Playoff Preview: SEC Teams to Watch
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With the WIAA State Basketball Tournament set to begin next week, the conference champion Franklin Sabers are set to make a run for the gold ball, while Kenosha Indian Trail and Racine Case hope to cause some chaos. Here’s a…
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Continue ReadingWith the WIAA State Basketball Tournament set to begin next week, the conference champion Franklin Sabers are set to make a run for the gold ball, while Kenosha Indian Trail and Racine Case hope to cause some chaos. Here’s a preview of teams and prospects to watch in the playoffs.
Franklin (16-8) – #2 Seed
Will Gardner Will Gardner 6’2″ | CG Franklin | 2023 State WI is the heart and sole of this Franklin Sabers squad. He’s averaging 18.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Last week, he single handily willed his team to a conference title by pouring in 25 second half points in a win over Indian Trail. The 6’2″ senior guard is incredibly gifted on the offensive end. He constantly forces the defense to collapse with his ability to attack the mid-range. He knows how to create for himself as well as for his teammates. Will believes in his skillset and is highly confident. His ability to hit some tough jumpers is noteworthy. Look for Will to get some All-State recognition at the end of the year. The all-time leader in three-pointers made at Franklin is taking his talents to UW-Platteville next year.
Alex Mierow
Alex Mierow
Alex Mierow has blossomed in his increased role with the Sabers this year. The 6’5″ big guard has substantially increased his per games averages this season by 10 points and 5 rebounds. He’s now averaging 14.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. This kid can seriously play. Alex is Franklin’s best defender and he doesn’t shy away from a challenge. The guard is physical on both ends of the floor. He’s a strong rebounder as well as with the ball. He can stretch the floor with a smooth looking three-point shot, sinking 37.6% of his attempts.. Alex will be a crucial part of the Sabers playoff run and I’m a bit surprised he hasn’t received more attention from the Division III level.
#2 Franklin vs #15 Racine Horlick – Friday, March 3rd
Kenosha Indian Trail (17-6) – #4 Seed
MJ Stackhouse is the best player in the Southeast Conference and he’s only getting started. Now listed at 6’8″, the junior already has an offer from UW-Milwaukee and is looking to add some more. He leads Indian Trail in both scoring and rebounding this season, averaging 22.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He’s extremely strong attacking with his left, which is often complimented with a nice spin move. He doesn’t need too much room to get his jump-shot off with his high release. He can knock down the outside shot and will develop into a highly touted prospect with more consistency. On defense, he makes his presence felt on the glass and uses his big body to bang down low. When Indian Trail switches to a zone, his length and presence in the middle of the zone causes fear for opposing offenses. MJ is one of Wisconsin’s rising prospects
#4 Kenosha Indian Trail vs #13 Milwaukee Pulaski, Friday March 3rd
Racine Case (13-10) – #7 Seed
Another rising prospect in Wisconsin’s 2024 class is Termarion Brumby Termarion Brumby 6’1″ | CG Racine Case | 2024 State WI . The 6’2″ junior guard has had an incredible year so far averaging 17.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is what I like most about him. He’s a gifted ball handler, but also knows how to lock in defensively. He excels as pick and roll ball handler, which will translate well at the college level. He’s patient and takes what the defense gives him. He’s shown the ability to knock down the three-point ball at a high percentage (42.3%) but shoots a low volume. Termarion is extremely strong attacking the hoop and is a solid finisher around the rim. I’m excited to watch him play for another year.
#7 Racine Case vs #10 Janesville Craig, Friday March 3rd
HM: Izaac Neal (Oak Creek), Jackson Wilhelmson (Indian Trail)