Madison Memorial defeated Middleton 65-49, which brought my prediction record to 19-13. Memorial starting lineup really confused me tonight. I haven't seen Memorial play before but, from talk I expected the starting lineup to be 6'6 junior Jeronne Maymon, 6'2 seniors Derek Nkemji and Devonte Maymon, and 6'3 sophomores Tre Creamer and Vander Blue. When the starting lineup was announced only J Maymon and Nkemji were starting. I don't know if the other three were being disciplined or possible injured, in the case of D Maymon who only played five minutes in the game. With the strange Memorial starting lineup Middleton was able to jump out to the early lead. About half way through the first quarter the sophomores Vander Blue and Tre Creamer came in and really changed the momentum of the game. Memorial was able to press and trap Middleton forcing them to turn the ball over which led to easy baskets for Memorial. The Spartans looked much better in the uptempo fast breaking game then they did in the half court set. One other thing that helped Memorial in winning this game was that they were able to control the boards both on the offensive and defensive end. Jeronne Maymon is without a doubt the best rebounder I have seen this year and may be the best rebounder in the state.
The story of this game was Memorials ability to force Middleton into turnovers and get their fast break working. Memorial really does a great job of distributing the ball in 2 on 1s and 3 on 2s. They really know the perfect time to give the ball up and set their teammates up. I stated that Jeronne Maymon was a beast on the boards and probably had 20 rebounds. He also does a great job of letting the game come to him and not forcing things. He runs the court extremely well which allows him to get some easy buckets in transition, has a very solid game from 15 foot and in, and handles the ball very well for a 6'6 player. The other big star was Vander Blue, who was able to come off the bench and provide instant offense. He was easily the fastest player on the court which allowed him to get out in the open court and finish. One thing that really impressed me about blue was his relentlessness on the glass. He did miss a lot of bunnies but, stuck with it and would usually finish, even if it did take him two or three tries. Despite only playing five minutes Devonte Maymon did make an impact. He came in mid way through the third quarter and score six quick points which helped to extend Memorials lead.
As usual Middleton used their depth and played 11 different players in their regular rotation but, Memorial was able to match that by playing 10 different players in their rotation. Once again it was a team effort for Middleton as no one player real stuck out and only two players scored in double digits. 6'1 junior point guard Brooks Braga looked really good early in the game as he was able to penetrate and get inside to score. 6'4 senior Jon Stubbe was his normal consistent self as he once again hit a couple three point shots and reached double figures again. One thing that I noticed tonight was that outside of Braga Middleton does have another true ball handler which really hurt them against the Memorial press.
Box Score
Memorial 65- J Maymon 26 Blue 18 D Maymon 6 Xavier Jones 6 Nkemji 5 Fred Ringhand 2 Creamer 2 Russell Henderson 0 Erik Blue 0 Brian McClurg 0 Ace Davis 0 Eric Fuhling 0 Ryan Murray 0
Middleton 49- Braga 12 Stubbe 10 Joe Dean 8 Dan Lochner 7 Jay Nunnery 6 Keegan Nesvacil 4 Kevin Kruckenberg 2 Taylor Diem 0 Travis Martin 0 Justin Mertes-Mistretta 0 Dan Trautman 0 Andrew Hudson 0
Coming in the next couple days will be my updated team and player rankings.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Big Eight Midseason
Well I just did my mid season review of the South Central Conference so today I'll do my mid season review of the other conference I predicted. So far the Big Eight has gone fairly close to what I thought with the exception of Janesville Craig who has really under achieved. Madison Memorial is out in front of the conference then there is the cluster of teams right behind them and then the group of teams in the cellar.
My Predictions
Janesville Craig 15-1
Madison Memorial 14-2
Madison Lafollette 10-6
Madison East 8-8
Middleton 8-8
Madison West 6-10
Sun Praire 5-11
Beloit 4-12
Janesville Parker 2-14
Actual Standings
Team Conference Overall
Madison Memorial 5-1 7-2
Middleton 5-2 6-4
Madison Lafollette 4-2 7-3
Janesville Craig 5-3 8-3
Madison West 4-3 4-5
Madison East 3-4 5-5
Beloit 2-5 3-8
Sun Praire 2-5 3-8
Janesville Parker 1-6 3-7
Madison Memorial has been much better then I expected. I had predicted their upset but, I never expected it to be to Beloit. Memorial handled Craig fairly easily so Memorial may only end up with one lose, unless someone else is able to upset them. Middleton has been much better then expected. I knew that they had a very good coach but, without a superstar in their lineup did not expect them to contend for the conference title, which it looks like they may be this year. Madison Lafollette has pretty much done what I expected. They have beaten the lower teams and the conference and lose to a couple of the top teams in Craig and Middleton and are yet to play Memorial. Janesville Craig has been a bit of a disappointment. I really thought they would be the class of the conference with their height and athleticism but, so far that hasn't been the case. They have lose to East, Memorial, and Middleton which is no where near the team that I thought had a chance of going undefeated in conference. Madison West looks like they may finally have a year where their win output will equal their athleticism. They may of just benefited from Mason less East team that allowed them to have a winning record. Will not be surprised to see West to struggle the rest of the year and only get those six wins I predicted. Madison East as been anything but, impressive. It appears that East is heading in the right direction and may be able to obtain that 8-8 mark I predicted. Marquis Mason is starting to get some help in the scoring column and doesn't appear to be forcing things as much. 8-8 is very obtainable for the Eastsiders. Beloit in a rebuilding year appears to be on course for the four win season I predicted unless they can manage an upset of another conference opponent. Sun Praire is probably still another year from actually competing in the conference but, has a decent chance of obtaining the five win season I predicted. Well Parker is Parker and will probably get the two wins I predicted and not much else.
Tomorrow I will be attending the big Madison Memorial vs Middleton game in which Middleton will have the opportunity to tie for the conference lead. I'm predicting a Memorial win by 10. Memorial has the depth to match Middleton's depth and have the athleticism advantage.
My Predictions
Janesville Craig 15-1
Madison Memorial 14-2
Madison Lafollette 10-6
Madison East 8-8
Middleton 8-8
Madison West 6-10
Sun Praire 5-11
Beloit 4-12
Janesville Parker 2-14
Actual Standings
Team Conference Overall
Madison Memorial 5-1 7-2
Middleton 5-2 6-4
Madison Lafollette 4-2 7-3
Janesville Craig 5-3 8-3
Madison West 4-3 4-5
Madison East 3-4 5-5
Beloit 2-5 3-8
Sun Praire 2-5 3-8
Janesville Parker 1-6 3-7
Madison Memorial has been much better then I expected. I had predicted their upset but, I never expected it to be to Beloit. Memorial handled Craig fairly easily so Memorial may only end up with one lose, unless someone else is able to upset them. Middleton has been much better then expected. I knew that they had a very good coach but, without a superstar in their lineup did not expect them to contend for the conference title, which it looks like they may be this year. Madison Lafollette has pretty much done what I expected. They have beaten the lower teams and the conference and lose to a couple of the top teams in Craig and Middleton and are yet to play Memorial. Janesville Craig has been a bit of a disappointment. I really thought they would be the class of the conference with their height and athleticism but, so far that hasn't been the case. They have lose to East, Memorial, and Middleton which is no where near the team that I thought had a chance of going undefeated in conference. Madison West looks like they may finally have a year where their win output will equal their athleticism. They may of just benefited from Mason less East team that allowed them to have a winning record. Will not be surprised to see West to struggle the rest of the year and only get those six wins I predicted. Madison East as been anything but, impressive. It appears that East is heading in the right direction and may be able to obtain that 8-8 mark I predicted. Marquis Mason is starting to get some help in the scoring column and doesn't appear to be forcing things as much. 8-8 is very obtainable for the Eastsiders. Beloit in a rebuilding year appears to be on course for the four win season I predicted unless they can manage an upset of another conference opponent. Sun Praire is probably still another year from actually competing in the conference but, has a decent chance of obtaining the five win season I predicted. Well Parker is Parker and will probably get the two wins I predicted and not much else.
Tomorrow I will be attending the big Madison Memorial vs Middleton game in which Middleton will have the opportunity to tie for the conference lead. I'm predicting a Memorial win by 10. Memorial has the depth to match Middleton's depth and have the athleticism advantage.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
South Central Midseason
Being that everyone has played each other once in conference it seemed like a good time to see how I've done so far with my predictions for the South Central Conference. So far my predictions have been pretty accurate, with Wisconsin Dells and Adams head and shoulders above everyone else and the remaining teams just beat up on each other.
My Predictions
1. Wisconsin Dells 9-1
Adams Friendship 9-1
3. Nekoosa 4-6
Wautoma 4-6
5. Mauston 3-7
6. Westfield 1-9
Actual
Team Conference Overall
Adams Friendship 5-0 6-3
Wisconsin Dells 4-1 8-2
Mauston 2-3 4-3
Nekoosa 2-3 4-6
Westfield 1-4 7-5
Wautoma 1-4 3-7
So far Adams and Dells have done what I thought, beat the four other teams. Now Wisconsin Dells just needs to win at Adams and I'll have these two teams predicted right for conference and hopefully neither team will drop a game they should win. Mauston may be slightly better then I thought or the other teams are worse, they have two conference wins and should be able to overcome the three wins I predicted. Nekoosa has done about what I though as they are 2-3 at the half way mark and double that and they will be the 4-6 record I predicted. Westfield has there one win I had predicted, so they have a chance to be better then the one win team I had predicted. Wautoma is worse then what I thought and have a lot of work ahead of them if their to make it to the 4-6 record I predicted.
In non-conference most of the teams have struggled as expected with the conference being weak on a whole. Dells being one of the top teams has done well in non conference and Westfield who has benefited from a weak schedule, which does not appear to be helping them in conference play.
Kind of taking a break right now from games and not updating my rankings because I have only seen one new team play. I will be updating rankings next week and Friday I'm hoping to see Madison Memorial vs Middleton play which should be a very good game and giving me my first opportunity to see Memorial play, who I usually try to follow fairly closely, as I really love to watch those Collin's coached teams.
My Predictions
1. Wisconsin Dells 9-1
Adams Friendship 9-1
3. Nekoosa 4-6
Wautoma 4-6
5. Mauston 3-7
6. Westfield 1-9
Actual
Team Conference Overall
Adams Friendship 5-0 6-3
Wisconsin Dells 4-1 8-2
Mauston 2-3 4-3
Nekoosa 2-3 4-6
Westfield 1-4 7-5
Wautoma 1-4 3-7
So far Adams and Dells have done what I thought, beat the four other teams. Now Wisconsin Dells just needs to win at Adams and I'll have these two teams predicted right for conference and hopefully neither team will drop a game they should win. Mauston may be slightly better then I thought or the other teams are worse, they have two conference wins and should be able to overcome the three wins I predicted. Nekoosa has done about what I though as they are 2-3 at the half way mark and double that and they will be the 4-6 record I predicted. Westfield has there one win I had predicted, so they have a chance to be better then the one win team I had predicted. Wautoma is worse then what I thought and have a lot of work ahead of them if their to make it to the 4-6 record I predicted.
In non-conference most of the teams have struggled as expected with the conference being weak on a whole. Dells being one of the top teams has done well in non conference and Westfield who has benefited from a weak schedule, which does not appear to be helping them in conference play.
Kind of taking a break right now from games and not updating my rankings because I have only seen one new team play. I will be updating rankings next week and Friday I'm hoping to see Madison Memorial vs Middleton play which should be a very good game and giving me my first opportunity to see Memorial play, who I usually try to follow fairly closely, as I really love to watch those Collin's coached teams.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Middleton over Madison East
Was originally going to go to the Deforest vs Evansville game but, then realized that Middleton and East were playing and figured that would be a better game. I was right as Deforest beat Evansville by 20 and Middleton defeated Madison East 62-57 in a pretty good game. East jumped out early and had a lead of four points after the first quarter but, by half time Middleton had a lead of 10 points and never looked back. There really wasn't one thing that could be pointed to for the reason that Middleton won. Throughout the majority of the game East was able to control the boards for much of the game but, in the end Middleton's depth wore East down and Middleton was able to control the boards towards the end of the game. Despite East getting two or three shots every time down the court they just couldn't get the shots to fall and still continue to lack the depth necessary to make a charge towards the top half of the conference or make a run in the playoffs. Middleton once again went 12 men deep and had nine different players score.
Marquis Mason seems to be getting some more help in the scoring column but, East still only got two points off their bench. One player for Madison East that I really like is 6'2 senior forward Al Mayne. Mayne plays at an extremely high energy level and does all the little things. Mayne is probably the Purgolders best defender, outside of Mason's shot blocking ability, and typically guards the opposing teams best player, whether it be a guard or a post player. I have seen East play three times and Mayne has guarded Eau Claire Memorials high energy 6'3 forward Collin Cooper, Madison Lafollete sharpshooter 6'1 guard Cashton Craig, and then tonight guarded 6'4 forward Jon Stubbe and then switched to 6'0 point guard Brooks Braga, when he started to heat up. Tonight really showed off Mayne's game as he filled the stat sheet. Mayne had 14 points, probably 10 plus rebounds, at least 3 blocks, and a couple assists. Not to mention Stubbe only score four first half points when Mayne was on him, when the switch was made to Braga, Braga was held scoreless for the rest of the game and Stubbe score 11 points in the second half. Mason has his typical game as he was able to score inside with ease, when he wasn't triple teamed. If the East guards can feed Mason the ball, he should easily score 20 points a game. If Mayne can continue to score in double digits East will continue to improve and if they can get some bench scoring or another legit scoring option they will be able to make a move up to the top half of the conference.
Middleton was their usual balanced self as they had nine different players score. Jon Stubbe once again he should he is a great shooter as he was able to knock down some threes in leading the Cardinals in scoring. Junior point guard Brooks Braga, who disappointed me a bit the last time I saw him, really came to play tonight did a great job of handling the East pressure and be able to get inside and score. Dan Lochner who was big off the bench once again used his strength to get inside, get fouled and finish. Despite the fact the Middleton does not have a star to watch, I have found myself really liking this team. Its nice to see that if one player struggles there is always another player that can pick up the scoring. I also really like the fact that coach Bavery gives all his players a chance and really plays everyone evenly and whoever has the hot hand will be playing in the fourth quarter.
Scoring
Madison East 57- Mason 24 Mayne 14 Augustine Avelleyra 7 Wade Smith 5 Yamil Bacallao 5 James Bartelt 2 Jonathan Wilson 0 Walt Hetzel 0 Devin Murray 0
Middleton 62- Stubbe 15 Lochner 14 Braga 10 Brett Semenas 5 Justin Mertes-Mistretta 5 Taylor Diem 4 Kevin Kruckenberg 3 Joe Dean 3 Keegan Nesvacil 3 Dan Trautman 0 Jay Nunnery 0 Andrew Hudson 0
Not sure whats to come the next few days if I'll be having much to post about the next few days. Not many games to watch and since I've only seen one knew team so not much for changes in the ranking of teams or rankings.
Marquis Mason seems to be getting some more help in the scoring column but, East still only got two points off their bench. One player for Madison East that I really like is 6'2 senior forward Al Mayne. Mayne plays at an extremely high energy level and does all the little things. Mayne is probably the Purgolders best defender, outside of Mason's shot blocking ability, and typically guards the opposing teams best player, whether it be a guard or a post player. I have seen East play three times and Mayne has guarded Eau Claire Memorials high energy 6'3 forward Collin Cooper, Madison Lafollete sharpshooter 6'1 guard Cashton Craig, and then tonight guarded 6'4 forward Jon Stubbe and then switched to 6'0 point guard Brooks Braga, when he started to heat up. Tonight really showed off Mayne's game as he filled the stat sheet. Mayne had 14 points, probably 10 plus rebounds, at least 3 blocks, and a couple assists. Not to mention Stubbe only score four first half points when Mayne was on him, when the switch was made to Braga, Braga was held scoreless for the rest of the game and Stubbe score 11 points in the second half. Mason has his typical game as he was able to score inside with ease, when he wasn't triple teamed. If the East guards can feed Mason the ball, he should easily score 20 points a game. If Mayne can continue to score in double digits East will continue to improve and if they can get some bench scoring or another legit scoring option they will be able to make a move up to the top half of the conference.
Middleton was their usual balanced self as they had nine different players score. Jon Stubbe once again he should he is a great shooter as he was able to knock down some threes in leading the Cardinals in scoring. Junior point guard Brooks Braga, who disappointed me a bit the last time I saw him, really came to play tonight did a great job of handling the East pressure and be able to get inside and score. Dan Lochner who was big off the bench once again used his strength to get inside, get fouled and finish. Despite the fact the Middleton does not have a star to watch, I have found myself really liking this team. Its nice to see that if one player struggles there is always another player that can pick up the scoring. I also really like the fact that coach Bavery gives all his players a chance and really plays everyone evenly and whoever has the hot hand will be playing in the fourth quarter.
Scoring
Madison East 57- Mason 24 Mayne 14 Augustine Avelleyra 7 Wade Smith 5 Yamil Bacallao 5 James Bartelt 2 Jonathan Wilson 0 Walt Hetzel 0 Devin Murray 0
Middleton 62- Stubbe 15 Lochner 14 Braga 10 Brett Semenas 5 Justin Mertes-Mistretta 5 Taylor Diem 4 Kevin Kruckenberg 3 Joe Dean 3 Keegan Nesvacil 3 Dan Trautman 0 Jay Nunnery 0 Andrew Hudson 0
Not sure whats to come the next few days if I'll be having much to post about the next few days. Not many games to watch and since I've only seen one knew team so not much for changes in the ranking of teams or rankings.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Adams over Dells
As I had predicted Adams Friendship beat Wisconsin Dells, which raised my prediction record to 18-13. I may of gotten the outcome right but, was way off on the final score. I had predicted a final score of 40-36 but, the final ended up being Adams 63 Dells 47. This game was much higher scoring game then the past and was not nearly as close as previous match ups. At the half Adams was up by three, then after the third they were up by 12, and then finished off winning by 16 as Dells began taking some bad shots that led to some easy Adams basket.
Two things really stood out in this game for me. First Dells really played some poor defense. In the second half it seemed every basket for Adams was an uncontested layup. Adams players were able to penetrate the Dells defense and either finish or find a wide open teammate. Wisconsin Dells also did a poor job of getting back after a miss or made basket as Adams was able to just simply beat the Dells defenders up the court which led to easy baskets. The second thing was the continued struggles of Dells point guard Ryan Wenkman. I think the Dells needs Wenkman to score at least 15 plus points a game for them to win and right now he's really struggling to find his shot from the inside and hasn't been looking to penetrate much as of late.
First thing that sticks out about Adams Friendship is that they have only eight players on their team and that is with one guy that played half of JV. I find this very surprising with Adams rich basketball tradition, who wouldn't wanna be around a winner? You think they could find 12 guys to play. Prior to the game I had really talked about Tommie Gaston being such a great player but, he really was a non factor in the game. I believe Gaston had missed a game or two do to injury, which is why I believe he didn't start the game. When Gaston did finally get in the game he picked up two quick fouls and then later picked up a third and then his fourth very quickly. The foul trouble never allowed Gaston to really get into the flow of the game. I honestly thought that Gaston would easily be in my top 15 players I've seen but, after this game he will not be making an appearance in my top players, even though he probably should be, he just didn't impress tonight. Lance Fritz who I had briefly mention was the star of this game. Fritz finished with 24 points and was able to score in a variety of ways. He knocked down a three point shot, hit a jumper or two, was able to penetrate and finish, made his free throws, and at times just out ran everyone down the court to get an easy lay in. Ben Pease also had a pretty good game as he was able to penetrate the Dells defense and score and did a good job of teaming with Fritz to bring the ball up and limit turnovers. Couple other guys to take note of are Bryce Wormet who at 6'3 came off the bench to knock down a three and had an "dunk", which I believe may of been accidental, and Billy Deane, who at only 6'1 did a great job of battling on the offensive and defensive glass.
Wisconsin Dells continued to look out of sink in this game and continued to struggled against the zone. Right now they just have no real offense against the zone, as the are unable to get the ball inside and continue to settle for the three point shot. They did shoot the three ball better tonight but, just settling for three point shots is not going to win you games. Jade Royston once again led the Chiefs as he was the only player to be able to get inside and draw some contact and finish and then was able to connect on his free throws. I already mentioned the struggles of Ryan Wenkman, who also struggled from the line as he went 3-6 unofficially from the line. Nathan Miller who I thought could be a big factor in this came couldn't get out of coach Rohlings doghouse and was constantly sent to the bench and could never really get into the flow of the game. 6'9 sophomore Nate Gibson was really limited in his touches do to the zone by did have about a five minute run where he was able to score all seven of his points. I think if Gibson could just get himself in better position to get the ball his scoring would really pick up.
Box Score
Wisconsin Dells 47- Royston 18 Wenkman 8 Gibson 7 Laddie Lucke 6 Ryan Field 4 Miller 4 Ethan Loofboro 0 Alex Beusing 0
Adams 63- Fritz 24 Pease 13 Wormet 8 Deane 8 Gaston 7 Tony Kuchta 3 Mike Chetney 0
Well tomorrow I may or may not be headed to Deforest to watch the Evansville vs Deforest game, so we may have some game updates otherwise may just have some talk about the Wisconsin game. Side not Wisconsin Badger and Wisconsin Dells Alum JP Gavinski was at the game tonight which I thought was kinda weird considering that the Badgers will be playing tomorrow at 11 am.
Two things really stood out in this game for me. First Dells really played some poor defense. In the second half it seemed every basket for Adams was an uncontested layup. Adams players were able to penetrate the Dells defense and either finish or find a wide open teammate. Wisconsin Dells also did a poor job of getting back after a miss or made basket as Adams was able to just simply beat the Dells defenders up the court which led to easy baskets. The second thing was the continued struggles of Dells point guard Ryan Wenkman. I think the Dells needs Wenkman to score at least 15 plus points a game for them to win and right now he's really struggling to find his shot from the inside and hasn't been looking to penetrate much as of late.
First thing that sticks out about Adams Friendship is that they have only eight players on their team and that is with one guy that played half of JV. I find this very surprising with Adams rich basketball tradition, who wouldn't wanna be around a winner? You think they could find 12 guys to play. Prior to the game I had really talked about Tommie Gaston being such a great player but, he really was a non factor in the game. I believe Gaston had missed a game or two do to injury, which is why I believe he didn't start the game. When Gaston did finally get in the game he picked up two quick fouls and then later picked up a third and then his fourth very quickly. The foul trouble never allowed Gaston to really get into the flow of the game. I honestly thought that Gaston would easily be in my top 15 players I've seen but, after this game he will not be making an appearance in my top players, even though he probably should be, he just didn't impress tonight. Lance Fritz who I had briefly mention was the star of this game. Fritz finished with 24 points and was able to score in a variety of ways. He knocked down a three point shot, hit a jumper or two, was able to penetrate and finish, made his free throws, and at times just out ran everyone down the court to get an easy lay in. Ben Pease also had a pretty good game as he was able to penetrate the Dells defense and score and did a good job of teaming with Fritz to bring the ball up and limit turnovers. Couple other guys to take note of are Bryce Wormet who at 6'3 came off the bench to knock down a three and had an "dunk", which I believe may of been accidental, and Billy Deane, who at only 6'1 did a great job of battling on the offensive and defensive glass.
Wisconsin Dells continued to look out of sink in this game and continued to struggled against the zone. Right now they just have no real offense against the zone, as the are unable to get the ball inside and continue to settle for the three point shot. They did shoot the three ball better tonight but, just settling for three point shots is not going to win you games. Jade Royston once again led the Chiefs as he was the only player to be able to get inside and draw some contact and finish and then was able to connect on his free throws. I already mentioned the struggles of Ryan Wenkman, who also struggled from the line as he went 3-6 unofficially from the line. Nathan Miller who I thought could be a big factor in this came couldn't get out of coach Rohlings doghouse and was constantly sent to the bench and could never really get into the flow of the game. 6'9 sophomore Nate Gibson was really limited in his touches do to the zone by did have about a five minute run where he was able to score all seven of his points. I think if Gibson could just get himself in better position to get the ball his scoring would really pick up.
Box Score
Wisconsin Dells 47- Royston 18 Wenkman 8 Gibson 7 Laddie Lucke 6 Ryan Field 4 Miller 4 Ethan Loofboro 0 Alex Beusing 0
Adams 63- Fritz 24 Pease 13 Wormet 8 Deane 8 Gaston 7 Tony Kuchta 3 Mike Chetney 0
Well tomorrow I may or may not be headed to Deforest to watch the Evansville vs Deforest game, so we may have some game updates otherwise may just have some talk about the Wisconsin game. Side not Wisconsin Badger and Wisconsin Dells Alum JP Gavinski was at the game tonight which I thought was kinda weird considering that the Badgers will be playing tomorrow at 11 am.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Adams Friendship vs Wisconsin Dells Preview
Very big game this Friday night as Adams Friendship takes on my Alma Mater Wisconsin Dells. The two games played each year between these two teams are always decided for conference in recent years and these two teams are always in the top 10 for division two. Currently both teams are 4-0 in conference and Adams is ranked 13th while the Dells is ranked 9th. Both teams are coming off some tough loses to some very good teams in Janesville Craig and Eau Claire Regis. In the past five years Dells has won conference four times and Adams has one conference once and never finished worse then third in conference. In that time span Dells leads the series 7-4 with six of those games being within five points or less and only two games decided by 15 or more points. Last year Adams was able to defeat Wisconsin Dells twice during the regular season on their way to a conference title and then in the playoffs the Dells was able to knock off Adams on their way to state. This all adds up to a very good game in a very heated rivalry. The Adams vs Dells rivalry is easily the best in the area and is one of the best in the state.
Wisconsin Dells is lead by two very good guards in Ryan Wenkman and Jade Royston. Both guys are averaging 15-20 points a game and have the ability to carry the team if need be. The third option on this team is up for grabs. The guy that looks to be that third option is 6'9 sophomore Nate Gibson whose had some big games but, is still very raw and doesn't have the ability to carry the team yet. Nathan Miller is the x-factor in the game if he's healthy which has been a rarity in his three years on varsity. Miller is a 6'3 forward that has the ability to get inside and score and can also spot up for the outside shot if he gets a chance to set his feet. Miller looked very good in the game against Regis and he will be needed to be big once again against Adams if the Dells wants to win this one. Anyone that has followed my blog has heard a lot about these Dells players so no need to go into too much detail.
I have not seen Adams Friendship this year so I am going mostly on last year and what I've heard, on what to expect. AF is led by one of the top juniors in the state and the best player in the conference in 6'4 junior Tommie Gaston. Gaston can jump out of the gym and gets a large portion of his points forcing turnovers on the top of Adams 1-3-1 defense. Gaston is not just a dunker though, he handles the ball very well for a kid his size and can knock down the three point shot, and penetrate and finish in traffic. I've gone this far and this is the first time I've mention Adams 1-3-1 defense. Their zone defense is one of the best and around and has been perfected by the Green Devils and coach Klass, which typical leads to low scoring games as teams continue to struggle against the zone. Another player to keep an eye on is Adams point guard Ben Pease who is in his fourth year on varsity and while he isn't a big time scorer does a very good job of running the offense and setting teammates up with open shots. A couple new comers to varsity have also been key to Adams this year in 6'1 junior Lance Fritz and 6'4 sophomore Bryce Wormet. Fritz is a shooter that has already had a game where he score 30 points and Wormet is a sophomore starting on varsity, no need to say more.
Now that I've given all the facts and a little history, who do I take in the game? Unfortunately for my Alma mater I'm taking Adams Friendship. Wisconsin Dells really struggled against the 2-3 zone defense played by Eau Claire Regis and Adams 1-3-1 should be a tougher defense then Regis's. Dells really lacked the ability to get the ball inside and settled for the three point shot which wasn't dropping. Guessing the game will be in the upper 30s or low 40s. Taking a score of Adams 40- Dells 36.
Wisconsin Dells is lead by two very good guards in Ryan Wenkman and Jade Royston. Both guys are averaging 15-20 points a game and have the ability to carry the team if need be. The third option on this team is up for grabs. The guy that looks to be that third option is 6'9 sophomore Nate Gibson whose had some big games but, is still very raw and doesn't have the ability to carry the team yet. Nathan Miller is the x-factor in the game if he's healthy which has been a rarity in his three years on varsity. Miller is a 6'3 forward that has the ability to get inside and score and can also spot up for the outside shot if he gets a chance to set his feet. Miller looked very good in the game against Regis and he will be needed to be big once again against Adams if the Dells wants to win this one. Anyone that has followed my blog has heard a lot about these Dells players so no need to go into too much detail.
I have not seen Adams Friendship this year so I am going mostly on last year and what I've heard, on what to expect. AF is led by one of the top juniors in the state and the best player in the conference in 6'4 junior Tommie Gaston. Gaston can jump out of the gym and gets a large portion of his points forcing turnovers on the top of Adams 1-3-1 defense. Gaston is not just a dunker though, he handles the ball very well for a kid his size and can knock down the three point shot, and penetrate and finish in traffic. I've gone this far and this is the first time I've mention Adams 1-3-1 defense. Their zone defense is one of the best and around and has been perfected by the Green Devils and coach Klass, which typical leads to low scoring games as teams continue to struggle against the zone. Another player to keep an eye on is Adams point guard Ben Pease who is in his fourth year on varsity and while he isn't a big time scorer does a very good job of running the offense and setting teammates up with open shots. A couple new comers to varsity have also been key to Adams this year in 6'1 junior Lance Fritz and 6'4 sophomore Bryce Wormet. Fritz is a shooter that has already had a game where he score 30 points and Wormet is a sophomore starting on varsity, no need to say more.
Now that I've given all the facts and a little history, who do I take in the game? Unfortunately for my Alma mater I'm taking Adams Friendship. Wisconsin Dells really struggled against the 2-3 zone defense played by Eau Claire Regis and Adams 1-3-1 should be a tougher defense then Regis's. Dells really lacked the ability to get the ball inside and settled for the three point shot which wasn't dropping. Guessing the game will be in the upper 30s or low 40s. Taking a score of Adams 40- Dells 36.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
4th Round Player Rankings
Every week the ranking of players gets harder and harder. Its difficult to remember players that I have only seen once early in the year and to remember what impressed me about them. This past week I saw five new teams so I have a decent amount of players to add to the rankings. Well here are my new rankings and I'll try to do my best.
Player Rankings
1.Marquis Mason 6'5 forward sophomore Madison East (2)- Very strong post player that can do it all. Can knock down the outside shot, runs the court well, blocks shots, and is very very strong in the post. Had a bad game against Lafollette and probably would of moved down if Cashton Craig hadn't struggled too.
2. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward senior Janesville Craig (2)- Slight edge over Cashton Craig because he does so much more then just scores. Does a great job of rebounding and passing. Really lets the game come to him and doesn't force things. Very smooth player that can really knock down the outside shot and being 6'6 doesn't hurt either.
3. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard senior Madison Lafollette (2)- Very good shooter that can really get hot. Moves very well without the ball in his hands. Forces things at times and can go cold at times from the outside. Really just a scorer doesn't rebound very well.
4. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard junior Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Very good scorer that can go off at any time and has an engine that doesn't stop. Has really improve in becoming more of a point guard and not just a scorer
.5. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard junior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Most improved player I have seen this year. Handles the ball very well and can get where he wants at anytime. Has a very good mid range jumper.
6. Kieran Weed 6'5 forward senior Laconia (1)- Kid that can jump out of the gym, that can one step and dunk. Weed is a beast on the inside that is very tough to stop and has the ability to go outside and hit the mid range jumper or three pointer. Also runs the court very well.
7. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center junior Janesville Craig (2)- Very strong inside with the ball. Really crashes the boards and does a great job getting inside position and moving without the ball.
8. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward junior Madison Edgewood (1)- Very good shooter that can also drive to the hoop and find open teammates. Doesn't look like it but, is a fairly strong player.
9. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard sophomore Madison Lafollette (1)- Didn't play the first time I saw Lafollette. Has a very good cross over that allows him to get into the lane. Has a very good floater shot and is a very strong player. Another guy that has an engine that never quits.
10. Tyler Mazur 6'4 guard junior Reedsburg (1/2)- Gets his feet set very quick, which helps him get his shot off very quick coming off the screen. A guard but, at 6'4 has the ability to go inside and can really jump.
11. Jade Royston 6'0 guard junior Wisconsin Dells (2)- Very smooth player that can hit the outside shot or penetrate and pull up for the mid range jumper. Big time scorer. Not afraid to put his team on his back.
12. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward senior Madison West (2)- Shoots the outside shot very well from a set position and does a great job of running the court.
13. Evan VanCleave 6'0 guard senior Reedsburg (1/2)- Ultra quick guard with very good handles and goes to the hoop very strong. Also has the ability to knock down the 15 footer.
14. Michael Horton 6'2 guard senior Madison West (2)- Pass first point guard that's always looking to set up his teammates. Handles the ball very well and can knock down the three point shot.
15. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward junior Janesville Craig (2)- Very good mid range shot and goes to the hoop hard.
HM
Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard senior Wisconsin Dells (2)
Charles Lee 5'7 guard freshmen Milwaukee Bay View (2)
Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Michael Hanson 6'6 forward junior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Keegan Meier 6'3 forward junior Eau Claire Memorial (1)
Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward senior Madison Edgewood (1)
Deon Johnson 6'4 guard senior Madison West (2)
Senior Rankings
1.Lucas Burns 6'6 forward Janesville Craig
2. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Kieran Weed 6'5 forward Laconia
4. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward Madison West
5. Evan VanCleave 6'0 guard Reedsburg
6. Michael Horton 6'2 guard Madison West
7. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard Wisconsin Dells (2)- Very hard nosed lead guard that uses his strength to get inside and score. Handles the ball very well and can knock down the three point shot.
8. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Guy that does a little bit of everything. Rebounds very well, can bring the ball up the court, and shoots a very high percentage from the line and three point range.
9. Deon Johnson 6'4 guard Madison West (2)- Very strong player that can jump outta the gym and goes to the hoop strong. Has the ability to knock down the outside shot as well.
10. Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward Madison Edgewood (1)- Strong player that battles inside. Team leader that passes the ball very well from the high post.
HM
Jon Stubbe 6'4 forward Middleton (1)
Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Michael Collins 6'3 guard Madison West (1)
Collin Cooper 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial (1)
Junior Rankings
1. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard Lacrosse Aquinas
3. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center Janesville Craig
4. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward Madison Edgewood
5. Tyler Mazur 6'4 guard Reedsburg
6. Jade Royston 6'0 guard Wisconsin Dells
7. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward Janesville Craig
8. Michael Hanson 6'6 forward Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Big man with a very soft touch out to the three point line. Another kid that can really jump.
9. Keegan Meier 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial (1)- Big time scorer that can go to the hoop strong or knock down the outside shot.
10. John Loomans 6'4 forward Portage (1)- Goes to the hoop very strong and can pull up for the 15 footer. Very aggressive player.
HM
Brenden Wittchow 6'0 guard Laconia (1)
Derek Semenas 6'3 forward Laconia (1)
Nick Bowe 6'4 forward Eau Claire Regis (1)
Sophomore Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward Madison East
2. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Kevin Hurd 6'0 guard Portage (1)- Does a very good job of running the offense and doesn't need much room to get his shot off.
4. Demetrius Turner 6'4 forward Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Athletic guy that likes to run and goes to the hoop strong. Is a very strong rebounder and shot blocker.
5. Jon Dybevik 6'0 guard Madison Lafollette (2)- Handles the ball very well and goes to the hoop strong. Plays like an upper classman.
6. Jeff Hull 6'4 forward Madison East (2)- Good mid range game where he can pass or shoot the jumper. Likes to go inside and bang.
7. Jack Eaton 5'10 guard Eau Claire Regis (1)- Player with ice water veins that can knock down the big three pointers and hit the clutch free throws.
8. Robert Littleton 6'1 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Athletic guy that likes to run the floor and rebounds well for a guard.
9. Nate Gibson 6'9 center Wisconsin Dells (1)- Big guy that is a little raw but, shows some promise and wants the ball in the post with his back to the basket.
Freshmen Rankings
1. Charles Lee 5'7 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Very quick lead guard that does a great job of getting in the lane and finding open teammates for layups.
2. Elgin Cook 6'3 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Guy that goes to the hoop and can finish strong and is also a very good rebounder.
3. Darnell Harris 6'6 forward Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Extremely good defender that can block shots and knows when to take the charge. Also has a soft touch around the rim.
4. Samar Powell 5'6 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Hard nosed player that is not afraid to go inside and can knock down the outside shot.
5. Haki Stampely 6'0 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Guard that can really put his head down and score.
Well there are my new rankings. I know they aren't perfect but, those are my personal opinions of the top players that I have seen. I apologize to the players that I saw early in the year because I may not remember all the positives of your game and also to the players that just had a bad game when I saw you play. Hopefully I will get a chance to see those guys play a second time and make a more accurate judgement.
Player Rankings
1.Marquis Mason 6'5 forward sophomore Madison East (2)- Very strong post player that can do it all. Can knock down the outside shot, runs the court well, blocks shots, and is very very strong in the post. Had a bad game against Lafollette and probably would of moved down if Cashton Craig hadn't struggled too.
2. Lucas Burns 6'6 forward senior Janesville Craig (2)- Slight edge over Cashton Craig because he does so much more then just scores. Does a great job of rebounding and passing. Really lets the game come to him and doesn't force things. Very smooth player that can really knock down the outside shot and being 6'6 doesn't hurt either.
3. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard senior Madison Lafollette (2)- Very good shooter that can really get hot. Moves very well without the ball in his hands. Forces things at times and can go cold at times from the outside. Really just a scorer doesn't rebound very well.
4. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard junior Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Very good scorer that can go off at any time and has an engine that doesn't stop. Has really improve in becoming more of a point guard and not just a scorer
.5. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard junior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Most improved player I have seen this year. Handles the ball very well and can get where he wants at anytime. Has a very good mid range jumper.
6. Kieran Weed 6'5 forward senior Laconia (1)- Kid that can jump out of the gym, that can one step and dunk. Weed is a beast on the inside that is very tough to stop and has the ability to go outside and hit the mid range jumper or three pointer. Also runs the court very well.
7. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center junior Janesville Craig (2)- Very strong inside with the ball. Really crashes the boards and does a great job getting inside position and moving without the ball.
8. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward junior Madison Edgewood (1)- Very good shooter that can also drive to the hoop and find open teammates. Doesn't look like it but, is a fairly strong player.
9. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard sophomore Madison Lafollette (1)- Didn't play the first time I saw Lafollette. Has a very good cross over that allows him to get into the lane. Has a very good floater shot and is a very strong player. Another guy that has an engine that never quits.
10. Tyler Mazur 6'4 guard junior Reedsburg (1/2)- Gets his feet set very quick, which helps him get his shot off very quick coming off the screen. A guard but, at 6'4 has the ability to go inside and can really jump.
11. Jade Royston 6'0 guard junior Wisconsin Dells (2)- Very smooth player that can hit the outside shot or penetrate and pull up for the mid range jumper. Big time scorer. Not afraid to put his team on his back.
12. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward senior Madison West (2)- Shoots the outside shot very well from a set position and does a great job of running the court.
13. Evan VanCleave 6'0 guard senior Reedsburg (1/2)- Ultra quick guard with very good handles and goes to the hoop very strong. Also has the ability to knock down the 15 footer.
14. Michael Horton 6'2 guard senior Madison West (2)- Pass first point guard that's always looking to set up his teammates. Handles the ball very well and can knock down the three point shot.
15. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward junior Janesville Craig (2)- Very good mid range shot and goes to the hoop hard.
HM
Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard senior Wisconsin Dells (2)
Charles Lee 5'7 guard freshmen Milwaukee Bay View (2)
Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward senior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Michael Hanson 6'6 forward junior Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Keegan Meier 6'3 forward junior Eau Claire Memorial (1)
Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward senior Madison Edgewood (1)
Deon Johnson 6'4 guard senior Madison West (2)
Senior Rankings
1.Lucas Burns 6'6 forward Janesville Craig
2. Cashton Craig 6'1 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Kieran Weed 6'5 forward Laconia
4. Corvonn Gaines 6'5 forward Madison West
5. Evan VanCleave 6'0 guard Reedsburg
6. Michael Horton 6'2 guard Madison West
7. Ryan Wenkman 5'11 guard Wisconsin Dells (2)- Very hard nosed lead guard that uses his strength to get inside and score. Handles the ball very well and can knock down the three point shot.
8. Lucas Morrissey 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Guy that does a little bit of everything. Rebounds very well, can bring the ball up the court, and shoots a very high percentage from the line and three point range.
9. Deon Johnson 6'4 guard Madison West (2)- Very strong player that can jump outta the gym and goes to the hoop strong. Has the ability to knock down the outside shot as well.
10. Casey Balczewski 6'4 forward Madison Edgewood (1)- Strong player that battles inside. Team leader that passes the ball very well from the high post.
HM
Jon Stubbe 6'4 forward Middleton (1)
Zach Rickaway 6'3 forward Lacrosse Aquinas (1)
Michael Collins 6'3 guard Madison West (1)
Collin Cooper 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial (1)
Junior Rankings
1. Johnnie Lacy 5'11 guard Milwaukee Bay View
2. Jimmy Whitehead 6'1 guard Lacrosse Aquinas
3. Jojo Pregont 6'6 center Janesville Craig
4. Derek Braucht 6'6 forward Madison Edgewood
5. Tyler Mazur 6'4 guard Reedsburg
6. Jade Royston 6'0 guard Wisconsin Dells
7. Kyle Goike 6'3 forward Janesville Craig
8. Michael Hanson 6'6 forward Lacrosse Aquinas (1)- Big man with a very soft touch out to the three point line. Another kid that can really jump.
9. Keegan Meier 6'3 forward Eau Claire Memorial (1)- Big time scorer that can go to the hoop strong or knock down the outside shot.
10. John Loomans 6'4 forward Portage (1)- Goes to the hoop very strong and can pull up for the 15 footer. Very aggressive player.
HM
Brenden Wittchow 6'0 guard Laconia (1)
Derek Semenas 6'3 forward Laconia (1)
Nick Bowe 6'4 forward Eau Claire Regis (1)
Sophomore Rankings
1. Marquis Mason 6'5 forward Madison East
2. DJ Fuller 5'10 guard Madison Lafollette
3. Kevin Hurd 6'0 guard Portage (1)- Does a very good job of running the offense and doesn't need much room to get his shot off.
4. Demetrius Turner 6'4 forward Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Athletic guy that likes to run and goes to the hoop strong. Is a very strong rebounder and shot blocker.
5. Jon Dybevik 6'0 guard Madison Lafollette (2)- Handles the ball very well and goes to the hoop strong. Plays like an upper classman.
6. Jeff Hull 6'4 forward Madison East (2)- Good mid range game where he can pass or shoot the jumper. Likes to go inside and bang.
7. Jack Eaton 5'10 guard Eau Claire Regis (1)- Player with ice water veins that can knock down the big three pointers and hit the clutch free throws.
8. Robert Littleton 6'1 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Athletic guy that likes to run the floor and rebounds well for a guard.
9. Nate Gibson 6'9 center Wisconsin Dells (1)- Big guy that is a little raw but, shows some promise and wants the ball in the post with his back to the basket.
Freshmen Rankings
1. Charles Lee 5'7 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Very quick lead guard that does a great job of getting in the lane and finding open teammates for layups.
2. Elgin Cook 6'3 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Guy that goes to the hoop and can finish strong and is also a very good rebounder.
3. Darnell Harris 6'6 forward Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Extremely good defender that can block shots and knows when to take the charge. Also has a soft touch around the rim.
4. Samar Powell 5'6 guard Milwaukee Bay View (2)- Hard nosed player that is not afraid to go inside and can knock down the outside shot.
5. Haki Stampely 6'0 guard Milwaukee Bay View (1)- Guard that can really put his head down and score.
Well there are my new rankings. I know they aren't perfect but, those are my personal opinions of the top players that I have seen. I apologize to the players that I saw early in the year because I may not remember all the positives of your game and also to the players that just had a bad game when I saw you play. Hopefully I will get a chance to see those guys play a second time and make a more accurate judgement.
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