Game Report: Tosa West vs. Sussex Hamilton

<p>I was able to attend the Friday Night Greater Metro Conference matchup between the Chargers and Trojans. A good majority of Wisconsin School Districts were closed or on virtual learning plans due to the frigid weather. Tosa West features a dynamic duo of division one prospects as they look to get back to Madison again this season for the state tournament. Here are the standouts and takeaways from Friday night in Sussex. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday's Standouts</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2288469' first='Jalen' last='Brown'] flexed why he is the #5 player in the recent 2027 player rankings with his performance on Friday night. I have seen Brown play in summer league events and on streams, but tonight I was able to see the progression in person Jalen has made with his game since starting his high school career. Brown was dominate on Friday pouring in 35 points, pulling down several rebounds, and using his elite athleticism to disrupt offense for Sussex Hamilton. The 6'5 junior had five triples and was able to score at all three levels at will during the GMC matchup. Brown was averaging 17.6ppg coming into this game, and will look to expand his scoring as we inch closer to the playoffs. Brown has rightfully gained the attention and offers of several power five programs. He is poised for big playoff performances leading into the spring and summer club season. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Gogin certainly does not lead Tosa West in any stat categories, but does a lot of great things for the Trojans. Gogin who came into this game averaging 5.7ppg, showed that he is also able to snipe threes from behind the arc. The 5'10 junior had two first half threes and finished the game with eight points. Not eye popping by any means statistically, but Gogin took a big charge in the first half, rebounds well for his size, and defends with intensity and purpose. The Trojans were without one of their starters Friday, and Gogin is more than capable of stepping up to hit perimeter shots and facilitate offense in his absence. Gogin, who competes with MTXE ,was impressive in his role as a glue guy on Friday. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kloskey is an explosive, relentless, and unselfish wing prospect headed to Green Bay next season. Kloskey who is averaging nearly 23 points per game, was all over the floor on Friday. Kloskey generated second chances on the glass and was electric in transition with his eye popping athleticism. The 6'5 senior had 14 points and a mess of rebounds. Kloskey is nearly unstoppable when he gets the first step of defenders. Unfortunately for Sussex Hamilton, this happened all too often as Kloskey had a majority of his points right at the rim. Kloskey is an under the radar Mr. Basketball candidate, and will look to continue his dominance into the second half of the season. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">This was the first time I was able to see Vernon play live. Vernon is an intriguing prospect for Sussex, with his athleticism and strength. The 6'4 senior wing player was able to get to the basket downhill with ease off the bounce and had some very tough finishes. Vernon had 8 points for the younger Charger roster. Vernon plays at the rim with his finishes and is able to finish through contact due to his developed strength. Vernon was a bright spot for the Chargers on Friday night's contest. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Takeaways</h2>   <p>There is never an off night for the Trojans who have played a very difficult non conference schedule. Add in these games, and the Greater Metro Conference schedule, and they were bound to drop a few contests. Tosa West came into the game actually losing two of their last three games, but improved to 10-4 with this dominant victory in the GMC. The Trojans are very reliant on their elite 1-2 scoring punch with [player_tooltip player_id='2288469' first='Jalen' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1561869' first='Matthew' last='Kloskey'] but have other great role players in [player_tooltip player_id='2423561' first='Max' last='Gogin'], [player_tooltip player_id='2402461' first='Messiah' last='Chambers'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1558479' first='DJ' last='Hennings']. One name I did not mention in that group was Logan (Bear) Collins, who unfortunately was in a walking boot and may miss some time due to an injury. Tosa West has the capability to make a run in Division two again despite the sectional being loaded with Brookfield Central, Deforest, New Berlin West, Beaver Dam and Sauk Prairie. </p>   <p>On the flipside, Sussex Hamiliton is growing and retooling this season under first year coach and longtime assistant Jason Schneider. The Chargers started 0 seniors on Friday and have promising younger players in [player_tooltip player_id='2440784' first='Alec' last='Vernon'], [player_tooltip player_id='2724381' first='Cole' last='Erdmann'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2400199' first='Kobe' last='Humphrey']. Hamilton fell to 4-10 overall, but in the big Picture, have a lot to look forward to the rest of the season and moving forward with their younger roster and new system. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Box Score</h2>   <p><strong>Wauwatosa West 70</strong>: Gogin 8, Hennings 2, Wright 2, Long 3, Kloskey 14, Chambers 4, Brown 35</p>   <p><strong>Sussex Hamilton 51: </strong>Boyden 2, Erdmann 7, Vernon 8, Allen 6, Heberer 7, Dolney 2, Tobolic 7, Humphrey 6, Berlin 6</p>   <p></p>

I was able to attend the Friday Night Greater Metro Conference matchup between the Chargers and Trojans. A good majority of Wisconsin School Districts were closed or on virtual learning plans due to the frigid weather. Tosa West features a dynamic duo of division one prospects as they look to get back to Madison again this season for the state tournament. Here are the standouts and takeaways from Friday night in Sussex.