Games to Watch This Week

A look across the state at the top games to watch this week...

TUESDAY

Sheboygan Lutheran (3-0) at Kohler (1-0)

Sheboygan Lutheran puts its No. 1 ranking in Division 5 on the line against Kohler, who is  currently an honorable mention pick in Division 4.  Senior forward Carter Gebler is coming off a 29-point, 6-assist effort in his season opener for Kohler. He'll have his hands full with Valparaiso commit Jacob Ognacevic (41.7 ppg) and Casey Verhagen (21.3 ppg) for  the Crusaders.

Howards Grove (3-0) at Manitowoc Lutheran (2-0)

A win could vault either team into the top 10 of the Division 4 rankings. Lutheran is led by sharpshooting senior guard Trey Zastrow (25.5 ppg), arguably the best 3-point shooter in the state. Howards Grove features a balanced lineup with multiple double-figure scorers that's hard to defend.

Cedarburg (2-0) at Whitefish Bay (2-1)

It's early, but these two teams have shaken up the North Shore Conference. Cedarburg, led by sophomore wing Drew Biber (18.0 ppg), knocked off Grafton and are 2-0 in conference play. Whitefish Bay, led by junior guard Jayden Jackson (17.7 ppg) defeated Nicolet last week and are also 2-0 in league play.

THURSDAY

Eau Claire Memorial (2-0) at La Crosse Central (2-0)

The Old Abes are trying to emerge as a contender in Division 1. If they can knock off the top ranked team in Division 2, that will make quite the statement.  That's easier said than done against the trio of Johnny Davis (27.5 ppg), Jordan Davis (15.5 ppg), and Terrance Thompson (15.0 ppg), but UMKC commit Caden Boser (20.5 ppg) could present some problems with his versatility. 

FRIDAY

Sussex Hamilton (2-0) at Wauwatosa East (0-0)

As good as the Greater Metro Conference was last year, it might be better in 2019-20, largely in part to the emergence of Tosa East. The Red Raiders might be another year away, but this group has plenty of talent and should be one of the most improved teams in the state behind Brian Parzych, Leon Bond, and  John Lovelace. Sussex Hamilton has been as good as advertised thus far, winning their first two games by an average of 35.5 ppg. Leading the state's top ranked team in Division, junior wing Patrick Baldwin Jr. is averaging 26.5 ppg early on.

Martin Luther (2-0) at Racine St. Catherine's

These two teams played three terrific games a year ago. The personnel is different, but Martin Luther and St. Catherine's could be in store for another closely contested battle.  The Spartans, led by senior guard Joey Immekus (19.5 ppg) have surprised a bit with wins over Whitefish Bay and Golda Meir. The Angels, who feature the 1-2 punch of junior guards Kamari McGee (19.0 ppg) and Tyrese Hunter (25.0 ppg) are coming off a convincing win over a good Elkhorn team.

Eau Claire North (1-0) at Hudson (3-0)

Is Hudson for real? Friday's game will tell us a lot. The Raiders are a perfect 3-0 to start the year and had a surprising win over River Falls in Big Rivers Conference play. Southern Illinois commit Dalton Banks (26.0 ppg) will look to keep North in the top 10 of the Division 1 rankings.

Monroe (2-1) at Stoughton (4-0)

The top two projected teams in the Badger South meet in a game that will have huge implications on the conference title. The Cheesemakers are led by junior forward Cade Meyer (22.0 ppg) and sophomore guard Carson Leuzinger (17.7 ppg). The Vikings have a strong duo in their own right in Michigan Tech commit Adam Hobson (13.5 ppg) and junior guard Cael McGee (13.2 ppg).

SATURDAY

Arrowhead (3-0) vs. Brookfield Central (1-0) (NY2LA  Classic)

Wisconsin commit Carter Gilmore leads an undefeated Arrowhead squad into a heavyweight showdown. Gilmore is currently averaging 23.7 ppg this season, but will need a special performance to knock off Brookfield Central, who ranks No. 2 in Division 1.  The Lancers have a terrific trio in Winona State commit Malik Abdul-Wahid (23.0 ppg), junior forward David Joplin (20.0 ppg), and junior guard Ben Nau (13.0 ppg) as well as plenty of depth behind them.

Onalaska (1-0) at DeForest (2-0)

An interesting non-conference battle as Onalaska makes the two-hour drive to the Badger North power. The Hilltoppers will come in ranked No. 2 in Division 2, opening up the season with a dominating win at Mount Horeb. Behind senior guard Trey Schroeder (17.5 ppg) and sophomore guard Max Weisbrod (16.0 ppg), DeForest is off to a nice start with wins over Beaver Dam and Watertown.