This game was totally going to be about tempo. If it was an up and down game then it was going to favor La Follette if it was a slow paced game it would favor Memorial. Well I guess you can say it was up tempo or at least La Follette was playing uptempo and Memorial was playing a slow down game and that didn't work out. La Follette just came out and ran Memorial out of the gym. La Follette was trapping and getting their hands on everything which led to fast break and transition buckets where they are at their best. Despite Memorial having a huge height advantage it was La Follette who dominated the glass, grabbing long rebounds off the long shots.
If the first half I think Memorial just got over whelmed right off the bat. In warm ups and during the anthem I thought the La Follette guys looked a little jittery and alittle too pumped but, that correlated in to them jumping out to a early lead. It really seemed like a team effort as everyone was getting steals, rebounds, and knocking down shots. La Follette's two top scoring guards 5'9 junior Donnell Gray and 5'10 senior Anthony West didn't even combine to break 10 points. If I had said those two would combine that little I would of thought there is no way they won this game. Memorial got back into it behind some hotting shooting from 6'5 junior Ian Brown but, then Memorial seemed to get stuck on seven points. La Follette ended up doubling up Memorial in the first half 32-16.
I didn't mention it earlier but, foul trouble really limited Memorial as well and many people would probably blame the refs for this but, really it was the style of play. La Follette was just to quick for Memorial and even when Memorial tried to go to a zone La Follette did a nice job of pulling the ball out and stretching the Memorial defense allowing them to get driving lanes. On the other side Memorial just wasn't quick enough to drive past the La Follette defenders who were in their face all game and didn't force the contact like La Follette did. In the end La Follette was just quicker and more athletic then Memorial.
Top Players
Donneil Gray 5'9 junior Madison La Follette- Didn't have a huge scoring night but, really did a great job of running the offense. Really controlled La Follette's offense and knew when to push it or pull it out. Had a couple real nice finished in the lane but, excelled at driving and kicking to open shooters.
Kierre Washington 6'2 senior Madison La Follette- Really did a nice job of battling on the inside even though he was giving up a few inches and was able to use that mismatch to his advantage on the offensive end.
Nate Seward 6'2 senior Madison La Follette- Like Washington did a nice job of battling in the post against bigger Memorial players. Showed a nice little offensive game driving to the rim as well which I hadn't seen earlier.
Isaiah Stewart 5'10 sophomore Madison La Follette- Really the MVP tonight coming off the bench. Hitting some huge threes from the corners, showcased a nice floater in the lane, and like everyone else did a nice job of rebounding.
Ian Brown 6'5 junior Madison Memorial- Really the only guy that showed much on the offensive end. Hit some outside shots and showed some nice moves driving to the lane. Showed the aggression I wish I would of seen all year.
Box Score
LaFollette 63- Stewart 15 Seward 12 Washington 11 Troy Reeves 11 Gray 6 West 5 Ben Probst 3 Drekwon Smith 0 Sam Schmitt 0 Malik Cameron 0 Derek Gray 0 Jaden Nix 0 Charles Suggs 0
Memorial 40- Brown 9 Nick Caropreso 6 Elliot Grays 4 Daemiontae Bates 4 Michael Cerniglia 4 Cade Ellingson 3 Tyshawn Caldwell 2 Damajha Pollard 2 Jack Krumbach 2 Yacouba Traore Jr 2 Colin Kennedy 1 Amaree Howard 1 Adam Bergman 0 Dryden Schaefer 0 34 0 33 0 32 0
After watching this game I'd like to say La Follette has a real chance to make a run at state but, after seeing Sun Prairie play them just a week ago, I see no chance for La Follette to beat Sun Prairie. On the other side Memorial return the majority of their team and will probably be one of the top teams in D1 next year because of their size and experience.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Friday, March 2, 2018
Aquinas over Wisconsin Heights
Night two of the playoffs and there were more games to choose from but, real good games were a little sparse. I decided to go to a D4 regional game. It gave me the chance to watch Wisconsin Heights play who I had kind of curious how good they were and Aquinas who is always a threat in the playoffs because they spend the regular season playing bigger schools. This game ended up being a fairly intense game full of runs that ended they way I kind of expected.
Early on it was clear that Aquinas's height was too much for Heights. 6'6 senior Randy Jacobson was having his way on the inside as Heights played no one over 6'2 and at times had guys guarding Jacobson that were 6'0. Jacobson did a nice job of collecting himself and finishing off the glass. It appeared that, that height would be too much early but, then Heights leading scorer 6'0 senior Grady Geishirt got things going from the outside and driving the lane. I believe Geishirt had seven straight points at one point on his way to 14 in the first half. On the other side Aquinas's leading scorer 6'1 senior Conley Malone just couldn't get anything going despite getting some very good looks at the hoop. Thankfully for Aquinas 5'11 junior Brandon Merfeld showed up hitting some big threes in the first half to pace his team and between him and Jacobson Aquinas had a 32-23 lead at half. I have to say that some foul trouble really hurt Wisconsin Heights as their starters battled that all game long.
The fouls continued for Heights in the second half as they had three starters spending time on the bench early in the second with three fouls. Merfeld continued his torrid shooting on the night and really carried Aquinas in the second half. Again it seemed like Aquinas could possibly run away but, then it was the outside shooting of junior 6'0 Shravan Parman that kept the game close. Parman hit five threes in the game and I believe four were in the second half and just about everyone was huge in this game. Late in the game Malone did get some things going drive to the hoop and finding Jacobson in the lane for some easy buckets. In the end fouls, height, and Merfeld did Wisconsin Heights in.
Top Players
Brandon Merfeld 5'11 junior Aquinas- Was the best player on the court tonight. Merfeld did a nice job running the point and he just couldn't miss from three point range. Other thing I really liked was he shut down Heights point guard Austin Wolfe and then when Wolfe was out he guard Grady Geishirt and did a pretty nice job of slowing him down.
Randy Jacobson 6'6 senior Aquinas- Really dominated the post. Did a great job of sealing off the defender and finishing at the rim with a soft touch. I swear he got every defensive rebound.
Conley Malone 6'1 senior Aquinas- Watching him he seems like too nice of a kid on the court. Struggled shooting the ball even from the free throw line but, he did a nice job of driving the lane and finding team mates. Probably led the team in assists tonight.
Gavin Wetzel 6'2 sophomore Aquinas- Didn't score much but, he really did a great job of battling on the glass and grabbing offensive rebounds.
Grady Geishirt 6'0 senior Wisconsin Heights- Shot the outside shot very well and was able to use his strength to get inside and score as well.
Shravan Parman 6'0 junior Wisconsin Heights- Hitting those five threes off the bench was huge for Heights in this game and he nearly willed them back into this game.
Box Score
Aquinas 73- Merfeld 30 Jacobson 18 Malone 17 Jacob Savoldelli 3 Nick Johnson 2 Wetzel 1 Bryce Lee 1 Jonathan Klauke 0
Wisconsin Heights 67- G Geishirt 21 Parman 15 Wolfe 9 Daniel Geishirt 6 Joan Ayala-Carpintero 5 Carson Hughes 5 Clayton Caminiti 4 Camden Brown 2 De'Shawn Barsness 0
Well it seems the story is the same every year. Aquinas gets a lower seed due to their .500 record and then they end up upsetting some good D4 teams and some how make it to sectionals and even state a few times.
Early on it was clear that Aquinas's height was too much for Heights. 6'6 senior Randy Jacobson was having his way on the inside as Heights played no one over 6'2 and at times had guys guarding Jacobson that were 6'0. Jacobson did a nice job of collecting himself and finishing off the glass. It appeared that, that height would be too much early but, then Heights leading scorer 6'0 senior Grady Geishirt got things going from the outside and driving the lane. I believe Geishirt had seven straight points at one point on his way to 14 in the first half. On the other side Aquinas's leading scorer 6'1 senior Conley Malone just couldn't get anything going despite getting some very good looks at the hoop. Thankfully for Aquinas 5'11 junior Brandon Merfeld showed up hitting some big threes in the first half to pace his team and between him and Jacobson Aquinas had a 32-23 lead at half. I have to say that some foul trouble really hurt Wisconsin Heights as their starters battled that all game long.
The fouls continued for Heights in the second half as they had three starters spending time on the bench early in the second with three fouls. Merfeld continued his torrid shooting on the night and really carried Aquinas in the second half. Again it seemed like Aquinas could possibly run away but, then it was the outside shooting of junior 6'0 Shravan Parman that kept the game close. Parman hit five threes in the game and I believe four were in the second half and just about everyone was huge in this game. Late in the game Malone did get some things going drive to the hoop and finding Jacobson in the lane for some easy buckets. In the end fouls, height, and Merfeld did Wisconsin Heights in.
Top Players
Brandon Merfeld 5'11 junior Aquinas- Was the best player on the court tonight. Merfeld did a nice job running the point and he just couldn't miss from three point range. Other thing I really liked was he shut down Heights point guard Austin Wolfe and then when Wolfe was out he guard Grady Geishirt and did a pretty nice job of slowing him down.
Randy Jacobson 6'6 senior Aquinas- Really dominated the post. Did a great job of sealing off the defender and finishing at the rim with a soft touch. I swear he got every defensive rebound.
Conley Malone 6'1 senior Aquinas- Watching him he seems like too nice of a kid on the court. Struggled shooting the ball even from the free throw line but, he did a nice job of driving the lane and finding team mates. Probably led the team in assists tonight.
Gavin Wetzel 6'2 sophomore Aquinas- Didn't score much but, he really did a great job of battling on the glass and grabbing offensive rebounds.
Grady Geishirt 6'0 senior Wisconsin Heights- Shot the outside shot very well and was able to use his strength to get inside and score as well.
Shravan Parman 6'0 junior Wisconsin Heights- Hitting those five threes off the bench was huge for Heights in this game and he nearly willed them back into this game.
Box Score
Aquinas 73- Merfeld 30 Jacobson 18 Malone 17 Jacob Savoldelli 3 Nick Johnson 2 Wetzel 1 Bryce Lee 1 Jonathan Klauke 0
Wisconsin Heights 67- G Geishirt 21 Parman 15 Wolfe 9 Daniel Geishirt 6 Joan Ayala-Carpintero 5 Carson Hughes 5 Clayton Caminiti 4 Camden Brown 2 De'Shawn Barsness 0
Well it seems the story is the same every year. Aquinas gets a lower seed due to their .500 record and then they end up upsetting some good D4 teams and some how make it to sectionals and even state a few times.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Top Dunks and Scoring
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
11. 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
13. 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
16. 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
19. 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
22. 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
25. 24 points Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Milwaukee Riverside December 16
Drew Blair 6'3 senior Stevens Point vs Waunakee January 13
Marc Kjos 5'10 senior Lake City MN vs Prescott January 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
11. 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
13. 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
16. 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
19. 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
22. 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
25. 24 points Mitch Listau 6'5 senior Waunakee vs Milwaukee Riverside December 16
Drew Blair 6'3 senior Stevens Point vs Waunakee January 13
Marc Kjos 5'10 senior Lake City MN vs Prescott January 27
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Reedsburg over Portage
I decided to not do a final rankings because the rankings just didn't change enough as most teams only played one game in the final week. I also decided to not do a division five predictions because I just don't know enough about D5 and would simple be picking the lower seed. Basically there wasn't a point in those two things.
Well last night was opening night of the playoffs which meant that there just weren't very many good games to go to. I went to Portage for the simple fact that I work in Portage and they were playing Reedsburg who always seems to give Portage a tough game and upset them a time or two in the past.
In the first half Portage really shot out of a cannon led by 6'4 senior Craig Steele who hit a pair of shots right off the bat and it really looked to be a blow out right off the bat. Portage was the far better team at least in my eyes but, fouls were the story in the first half. Portage could just never pull aways as the fouls were in Reedsburgs favor 15-2 which led to Reedsburg cutting the lead without a lot of time coming off the clock and Steele getting three first half fouls which limited him. I'm not sure why 6'1 senior Erik Isakson didn't start and apparently he normally does start. Isakson did a nice job of driving the lane and finding ways to score over and around defenders. Portage did have a half time lead of 35-30.
I know everyone will want to play this game on the refs but, I really thinking it was the poor Portage defense in the second half. Reedsburg was able to continually drive the lane and score, either with the layup or kicking it out to an open shooter. Speaking of the outside shooting it seemed like everything was falling from the outside. It was either 6'4 senior Tyson Tully or 6'0 sophomore Will Fuhrmann driving the lane and scoring or kicking it out to a team mate in the corner. Steele did his best but, the fouls really limited him as did their two other bigger guys 6'4 senior Nolan Paul and 6'4 junior Eli Considine. With the big guys on the bench Tully really took control and then let Will Fuhrmann keep it going late and Tully pitched in some free throws. It was a tough break for Portage as I think they were the better team but, Reedsburg evidently was the better team tonight.
Top Players
Tyson Tully 6'4 senior Reedsburg- Was able to use a quick first step to get by the Portage defenders and when Portage went to zone he was able to get to the middle of the zone and they ran their offense through him. He was also money from the free throw line.
Will Fuhrmann 6'0 sophomore Reedsburg- Completely took the game over in the second half. Could do whatever he wanted on offense. He drove the lane and scored, showcased the floater, and he was money from down town. Probably the player of the game in my mind.
Craig Steele 6'4 senior Portage- A flat out shooter that could get his shot off at anytime. He was able to drive the lane and score. I think he could of actually drove the lane a little more too using his quickness.
Erik Isakson 6'1 senior Portage- The one guy who could get to the rim on a consistent basis and he was able to finish in a variety of ways at the rim.
Eli Considine 6'4 junior Portage- I really loved his mid range jump shot. Has a very quick first step and then he is able to elevate over the defender to get his shot off and score.
Box Score
Reedsburg 80- Ty Tully 28 W Fuhrmann 27 Carter Daniels 15 Max Tully 3 Ben Fuhrmann 3 Jacob Dregney 2 Wyatt Molitor 2 Matthew Kohlmeyer 0
Reedsburg 75- Steele 25 Isakson 19 Considine 10 Brett Walker 10 Paul 7 Nick Anderson 4 Grant Garrigan 0 Cuyler Pfaff 0 Matthew Miles 0
Well the season has ended for Portage and honestly Reedsburg will probably lose in the next round to Monona Grove.
Well last night was opening night of the playoffs which meant that there just weren't very many good games to go to. I went to Portage for the simple fact that I work in Portage and they were playing Reedsburg who always seems to give Portage a tough game and upset them a time or two in the past.
In the first half Portage really shot out of a cannon led by 6'4 senior Craig Steele who hit a pair of shots right off the bat and it really looked to be a blow out right off the bat. Portage was the far better team at least in my eyes but, fouls were the story in the first half. Portage could just never pull aways as the fouls were in Reedsburgs favor 15-2 which led to Reedsburg cutting the lead without a lot of time coming off the clock and Steele getting three first half fouls which limited him. I'm not sure why 6'1 senior Erik Isakson didn't start and apparently he normally does start. Isakson did a nice job of driving the lane and finding ways to score over and around defenders. Portage did have a half time lead of 35-30.
I know everyone will want to play this game on the refs but, I really thinking it was the poor Portage defense in the second half. Reedsburg was able to continually drive the lane and score, either with the layup or kicking it out to an open shooter. Speaking of the outside shooting it seemed like everything was falling from the outside. It was either 6'4 senior Tyson Tully or 6'0 sophomore Will Fuhrmann driving the lane and scoring or kicking it out to a team mate in the corner. Steele did his best but, the fouls really limited him as did their two other bigger guys 6'4 senior Nolan Paul and 6'4 junior Eli Considine. With the big guys on the bench Tully really took control and then let Will Fuhrmann keep it going late and Tully pitched in some free throws. It was a tough break for Portage as I think they were the better team but, Reedsburg evidently was the better team tonight.
Top Players
Tyson Tully 6'4 senior Reedsburg- Was able to use a quick first step to get by the Portage defenders and when Portage went to zone he was able to get to the middle of the zone and they ran their offense through him. He was also money from the free throw line.
Will Fuhrmann 6'0 sophomore Reedsburg- Completely took the game over in the second half. Could do whatever he wanted on offense. He drove the lane and scored, showcased the floater, and he was money from down town. Probably the player of the game in my mind.
Craig Steele 6'4 senior Portage- A flat out shooter that could get his shot off at anytime. He was able to drive the lane and score. I think he could of actually drove the lane a little more too using his quickness.
Erik Isakson 6'1 senior Portage- The one guy who could get to the rim on a consistent basis and he was able to finish in a variety of ways at the rim.
Eli Considine 6'4 junior Portage- I really loved his mid range jump shot. Has a very quick first step and then he is able to elevate over the defender to get his shot off and score.
Box Score
Reedsburg 80- Ty Tully 28 W Fuhrmann 27 Carter Daniels 15 Max Tully 3 Ben Fuhrmann 3 Jacob Dregney 2 Wyatt Molitor 2 Matthew Kohlmeyer 0
Reedsburg 75- Steele 25 Isakson 19 Considine 10 Brett Walker 10 Paul 7 Nick Anderson 4 Grant Garrigan 0 Cuyler Pfaff 0 Matthew Miles 0
Well the season has ended for Portage and honestly Reedsburg will probably lose in the next round to Monona Grove.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Division Four Predictions
I'll be first to admit that I don't know a ton about D4 so this will be mostly passed on records and rankings.
Sectional One New Richmond
My Pick
Clear Lake- There undefeated and ranked four in the division enough said right there.
Contenders
Grantsburg- Have only lost two games and they are ranked in the top 10.
Osseo Fairchild- They are the other #1 seed so gotta have them right?
Eau Claire Regis- They seem to be coming into form late in the season and they always seem to be a team to be recond with.
Long Shot
Melrose Mindoro- Preseason topped ranked team that didn't live up to the hype. Those are always tough teams come playoffs.
Clear Lake over Osseo Fairchild
Sectional Two Wausau East
My Pick
Auburndale- Another team that has been ranked all year long and they have the history of being a tough out when it comes to playoffs.
Contender
Shiocton- A team that has underachieve a bit but, they still got a two seed. Senior dominated team as well.
Marathon- Same conference as Auburndale and another team that has spent a good chunk of the season ranked. Will be a tough out of course.
Oconto- A one seed and they had a very good record but, question is who have they played.
Long Shot
Pacelli- Seem to be playing their best right now and they are battled tested after a pretty tough schedule.
Auburndale over Shiocton
Sectional Three Baraboo
New Glarus- Undefeated team, senior dominated, and have been a top three team in the rankings all year long.
Contenders
Mineral Point- Top ranked team all year long and have extremely talented players even though they are very young.
Wisconsin Heights- Team that has flirted with being ranked all year long and have a tremendous record and have seen New Glarus twice already.
Fennimore- Another ranked team all year long with a great record.
Pardeeville- Up to a couple weeks ago they were undefeated but, lost a pair of games late in the season.
Long Shot
La Crosse Aquinas- They are always a long shot team because of the drop down affect and being that they spend the season playing D2s all year.
New Glarus over Mineral Point
Sectional Four Waukesha South
My Pick
The Prairie School- They just have so much talent for a D4 team and seem to be playing at their best. They also have the top player in D4 in JC Butler.
Contender
Destiny- Defending state champs that have a ton of talent and have played tough competition all year long. Have seemed to struggle a bit at the end of the year though.
Milwaukee Academy of Science- Beat Destiny just recently and have beaten some very good teams of late.
Roncalli- A ton of tradition there and their seeded one.
Kohler- Ranked team that has a great record.
Howards Grove- Probably same as what I said for Kohler.
Winnebago Lutheran- Extremely tall D4 team and have some guards that can really shoot the outside three.
The Prairie School over Kohler
New Glarus over Auburndale
The Prairie School over Clear Lake
The Prairie School over New Glarus
Sectional One New Richmond
My Pick
Clear Lake- There undefeated and ranked four in the division enough said right there.
Contenders
Grantsburg- Have only lost two games and they are ranked in the top 10.
Osseo Fairchild- They are the other #1 seed so gotta have them right?
Eau Claire Regis- They seem to be coming into form late in the season and they always seem to be a team to be recond with.
Long Shot
Melrose Mindoro- Preseason topped ranked team that didn't live up to the hype. Those are always tough teams come playoffs.
Clear Lake over Osseo Fairchild
Sectional Two Wausau East
My Pick
Auburndale- Another team that has been ranked all year long and they have the history of being a tough out when it comes to playoffs.
Contender
Shiocton- A team that has underachieve a bit but, they still got a two seed. Senior dominated team as well.
Marathon- Same conference as Auburndale and another team that has spent a good chunk of the season ranked. Will be a tough out of course.
Oconto- A one seed and they had a very good record but, question is who have they played.
Long Shot
Pacelli- Seem to be playing their best right now and they are battled tested after a pretty tough schedule.
Auburndale over Shiocton
Sectional Three Baraboo
New Glarus- Undefeated team, senior dominated, and have been a top three team in the rankings all year long.
Contenders
Mineral Point- Top ranked team all year long and have extremely talented players even though they are very young.
Wisconsin Heights- Team that has flirted with being ranked all year long and have a tremendous record and have seen New Glarus twice already.
Fennimore- Another ranked team all year long with a great record.
Pardeeville- Up to a couple weeks ago they were undefeated but, lost a pair of games late in the season.
Long Shot
La Crosse Aquinas- They are always a long shot team because of the drop down affect and being that they spend the season playing D2s all year.
New Glarus over Mineral Point
Sectional Four Waukesha South
My Pick
The Prairie School- They just have so much talent for a D4 team and seem to be playing at their best. They also have the top player in D4 in JC Butler.
Contender
Destiny- Defending state champs that have a ton of talent and have played tough competition all year long. Have seemed to struggle a bit at the end of the year though.
Milwaukee Academy of Science- Beat Destiny just recently and have beaten some very good teams of late.
Roncalli- A ton of tradition there and their seeded one.
Kohler- Ranked team that has a great record.
Howards Grove- Probably same as what I said for Kohler.
Winnebago Lutheran- Extremely tall D4 team and have some guards that can really shoot the outside three.
The Prairie School over Kohler
New Glarus over Auburndale
The Prairie School over Clear Lake
The Prairie School over New Glarus
Division Three Predictions
We have three days until the playoffs start so I have to get my final predictions made before then.
Sectional One Menomonie
My Pick
Prescott- State runner ups a year ago and they have possibly the best scorer in the state in Petey Brookshaw. I saw them play once and came away extremely impressed.
Contenders
Bloomer- Another team with a great record but, again you question who have they played.
Wisconsin Dells- They haven't lost to a team from the state of Wisconsin but, I still question have they really played anyone. Their length and defense will give anyone trouble.
GET- Yes they lost to Black River Falls recently but, they have a very strong tradition going on and have some very experienced players.
Prescott over Wisconsin Dells
Long Shots
Ellsworth- They have a really good record but, just recently they were destroyed by Prescott so it's tough to see them as a legit team to make it out of the sectional.
Black River Falls- Ethan Anderson and company seem to be really rounding in to shape but, the way they lost to the Dells early in the season is still in my mind.
Sectional Two Appleton East
My Pick
Appleton Xavier- Really there is no other choice here. They are the defending champs, undefeated, and they have been flat out crushing teams all year long.
Contenders
Valders- Lost only two games all year. Honestly this is probably the only team in the sectional that has any other chance.
Long Shot
Wrightstown- I don't know enough about anyone else in the sectional but, they are one of the only other teams with a great record.
Appleton Xavier over Prescott
Sectional Three Middleton
My Pick
Martin Luther-They've been a top team all year long and probably have the most talent in the sectional.
Contenders
Racine St Catherines- They've battled Martin Luther all year long in conference play and will not be fazed playing Luther.
East Troy- They are battled tested playing a very tough schedule that prepared them for the playoffs.
Lakeside Lutheran- This team has a ton of talent and have really underachieved this year. They will be a tough out but, have been put in the tough have of the sectional.
Platteville- Don't know a thing about them but, they are a one seed so that must mean something.
Long Shot
Lodi- They can shoot the three and have a lot of overall team length and height.
Lake Mills- They are very undersized but, they play extremely hard and of course the three is the great equalizer.
Martin Luther over Lodi
Sectional Four Whitefish Bay
My Pick
Brown Deer- The Genry brothers are as tough as anyone at the guard position and they always benefit from playing up all regular season.
Contenders
Dominican- Another battled tested team and Gacoby Jones is a tough lead guard himself.
Waupun- Won state two years ago so they have the experience and Owen Theune and Marcus Domask.
Brookfield Academy- Another team with a great record but, questionable who they have actually played this year.
Long Shot
Kettle Moraine Lutheran- Beat Waupun already this year and also have that great record as well.
Brown Deer over Waupun
State Picks
Appleton Xavier over Prescott
Brown Deer over Martin Luther
Appleton Xavier over Brown Deer
Sectional One Menomonie
My Pick
Prescott- State runner ups a year ago and they have possibly the best scorer in the state in Petey Brookshaw. I saw them play once and came away extremely impressed.
Contenders
Bloomer- Another team with a great record but, again you question who have they played.
Wisconsin Dells- They haven't lost to a team from the state of Wisconsin but, I still question have they really played anyone. Their length and defense will give anyone trouble.
GET- Yes they lost to Black River Falls recently but, they have a very strong tradition going on and have some very experienced players.
Prescott over Wisconsin Dells
Long Shots
Ellsworth- They have a really good record but, just recently they were destroyed by Prescott so it's tough to see them as a legit team to make it out of the sectional.
Black River Falls- Ethan Anderson and company seem to be really rounding in to shape but, the way they lost to the Dells early in the season is still in my mind.
Sectional Two Appleton East
My Pick
Appleton Xavier- Really there is no other choice here. They are the defending champs, undefeated, and they have been flat out crushing teams all year long.
Contenders
Valders- Lost only two games all year. Honestly this is probably the only team in the sectional that has any other chance.
Long Shot
Wrightstown- I don't know enough about anyone else in the sectional but, they are one of the only other teams with a great record.
Appleton Xavier over Prescott
Sectional Three Middleton
My Pick
Martin Luther-They've been a top team all year long and probably have the most talent in the sectional.
Contenders
Racine St Catherines- They've battled Martin Luther all year long in conference play and will not be fazed playing Luther.
East Troy- They are battled tested playing a very tough schedule that prepared them for the playoffs.
Lakeside Lutheran- This team has a ton of talent and have really underachieved this year. They will be a tough out but, have been put in the tough have of the sectional.
Platteville- Don't know a thing about them but, they are a one seed so that must mean something.
Long Shot
Lodi- They can shoot the three and have a lot of overall team length and height.
Lake Mills- They are very undersized but, they play extremely hard and of course the three is the great equalizer.
Martin Luther over Lodi
Sectional Four Whitefish Bay
My Pick
Brown Deer- The Genry brothers are as tough as anyone at the guard position and they always benefit from playing up all regular season.
Contenders
Dominican- Another battled tested team and Gacoby Jones is a tough lead guard himself.
Waupun- Won state two years ago so they have the experience and Owen Theune and Marcus Domask.
Brookfield Academy- Another team with a great record but, questionable who they have actually played this year.
Long Shot
Kettle Moraine Lutheran- Beat Waupun already this year and also have that great record as well.
Brown Deer over Waupun
State Picks
Appleton Xavier over Prescott
Brown Deer over Martin Luther
Appleton Xavier over Brown Deer
Friday, February 23, 2018
Sun Prairie over Madison La Follette
I've decided this year that whenever I can get the chance to see Sun Prairie playing a decent game I go to see them play. This game really lived up to the hype even though the game really wasn't that close.
It was senior night for La Follette so I thought that maybe they would come out firing on all cylinders but, Sun Prairie jumped out big early and kind of cruised to a victory. Early on Sun Prairie was able to push the tempo and just get easy bucket after easy bucket as the shots weren't falling for La Follette. La Follette is a very undersized team so they weren't going to get any offensive rebounds and they had a tough time getting good looks over Sun Prairie's size so they ended up settling for deep threes all game long. Mid way through the first half La Follette started hitting threes and climbed back into the game. The final five minutes of the first half Sun Prairie went on a monster run solidified by a pair of dunks on back to back plays from 6'4 senior Marlon Ruffin and then 6'2 senior Taylor Jansen who ended up getting a technical on that one, which I thought was very questionable. Ruffin's dunk may of been the best I've seen as he posterized the La Follette defender. La Follette score the final bucket of the half to make it 41-24.
In the second half Sun Prairie went into cruise control and allowed La Follette to get back into the game. La Follette started to lock down their defense and on the other end they begain to hit the three point shot. In the end though La Follete went cold late and 6'8 sophomore Jalen Johnson and company dominated the glass and probably doubled La Follette in rebounds. I have to say that Ruffin really forced things at times and tries to do too much. On the other side leading scorer 5'9 junior Donneil Gray barely played for whatever reason and other big scorer 5'11 junior Troy Reeves didn't get into the game until late in the first half. Sun Prairie ended up winning 70 to 57.
Top Players
Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie- Hit his first three shots of the game all threes right off the bat, which is the first time he looked good from the outside this year. Dominated the defensive glass and guessing he was between 15-20 rebounds. Had a nice steal and pick for a monster tomahawk jam.
Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie- Liked I said he forced things too much at times but, he's a guy that can really score. Had the play of the night with his dunk along with another big dunk as well. Really got out and moved in transition.
Taylor Jansen 6'2 senior Sun Prairie- Another superior athlete that had two big dunks in this one. Also had a few very nice post up homes where he used his strength and hops to score.
Troy Reeves 5'11 junior Madison La Follette- Really showed a nice ability to hit the deep jumper off the jump shot.
Kierre Washington 6'2 senior Madison La Follette- Carried his team early on scoring their first seven points with the ability to hit the jumper over the taller defender.
Anthony West 5'10 senior Madison La Follette- Was the quickest player on the court with the ball in his hands. Used that quickness and ball handling to get in the middle of the Sun Prairie defense and score.
Box Score
Sun Prairie 70- Johnson 18 Ruffin 17 Jansen 12 Colin Schaefer 12 Caden White 3 Marty Strey 3 Alec Schaefer 3 Rajai WIlliams 2 Delware Hale 0
La Follette 57- Reeves 13 Isaiah Stewart 13 West 12 Washington 8 Nate Seward 6 Gray 3 Jaden Nix 2 Sam Schmitt 0 Ben Probst 0 Charles Suggs 0
After watching this way I guarantee that Sun Prairie will get to state and if they played like they did the last five minutes of the first half they could very well win state. On the other side I just can't see La Follette doing too much with their lack of height overall.
It was senior night for La Follette so I thought that maybe they would come out firing on all cylinders but, Sun Prairie jumped out big early and kind of cruised to a victory. Early on Sun Prairie was able to push the tempo and just get easy bucket after easy bucket as the shots weren't falling for La Follette. La Follette is a very undersized team so they weren't going to get any offensive rebounds and they had a tough time getting good looks over Sun Prairie's size so they ended up settling for deep threes all game long. Mid way through the first half La Follette started hitting threes and climbed back into the game. The final five minutes of the first half Sun Prairie went on a monster run solidified by a pair of dunks on back to back plays from 6'4 senior Marlon Ruffin and then 6'2 senior Taylor Jansen who ended up getting a technical on that one, which I thought was very questionable. Ruffin's dunk may of been the best I've seen as he posterized the La Follette defender. La Follette score the final bucket of the half to make it 41-24.
In the second half Sun Prairie went into cruise control and allowed La Follette to get back into the game. La Follette started to lock down their defense and on the other end they begain to hit the three point shot. In the end though La Follete went cold late and 6'8 sophomore Jalen Johnson and company dominated the glass and probably doubled La Follette in rebounds. I have to say that Ruffin really forced things at times and tries to do too much. On the other side leading scorer 5'9 junior Donneil Gray barely played for whatever reason and other big scorer 5'11 junior Troy Reeves didn't get into the game until late in the first half. Sun Prairie ended up winning 70 to 57.
Top Players
Jalen Johnson 6'8 sophomore Sun Prairie- Hit his first three shots of the game all threes right off the bat, which is the first time he looked good from the outside this year. Dominated the defensive glass and guessing he was between 15-20 rebounds. Had a nice steal and pick for a monster tomahawk jam.
Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie- Liked I said he forced things too much at times but, he's a guy that can really score. Had the play of the night with his dunk along with another big dunk as well. Really got out and moved in transition.
Taylor Jansen 6'2 senior Sun Prairie- Another superior athlete that had two big dunks in this one. Also had a few very nice post up homes where he used his strength and hops to score.
Troy Reeves 5'11 junior Madison La Follette- Really showed a nice ability to hit the deep jumper off the jump shot.
Kierre Washington 6'2 senior Madison La Follette- Carried his team early on scoring their first seven points with the ability to hit the jumper over the taller defender.
Anthony West 5'10 senior Madison La Follette- Was the quickest player on the court with the ball in his hands. Used that quickness and ball handling to get in the middle of the Sun Prairie defense and score.
Box Score
Sun Prairie 70- Johnson 18 Ruffin 17 Jansen 12 Colin Schaefer 12 Caden White 3 Marty Strey 3 Alec Schaefer 3 Rajai WIlliams 2 Delware Hale 0
La Follette 57- Reeves 13 Isaiah Stewart 13 West 12 Washington 8 Nate Seward 6 Gray 3 Jaden Nix 2 Sam Schmitt 0 Ben Probst 0 Charles Suggs 0
After watching this way I guarantee that Sun Prairie will get to state and if they played like they did the last five minutes of the first half they could very well win state. On the other side I just can't see La Follette doing too much with their lack of height overall.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)