lose only one senior off this years state team.
Marshall- With Cam Ward I would never count Marshall out.
Brillion- State champs don't rely on one player and return enough from this years team to make another run.
Division Four
Dominican- Diamond Stone is the premier big man and Duane Wilson is the premier point guard in the state.
Aburndale- Have a strong tradition and return a large chunk of their team.
Colfax- Bring back just about everyone from their state team.
Division Five
Randolph- Have a strong junior class and won't run into another Racine Lutheran next year.
Drummond- The majority of their state team returns.
Young Coggs Prep- With the talent they get, you can never count them out.
It may be the fact that I don't follow the divisions as closely or their just aren't as many talented teams in the lower divisions but, it appears D1 is the most wide open and D3 has the most legitimate state title contenders.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Top Teams
I figured I would do my rankings of all the teams I have seen this year for Wisconsin no matter what division each team plays in.
1. Germantown- Easily the best team in the state. They were only really challenged a handful of games all year and won the D1 title.
2. Milwaukee King- Only lost two games all year. A three point game to Germantown in the title game and a team from Arkansas in a national tournament.
3. Whitefish Bay Dominican- Pushed Germantown to the limit and their only lose of the year was to them. Have the size of any team in the state and have three D1 college level players.
4. Madison Memorial- Lost very badly to Germantown but, I just think Germantown was just that much better then everyone. Their five are as athletic as any team in the state.
5. Onalaska- Play a very solid defense and have a 6'8 big in the middle and Matt Thomas on the outside, who just might be the best shooter in the state.
6. Cuba City- Have size and strength everywhere and a very tough 1-3-1 zone defense. Add in one of the top coaches in the state and a legit star.
7. Milwaukee Washington- A very quick athletic team that can battle with anyone.
8. East Troy- Have the tallest front line in the state. Even though they didn't make it to state they were still one of the more impressive teams I saw this year. Can light it up from downtown.
9. Brillion- Love how this team really works as a team to get it done. Play in one of the best conferences in the state for their size and came out of a tough sectional.
10. Waunakee- Have scoring droughts at times but, they can really defend and rebound which really keeps them in games.
There is a quick run down of my rankings. It is getting alittle late and I'm kind of tired so hopefully I didn't miss any teams that should be in there. I have about a handful of posts that I will do before my blogging will probably come to an end for the year as softball gets into swing.
1. Germantown- Easily the best team in the state. They were only really challenged a handful of games all year and won the D1 title.
2. Milwaukee King- Only lost two games all year. A three point game to Germantown in the title game and a team from Arkansas in a national tournament.
3. Whitefish Bay Dominican- Pushed Germantown to the limit and their only lose of the year was to them. Have the size of any team in the state and have three D1 college level players.
4. Madison Memorial- Lost very badly to Germantown but, I just think Germantown was just that much better then everyone. Their five are as athletic as any team in the state.
5. Onalaska- Play a very solid defense and have a 6'8 big in the middle and Matt Thomas on the outside, who just might be the best shooter in the state.
6. Cuba City- Have size and strength everywhere and a very tough 1-3-1 zone defense. Add in one of the top coaches in the state and a legit star.
7. Milwaukee Washington- A very quick athletic team that can battle with anyone.
8. East Troy- Have the tallest front line in the state. Even though they didn't make it to state they were still one of the more impressive teams I saw this year. Can light it up from downtown.
9. Brillion- Love how this team really works as a team to get it done. Play in one of the best conferences in the state for their size and came out of a tough sectional.
10. Waunakee- Have scoring droughts at times but, they can really defend and rebound which really keeps them in games.
There is a quick run down of my rankings. It is getting alittle late and I'm kind of tired so hopefully I didn't miss any teams that should be in there. I have about a handful of posts that I will do before my blogging will probably come to an end for the year as softball gets into swing.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
State All Tournament Team
I know it has been a long time since I last post but, I have been on vacation and had family visiting so this has been the first time I could actually get on to post. Was a very interesting and entertaining state and now that I have had some time to think about it here are my final thoughts and then my tournament team from the games at the Kohl Center.
In Division One Germantown did what every one was calling from the start of the season and took state. They dominated Madison Memorial and just was able to out last Milwaukee King in the championship. In D2 Onalaska defeated Milwaukee Pius in a defensive struggle and then took it too Kaukana in the championship. D3 Brillion dominated Lodi and then hung on to get the win against GET. Division Four Dominican just out ran and out gunned everyone. Division Five was the biggest shocker with Sam Dekker just carry his team to a state title, making a big comeback against McDonell Central and then beating Racine Lutheran on a buzzer shot.
1st Team
Sam Dekker 6'8 senior Sheboygan Lutheran- No doubt on this one. Dekker just carried his team all year long and continued to do it in their final two games. 12 points in the final 55 seconds of championship game says it all. Oh and the game winner at the buzzer.
Matt Thomas 6'4 junior Onalaska- The purest shooter that there is in the state. Had a tough game against Pius but, was still the top scorer and then put on a shooting display in the title game.
Duane Wilson 6'3 junior Dominican- Loved watching this guy play. Quickest player at state with the ball in his hands and was on fire from the outside in the title game.
Zak Showalter 6'3 senior Germantown- Put on a dunk contest against Memorial and then showed his outside shooting against King. Doesn't have to be a great scorer just does all the little things.
Arroyo Edwards 6'5 senior King- Was the best player in the title game but, just didn't have enough height on his side to combat the size of King.
2nd Team
Diamond Stone 6'9 freshmen Dominican- Had a triple double in the semi final game and that's about all you need to know about him. A great shot blocker and a soft touch around the rim.
Austin Malone-Mitchell 5'11 junior King- Did a great job of handling the pressure on his own and then was money from three point range.
Jake Showalter 6'2 sophomore Germantown- I don't think he missed from three point range against Memorial and then had another strong showing against King.
Cory Vaassen 6'3 senior Cuba City- Really struggled in the title game but, had a great semi final game where he carried the team in the scoring column.
Peter Drummond 5'11 senior Racine Lutheran- Really did a nice job moving the ball and finding wide open teammates for open threes, while also hitting some wide open threes of his own.
3rd Team
Luke Fischer 6'10 junior Germantown- Just a dominate force on the inside throughout both games. Whether it was scoring in the paint, rebounding, or blocking shots.
Ryan Reinke 6'4 senior Brillion- Didn't really have a stand out star but, Reinke was the guy that did all the little things and stood out the most.
Riley Bambenek 6'4 senior GET- Mr. Everything on the offensive end. Ran the point, did the scoring, rebounded, and was the guy on top of the 1-3-1 zone defense.
Cam Ward 6'1 sophomore Marshall- When he steps on the court he's in his range. Nearly single handily took Marshall to the championship game.
Ty Demuth 6'3 senior Racine Lutheran- Was RaLu's leading scorer at state and also led the team in assists in the championship game.
Looking at this list you can see a lot of underclassmen, which means we may be seeing some of these teams at state next year. No matter what is expected though, things never play out the way you expect.
In Division One Germantown did what every one was calling from the start of the season and took state. They dominated Madison Memorial and just was able to out last Milwaukee King in the championship. In D2 Onalaska defeated Milwaukee Pius in a defensive struggle and then took it too Kaukana in the championship. D3 Brillion dominated Lodi and then hung on to get the win against GET. Division Four Dominican just out ran and out gunned everyone. Division Five was the biggest shocker with Sam Dekker just carry his team to a state title, making a big comeback against McDonell Central and then beating Racine Lutheran on a buzzer shot.
1st Team
Sam Dekker 6'8 senior Sheboygan Lutheran- No doubt on this one. Dekker just carried his team all year long and continued to do it in their final two games. 12 points in the final 55 seconds of championship game says it all. Oh and the game winner at the buzzer.
Matt Thomas 6'4 junior Onalaska- The purest shooter that there is in the state. Had a tough game against Pius but, was still the top scorer and then put on a shooting display in the title game.
Duane Wilson 6'3 junior Dominican- Loved watching this guy play. Quickest player at state with the ball in his hands and was on fire from the outside in the title game.
Zak Showalter 6'3 senior Germantown- Put on a dunk contest against Memorial and then showed his outside shooting against King. Doesn't have to be a great scorer just does all the little things.
Arroyo Edwards 6'5 senior King- Was the best player in the title game but, just didn't have enough height on his side to combat the size of King.
2nd Team
Diamond Stone 6'9 freshmen Dominican- Had a triple double in the semi final game and that's about all you need to know about him. A great shot blocker and a soft touch around the rim.
Austin Malone-Mitchell 5'11 junior King- Did a great job of handling the pressure on his own and then was money from three point range.
Jake Showalter 6'2 sophomore Germantown- I don't think he missed from three point range against Memorial and then had another strong showing against King.
Cory Vaassen 6'3 senior Cuba City- Really struggled in the title game but, had a great semi final game where he carried the team in the scoring column.
Peter Drummond 5'11 senior Racine Lutheran- Really did a nice job moving the ball and finding wide open teammates for open threes, while also hitting some wide open threes of his own.
3rd Team
Luke Fischer 6'10 junior Germantown- Just a dominate force on the inside throughout both games. Whether it was scoring in the paint, rebounding, or blocking shots.
Ryan Reinke 6'4 senior Brillion- Didn't really have a stand out star but, Reinke was the guy that did all the little things and stood out the most.
Riley Bambenek 6'4 senior GET- Mr. Everything on the offensive end. Ran the point, did the scoring, rebounded, and was the guy on top of the 1-3-1 zone defense.
Cam Ward 6'1 sophomore Marshall- When he steps on the court he's in his range. Nearly single handily took Marshall to the championship game.
Ty Demuth 6'3 senior Racine Lutheran- Was RaLu's leading scorer at state and also led the team in assists in the championship game.
Looking at this list you can see a lot of underclassmen, which means we may be seeing some of these teams at state next year. No matter what is expected though, things never play out the way you expect.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Regional Games
Well this past weekend are the last games that I will see before state, as I am going on vacation and will miss the sectional games but, will be back in a week and ready for state. I did get to go to a pair of regional final games this weekend. Saturday night I took in Madison Lafollette and Madison Memorial and Monday night took in the home town Wisconsin Dells vs Dodgeville.
Madison Memorial 69 Madison Lafollette 52
This game really turned into a one of five game as Lafollette really only got one player in this game going. 6'6 junior Trevon Ampe came out guns blazing as he scored all 10 of Lafollette's first quarter scoring and finished with 26 points for the game but, never got any help from his outside scorers. Early on Memorial was able to get the ball inside and score against the smaller Lafollette team and they were able to get second and third opportunities to score. Then in the second half Memorial was able to push the tempo a bit but, then foul trouble caught up to them and free throws allowed Lafollette to get back in the game somewhat but, the strong outside shooting of 6'5 senior Junior Lomomba and the solid play of fellow senior 6'4 Ngijol Songolo allowed Memorial to maintain a solid lead and then cruise to victory late.
Wisconsin Dells 50 Dodgeville 36
Shane Wimann a 6'4 junior for the Dells is about all that needed to be said about this game. Wimann came out with a higher energy then anyone on the court and took this game over. No one for the Dells could hit anything from the outside but, Wimann was able to clean up the garbage on the inside. Nick Crowley a junior for Dodgeville tried to match his intensity but, just got himself in foul trouble. The other determining fact was the Dells 1-2-2 zone defense. Dodgeville just passed the ball around the outside and when they looked to get the ball inside they would turn the ball over. The one player that didn't seem to be bothered by the Dells zone was senior Jake Bechen who with his height and high release was able to shoot over the zone and knock down the threes from the outside. The Dells D is going to be the key to them making it to state. If they can force teams to shoot over the zone then they can negate their lack of size and keep Wimann on the inside to go most of the rebounding.
I know this was a short post but, I didn't have a ton of time to write and it's late at night.
Madison Memorial 69 Madison Lafollette 52
This game really turned into a one of five game as Lafollette really only got one player in this game going. 6'6 junior Trevon Ampe came out guns blazing as he scored all 10 of Lafollette's first quarter scoring and finished with 26 points for the game but, never got any help from his outside scorers. Early on Memorial was able to get the ball inside and score against the smaller Lafollette team and they were able to get second and third opportunities to score. Then in the second half Memorial was able to push the tempo a bit but, then foul trouble caught up to them and free throws allowed Lafollette to get back in the game somewhat but, the strong outside shooting of 6'5 senior Junior Lomomba and the solid play of fellow senior 6'4 Ngijol Songolo allowed Memorial to maintain a solid lead and then cruise to victory late.
Wisconsin Dells 50 Dodgeville 36
Shane Wimann a 6'4 junior for the Dells is about all that needed to be said about this game. Wimann came out with a higher energy then anyone on the court and took this game over. No one for the Dells could hit anything from the outside but, Wimann was able to clean up the garbage on the inside. Nick Crowley a junior for Dodgeville tried to match his intensity but, just got himself in foul trouble. The other determining fact was the Dells 1-2-2 zone defense. Dodgeville just passed the ball around the outside and when they looked to get the ball inside they would turn the ball over. The one player that didn't seem to be bothered by the Dells zone was senior Jake Bechen who with his height and high release was able to shoot over the zone and knock down the threes from the outside. The Dells D is going to be the key to them making it to state. If they can force teams to shoot over the zone then they can negate their lack of size and keep Wimann on the inside to go most of the rebounding.
I know this was a short post but, I didn't have a ton of time to write and it's late at night.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Final Regular Season Rankings
I meant to do these rankings prior to the first round of playoffs but, didn't get a change, so I will not be including the first round of playoffs in these rankings. The majority of these teams, with the exception of D5, didn't play last night anyway. Here are my final rankings ......
Division One
DC Everst and Homestead lost and fall to #8 and #9. Homestead lost to Germantown but, at the top any lose is going to hurt you at the top. The City teams continue to beat up on each other as Hamilton beat Vincent and then lost to Riverside, who falls in at #11, Hamilton 12, and Vincent 13. Kimberly lost in conference and drop to 15.
1. Germantown
2. Milwaukee King
3. Madison Memorial
4. De Pere
5. Bay Port
6. Sheboygan North
7. West Allis Central
8. DC Everest
9. Homestead
10. Racine Park
11. Milwaukee Riverside
12. Milwaukee Hamilton
13. Milwaukee Vincent
14. Brookfield Central
15. Kimberly
Division Two
This is one ranking that I'll get ripped on for having Messmer as they lost first round of playoffs already. Obviously I over ranked them based solely on their record which benefited from playing smaller schools all year long. With the rankings only changes was Beaver Dam falling to 12 and Milwaukee Marshall to 14.
1. Onalaska
2. Rice Lake
3. Kaukana
4. Milwaukee Pius
5. Whitnall
6. Waunakee
7. Antigo
8. Milwaukee Messmer
9. Pulaski
10. New Berlin Eisenhower
11. Milwaukee Washington
12. Beaver Dam
13. Stoughton
14. Milwaukee Marshall
15. Plymouth
Division Three
Only changes was Sheboygan Falls falling to 15 and Westby lost twice and fall out of the rankings completely after losing twice and are replaced by Bloomer because of their record.
1. East Troy
2. GET
3. Clinton
4. Wisconsin Dells
5. Lodi
6. Brillion
7. Wrightstwon
8. Little Chute
9. Omro
10. Racine St. Cats
11. Valders
12. Peshtigo
13. Marshall
14. Bloomer
15. Sheboygan Falls
Division Four
Not a lot of changes but, Aburndale did lose their first game of the year and drop a spot to #3. Oshkosh Lourdes also lost to Randolph, a top D5 team and fall to #8. Only other teams that lost were Colby who lost twice and fall out of the rankings and are replaced by Three Lakes and then St. Mary's Springs who lost to D3 ranked Omro and hang in at the 15 spot.
1. Dominican
2. Cuba City
3. Aburndale
4. Elk Mound
5. Colfax
6. Laconia
7. Bonduel
8. Oshkosh Lourdes
9. Wild Rose
10. Grantsburg
11. Stratford
12. Shoreland Lutheran
13. Howards Grove
14. Three Lakes
15. St Mary's Springs
Division Five
Mcdonell Central lost to Augusta and drop to 10. Gilmanton lost and fall to 15 just behind Fall River, who lost first round of the playoffs and would not be in the rankings if that was included. Otherwise D5 stayed intact.
1. Siren
2. Clayton
3. Prentice
4. Racine Lutheran
5. Randolph
6. Augusta
7. Benton
8. Royal
9. Barneveld
10. McDonell Central
11. Suring
12. Sheboygan Lutheran
13. Green Bay NEW Lutheran
14. Fall River
15. Gilmanton
Division One
DC Everst and Homestead lost and fall to #8 and #9. Homestead lost to Germantown but, at the top any lose is going to hurt you at the top. The City teams continue to beat up on each other as Hamilton beat Vincent and then lost to Riverside, who falls in at #11, Hamilton 12, and Vincent 13. Kimberly lost in conference and drop to 15.
1. Germantown
2. Milwaukee King
3. Madison Memorial
4. De Pere
5. Bay Port
6. Sheboygan North
7. West Allis Central
8. DC Everest
9. Homestead
10. Racine Park
11. Milwaukee Riverside
12. Milwaukee Hamilton
13. Milwaukee Vincent
14. Brookfield Central
15. Kimberly
Division Two
This is one ranking that I'll get ripped on for having Messmer as they lost first round of playoffs already. Obviously I over ranked them based solely on their record which benefited from playing smaller schools all year long. With the rankings only changes was Beaver Dam falling to 12 and Milwaukee Marshall to 14.
1. Onalaska
2. Rice Lake
3. Kaukana
4. Milwaukee Pius
5. Whitnall
6. Waunakee
7. Antigo
8. Milwaukee Messmer
9. Pulaski
10. New Berlin Eisenhower
11. Milwaukee Washington
12. Beaver Dam
13. Stoughton
14. Milwaukee Marshall
15. Plymouth
Division Three
Only changes was Sheboygan Falls falling to 15 and Westby lost twice and fall out of the rankings completely after losing twice and are replaced by Bloomer because of their record.
1. East Troy
2. GET
3. Clinton
4. Wisconsin Dells
5. Lodi
6. Brillion
7. Wrightstwon
8. Little Chute
9. Omro
10. Racine St. Cats
11. Valders
12. Peshtigo
13. Marshall
14. Bloomer
15. Sheboygan Falls
Division Four
Not a lot of changes but, Aburndale did lose their first game of the year and drop a spot to #3. Oshkosh Lourdes also lost to Randolph, a top D5 team and fall to #8. Only other teams that lost were Colby who lost twice and fall out of the rankings and are replaced by Three Lakes and then St. Mary's Springs who lost to D3 ranked Omro and hang in at the 15 spot.
1. Dominican
2. Cuba City
3. Aburndale
4. Elk Mound
5. Colfax
6. Laconia
7. Bonduel
8. Oshkosh Lourdes
9. Wild Rose
10. Grantsburg
11. Stratford
12. Shoreland Lutheran
13. Howards Grove
14. Three Lakes
15. St Mary's Springs
Division Five
Mcdonell Central lost to Augusta and drop to 10. Gilmanton lost and fall to 15 just behind Fall River, who lost first round of the playoffs and would not be in the rankings if that was included. Otherwise D5 stayed intact.
1. Siren
2. Clayton
3. Prentice
4. Racine Lutheran
5. Randolph
6. Augusta
7. Benton
8. Royal
9. Barneveld
10. McDonell Central
11. Suring
12. Sheboygan Lutheran
13. Green Bay NEW Lutheran
14. Fall River
15. Gilmanton
Verona over Madison East
In one of the few good matchups in the opening night of playoffs Verona took on Madison East at East. It was my last chance to see Rudy Bentely of Madison East a lighting quick 5'8 senior guard and the first time to see high scorer 6'5 senior Bryan Dalton of Verona. Both teams finished in the bottom half of the Big Eight Conference and as expected the turnout was small but, the gym did feel alive and was very loud as this game went right down to the wire.
East was leading the entire game and in the end foul trouble and fouls that gave up three point plays were their undoing. Throughout much of the game East was faster and quicker and they were hitting their outside shots. Bentely was the leader throughout the game and was really hitting the outside shots early on and hit some clutch shots throughout. In the second half Bentely was able to penetrate and find sharpshooter 6'2 junior Daniel Karlin-Kamin who hit three, three point shots in the second half to give East a big lead of about double digits but, Verona was able to claw back into this game.
Early on the only guy scoring was Dalton, who showed a nice array of scoring ability using his size and shooting touch from the outside. In the second half a pair of 6'1 guards got involved with senior Jason Biddle and junior Andrew Argall. Argall ran the point and in the second half drove the ball right to the hoop and took advantage of Bentely not wanting to pick up cheap fouls and scored most of his points pushing the tempo at the rim. Biddle struggled throughout the game but, came up the biggest late in the game hitting a wild shot in the lane to give Verona their first lead of the game and then hitting the basket to get the lead for good.
Most of the game was fairly lack luster but, the final two minutes were very exciting. East saw itself up by one when Biddle drove to the middle and hit a double pump wild shot in the lay that found the rim and basket. East promptly came down and found Bentely for the open three and. Verona ran the clock down and then Biddle pulled up for a three, which I thought was a bad shot, and nailed it to put Verona up by one, with 12 seconds left in the game. East took the timeout and took the ball down the court and took a bad contested three and it appeared that East gave up thinking the game was over as they stopped playing and Verona got a run out lay up. East inbounded the ball to Bentely who was fouled with 4.4 seconds left in the game hit both free throws and then fouled Verona. Verona missed both free throws but, the battle for a loose ball caused time to run out and Verona got the 57-56 win.
Top Players
Bryan Dalton 6'5 senior Verona - Took a lot of shots but, needs to at times. Has a nice three point shot and uses his size nicely on the inside to score.
Jason Biddle 6'1 senior Verona- Didn't have a great game but, had a great fourth quarter where he scored most of his points including the two biggest buckets of the game.
Rudy Bentely 5'8 senior Madison East- Could tell Bentely didn't want this to be his last game. Was able to hit four threes in the game and did his usual thing penetrating to the inside.
Daniel Karlin-Kamin 6'2 junior Madison East- Doesn't have much to his game but, can really stroke it from three point range as he hit four threes in this game.
Box Score
Verona- Dalton 21 Biddle 13 Argall 12 John Tackett 6 Mitch Flora 3 Kylan Reilly 2 Tavarionte Turner 0 James Gerlach 0 Adam Stiner 0
Madison East- Bentely 22 Karlin Kamin 12 Emani Brathwaite 7 Miles Kietzer 6 De'Shawn Burks 6 Stavon Staples 3 Alex Redd 0 Jermel McLin 0
Well for winning this hard fought battle Verona gets to take on conference champion Madison Memorial. East had every opportunity to win this game but, just didn't take advantage of putting the dagger in. This was one game where I think they could of gone inside more to 6'3 Emani Brathwaite, who had some success, but I just think their so used to not looking inside at all they forgot about him. Also Jermel McLin didn't start and he has been one of their top scorers every time I've seen him but, he just looked totally out of sink coming off the bench for whatever reason.
East was leading the entire game and in the end foul trouble and fouls that gave up three point plays were their undoing. Throughout much of the game East was faster and quicker and they were hitting their outside shots. Bentely was the leader throughout the game and was really hitting the outside shots early on and hit some clutch shots throughout. In the second half Bentely was able to penetrate and find sharpshooter 6'2 junior Daniel Karlin-Kamin who hit three, three point shots in the second half to give East a big lead of about double digits but, Verona was able to claw back into this game.
Early on the only guy scoring was Dalton, who showed a nice array of scoring ability using his size and shooting touch from the outside. In the second half a pair of 6'1 guards got involved with senior Jason Biddle and junior Andrew Argall. Argall ran the point and in the second half drove the ball right to the hoop and took advantage of Bentely not wanting to pick up cheap fouls and scored most of his points pushing the tempo at the rim. Biddle struggled throughout the game but, came up the biggest late in the game hitting a wild shot in the lane to give Verona their first lead of the game and then hitting the basket to get the lead for good.
Most of the game was fairly lack luster but, the final two minutes were very exciting. East saw itself up by one when Biddle drove to the middle and hit a double pump wild shot in the lay that found the rim and basket. East promptly came down and found Bentely for the open three and. Verona ran the clock down and then Biddle pulled up for a three, which I thought was a bad shot, and nailed it to put Verona up by one, with 12 seconds left in the game. East took the timeout and took the ball down the court and took a bad contested three and it appeared that East gave up thinking the game was over as they stopped playing and Verona got a run out lay up. East inbounded the ball to Bentely who was fouled with 4.4 seconds left in the game hit both free throws and then fouled Verona. Verona missed both free throws but, the battle for a loose ball caused time to run out and Verona got the 57-56 win.
Top Players
Bryan Dalton 6'5 senior Verona - Took a lot of shots but, needs to at times. Has a nice three point shot and uses his size nicely on the inside to score.
Jason Biddle 6'1 senior Verona- Didn't have a great game but, had a great fourth quarter where he scored most of his points including the two biggest buckets of the game.
Rudy Bentely 5'8 senior Madison East- Could tell Bentely didn't want this to be his last game. Was able to hit four threes in the game and did his usual thing penetrating to the inside.
Daniel Karlin-Kamin 6'2 junior Madison East- Doesn't have much to his game but, can really stroke it from three point range as he hit four threes in this game.
Box Score
Verona- Dalton 21 Biddle 13 Argall 12 John Tackett 6 Mitch Flora 3 Kylan Reilly 2 Tavarionte Turner 0 James Gerlach 0 Adam Stiner 0
Madison East- Bentely 22 Karlin Kamin 12 Emani Brathwaite 7 Miles Kietzer 6 De'Shawn Burks 6 Stavon Staples 3 Alex Redd 0 Jermel McLin 0
Well for winning this hard fought battle Verona gets to take on conference champion Madison Memorial. East had every opportunity to win this game but, just didn't take advantage of putting the dagger in. This was one game where I think they could of gone inside more to 6'3 Emani Brathwaite, who had some success, but I just think their so used to not looking inside at all they forgot about him. Also Jermel McLin didn't start and he has been one of their top scorers every time I've seen him but, he just looked totally out of sink coming off the bench for whatever reason.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Divison One Playoffs Predictions
With playoffs less then a week away I figured I'd start my predictions for the playoffs and who will be at state and who will win state. I will have my favorite (team to win the sectional), contenders (teams that have good chances to with sectional), and sleepers (may not be seen as a team that will win it but, have a long shot).
Stevens Point Sectional
Oshkosh North over DC Everest
North has just played better competition all year long and have been battle tested. Everest just doesn't see the same competition playing in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.
Contenders
DC Everest- Have only lost one game all year long. That's all that needs to be said.
Appleton West- Don't know much about them but, they come out of the always tough Fox Valley Association conference and a lot of people are talking like they may make it to state.
Sleepers
Honestly don't see another team that has a remote chance to make it to state.
Racine Sectional
Milwaukee King over Milwaukee Hamilton
King won one of the best conferences in the state and have played some of the best teams in the country let alone the state. Have the senior leaders over Hamilton.
Contenders
Milwaukee Hamilton- Have great size and athleticism. Have a hand full of guys that were at state a year ago.
Racine Park- Have tons of athletes and depth on this team but, have had lapses from time to time.
Milwaukee Vincent- Haven't beaten and played with some of the best teams in the state. Have Deonte Burton who is just a physical beast.
West Allis Central- Another team full of athletes and height. Have three big time players that have each put up huge numbers throughout the year.
Brookfield Central- Were beating everyone early in the year but, struggled late as WAC over came them in conference.
Milwaukee Riverside- Have the team to win state but, just a question who is on the court. If everyone is active they are one of, if not, the tallest team in the state.
Sleepers
With so many contenders you really can't have any sleepers left.
Manitowoc Sectional
Germantown over De Pere
Gtown has a ton of depth and a ton of athletes. Have been most peoples number one team all year and I don't see anyone coming close to them.
Contenders
De Pere- Only team that has beaten De Pere is Germantown and they are the defending state runner ups.
Homestead- Another team that has only been beaten by Germantown.
Bay Port- Has pushed De Pere to the limit twice and have only lost three games this year.
Sheboygan North-Another team that has only lost three games this year and have been ranked all year long.
Sleepers
Arrowhead- Have had a so so year but, have had some very promising games beating some top teams.
Menomonee Falls- Have the best player in division one and have been playing some great ball late in the season.
Kimberly- Another battle tested team from the FVA and could find themselves coming out on top.
Kettle Morain Sectional
Madison Memorial over Mukwonago
Memorial probably has the easier road to state of any of the #1 seeds. They have been to state eight straight years and this year should be number nine. Five athletes that start and are as good as any starting five in the state.
Contender
Mukwonago- Their the other #1 seed so have to be a contender and they won their conference.
Sleepers
Sun Prairie- Have looked like the best team in the state at times but, other times have looked like a five win team.
Middleton- Team with a lot of depth and have battle Memorial for the top of the conference all year long.
State Picks
Milwaukee King over Oshkosh North
Just way too much talent for North to handle. North has the slight edge on the inside but, everything else should go King's way.
Germantown over Madison Memorial
Germantown has too much size and athletes for Memorial and should be able to handle Memorials pressure.
Germantown over Milwaukee King
King might be the one team in the state that have as many athletes as Germantown but, G'town's height will just be too much for King to overcome.
Well there are my picks and will shall see how well I do in my predictions.
Stevens Point Sectional
Oshkosh North over DC Everest
North has just played better competition all year long and have been battle tested. Everest just doesn't see the same competition playing in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.
Contenders
DC Everest- Have only lost one game all year long. That's all that needs to be said.
Appleton West- Don't know much about them but, they come out of the always tough Fox Valley Association conference and a lot of people are talking like they may make it to state.
Sleepers
Honestly don't see another team that has a remote chance to make it to state.
Racine Sectional
Milwaukee King over Milwaukee Hamilton
King won one of the best conferences in the state and have played some of the best teams in the country let alone the state. Have the senior leaders over Hamilton.
Contenders
Milwaukee Hamilton- Have great size and athleticism. Have a hand full of guys that were at state a year ago.
Racine Park- Have tons of athletes and depth on this team but, have had lapses from time to time.
Milwaukee Vincent- Haven't beaten and played with some of the best teams in the state. Have Deonte Burton who is just a physical beast.
West Allis Central- Another team full of athletes and height. Have three big time players that have each put up huge numbers throughout the year.
Brookfield Central- Were beating everyone early in the year but, struggled late as WAC over came them in conference.
Milwaukee Riverside- Have the team to win state but, just a question who is on the court. If everyone is active they are one of, if not, the tallest team in the state.
Sleepers
With so many contenders you really can't have any sleepers left.
Manitowoc Sectional
Germantown over De Pere
Gtown has a ton of depth and a ton of athletes. Have been most peoples number one team all year and I don't see anyone coming close to them.
Contenders
De Pere- Only team that has beaten De Pere is Germantown and they are the defending state runner ups.
Homestead- Another team that has only been beaten by Germantown.
Bay Port- Has pushed De Pere to the limit twice and have only lost three games this year.
Sheboygan North-Another team that has only lost three games this year and have been ranked all year long.
Sleepers
Arrowhead- Have had a so so year but, have had some very promising games beating some top teams.
Menomonee Falls- Have the best player in division one and have been playing some great ball late in the season.
Kimberly- Another battle tested team from the FVA and could find themselves coming out on top.
Kettle Morain Sectional
Madison Memorial over Mukwonago
Memorial probably has the easier road to state of any of the #1 seeds. They have been to state eight straight years and this year should be number nine. Five athletes that start and are as good as any starting five in the state.
Contender
Mukwonago- Their the other #1 seed so have to be a contender and they won their conference.
Sleepers
Sun Prairie- Have looked like the best team in the state at times but, other times have looked like a five win team.
Middleton- Team with a lot of depth and have battle Memorial for the top of the conference all year long.
State Picks
Milwaukee King over Oshkosh North
Just way too much talent for North to handle. North has the slight edge on the inside but, everything else should go King's way.
Germantown over Madison Memorial
Germantown has too much size and athletes for Memorial and should be able to handle Memorials pressure.
Germantown over Milwaukee King
King might be the one team in the state that have as many athletes as Germantown but, G'town's height will just be too much for King to overcome.
Well there are my picks and will shall see how well I do in my predictions.
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