Game Report: Kaukauna vs. Kimberly

<p>Another Friday, another fantastic matchup in the Fox Valley Association. Friday night's game featured two top FVA teams with Kaukauna coming into the contest 5-0 in conference play, while Kimberly came in at 5-1. Traditional powerhouses, this contest featured high level shooting, high flying dunks, and well played basketball. Kimberly led 36-35 at half, but Kaukauna imposed their will on the Papermakers in Kimberly earning the victory 83-61.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Overview</h2>   <p>The first half was played at a slower pace that benefited Kimberly. The Papermakers employed their 5 out motion system offense to slow the tempo and control the first half by getting timely rebounds, getting to the free throw line and hitting open threes. Kaukauna was in foul trouble in the first half committing eight fouls to Kimberly's one foul. [player_tooltip player_id='1561925' first='Andrew' last='Jensen'] also spent some time on the bench in the first half with two fouls. Kimberly was intentional about doubling and sometimes tripling Jensen, who is headed to Depaul next year, on post touches. Jensen did an exceptional job finding shooters in both halves. The Ghosts started the second half on a 14-2 run and never looked back in the game extending the lead to 20+ for most of the second half. Kaukauna showcased their ability to knock down three point buckets at a high percentage as they hit 13 threes in the game. Kaukauna improves to 9-0, while Kimberly falls to 5-6.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday Night's Standouts</h2>    <p>Jensen showcased why he was so desired last spring with his unselfishness, elite athleticism, and his ability to impact the game directly at the rim on both the offensive and defensive end. Jensen, was in foul trouble in the first half, was able to finish the game with 17 points. The 6'9 senior also finished with several assists over double digits rebounds, and some eye popping, thunderous dunks in traffic. Jensen, who is heading to Depaul next season, led his team to their ninth win and continues to loudly make his case for potentially earning Mr. Basketball in the state of Wisconsin. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Bowers came in and set the tone early for the Ghosts in a packed gym in Kimberly. The 6'1 Freshman displayed his elite shooting ability and poise as a young prospect shooting with confidence. Bowers hit five threes off of kick outs and skip passes using his quick release shot. Drew also showed flashes of extremely impressive on ball defense harassing Kimberly's guards near the half court line. As Bowers develops his strength and other parts of his game, he could develop into one of the premier players in the FVA and the state of Wisconsin. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Schwalbach was another young prospect that rose to the occasion in Kimberly on Friday night. The 6'3 guard used his extremely developed skill set to score at all three levels on Friday. Schwalbach hit three threes in the game and also looked fluid off the bounce attacking the basket. Schwalbach was averaging 13.3ppg coming into this matchup and is playing well enough to make some serious noise later in the season for the Ghosts, and into club season this spring and summer. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Buchanan is a versatile multi sport athlete that impacted the game positively for the Papermakers in Friday night's matchup. Ryan used his versatile skill set to spark Kimberly early. The Papermakers led early, and in large part to Buchanan's hot shooting in the first half. The 6'4 prospect drilled three threes in the first half and finished with 14 for the game. Buchanan who is also a standout tight end in football, used his strong frame to finish through contact and shoot confidently behind the arc.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Takeaways</h2>   <p>Kimberly, who is coached by Kam Cerroni, have the capabilities to compete with the top teams in the FVA. The Papermakers will only continue to get better as Cerroni's culture was clearly evident in their 5 out motion styled offense, defensive toughness, and ability to do whatever it takes to win. Kimberly outside of an eight minute stretch played extremely well. Kimberly can rely on [player_tooltip player_id='1561881' first='Ryan' last='Buchanan'], [player_tooltip player_id='2838218' first='Kegan' last='Pleau'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2140869' first='Alex' last='Krause'] to lead them to plenty more victories this season in conference play. Kaukauna is ranked #3 in the latest Prep Hoops poll, and for a good reason. Everyone and their brother knows about the capability of [player_tooltip player_id='1561925' first='Andrew' last='Jensen'] to influence games in the paint. However, the Ghosts are loaded with tremendous outside shooting from [player_tooltip player_id='2412456' first='Tyler' last='Schwalbach'], [player_tooltip player_id='2399831' first='Josh' last='Carl'], [player_tooltip player_id='2398517' first='Jonah' last='Roehrig'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2402510' first='Drew' last='Bowers']. The Ghosts run a well schooled spread pick and roll offense that allows for Jensen to playmake and their guards to get clean, efficient shots on a majority of their possessions. Kaukauna is battle tested earning victories against Appleton North and Neenah recently and are poised for a deep playoff run under first year coach Ryan Bowers. Kaukauna's balance of scoring, ability to respond to adversity, and their size impressed me on Friday night. The Ghosts are my pick to challenge Wisconsin Lutheran at the Kohl Center on March 21st.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Box Score</h2>   <p><strong>Kaukauna: 83</strong> Schwalbach 19, Carl 11, Buckowski 2, Jensen 17, Roehrig 15, Bowers 18, Hill 1</p>   <p><strong>Kimberly: 61</strong> Wyngaard 8, Holschuh 5, Pleau 12, Krause 10, Buchanan 14, Vosters 11</p>   <p></p>

Another Friday, another fantastic matchup in the Fox Valley Association. Friday night's game featured two top FVA teams with Kaukauna coming into the contest 5-0 in conference play, while Kimberly came in at 5-1. Traditional powerhouses, this contest featured high level shooting, high flying dunks, and well played basketball. Kimberly led 36-35 at half, but Kaukauna imposed their will on the Papermakers in Kimberly earning the victory 83-61.