The past few years it also seemed like the high major talent has been in division two and this year appears to be no different. The top three teams in the state regardless of division may very all be in D2 this year.
1. Nicolet- Might be the the most talented team in the state with the top two juniors in the state in 6'8 Jalen Johnson and 6'9 Jamari Sibley. Johnson can basically go anywhere he wants to for college and Sibley has his own handful of college offers. It seems every week they get another transfer that was starting for another school a year ago.
2. La Crosse Central- A state team a year ago they bring back all five starters and they are headlined by a trio of scholarship college players in 6'5 junior twins Johnny and Jordan Davis along with 6'7 junior Terrence Thompson. Can't over look 6'1 senior point guard Noah Parcher a four year varsity player as well.
3. Milwaukee Washington- Lost in the championship game a year ago and bring back their top two scorers in 6'5 senior Deontay Long and 6'9 sophomore Michael Foster. Forster is considered by many a top three sophomore in the country.
4. Onalaska- Went 20-4 a year ago and bring back three starters from that team that averaged double digits in points along with 6'9 sophomore Gavin McGrath off the bench.
5. Westosha Central- A state team a year ago and they bring back three starters including their top two scoers in 6'1 senior Jaeden Zackery and 6'3 senior Dyland Anderson. Zackery is one of the elite players in the state.
6. Kaukauna- Another returning state team they bring back two starters in 6'0 junior Keaton Ferris and 6'5 senior Donovan Ivory who should have monster years after the graduation of a very talented senior class.
7. Green Bay Southwest- A little yearbook help here but, they bring back two all conference senior performers in 6'3 Will Pytleski and 6'2 Lucas Stieber.
8. Monona Grove- 6'7 senior Sam Hepp seems poised for a monster senior season and fellow senior 6'1 Caden Nelson is a returning first team all conference player.
9. Milwaukee Madison- A little yearbook help here but, they bring back four starters from a very successful team last year. Three returners averaged double digit points while the fourth starer averaged double digit rebounds.
10. Mount Horeb- Yearbook help here but, they won 18 games a year ago and bring back four starters that all averaged eight plus points a game.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Preseason Division One Rankings
I did my early thoughts so now time to look at each division individually. These rankings are my own and really don't mean anything and are purely just for my own entertainment and see how close they finish out at the end of the year. I will also admit that I do get a little help from the Wisconsin Basketball Yearkbook. So anyway here are my D1 rankings.
1. Racine Park- A team with a ton of talent and a ton of experience in seniors 6'9 Nobal Days and 6'3 Larry Canady. If this team is able to push the tempo I'm not sure anyone in the state can keep up with them.
2. Brookfield Central- They've had a ton of success in the past three season and the main reasons for that is their guard play led by a pair of seniors in 6'0 Gage Malensek and 6'3 Ben Nau. Malensek and Nau form the best back court in the state in my opinion. A state title will probably hinge on the play of 6'6 sophomore David Joplin who was a double digit scorer a year ago.
3. Hamilton Sussex- A state team a year ago and they have one of the elite sophomores in the country in 6'8 Patrick Balldwin Jr they also bring back three other starters from that team that got to state.
4. Waukesha West- Took this one from the yearbook but, looking at the numbers make sense. Bring back four starters that all average double digits from a team that won 16 games a year ago. They are led by 6'10 senior David Skogman who is evidently a D1 scholarship player at some big time schools.
5. Madison Memorial- Memorial has gotten to be just a given to be in the top 10 and they have three senior starters back with a ton of experience. 6'4 Ian Brown is working on his fourth year, while 6'4 Nick Caropreso and 6'2 Cade Ellingson are on their third.
6. Kimberly- Took this one from the year book a bit but, 6'5 senior Levi Nienhaus'Borchert is back after averaging a double double a year ago and they received a talented transfer in 6'6 senior Reed Miller who was a double digit scorer for Marshfield last year.
7. Brookfield East- Lost in the state championship game a year and bring back three starters from that team. 6'2 junior Sam McGath had a great state showing and that should carry into this year.
8. Oshkosh West- Took a flyer on this one to be honest. 6'10 senior Luke Haasl is ranked 10th in the class and should have a big year as a senior and West always brings a talented team.
9. Madison La Follette- Another team with a great senior back court in 5'8 Donneil Gray and 5'11 Troy Reeves. If they are allowed to push the tempo and they basically can at will they can play with anyone in the state. Height is a concern though.
10. Franklin- Had a tremendous record last year going 22-2 and they bring back a pair of starters. Hey the yearbook has them ranked in the top 10 as well.
1. Racine Park- A team with a ton of talent and a ton of experience in seniors 6'9 Nobal Days and 6'3 Larry Canady. If this team is able to push the tempo I'm not sure anyone in the state can keep up with them.
2. Brookfield Central- They've had a ton of success in the past three season and the main reasons for that is their guard play led by a pair of seniors in 6'0 Gage Malensek and 6'3 Ben Nau. Malensek and Nau form the best back court in the state in my opinion. A state title will probably hinge on the play of 6'6 sophomore David Joplin who was a double digit scorer a year ago.
3. Hamilton Sussex- A state team a year ago and they have one of the elite sophomores in the country in 6'8 Patrick Balldwin Jr they also bring back three other starters from that team that got to state.
4. Waukesha West- Took this one from the yearbook but, looking at the numbers make sense. Bring back four starters that all average double digits from a team that won 16 games a year ago. They are led by 6'10 senior David Skogman who is evidently a D1 scholarship player at some big time schools.
5. Madison Memorial- Memorial has gotten to be just a given to be in the top 10 and they have three senior starters back with a ton of experience. 6'4 Ian Brown is working on his fourth year, while 6'4 Nick Caropreso and 6'2 Cade Ellingson are on their third.
6. Kimberly- Took this one from the year book a bit but, 6'5 senior Levi Nienhaus'Borchert is back after averaging a double double a year ago and they received a talented transfer in 6'6 senior Reed Miller who was a double digit scorer for Marshfield last year.
7. Brookfield East- Lost in the state championship game a year and bring back three starters from that team. 6'2 junior Sam McGath had a great state showing and that should carry into this year.
8. Oshkosh West- Took a flyer on this one to be honest. 6'10 senior Luke Haasl is ranked 10th in the class and should have a big year as a senior and West always brings a talented team.
9. Madison La Follette- Another team with a great senior back court in 5'8 Donneil Gray and 5'11 Troy Reeves. If they are allowed to push the tempo and they basically can at will they can play with anyone in the state. Height is a concern though.
10. Franklin- Had a tremendous record last year going 22-2 and they bring back a pair of starters. Hey the yearbook has them ranked in the top 10 as well.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
2018-19 Season
Well the new basketball season is less then a month tell it start I thought I might give some quick thoughts for each division.
Division One
In my mind things really opened up with the transfer of Jalen Johnson from Sun Prairie to Nicolet as Sun Praire would of been my favorite. Now I can see any of half dozen teams with very good shots at taking the title. Brookfield Central has the best backcourt but, are very young up front. Racine Park has a pair of guys that have been on varsity forever in Nobal Days and Larry Canady. Sussex Hamitlon was a bit of a surprise last year but, they really bring back a lot including one of the top sophomores in the country in Patrick Baldwin Jr. Evidently Waukesha West and Kimberly have lots of talent that I had over looked and you always have to figure in the class of the Big Eight Conference.
Division Two
This really comes down to a three team race and there's a ton of talent there. Nicolet has a hand full of high major talent headlined by Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley. La Crosse Central has a trio of D1 talent in the Davis twins Johnny and Jordan and big man Terreance Thompson. Milwaukee Washington might be the biggest question mark with Deontay Long's well publicized legal issues and if he will be eligible to play along with Michael Foster another top sophomore in the country. I'm all for second chances so I hope Long makes the most of it and of course the fan in me would love to see these three teams at state.
Division Three
Will it be a public or a private school? In the past the privates have dominated but, Waupun might be the favorite but, there is a handful of private schools right behind them that might provide a problem. Not a ton of high level talent but, lots of very good teams. Martin Luther, Racine St Cats, Brookfield Academy, and Lakeside Lutheran bring back a lot and then there iis Golda Meir which I'm not sure what to call.
Division Four
Not privates but, "charter?" schools have been the problem here for the public schools. Milwaukee Academy of Science is the school this year but, Mineral Point has a pair of high D1 players that could play with anyone. Roncalli is the traditional power and they have one of the best point guards around in Chombi Lambert. Howards Groves brings a ton back from an extremely impressive record last year.
Division Five
I'm gonna be honest I'm completely lost on this one. You have a handful of the traditional privates up at the top and a handful of new teams that are new to the rankings. This one I'll leave it up to the season to call.
Division One
In my mind things really opened up with the transfer of Jalen Johnson from Sun Prairie to Nicolet as Sun Praire would of been my favorite. Now I can see any of half dozen teams with very good shots at taking the title. Brookfield Central has the best backcourt but, are very young up front. Racine Park has a pair of guys that have been on varsity forever in Nobal Days and Larry Canady. Sussex Hamitlon was a bit of a surprise last year but, they really bring back a lot including one of the top sophomores in the country in Patrick Baldwin Jr. Evidently Waukesha West and Kimberly have lots of talent that I had over looked and you always have to figure in the class of the Big Eight Conference.
Division Two
This really comes down to a three team race and there's a ton of talent there. Nicolet has a hand full of high major talent headlined by Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley. La Crosse Central has a trio of D1 talent in the Davis twins Johnny and Jordan and big man Terreance Thompson. Milwaukee Washington might be the biggest question mark with Deontay Long's well publicized legal issues and if he will be eligible to play along with Michael Foster another top sophomore in the country. I'm all for second chances so I hope Long makes the most of it and of course the fan in me would love to see these three teams at state.
Division Three
Will it be a public or a private school? In the past the privates have dominated but, Waupun might be the favorite but, there is a handful of private schools right behind them that might provide a problem. Not a ton of high level talent but, lots of very good teams. Martin Luther, Racine St Cats, Brookfield Academy, and Lakeside Lutheran bring back a lot and then there iis Golda Meir which I'm not sure what to call.
Division Four
Not privates but, "charter?" schools have been the problem here for the public schools. Milwaukee Academy of Science is the school this year but, Mineral Point has a pair of high D1 players that could play with anyone. Roncalli is the traditional power and they have one of the best point guards around in Chombi Lambert. Howards Groves brings a ton back from an extremely impressive record last year.
Division Five
I'm gonna be honest I'm completely lost on this one. You have a handful of the traditional privates up at the top and a handful of new teams that are new to the rankings. This one I'll leave it up to the season to call.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
State Recap
This is just a quick recap of the state games done primarily from memory.
Division One
Unfortunately the hyped match up of Sun Prairie vs Oshkosh North never happened. In my opinion kind of dropped the ball on their end. Sun Prairie really need to go through Jalen Johnson on every possession and the foul trouble of Marlon Ruffin didn't help things. Looking at the stats after the fact Marty Strey took the most shots of anyone on the team and that just can't happen if your Sun Prairie. Brookfield East did their part though. Patrick Cartier showed he is the top post player in the state and some hot shooting from freshmen Hayden Doyle was a huge factor. In the other game Oshkosh North appeared to be running Hamilton out of the gym and then went into cruise control and nearly let Hamilton back into the game. I know Haliburton is the top ranked player on the team but, honestly in my mind Quincy Anderson was the most impressive player for North on the weekend. Anderson has tremendously approved since last year when he was a top reserve and is an elite athlete. Freshmen Patrick Baldwin is right behind Washington freshmen Michael Foster for the top freshmen in all the land. Like Foster Baldwin is a guard in a posts body.
The final was a bit of a sleeper with Oshkosh North pretty much handling the game from the get go. Easts guards really couldn't handle the 1-3-1 trapping zone of North and they couldn't get Cartier much for touches in the paint.
Division Two
Westoha Central kind of surprised me but, all the attention went to Kaukauna and Jordan McCabe. McCabe didn't play a great game as he had a few too many turnovers in my mind. Central was led by numerous juniors and I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a run at state next year. Kaukauna didn't shoot the ball very well but, the did their thing on the glass to get the win. The second game was filled with loads of talent in La Crosse Central and Milwaukee Washington. Central took the early lead behind their talented sophomore class but, in the end it was the experience of Washington that willed them back into the game. Some hot shooting from Jordan Dinsmore sealed the deal.
In the final despite the tremendous play of Deontay Long and Michael Foster Washington just couldn't put Kaukauna away. Some late clutch shooting from McCabe and company got them back in the lead and McCabe hit the shot late to get the win. This was probably the most exciting game overall at least in my mind with all the talent.
Division Three
Game one was a pair of very evenly match teams in Valders and Kettle Moraine Lutheran. I honestly knew nothing about Valders and paid most of my attention to Kettle Moraine Lutheran as they were the favorite in my mind having come out of the toughest sectional in the southeast. Big man Zachary Zulliger had a very good game as his perimeter team mates struggled a bit before Solomon Zarling got things going late in the game. I'll be honest I didn't notice much of Valders but, this game went to overtime and the only bucket scored was scored right at the end at the perfect time to give Valders the win. Game two wasn't nearly as well played game. I really think that it was East Troy that caused the poor play. I think that East Troy was in over their heads at state but, they were a very scrapping team that caused this game to be alittle ugly at time. Super soph AJ Vukovich was impressive but, I didn't see a lot more out of this East Troy team. Peter Brookshaw was his normal impressive self while fellow score Parker Nielsen struggled.
The final was nearly a one on one game with Brookshaw and Kyle Tuma of Valders. In the end Tuma hit the three to give Valders the lead with 10 seconds left but, that was too much time for Brookshaw who hit the game winner as time expired.
Division Four
This was basically Manitowoc Roncalli putting on a show. Despite having no one taller then 6'1 Roncalli played tremendous defense, moved well without the ball, and hitting the threes. Unfortunately for Pardeeville they were never really in this game and their top player Nicholas Henke turned his ankle early in the first half. The second game I thought would be better but, the bigs of Marathon really took it to the bigs of Clear Lake. Kind of an ugly game but, Marathon took control late and cruised.
In the final Marathon's size gave Roncalli problems early on as Marathon had the lead with about 10 minutes left in the game and then all heck broke loose. Roncalli turned up the pressure which led to turnovers and even when Roncalli didn't press Marathon's guards seemed flustered which led to a win for Roncalli of 20 plus. Chambi Lambert for Roncalli really put on a show scoring at will. Lambert used his quickness and cross over to drive the lane and then the threes were money whether he was spotted up over coming off the screen.
Division Five
Bangor Bangor Bangor. They dominated as a team in every which way. The best player was McDonnell Central's 6'5 Hayden Baughman but, the best team by far was Bangor. Bangor star Luke Reader didn't have a great game scoring wise but, he really did make his team mates better finding them wide open in the lane and drawing the attention to himself to free team mates. Also props to Caleb Miendema who really showed his athletic ability at 6'6 and came back from a pretty badly turned ankle.
Well the season has ended and I'm already looking forward to next years season. Also debating if this blog will continue or if it was just be my love of basketball on its own, as I feel that my content has dropped a lot this year.
Division One
Unfortunately the hyped match up of Sun Prairie vs Oshkosh North never happened. In my opinion kind of dropped the ball on their end. Sun Prairie really need to go through Jalen Johnson on every possession and the foul trouble of Marlon Ruffin didn't help things. Looking at the stats after the fact Marty Strey took the most shots of anyone on the team and that just can't happen if your Sun Prairie. Brookfield East did their part though. Patrick Cartier showed he is the top post player in the state and some hot shooting from freshmen Hayden Doyle was a huge factor. In the other game Oshkosh North appeared to be running Hamilton out of the gym and then went into cruise control and nearly let Hamilton back into the game. I know Haliburton is the top ranked player on the team but, honestly in my mind Quincy Anderson was the most impressive player for North on the weekend. Anderson has tremendously approved since last year when he was a top reserve and is an elite athlete. Freshmen Patrick Baldwin is right behind Washington freshmen Michael Foster for the top freshmen in all the land. Like Foster Baldwin is a guard in a posts body.
The final was a bit of a sleeper with Oshkosh North pretty much handling the game from the get go. Easts guards really couldn't handle the 1-3-1 trapping zone of North and they couldn't get Cartier much for touches in the paint.
Division Two
Westoha Central kind of surprised me but, all the attention went to Kaukauna and Jordan McCabe. McCabe didn't play a great game as he had a few too many turnovers in my mind. Central was led by numerous juniors and I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a run at state next year. Kaukauna didn't shoot the ball very well but, the did their thing on the glass to get the win. The second game was filled with loads of talent in La Crosse Central and Milwaukee Washington. Central took the early lead behind their talented sophomore class but, in the end it was the experience of Washington that willed them back into the game. Some hot shooting from Jordan Dinsmore sealed the deal.
In the final despite the tremendous play of Deontay Long and Michael Foster Washington just couldn't put Kaukauna away. Some late clutch shooting from McCabe and company got them back in the lead and McCabe hit the shot late to get the win. This was probably the most exciting game overall at least in my mind with all the talent.
Division Three
Game one was a pair of very evenly match teams in Valders and Kettle Moraine Lutheran. I honestly knew nothing about Valders and paid most of my attention to Kettle Moraine Lutheran as they were the favorite in my mind having come out of the toughest sectional in the southeast. Big man Zachary Zulliger had a very good game as his perimeter team mates struggled a bit before Solomon Zarling got things going late in the game. I'll be honest I didn't notice much of Valders but, this game went to overtime and the only bucket scored was scored right at the end at the perfect time to give Valders the win. Game two wasn't nearly as well played game. I really think that it was East Troy that caused the poor play. I think that East Troy was in over their heads at state but, they were a very scrapping team that caused this game to be alittle ugly at time. Super soph AJ Vukovich was impressive but, I didn't see a lot more out of this East Troy team. Peter Brookshaw was his normal impressive self while fellow score Parker Nielsen struggled.
The final was nearly a one on one game with Brookshaw and Kyle Tuma of Valders. In the end Tuma hit the three to give Valders the lead with 10 seconds left but, that was too much time for Brookshaw who hit the game winner as time expired.
Division Four
This was basically Manitowoc Roncalli putting on a show. Despite having no one taller then 6'1 Roncalli played tremendous defense, moved well without the ball, and hitting the threes. Unfortunately for Pardeeville they were never really in this game and their top player Nicholas Henke turned his ankle early in the first half. The second game I thought would be better but, the bigs of Marathon really took it to the bigs of Clear Lake. Kind of an ugly game but, Marathon took control late and cruised.
In the final Marathon's size gave Roncalli problems early on as Marathon had the lead with about 10 minutes left in the game and then all heck broke loose. Roncalli turned up the pressure which led to turnovers and even when Roncalli didn't press Marathon's guards seemed flustered which led to a win for Roncalli of 20 plus. Chambi Lambert for Roncalli really put on a show scoring at will. Lambert used his quickness and cross over to drive the lane and then the threes were money whether he was spotted up over coming off the screen.
Division Five
Bangor Bangor Bangor. They dominated as a team in every which way. The best player was McDonnell Central's 6'5 Hayden Baughman but, the best team by far was Bangor. Bangor star Luke Reader didn't have a great game scoring wise but, he really did make his team mates better finding them wide open in the lane and drawing the attention to himself to free team mates. Also props to Caleb Miendema who really showed his athletic ability at 6'6 and came back from a pretty badly turned ankle.
Well the season has ended and I'm already looking forward to next years season. Also debating if this blog will continue or if it was just be my love of basketball on its own, as I feel that my content has dropped a lot this year.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Top Dunks and Scoring
Well this will be my top dunks of the year and the top scorers that I saw. I will do a state recap in the coming days.
Top Dunks
1. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison La Follette February 22
This dunk I really thought Ruffin would just lay in. He chased down a loose ball side by side with a La Follette defender and I believe the La Follette defender thought he would lay it in as well. Needless to say Ruffin through it down hard in the defenders face as the defender wound up laying on his stomach on the ground and all he could do was just smile.
2. Anthony Washington 6'3 sophomore Madison East vs Waunakee March 8
This dunk pretty much sealed a sectional semi final game. East had spread the floor with the five out and Washington took advantage driving past the 6'6 Nate Carter and the lane opened up for a monster two handed jam. I thought he might rip down the entire back board as the entire thing shook to the ceiling.
3. Trej Holloman 6'2 8th grader Minneapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
Questionable if he actually finished the dunk but, that ball went in the hoop and his hand was on the rim. On a break away I thought we was just gonna lay it in but, I could see he was gathering himself to jump and 6'8 Kaukauna senior Dylan Kurey was trailing. Kurey went up to block the shot and ended up getting posterized by Holloman.
4. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
In a two point game with under three minutes left Minnehaha star Jalen Suggs drove a threw up the lay up which went long and Aligbe caught it and threw down the monster put back dunk to give them a four point leave. After the dunk Aligbe let out a Garnett type growl.
5. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial February 8
This dunk was all about the momentum. In a very tight game Ruffin got the ball on the break with a trailing 6'6 sophomore Yacouba Traore Jr who made the mistake of trying to block the shot. Ruffin had the powerful one handed dunk and the foul on Traoroe. After some chawing from both sides led to a double technical and another on the Memorial bench, Ruffin sank all three free throws leading to a five point play.
6. Patrick Cartier 6'7 senior Brookfield East vs Homestead February 10
This was more about the play but, Cartier tipped the ball away on defense tracked it down and got free with a behind the back dribble and fnished it off with the powerful one handed dunk.
7. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
Within the first five minutes of the game Aligbe grabbed the offensive rebound and in one quick move went right back up and threw down the dunk and left everyone in aw right off the bat.
8. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Yes this was a breakaway but, you don't see a lot of windmill for in game dunks.
9. Terrence Thompson 6'7 sophomore La Crosse Central vs Stoughton January 30
I'm always partial to put back dunks and this one almost happened to quick to enjoy. Johnny Davis drove the lane and threw up a lay up that came off very hard but, Thompson was there for a very quick put back dunk as no one blocked him out. It was hard with authority and at a time when Stoughton was making a run.
10. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Brookfield East March 16
Johnson grabbed the offensive rebound went the length of the court and the East defense parted and Johnson went to the hoop throwing down the monster one handed dunk.
Top Scorers
1. 40 points Drew Blair 6'3 senior Stevens Point vs Minnehaha Academy January 27
2. 39 points Nasir El-Amin 6'0 junior Minnapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
3. 38 points Brady Schipper 6'0 senior Stoughton vs Monona Grove January 12
4. 36 points Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Minneapolis North January 27
Jalen Suggs 6'4 sophomore Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
6. 35 points Kyle Tuma 6'5 senior Valders vs Prescott March 17
7. 34 points Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Lake City MN January 27
Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs East Troy March 15
9. 32 points Payton Dachel 6'3 senior Bloomer vs La Crosse Logan January 13
Chombi Lambert 5'9 junior Roncalli vs Pardeeville Marh 15
Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Milwaukee Washington March 17
12. 30 points Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Nicolet January 6
Jay Gentry 6'1 senior Brown Deer vs Stoughton February 10
Desmond Polk 6'3 sophomore New Berlin West vs Milwaukee Messmer Feb 10
Tyrese Haliburton 6'6 senior Oshkosh North vs Brookfield East March 17
16. 29 points JC Butler 6'5 senoir The Prairie School vs Caledonia January 13
Cameron Cloud 6'0 senior Stevens Point Pacelli vs Spring Grove MN January 27
18. 28 points Max Beuthin 6'4 sophomore Ripon vs Lakeside Lutheran January 6
Ryan Waddell 6'0 junior Homestead vs Brookfield East February 10
Tyson Tully 6'4 senior Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Madison East March 8
Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Valders March 17
23. 27 points Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Jack Plumb 6'8 senior Bay Port vs Sun Prairie February 17
Will Fuhrmann 6'0 sophomore Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
Mason Steffen 6'4 senior Waunakee vs Madison East March 8
Top Dunks
1. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison La Follette February 22
This dunk I really thought Ruffin would just lay in. He chased down a loose ball side by side with a La Follette defender and I believe the La Follette defender thought he would lay it in as well. Needless to say Ruffin through it down hard in the defenders face as the defender wound up laying on his stomach on the ground and all he could do was just smile.
2. Anthony Washington 6'3 sophomore Madison East vs Waunakee March 8
This dunk pretty much sealed a sectional semi final game. East had spread the floor with the five out and Washington took advantage driving past the 6'6 Nate Carter and the lane opened up for a monster two handed jam. I thought he might rip down the entire back board as the entire thing shook to the ceiling.
3. Trej Holloman 6'2 8th grader Minneapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
Questionable if he actually finished the dunk but, that ball went in the hoop and his hand was on the rim. On a break away I thought we was just gonna lay it in but, I could see he was gathering himself to jump and 6'8 Kaukauna senior Dylan Kurey was trailing. Kurey went up to block the shot and ended up getting posterized by Holloman.
4. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
In a two point game with under three minutes left Minnehaha star Jalen Suggs drove a threw up the lay up which went long and Aligbe caught it and threw down the monster put back dunk to give them a four point leave. After the dunk Aligbe let out a Garnett type growl.
5. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial February 8
This dunk was all about the momentum. In a very tight game Ruffin got the ball on the break with a trailing 6'6 sophomore Yacouba Traore Jr who made the mistake of trying to block the shot. Ruffin had the powerful one handed dunk and the foul on Traoroe. After some chawing from both sides led to a double technical and another on the Memorial bench, Ruffin sank all three free throws leading to a five point play.
6. Patrick Cartier 6'7 senior Brookfield East vs Homestead February 10
This was more about the play but, Cartier tipped the ball away on defense tracked it down and got free with a behind the back dribble and fnished it off with the powerful one handed dunk.
7. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
Within the first five minutes of the game Aligbe grabbed the offensive rebound and in one quick move went right back up and threw down the dunk and left everyone in aw right off the bat.
8. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Yes this was a breakaway but, you don't see a lot of windmill for in game dunks.
9. Terrence Thompson 6'7 sophomore La Crosse Central vs Stoughton January 30
I'm always partial to put back dunks and this one almost happened to quick to enjoy. Johnny Davis drove the lane and threw up a lay up that came off very hard but, Thompson was there for a very quick put back dunk as no one blocked him out. It was hard with authority and at a time when Stoughton was making a run.
10. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Brookfield East March 16
Johnson grabbed the offensive rebound went the length of the court and the East defense parted and Johnson went to the hoop throwing down the monster one handed dunk.
Top Scorers
1. 40 points Drew Blair 6'3 senior Stevens Point vs Minnehaha Academy January 27
2. 39 points Nasir El-Amin 6'0 junior Minnapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
3. 38 points Brady Schipper 6'0 senior Stoughton vs Monona Grove January 12
4. 36 points Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Minneapolis North January 27
Jalen Suggs 6'4 sophomore Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
6. 35 points Kyle Tuma 6'5 senior Valders vs Prescott March 17
7. 34 points Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Lake City MN January 27
Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs East Troy March 15
9. 32 points Payton Dachel 6'3 senior Bloomer vs La Crosse Logan January 13
Chombi Lambert 5'9 junior Roncalli vs Pardeeville Marh 15
Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Milwaukee Washington March 17
12. 30 points Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Nicolet January 6
Jay Gentry 6'1 senior Brown Deer vs Stoughton February 10
Desmond Polk 6'3 sophomore New Berlin West vs Milwaukee Messmer Feb 10
Tyrese Haliburton 6'6 senior Oshkosh North vs Brookfield East March 17
16. 29 points JC Butler 6'5 senoir The Prairie School vs Caledonia January 13
Cameron Cloud 6'0 senior Stevens Point Pacelli vs Spring Grove MN January 27
18. 28 points Max Beuthin 6'4 sophomore Ripon vs Lakeside Lutheran January 6
Ryan Waddell 6'0 junior Homestead vs Brookfield East February 10
Tyson Tully 6'4 senior Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Madison East March 8
Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Valders March 17
23. 27 points Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Jack Plumb 6'8 senior Bay Port vs Sun Prairie February 17
Will Fuhrmann 6'0 sophomore Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
Mason Steffen 6'4 senior Waunakee vs Madison East March 8
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Sectional Recap
I'm been a little delayed on this so I will have to do a quick recap of the three sectional games I saw this weekend. Took in one sectional final Thursday in Middleton and then a pair of finals Saturday.
Madison East 76 Waunakee 71
East was just flat out quicker and more athletic then Waunakee in this one. Waunakee's two stars Mitch Listau and Mason Steffen held their own just fine but, the other guys were just over matched in this one. 6'6 senior Nate Carter had a handful of big blocks for Waunakee but, late in the game East went to a five out and just let their guards go one on one with the big man. Steffen was huge in the first half as the style of play in this game really worked to his advantage as he was able to play with the freedom to drive the lane and score. On the other side Listau struggled to score in the first half but, in the second half he got things going starting out with getting to the free throw line where he doesn't miss.
For East it really was a team effort as five guys scored in double digits headlined by Earl Lewis who dropped 19. It seemed everyone was hitting their shots from the outside. Star Keshawn Justice didn't have the greatest game but, everyone else picked him up. Big props to Anthony Washington who had a monster dunk having driven past Waunakee big man Carter. Washington nearly brought the rim down and got the crowd pumped up. In the end the East team was too much for Listau and Steffen.
Pardeeville 62 Mineral Point 61
I was lucky to get into this game. The game was sold out and thankfully I found someone I knew with an extra ticket and ended up standing the whole game without a program so I had a hard time following the game. In the first half it was all the two young stars of Mineral Point in freshmen Brayden Dailey and sophomore Isaac Lindsey. Dailey and Lindsey scored all but, two points in the first half and they were hitting everything from the outside. With 3:30 left in the game Mineral Point was up 13 and then everything collapsed. Both Lindsey and Dailey decided to force some wild shots and as a team they struggled from the line and allowed Pardeeville to get back in the game. In the end Pardeeville hit a free throw with 0.7 seconds left after Mineral Point had to tie it up.
For Pardeeville Nicholas Henke was huge scoring particularly hitting a pair of huge threes late and he was the go to scorer all game long but, it was really Jonathan Kamrath that was the key. Kamrath was the one moving the ball to set up team mates and just seemed to always do the little things leading to baskets.
Sun Prairie 82 Madison East 58
This one made sure to get their super early to assure a seat and it was packed. It was an entertaining game but, unfortunately this game was over early. Sun Prairie lived up to the hype and what I thought they could be all year long. Jalen Johnson is the real deal and will be the best player in the state next year and may well be the best right now. Marlon Ruffin is an elite athlete and is a big time scorer that can get his at any time. East just didn't have the talented to match Sun Prairie and those outside shots just weren't falling for them tonight. This team could very well be a state champion but, it will be a great game if they meet Oshkosh North in the final.
Madison East 76 Waunakee 71
East was just flat out quicker and more athletic then Waunakee in this one. Waunakee's two stars Mitch Listau and Mason Steffen held their own just fine but, the other guys were just over matched in this one. 6'6 senior Nate Carter had a handful of big blocks for Waunakee but, late in the game East went to a five out and just let their guards go one on one with the big man. Steffen was huge in the first half as the style of play in this game really worked to his advantage as he was able to play with the freedom to drive the lane and score. On the other side Listau struggled to score in the first half but, in the second half he got things going starting out with getting to the free throw line where he doesn't miss.
For East it really was a team effort as five guys scored in double digits headlined by Earl Lewis who dropped 19. It seemed everyone was hitting their shots from the outside. Star Keshawn Justice didn't have the greatest game but, everyone else picked him up. Big props to Anthony Washington who had a monster dunk having driven past Waunakee big man Carter. Washington nearly brought the rim down and got the crowd pumped up. In the end the East team was too much for Listau and Steffen.
Pardeeville 62 Mineral Point 61
I was lucky to get into this game. The game was sold out and thankfully I found someone I knew with an extra ticket and ended up standing the whole game without a program so I had a hard time following the game. In the first half it was all the two young stars of Mineral Point in freshmen Brayden Dailey and sophomore Isaac Lindsey. Dailey and Lindsey scored all but, two points in the first half and they were hitting everything from the outside. With 3:30 left in the game Mineral Point was up 13 and then everything collapsed. Both Lindsey and Dailey decided to force some wild shots and as a team they struggled from the line and allowed Pardeeville to get back in the game. In the end Pardeeville hit a free throw with 0.7 seconds left after Mineral Point had to tie it up.
For Pardeeville Nicholas Henke was huge scoring particularly hitting a pair of huge threes late and he was the go to scorer all game long but, it was really Jonathan Kamrath that was the key. Kamrath was the one moving the ball to set up team mates and just seemed to always do the little things leading to baskets.
Sun Prairie 82 Madison East 58
This one made sure to get their super early to assure a seat and it was packed. It was an entertaining game but, unfortunately this game was over early. Sun Prairie lived up to the hype and what I thought they could be all year long. Jalen Johnson is the real deal and will be the best player in the state next year and may well be the best right now. Marlon Ruffin is an elite athlete and is a big time scorer that can get his at any time. East just didn't have the talented to match Sun Prairie and those outside shots just weren't falling for them tonight. This team could very well be a state champion but, it will be a great game if they meet Oshkosh North in the final.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Top Dunks and Scorers
Top Dunks
1. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison La Follette February 22
This dunk I really thought Ruffin would just lay in. He chased down a loose ball side by side with a La Follette defender and I believe the La Follette defender thought he would lay it in as well. Needless to say Ruffin through it down hard in the defenders face as the defender wound up laying on his stomach on the ground and all he could do was just smile.
2. Trej Holloman 6'2 8th grader Minneapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
Questionable if he actually finished the dunk but, that ball went in the hoop and his hand was on the rim. On a break away I thought we was just gonna lay it in but, I could see he was gathering himself to jump and 6'8 Kaukauna senior Dylan Kurey was trailing. Kurey went up to block the shot and ended up getting posterized by Holloman.
3. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
In a two point game with under three minutes left Minnehaha star Jalen Suggs drove a threw up the lay up which went long and Aligbe caught it and threw down the monster put back dunk to give them a four point leave. After the dunk Aligbe let out a Garnett type growl.
4. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial February 8
This dunk was all about the momentum. In a very tight game Ruffin got the ball on the break with a trailing 6'6 sophomore Yacouba Traore Jr who made the mistake of trying to block the shot. Ruffin had the powerful one handed dunk and the foul on Traoroe. After some chawing from both sides led to a double technical and another on the Memorial bench, Ruffin sank all three free throws leading to a five point play.
5. Patrick Cartier 6'7 senior Brookfield East vs Homestead February 10
This was more about the play but, Cartier tipped the ball away on defense tracked it down and got free with a behind the back dribble and fnished it off with the powerful one handed dunk.
6. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
Within the first five minutes of the game Aligbe grabbed the offensive rebound and in one quick move went right back up and threw down the dunk and left everyone in aw right off the bat.
7. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Yes this was a breakaway but, you don't see a lot of windmill for in game dunks.
8. Terrence Thompson 6'7 sophomore La Crosse Central vs Stoughton January 30
I'm always partial to put back dunks and this one almost happened to quick to enjoy. Johnny Davis drove the lane and threw up a lay up that came off very hard but, Thompson was there for a very quick put back dunk as no one blocked him out. It was hard with authority and at a time when Stoughton was making a run.
9. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stoughton January 13
Maybe it's because he is an 8th grader but, he really had a great dunk. The guard drove the lane and found him on the left block and he threw down a power dunk over the Stoughton defender.
10. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Madison East December 21
Johnson caught the ball in transition one dribble to cut back to the middle to the court from the left side and threw it down over an East defender. This was very much a Giannis type dunk.
Top Scorers
1. 40 points Drew Blair 6'3 senior Stevens Point vs Minnehaha Academy January 27
2. 39 points Nasir El-Amin 6'0 junior Minnapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
3. 38 points Brady Schipper 6'0 senior Stoughton vs Monona Grove January 12
4. 36 points Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Minneapolis North January 27
Jalen Suggs 6'4 sophomore Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
6. 34 points Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Lake City MN January 27
7. 32 points Payton Dachel 6'3 senior Bloomer vs La Crosse Logan January 13
8. 30 points Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Nicolet January 6
Jay Gentry 6'1 senior Brown Deer vs Stoughton February 10
Desmond Polk 6'3 sophomore New Berlin West vs Milwaukee Messmer Feb 10
Brandon Merfeld 5'11 junior La Crosse Aquinas vs Wisconsin Heights March 2
12. 29 points JC Butler 6'5 senoir The Prairie School vs Caledonia January 13
Cameron Cloud 6'0 senior Stevens Point Pacelli vs Spring Grove MN January 27
14. 28 points Max Beuthin 6'4 sophomore Ripon vs Lakeside Lutheran January 6
Ryan Waddell 6'0 junior Homestead vs Brookfield East February 10
Tyson Tully 6'4 senior Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
17. 27 points Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Jack Plumb 6'8 senior Bay Port vs Sun Prairie February 17
Will Fuhrmann 6'0 sophomore Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
20. 26 points Keshawn Justice 6'6 senior Madison East vs Sun Prairie December 21
Mason Peterson 6'3 senior Baraboo vs Wisconsin Dells December 5
Keyron Gouveia 6'0 senior Milwaukee Messmer vs New Berlin West February 10
23. 25 points Keshawn Justice 6'6 senior Madison East vs Minneapolis DeLaSalle January 6
Keaton Ferris 5'10 sophomore Kaukauna vs Minnepolis North January 27
Craig Steele 6'4 senior Portage vs Reedsburg February 27
1. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison La Follette February 22
This dunk I really thought Ruffin would just lay in. He chased down a loose ball side by side with a La Follette defender and I believe the La Follette defender thought he would lay it in as well. Needless to say Ruffin through it down hard in the defenders face as the defender wound up laying on his stomach on the ground and all he could do was just smile.
2. Trej Holloman 6'2 8th grader Minneapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
Questionable if he actually finished the dunk but, that ball went in the hoop and his hand was on the rim. On a break away I thought we was just gonna lay it in but, I could see he was gathering himself to jump and 6'8 Kaukauna senior Dylan Kurey was trailing. Kurey went up to block the shot and ended up getting posterized by Holloman.
3. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
In a two point game with under three minutes left Minnehaha star Jalen Suggs drove a threw up the lay up which went long and Aligbe caught it and threw down the monster put back dunk to give them a four point leave. After the dunk Aligbe let out a Garnett type growl.
4. Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Madison Memorial February 8
This dunk was all about the momentum. In a very tight game Ruffin got the ball on the break with a trailing 6'6 sophomore Yacouba Traore Jr who made the mistake of trying to block the shot. Ruffin had the powerful one handed dunk and the foul on Traoroe. After some chawing from both sides led to a double technical and another on the Memorial bench, Ruffin sank all three free throws leading to a five point play.
5. Patrick Cartier 6'7 senior Brookfield East vs Homestead February 10
This was more about the play but, Cartier tipped the ball away on defense tracked it down and got free with a behind the back dribble and fnished it off with the powerful one handed dunk.
6. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
Within the first five minutes of the game Aligbe grabbed the offensive rebound and in one quick move went right back up and threw down the dunk and left everyone in aw right off the bat.
7. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Yes this was a breakaway but, you don't see a lot of windmill for in game dunks.
8. Terrence Thompson 6'7 sophomore La Crosse Central vs Stoughton January 30
I'm always partial to put back dunks and this one almost happened to quick to enjoy. Johnny Davis drove the lane and threw up a lay up that came off very hard but, Thompson was there for a very quick put back dunk as no one blocked him out. It was hard with authority and at a time when Stoughton was making a run.
9. Prince Aligbe 6'5 8th grader Minnehaha Academy vs Stoughton January 13
Maybe it's because he is an 8th grader but, he really had a great dunk. The guard drove the lane and found him on the left block and he threw down a power dunk over the Stoughton defender.
10. Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie vs Madison East December 21
Johnson caught the ball in transition one dribble to cut back to the middle to the court from the left side and threw it down over an East defender. This was very much a Giannis type dunk.
Top Scorers
1. 40 points Drew Blair 6'3 senior Stevens Point vs Minnehaha Academy January 27
2. 39 points Nasir El-Amin 6'0 junior Minnapolis North vs Kaukauna January 27
3. 38 points Brady Schipper 6'0 senior Stoughton vs Monona Grove January 12
4. 36 points Jordan McCabe 6'0 senior Kaukauna vs Minneapolis North January 27
Jalen Suggs 6'4 sophomore Minnehaha Academy vs Stevens Point January 27
6. 34 points Petey Brookshaw 6'0 senior Prescott vs Lake City MN January 27
7. 32 points Payton Dachel 6'3 senior Bloomer vs La Crosse Logan January 13
8. 30 points Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Nicolet January 6
Jay Gentry 6'1 senior Brown Deer vs Stoughton February 10
Desmond Polk 6'3 sophomore New Berlin West vs Milwaukee Messmer Feb 10
Brandon Merfeld 5'11 junior La Crosse Aquinas vs Wisconsin Heights March 2
12. 29 points JC Butler 6'5 senoir The Prairie School vs Caledonia January 13
Cameron Cloud 6'0 senior Stevens Point Pacelli vs Spring Grove MN January 27
14. 28 points Max Beuthin 6'4 sophomore Ripon vs Lakeside Lutheran January 6
Ryan Waddell 6'0 junior Homestead vs Brookfield East February 10
Tyson Tully 6'4 senior Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
17. 27 points Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie vs Bay Port February 17
Jack Plumb 6'8 senior Bay Port vs Sun Prairie February 17
Will Fuhrmann 6'0 sophomore Reedsburg vs Portage February 27
20. 26 points Keshawn Justice 6'6 senior Madison East vs Sun Prairie December 21
Mason Peterson 6'3 senior Baraboo vs Wisconsin Dells December 5
Keyron Gouveia 6'0 senior Milwaukee Messmer vs New Berlin West February 10
23. 25 points Keshawn Justice 6'6 senior Madison East vs Minneapolis DeLaSalle January 6
Keaton Ferris 5'10 sophomore Kaukauna vs Minnepolis North January 27
Craig Steele 6'4 senior Portage vs Reedsburg February 27
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)