Preview: WIAA Division 1 State Playoffs
A preview of the 2019 Division 1 WIAA state playoffs… SECTIONAL 1 The Favorite – Kimberly The No. 1 seed in Sectional 1, the Papermakers enter the playoffs with a 20-2 overall record and as Fox Valley Association champions.…
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Continue ReadingA preview of the 2019 Division 1 WIAA state playoffs…
SECTIONAL 1
The Favorite – Kimberly
The No. 1 seed in Sectional 1, the Papermakers enter the playoffs with a 20-2 overall record and as Fox Valley Association champions. Levi Borchert (17.7 ppg) and Jake Buchanan (17.2 ppg) have each had breakout seasons. The addition of Marshfield transfer Reed Miller (13.5 ppg) has helped take Kimberly to the next level as well.
The Darkhorse – Neenah
They’re the No. 4 seed, Neenah has proven to be a viable contender to reach the state tournament, perhaps moreso than 2-seed Appleton West and 3-seed Hudson. At 14-7, the Rockets have won four-straight against in-state opponents, including a victory over West. Of their seven losses, four of which have come against the top three teams in the FVA, all came by six points or less. Neenah’s ability to play with just about anybody makes them dangerous in March. Max Klesmit (24.4 ppg) has been outstanding all year, but the play of Logan Morrow (13.4 ppg) could be the difference maker.
Potential Cinderella – Oshkosh West
You hate to keep giving the FVA so much love, but the fact of the matter is, it’s arguably the state’s best conference top to bottom. Oshkosh West is only 8-13, but it’s doubtful they go into any game thinking they can’t win. High scoring guard Karter Thomas (24.1 ppg) has helped the Wildcats take down the likes of Kimberly and Neenah while coming down to the wire against Green Bay Southwest and Kaukauna. Now that Luke Haasl is back, West has a chance to do some damage in the playoffs.
SECTIONAL 2
The Favorite – Sussex Hamilton
Despite a recent loss, when Hamilton is at the top of their game, this is the best team in Division 1. The Greater Metro champs are 18-4 overall and have the best player in all of Division 1, sophomore G/F Patrick Baldwin Jr. (18.6 ppg). The Chargers are a nightmare to defend as they surround Baldwin with sharpshooters, including Carson Smith (9.8 ppg) and Tanner Resch (9.3 ppg).
The Darkhorse – Brookfield East
With Gage Malensek no longer available for Brookfield Central, East is likely the second-best team in this sectional. Even better news for them, they just beat top seed Sussex Hamilton by 19 points. Riley LeTourneau (19.4 ppg) leads a group that has state tournament experience, playing in the D1 title game just a season ago. A blue-collar squad that doesn’t beat themselves, East once again figures to be a very tough out.
Potential Cinderella – Arrowhead
I like the way this team is playing right now. After a season-opening defeat to Milwaukee King, Arrowhead won 11-straight games and their only three losses since have all come by five points or less. The Warhawks are now riding a six-game winning streak going into the playoffs with an average margin of victory of 23.0 ppg. Carter Gilmore (18.6 ppg) and Tyler Gouin (20.2 ppg) are both playing at a high level and capable of making it to Madison.
SECTIONAL 3
The Favorite – Racine Park
You can’t discount the value of seniors who know this is their last go-around. Larry Canady (19.9 ppg), Nobal Days (10.8 ppg), and Zyiere Carey (12.2 ppg) can each hear that clock ticking. The Southeast Conference champions are 16-5 overall and enter the playoffs having won eight of their last nine games against in-state foes.
The Darkhorse – Madison East
If they come out of this sectional, I’ll finally be a believer in Madison East. Not taking away from the Purgolders, who have had a magical and improbable run this season en route to a 21-1 record and a Big Eight Conference title, but they’ve been fading a bit down the strech, just getting by in four down-to-the-wire games, including an unexplainable loss to Madison West. If Anthony Washington (17.6 ppg) and Montae Thompson (14.5 ppg) can elevate their games in March, East can get to the Kohl Center.
Potential Cinderella -Madison La Follette
La Follette played two very competitive games against East already this season. Troy Reeves (16.3 ppg), Ben Probst (15.2), and Donneil Gray (13.6 ppg) help the Lancers compensate for a lack of an interior presence. Of their four losses to Wisconsin teams, all have come by seven points or less.
SECTIONAL 4
The Favorite – Waukesha West
This team hasn’t been as bulletproof as expected, but West is head and shoulders above the rest of the pack, based on what we’ve seen this season and a legitimate state championship threat. The Wolverines have one of the best starting lineups in the state, featuring David Skogman (19.0 ppg), Cameron Palesse (16.9 ppg), Chris Bready (15.6 ppg), and Rocky Martinez (11.0 ppg).
The Darkhorse – West Allis Central
Central’s only three losses have come to exceptional teams — Pewaukee, SJNMA, and Milwaukee Madison. The Bulldogs also have a strong resume with victories over the Pirates, New Berlin Eisenhower (twice), Racine Park, and Wisconsin Lutheran. The Woodland West champs are deep behind Jacob Fierst (21.3 ppg) and could surprise some people in the playoffs.
Potential Cinderella – Milwaukee Riverside
The Tigers have won 13 games, which makes them under-seeded as a 7-seed. Riverside has a chance to finish third in a very top heavy Milwaukee City Conference. Despite losing some very valuable seniors last season, James Burks (16.6 ppg) has helped the Tigers rebuild quickly.