Five Takeaways From Kaukauna-Nicolet
WATERTOWN — Five takeaways from Saturday’s sectional final between Nicolet and Kaukauna… Nicolet’s defense smothered Kaukauna The defending Division 2 state champs came out and threw the first couple of punches. The Ghosts looked like a team who had been…
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Continue ReadingWATERTOWN — Five takeaways from Saturday’s sectional final between Nicolet and Kaukauna…
Nicolet’s defense smothered Kaukauna
The defending Division 2 state champs came out and threw the first couple of punches. The Ghosts looked like a team who had been in these games before and wasn’t fazed by the array of stars Nicolet put out on the floor.
Then the Knights decided to turn up the defensive pressure…
Overcoming an eight-point deficit, Nicolet began to swarm Kaukauna, doubling off ball screens and extended their defense 30 feet away from the hoop. Al Hanson‘s decision not only resulted in a few turnovers to turn the tide, but the Knights were able to hold the Ghosts scoreless for over six minutes for a period in the first half.
That carried over into the second half and then some. In fact, Kaukauna didn’t get their first field goal until there were nearly eight minutes left in the game, scoring just two points over that span.
The Ghosts put up a fight late, but were never able to get closer than six points.
Graham is trending in the right direction
Really interested to see how Graham performs during the travel season when he becomes one of the go-to players again.
The 6-foot-6 sophomore led Nicolet with 13 points on Saturday, continuing to show flashes. A big body with a smooth jumper, Graham excels in the 12-15 foot range with a smooth pull-up jumper.
Holding early offers from DePaul and Rutgers, Graham is improving his transition influence above the rim ability. He’s not as fluid as he needs to be yet, but when Graham gets downhill and gets his momentum going to the rim, he’s starting to get more confident in his ability to attack the rim and no be fazed by contact.
Buy stock in Jedwabny
He’s been one of our biggest breakout performers of the 2018-19 season. Once again, Logan Jedwabny played well in another high level matchup.
The junior wing got Kaukauna settled in early with a pair of triples and then a smooth drive to the rim against Nicolet’s long, athletic frontcourt. He immediately caught the attention of the Knights, who then smothered him for the rest of the game.
Throughout the 2018-19 season, Jedwabny showed light-up potential, often getting hot and staying hot throughout the course of 36 minutes. A dangerous spot-up shooter with some bonce and slashing ability, Jedwabny is poised for a nice travel season and should see his recruitment begin to take off.
Kaukauna should be a force again next season
After finishing second in the Fox Valley Association this season, Kaukauna may enter 2019-20 as the preseason favorites.
Yes, the Ghosts will lose Minnesota-Duluth commit Donovan Ivory, a versatile mismatch problem they can’t replace, but the trio of Jedwabny, Keaton Ferris, and Jacob Newhouse are still in place. In fact, Newhouse could be a breakout performer next season, now that the frontcourt touches will be primarily all his.
With Kimberly losing Reed Miller and Levi Borchert, Appleton West losing Will Mahoney, and Neenah parting ways with Logan Morrow, Kaukauna very well could be back on top of the league in no time.
The Division 2 title is still up for grabs
Not knocking Nicolet at all. They’re the best team in the state of Wisconsin this year and certainly the most talented squad as well.
But that shouldn’t discourage fans from attending the Division 2 state tournament, because it’s not a done deal for the Knights. For the second time in the playoffs, Nicolet has looked human for long stretches and don’t have the battle scars yet of a team who’s been together 2-3 years.
We will say this…for really the first time this season, Nicolet was hit in the mouth and in danger of losing a game. Sure, they were tested against Homestead, but once the Knights flipped up the “on” switch, they put the hammer down. Facing a team that was coming off a state championship and had a bevy of upperclassmen not fazed by the moment, Nicolet responded with toughness, grit, and a never-say-die attitude, sparked by their leader Jalen Johnson.
Still, you have to figure that Milwaukee Washington, while not as deep, can match up athletically. La Crosse Central, who has a few Division 1 players on their roster, are as tough as nails and can stay in the game with their methodical style
When Nicolet is clicking, we’re not sure anyone can hang with them for 36 minutes, but we’re not going into next week thinking they’re a lock to take home the gold ball.