Class A: Top Backcourts
The field in Class A figures to be as wide open as it’s been in years. So what can put a team over the top? What is a prerequisite for a team that wants to contend? Steady backcourt play. Here are five teams that appear to be the most squared away when it comes to the guards:
Springfield might be the best team in Class A this season and it makes sense considering the Tigers have what is likely the best backcourt. Isaac Fink is a do-everything guy for Springfield but don’t let the 6-foot-4 frame fool you into thinking he’s not the primary ball handler. He averaged 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists per game. Decker Scheffler puts up his share of eye-popping numbers too. He averaged better than 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists as a sophomore. With those two handling the ball and making a bulk of the decisions, Springfield will be a force to be reckoned with.
Spring Grove heads into the season with an upperclass-laden team and high aspirations. The Lions will almost always have an edge when it comes to backcourt play as Alex Folz and Noah Elton are talented and experienced. Folz averaged 17 points, five rebounds and 3.5 assists a season ago and is one of the best point guards in Class A. Elton does a little bit of everything and averaged 10 points, three rebounds and four assists last year.
North Woods finished runner-up in the state tournament each of the last two years and has a great chance to make another lengthy run this year because of senior point guard Cade Goggleye. Goggleye’s a terrific scorer and has improved as a playmaker a great deal over the last few seasons. His defense is also top-notch. Joining Goggleye in the backcourt is Chase Kleppe. Kleppe didn’t put up huge numbers last year but was a consistent starter and will have an opportunity to take on a bigger role this year as defenses focus on Goggleye and Trevor Morrison.
BOLD averaged 75 points per game a season ago and it’s not crazy to think the Warriors could put up more this year. Junior guard Gavin Vosika is one of the top guards in Class A and averaged 16 points per game last year while Jordan Sagedahl averaged better than 13. Both guys contribute on the glass, make plays for teammates and get after it on the defensive end too.
Cromwell-Wright won 23 games a season ago and figures to contend for a spot in the state tournament out of Section 5. A big reason why is the return of guard duo Micah Pocernich and Marcus Pocernich. As a sophomore, Micah averaged better than 18 points and four rebounds while Marcus put up 12 points and better than five rebounds and four assists while knocking down more than half of his 3-pointers in his junior year.