What Chris Morgan Adds to Kaukauna’s Roster
On Friday of last week, Christopher Morgan (2022) transferred from Ashwaubenon to Kaukauna. That move will loom large in the outcome of the FVA conference, and possibly state. Morgan already has a high-major offer (West Virginia) under his belt, making…
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Continue ReadingOn Friday of last week, Christopher Morgan (2022) transferred from Ashwaubenon to Kaukauna. That move will loom large in the outcome of the FVA conference, and possibly state.
Morgan already has a high-major offer (West Virginia) under his belt, making him and Tre White the only two sophomores to do so. His addition to the roster fills holes in a starting five that was chopped away by turnover, giving Kaukauna a surefire fourth starter for next season.
But it’s how he fits into their offense that’ll be the bankable aspect of the move.
“The addition of Chris Morgan will make everyone around him better. Everyone gets better with his presence…We also have hunted the arc and what Chris will give us is another floor spacer.” This is high-praise coming from Kaukauna head coach, Mike Schalow. But, it’s rightful, as Morgan’s ability to make an entire offense off of a drive and kick is what coaxes college programs. He made a team-high 58 threes last season on a 36 percent clip (as a freshman on varsity, mind you). Now, he joins an assemblage of shooters at Kaukauna, as Keaton Ferris, Logan Jedwabny, and Jacob Newhouse all have lethal range from deep.
Next season, their roster will be founded on the same shooting principles. Coach Schalow stated, ”Nothing from an X and O strategy will change.” That might come off as a bit of a surprise after losing their offensive centerpiece in Donovan Ivory. Though from a cohesive standpoint, yeah, things are going to be different. Point guard Keaton Ferris is a good enough passer in his own right, another gunner to stick in the corner opposite from Logan Jedwabny will only give him more versatility. And with Jacob Newhouse’s ability to facilitate from the paint and stretch the floor, you can only grin at the thought of the Spurs-like ball-movement coming from this group.
Kaukauna designed for success this season, the question now is how far can they go with it.
Winning conference is the logical first step.
The FVA was going to see a major uncoupling of talent this season. A few teams will be approaching the top tier, but many will fall to the basement of the conference after graduation ousted entire starting lineups. Kaukauna, Kimberly, Neenah, and Oshkosh North, are set to play a four-way tug-of-war for the conference this season, but Kaukauna is regarded as the frontrunner because of the major losses from the other contenders. Kimberly lost Reed Miller and Levi Nienhaus-Borchert this offseason, Neenah lost a beautifully threaded supporting cast that took them to state, and Oshkosh North lost three of their top-five scorers. Appleton North and Hortonville can still do some damage, but they are both a few pieces away from contention. That leaves Kaukauna as the only team that lost players, but has bounced back.
The state tournament is much different, as Kaukauna is hardly a favorite right now. There’s a likely cap on the length any division two team can trek with their roster, that cap being Nicolet. The Jalen Johnson led roster beat Kaukauna in state last season during the Elite Eight. Nicolet then won the title, dismantling Milwaukee Washington (who proceeded to dismantle itself this offseason, losing Michael Foster and Chianti Clay to transfer).
Coach Schalow had this to say about the imminent threat. “Nicolet will be very good and the favorite. Chris {Morgan} will certainly be a great addition and help in trying to beat them.”
In an early estimate, Nicolet and La Crosse Central are the assumed two fighters in the ring for the 2019-20 season, but Kaukauna is knocking on the door.
The big picture: The edition of Morgan augments a starting five that had some deficiencies after Donovan and Brayden Ivory graduated. Though their offensive system won’t change, the way they gel with another shooter will be an interesting subplot to follow next season. It’ll be a different Kaukauna team, but with Morgan, they are the favorite in the conference and could be a team to beat in March.
Photo via Kaukauna Basketball Twitter: @Kaukaunabball