The regional semifinal matchup we've all been waiting for will happen Thursday night (weather permitting).
Ripon, which has been on a roll recently, will play at rival Waupun. It seems these teams always meet in the playoffs in every sport at some point.
To review a little bit of the recent history of the rivalry, Ripon's Scott Gillespie scored 52 points in the last meeting, but Aris Wurtz had 27 and Ryan Rasmussen scored 24 as Waupun prevailed 86-81 on Feb. 16. If you want some video of the game, click here.
The teams also met in a regional final for baseball last spring (Waupun won) and a regional final for hoops last winter (Ripon won).
Thursday's game should be a dandy. Pray that the roads are clear.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I was right about Kewaskum
See, it turns out I know a thing or two about high school basketball.
As I said in Monday's preview of the boys basketball playoffs, Kewaskum was the hottest team in our area and would knock off second-seeded Delafield St. John's.
And that's just what they did. Granted, the low-scoring 29-28 victory wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but the Indians still won.
In case you were wondering, I like their chances against Port Washington. However, I think one bold prediction is enough for Kewaskum.
As I said in Monday's preview of the boys basketball playoffs, Kewaskum was the hottest team in our area and would knock off second-seeded Delafield St. John's.
And that's just what they did. Granted, the low-scoring 29-28 victory wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but the Indians still won.
In case you were wondering, I like their chances against Port Washington. However, I think one bold prediction is enough for Kewaskum.
Hats off to Zakos, Fondy
The Fond du Lac boys basketball team's season came to an end Tuesday night, and while the games won and lost probably weren't what interim coach Adam Zakos had in mind, this was far from a disappointing season.
Consider:
*Two starters missed significant time due to injury. Ben Anderson was injured from mid-December on, while Nelson Pickart missed the last six weeks of the season. Both could play in the post, and Pickart was Fondy's only player taller than 6-foot-4.
*In the 12 games after a 75-44 loss to Appleton West — its second of the season by 30 points or more — Fondy only lost two by double figures. Four of the eight losses were by four points or less.
*It beat Appleton West and Oshkosh North, the two teams that it previously lost to by 30 points.
Now, for a program that is used to winning conference championships and going to the state tournament, these aren't exactly things to celebrate.
But they are building blocks for what hopefully will be a long career for Zakos at Fondy.
Consider:
*Two starters missed significant time due to injury. Ben Anderson was injured from mid-December on, while Nelson Pickart missed the last six weeks of the season. Both could play in the post, and Pickart was Fondy's only player taller than 6-foot-4.
*In the 12 games after a 75-44 loss to Appleton West — its second of the season by 30 points or more — Fondy only lost two by double figures. Four of the eight losses were by four points or less.
*It beat Appleton West and Oshkosh North, the two teams that it previously lost to by 30 points.
Now, for a program that is used to winning conference championships and going to the state tournament, these aren't exactly things to celebrate.
But they are building blocks for what hopefully will be a long career for Zakos at Fondy.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Musings and ramblings
A few random thoughts while waiting for the "1 vs. 2" matchup between Ohio State and Wisconsin:
***The best thing about Saturday's snowstorm is that it gave me a chance to see Monday's North Fond du Lac vs. Oostburg girls basketball battle. I wonder why the game was moved from Saturday to Monday, and not just played earlier in the day on Saturday. Could it be because Oostburg has bad memories after losing to Ozaukee during the day in last year's playoffs?
***Ripon's Taylor Wurtz may very well be the best girls basketball player in the area, if not the state, but if the Tigers make it to state, it will be because of Erin Lind. Her ability to demand attention both on the perimeter in the paint is cruicial for Ripon's success.
***Congrats to Aaron Toll of Laconia, who won a Division 3 state championship in wrestling on Saturday in Madison. But here's my question: Why is the individual state wrestling meet divided into three divisions? It's done that way in track and swimming because they also crown the team champion at the same meet. But wrestling has a separate team championship. Why not put all the divisions together... or have a champions of the champions round where the title winners in all divisions wrestle against each other. I'd bet Toll would hold his own against the D1 and D2 winners.
***Is it just me, or do they play a lot of golf during the World Match Play championships?
***I'm working on a boys basketball playoff preview right now, and while our area may lack in marquee teams, it makes up for with intrigue. The hottest team in the area right now is Kewaskum, and it is a No. 7 seed. Ripon, Mayville and Fondy have all been playing real well lately, and all are going on the road in the first round.
***Speaking of Ripon, I think there are some people in Kiel (the Tigers' first-round playoff opponent) that wouldn't mind seeing a Ripon-Waupun rematch in the regional semifinals.
***I bought an HDTV last week and am in love. However, there is nothing more disappointing than finding out a game you want to watch isn't being broadcast in HD.
***Mark this down: Marquette will either lose in the first round of the NCAA tournament or go the Final Four. There's no inbetween.
***Every year at this time, I'm amazed that the indoor track season starts so early. We're still a few weeks away, but c'mon, at least give us a break between the state hoops tournament and the start of track.
Carry on.
***The best thing about Saturday's snowstorm is that it gave me a chance to see Monday's North Fond du Lac vs. Oostburg girls basketball battle. I wonder why the game was moved from Saturday to Monday, and not just played earlier in the day on Saturday. Could it be because Oostburg has bad memories after losing to Ozaukee during the day in last year's playoffs?
***Ripon's Taylor Wurtz may very well be the best girls basketball player in the area, if not the state, but if the Tigers make it to state, it will be because of Erin Lind. Her ability to demand attention both on the perimeter in the paint is cruicial for Ripon's success.
***Congrats to Aaron Toll of Laconia, who won a Division 3 state championship in wrestling on Saturday in Madison. But here's my question: Why is the individual state wrestling meet divided into three divisions? It's done that way in track and swimming because they also crown the team champion at the same meet. But wrestling has a separate team championship. Why not put all the divisions together... or have a champions of the champions round where the title winners in all divisions wrestle against each other. I'd bet Toll would hold his own against the D1 and D2 winners.
***Is it just me, or do they play a lot of golf during the World Match Play championships?
***I'm working on a boys basketball playoff preview right now, and while our area may lack in marquee teams, it makes up for with intrigue. The hottest team in the area right now is Kewaskum, and it is a No. 7 seed. Ripon, Mayville and Fondy have all been playing real well lately, and all are going on the road in the first round.
***Speaking of Ripon, I think there are some people in Kiel (the Tigers' first-round playoff opponent) that wouldn't mind seeing a Ripon-Waupun rematch in the regional semifinals.
***I bought an HDTV last week and am in love. However, there is nothing more disappointing than finding out a game you want to watch isn't being broadcast in HD.
***Mark this down: Marquette will either lose in the first round of the NCAA tournament or go the Final Four. There's no inbetween.
***Every year at this time, I'm amazed that the indoor track season starts so early. We're still a few weeks away, but c'mon, at least give us a break between the state hoops tournament and the start of track.
Carry on.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Update from Madison
We've got five area wrestlers still in line for WIAA state titles in Madison.
Laconia's Ethan Pipping and Aaron Toll won quarterfinal matches this afternoon as did Campbellsport’s Billy Mayer and Ripon’s Jason Polcyn. The foursome joins Fond du Lac’s Ben Thone in tonight’s semifinals.
For more, including the three wrestlers still alive in the consolation bracket, read our full story here.
Laconia's Ethan Pipping and Aaron Toll won quarterfinal matches this afternoon as did Campbellsport’s Billy Mayer and Ripon’s Jason Polcyn. The foursome joins Fond du Lac’s Ben Thone in tonight’s semifinals.
For more, including the three wrestlers still alive in the consolation bracket, read our full story here.
Time change for Campbellsport girls
Campbellsport's regional final against Grafton in Hartford has been moved up to 1:30 p.m.
As far as I know, no other games have been changed.
I'm also working on an update from the quarterfinal matches at the state wrestling meet. It hasn't been a kind one to our area kids...
Stay tuned.
As far as I know, no other games have been changed.
I'm also working on an update from the quarterfinal matches at the state wrestling meet. It hasn't been a kind one to our area kids...
Stay tuned.
How 'bout them Orioles
There are certain teams you can tell are made for state tournament runs.
It's kind of hard to describe, but they have to have certain characteristics. They have to have a certain swagger. They have to have a star player. They have to have a player that does the dirty work. They have to have a great shooter. And they have to have multiple ways of beating you, and multiple ways of stopping you. In other words, they have to be able to minimize their weaknesses while enhancing their strengths.
From what I saw in their 48-27 victory over Ozaukee on Thursday night, the North Fond du Lac Orioles are that team. They certainly have a swagger winning 12 straight, the last of which came by 21 points over a team that won 18 games in the regular season. They have the start player in Tori Fink. They have the player that does the dirty work in Claire Roberts. They have a great shooter in Emily Bestor. They can beat you inside, as they did on Thursday, or outside with Fink and Bestor. And they have enough depth down low and enough talent on the wing to defend anyone.
Saturday's game with state-tournament favorite Oostburg should be a doozy. I'd place my money on the winner making it to Madison.
Other quick thoughts from Thursday:
***The Fond du Lac boys basketball team is so close to becoming a very, very good team. This stikes me as a team that, if it finds its groove, could make another deep run in the tournament. Or it could go out in the first round. Either way, I know they are one of the more dangerous teams that has to play a road game in the first round.
***The Campbellsport girls showed their mettle in a thrilling victory over Kettle Moraine Lutheran. The Cougars scored 29 points in the fourth quarter, most of which was done with leading scorer Kallie Benike on the bench after she fouled out.
***This doesn't have anything to do with high school hoops, but did you see this hockey fight Thursday night? Chances are this YouTube video might come down sometime during the day, so check out the video on the ESPN story here.
It's kind of hard to describe, but they have to have certain characteristics. They have to have a certain swagger. They have to have a star player. They have to have a player that does the dirty work. They have to have a great shooter. And they have to have multiple ways of beating you, and multiple ways of stopping you. In other words, they have to be able to minimize their weaknesses while enhancing their strengths.
From what I saw in their 48-27 victory over Ozaukee on Thursday night, the North Fond du Lac Orioles are that team. They certainly have a swagger winning 12 straight, the last of which came by 21 points over a team that won 18 games in the regular season. They have the start player in Tori Fink. They have the player that does the dirty work in Claire Roberts. They have a great shooter in Emily Bestor. They can beat you inside, as they did on Thursday, or outside with Fink and Bestor. And they have enough depth down low and enough talent on the wing to defend anyone.
Saturday's game with state-tournament favorite Oostburg should be a doozy. I'd place my money on the winner making it to Madison.
Other quick thoughts from Thursday:
***The Fond du Lac boys basketball team is so close to becoming a very, very good team. This stikes me as a team that, if it finds its groove, could make another deep run in the tournament. Or it could go out in the first round. Either way, I know they are one of the more dangerous teams that has to play a road game in the first round.
***The Campbellsport girls showed their mettle in a thrilling victory over Kettle Moraine Lutheran. The Cougars scored 29 points in the fourth quarter, most of which was done with leading scorer Kallie Benike on the bench after she fouled out.
***This doesn't have anything to do with high school hoops, but did you see this hockey fight Thursday night? Chances are this YouTube video might come down sometime during the day, so check out the video on the ESPN story here.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
One of the biz's best bids adieu
This has nothing to do with the Fond du Lac sports scene, or Wisconsin sports in general, but, well, this is my blog and I make all the rules.
Although rumors were flying around the Internet for most of the week, I didn't really believe Steve Rushin was leaving Sports Illustrated until I flipped open this week's issue and came upon his farewell column. Like the hundreds that proceeded it, this column was full of clever word-play and inventive phrasing. It's the kind of creative writing you won't find in any other magazine, and certainly not on any blog out there.
While I didn't start reading Rushin religiously until I had already made up my mind that journalism was for me, he had a profound impact on my motivation. In April of 2001, Rushin wrote a column about how sports, unlike much of American life, rewards absurd aspirations. It started with him recalling his childhood days, when he wrote about the Minnesota Twins on his mom's typewriter in his basement, dreaming of one day working for Sports Illustrated. It continued with quotes from a dozen athletes or coaches saying how they realized their dreams through sports. He quotes Willie Wonka.
My favorite part is toward the end:
Although rumors were flying around the Internet for most of the week, I didn't really believe Steve Rushin was leaving Sports Illustrated until I flipped open this week's issue and came upon his farewell column. Like the hundreds that proceeded it, this column was full of clever word-play and inventive phrasing. It's the kind of creative writing you won't find in any other magazine, and certainly not on any blog out there.
While I didn't start reading Rushin religiously until I had already made up my mind that journalism was for me, he had a profound impact on my motivation. In April of 2001, Rushin wrote a column about how sports, unlike much of American life, rewards absurd aspirations. It started with him recalling his childhood days, when he wrote about the Minnesota Twins on his mom's typewriter in his basement, dreaming of one day working for Sports Illustrated. It continued with quotes from a dozen athletes or coaches saying how they realized their dreams through sports. He quotes Willie Wonka.
My favorite part is toward the end:
The world belongs to those who see its possibilities. Dreaming is like believing in God or enrolling in the United frequent-flier program: It costs nothing, yet has potentially transcendent rewards. Why not dream? Yours can be aduaciously gigantic: A teenage Ted Williams, after all, dreamed of people seeing him and saying, "There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived." (Now, remarkably they do just that.)
Or your dream can be laughably humble: Seven years after I graduated from high school, the Twins won Game 7 of the World Series at the Metrodome, and I drove a rental care through downtown Minneapolis to my childhood home in the suburbs, where I wrote, in the basement, the story for Sports Illustrated.
The dream fulfilled is every bit as fantastic as I once imagined it to be.
The column inspired me to dream big. So I did. I had several in mind, but the biggest one was to get a chance to cover the Final Four. Two years later, I realized my dream (granted, Dwyane Wade, Travis Diener and Robert Jackson had something to do with it). I covered the Final Four in New Orleans for the student paper at Marquette, but not before unfolding a copy of the column and reading it one more time on press row.
Rushin was unique in the fact that he made you stand on your head. For the most part, his was a light-hearted foray into the world of sports that couldn't be found elsewhere. Some didn't like that he wrote about his family alot, but I thought Rushin was at his best when he was at his most genuine. The columns about his wife, his daughters, his dad or his brothers were his best.
Those that only know him through his column should run out to a book store and pick up "Road Swing" and the "Caddie Was a Reindeer" right now. You won't be disappointed.
I know that I and many others eagerly await his next endeavor.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
A look at the first night of girls basketball regionals
Well, folks, I've been battling a sore throat the last few days. That's why there hasn't been much in the way of updates on the blog. But I should be close to 100 percent and ready to go the rest of the playoff season.
What were your thoughts of the first night of the girls basketball playoffs? I didn't think there were too many surprises. Mayville picked up a nice win on the road without Jamie Toellner. Markesan and Campbellsport turned in the blowouts we were all expecting.
Thursday should be a different story. There are three pretty intriguing matchups in the area, all No. 2 vs. No. 3 seeds. I'll be at the Ozaukee-North Fondy girls game, and there's also WLA at Sheboygan Falls and Kettle Moraine Lutheran at Campbellsport.
Of course, that's all there is to talk about this weekend basketball-wise. There's no area conference race yet to be decided, removing any drama from the last night of boys basketball action.
At least we have the regionals to look forward to starting Tuesday.
What do you think? Go to our SportsTalk Forum and join the discussion here.
What were your thoughts of the first night of the girls basketball playoffs? I didn't think there were too many surprises. Mayville picked up a nice win on the road without Jamie Toellner. Markesan and Campbellsport turned in the blowouts we were all expecting.
Thursday should be a different story. There are three pretty intriguing matchups in the area, all No. 2 vs. No. 3 seeds. I'll be at the Ozaukee-North Fondy girls game, and there's also WLA at Sheboygan Falls and Kettle Moraine Lutheran at Campbellsport.
Of course, that's all there is to talk about this weekend basketball-wise. There's no area conference race yet to be decided, removing any drama from the last night of boys basketball action.
At least we have the regionals to look forward to starting Tuesday.
What do you think? Go to our SportsTalk Forum and join the discussion here.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Check out some highlights from Thursday's Waupun-Ripon game
Wishoops.net has a great feature called wishoops.tv. It's free of charge and show snippets from some of the top hoops games in the state, or memorable moments such as Emily Bestor's half-court shot.
They've got some footage from Thursday's Ripon-Waupun game. What a battle. Here's hoping the two teams can meet again in a regional semifinal.
They've got some footage from Thursday's Ripon-Waupun game. What a battle. Here's hoping the two teams can meet again in a regional semifinal.
Friday, February 16, 2007
More thoughts on Mayville-Laconia
Great atmosphere at the Laconia-Mayville boys basketball game last night. One of the best I've seen this year. With a gym that small, I bet that thing was rocking back in the day.
Laconia, to me, seems like a team that is really playing with a lot of confidence right now. In that third quarter, I was really impressed with the aggressiveness with which guys like Kieran Weed took the ball to the basket. That was a prime quarter for a letdown, and the fact that they were able to extend the lead had more to do with the victory than anything else.
Other than Waupun, I think Laconia is best suited for a deep tournament run. Granted, the Spartans will have to meet Oostburg at some point, but I think with the variety of weapons Laconia has at its disposal, it has a shot.
Mayville is probably looking at a 4 or 5 seed, and they'd be quite a dangerous 4 or 5 seed. The top team in its bracket is probably going to be Plymouth, which has gotten where it has basically by being bigger in the post than everyone else. I like the Cardinals to make a run as well, provided they can get someone other than Matt Haass or Tyson Apfelbeck to score for them.
Laconia, to me, seems like a team that is really playing with a lot of confidence right now. In that third quarter, I was really impressed with the aggressiveness with which guys like Kieran Weed took the ball to the basket. That was a prime quarter for a letdown, and the fact that they were able to extend the lead had more to do with the victory than anything else.
Other than Waupun, I think Laconia is best suited for a deep tournament run. Granted, the Spartans will have to meet Oostburg at some point, but I think with the variety of weapons Laconia has at its disposal, it has a shot.
Mayville is probably looking at a 4 or 5 seed, and they'd be quite a dangerous 4 or 5 seed. The top team in its bracket is probably going to be Plymouth, which has gotten where it has basically by being bigger in the post than everyone else. I like the Cardinals to make a run as well, provided they can get someone other than Matt Haass or Tyson Apfelbeck to score for them.
Check the book from Thursday's Waupun-Ripon boys basketball game
A player on the losing team scores 52 points? One kid has 27 in the first half... but then doesn't score in the second. Four players on the winning team foul out? Can't be true.
But it is.
Last night's Ripon-Waupun boys basketball game was certainly one for the ages. Waupun won the game 86-81.
We've uploaded a .pdf of the scorebook for you to check it out yourself. Click here for the story, then look for the link to the file.
Enjoy.
But it is.
Last night's Ripon-Waupun boys basketball game was certainly one for the ages. Waupun won the game 86-81.
We've uploaded a .pdf of the scorebook for you to check it out yourself. Click here for the story, then look for the link to the file.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Bestor's shot
It was brought to my attention that some of you may have missed the video of "The Shot" toward the bottom of the page.
So I've posted it again here. Enjoy.
So I've posted it again here. Enjoy.
It's going down to the final night in the FVA
What seemed to be a foregone conclusion a week ago is now completely up in the air.
After its offense struggled in losses to Kaukauna and Appleton West, the Fond du Lac girls basketball team needs to beat Appleton North on Thursday night (or hope Kimberly loses) to win a share of its third straight FVA title.
It may be a good thing that the Cardinals play again on Thursday. This is no longer an inexperienced team, it's just a team that is going through an offensive funk. The best thing, I think, is for the Cards to get back out there again and just play.
Fondy beat Appleton North, 47-37, in the teams' first meeting.
Coincidentally, Fondy's victory over North pushed the Cardinals into a first-place tie, where they've stated ever since. Now, the Cards will need a victory over North to stay in first place.
After its offense struggled in losses to Kaukauna and Appleton West, the Fond du Lac girls basketball team needs to beat Appleton North on Thursday night (or hope Kimberly loses) to win a share of its third straight FVA title.
It may be a good thing that the Cardinals play again on Thursday. This is no longer an inexperienced team, it's just a team that is going through an offensive funk. The best thing, I think, is for the Cards to get back out there again and just play.
Fondy beat Appleton North, 47-37, in the teams' first meeting.
Coincidentally, Fondy's victory over North pushed the Cardinals into a first-place tie, where they've stated ever since. Now, the Cards will need a victory over North to stay in first place.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Breaking down the conference races
As I promised in the newspaper a few days ago, I wanted to break down the conference races. I figured I better get on that before the season's over.
For the girls, that ends this week, so lets start with them.
FVA
Although Fondy missed a golden opportunity to lock up a share of the FVA title on Friday, the Cards are still in the driver's seat in the Fox Valley Association race. Fondy has a one-game lead on Kimberly and a two-game lead on Appleton West, its opponent Tuesday night. (Kimberly is home against Kaukauna). On Thursday, Fondy plays at Appleton North and Kimberly is at Appleton West.
All that Fondy needs to do is win both games, or win one and hope that Kimberly loses to Kaukauna or Appleton West for the outright title. It just needs to win one more or hope that Kimberly loses one more to clinch at least a share. I see a Fondy sweep and outright title.
The conference title would be Fondy's third consecutive.
EASTERN WISCONSIN
Campbellsport made things interesting with a victory over Roncalli on Friday. Both teams have identical conference records with two games remaining. Campbellsport plays Kewaskum tonight and then has Plymouth later this week; Roncalli plays Kiel and Sheboygan Falls. I don't really see either team losing, although Falls could give Roncalli some problems. It'll be a co-champion this year.
OTHER LEAGUES
No drama there. Ripon and North Fondy already have the East Central Flyway and Wisconsin Flyway wrapped up, while Markesan has had a firm grip on the Trailways North all season.
-----
BOYS
WISCONSIN FLYWAY
I'd like to say that Laconia has it in the bag, but we all know how crazy the WiFly can get. Although the Spartans have a share of the title wrapped up, an outright title is far from a sure bet. I was high on Mayville at the beginning of the year, and I think the Cardinals have a good shot to beat Laconia on Thursday. That would place a lot of importance on the last night of games. Laconia plays Lomira while Mayville has a game at North Fondy. Don't forget about Horicon, either. The Marshmen are still alive and only have one conference game remaining, against North Fondy. I think Laconia will get the title, but I wouldn't be completely surprised if Mayville wedged its way in there.
FOX VALLEY ASSOCIATION
Pick up Wednesday's copy of The Reporter. Check out the basketball standings. Look for the result of the Oshkosh West-Appleton East game. There's your FVA champ.
Like the girls, most of the boys races are already decided. Waupun has the East Central Flyway under control, Roncalli will win the EWC and Randolph will win the Trailways.
Thoughts? Share them with other readers in the SportsTalk Forum.
For the girls, that ends this week, so lets start with them.
FVA
Although Fondy missed a golden opportunity to lock up a share of the FVA title on Friday, the Cards are still in the driver's seat in the Fox Valley Association race. Fondy has a one-game lead on Kimberly and a two-game lead on Appleton West, its opponent Tuesday night. (Kimberly is home against Kaukauna). On Thursday, Fondy plays at Appleton North and Kimberly is at Appleton West.
All that Fondy needs to do is win both games, or win one and hope that Kimberly loses to Kaukauna or Appleton West for the outright title. It just needs to win one more or hope that Kimberly loses one more to clinch at least a share. I see a Fondy sweep and outright title.
The conference title would be Fondy's third consecutive.
EASTERN WISCONSIN
Campbellsport made things interesting with a victory over Roncalli on Friday. Both teams have identical conference records with two games remaining. Campbellsport plays Kewaskum tonight and then has Plymouth later this week; Roncalli plays Kiel and Sheboygan Falls. I don't really see either team losing, although Falls could give Roncalli some problems. It'll be a co-champion this year.
OTHER LEAGUES
No drama there. Ripon and North Fondy already have the East Central Flyway and Wisconsin Flyway wrapped up, while Markesan has had a firm grip on the Trailways North all season.
-----
BOYS
WISCONSIN FLYWAY
I'd like to say that Laconia has it in the bag, but we all know how crazy the WiFly can get. Although the Spartans have a share of the title wrapped up, an outright title is far from a sure bet. I was high on Mayville at the beginning of the year, and I think the Cardinals have a good shot to beat Laconia on Thursday. That would place a lot of importance on the last night of games. Laconia plays Lomira while Mayville has a game at North Fondy. Don't forget about Horicon, either. The Marshmen are still alive and only have one conference game remaining, against North Fondy. I think Laconia will get the title, but I wouldn't be completely surprised if Mayville wedged its way in there.
FOX VALLEY ASSOCIATION
Pick up Wednesday's copy of The Reporter. Check out the basketball standings. Look for the result of the Oshkosh West-Appleton East game. There's your FVA champ.
Like the girls, most of the boys races are already decided. Waupun has the East Central Flyway under control, Roncalli will win the EWC and Randolph will win the Trailways.
Thoughts? Share them with other readers in the SportsTalk Forum.
I'm back in the game; Here's how I voted
Alright, so I took a week off. It wasn't on purpose... it just sort of happened. But I'll be back to my regular nonsensical posts.
Here's how I voted in the AP poll this week. You can discuss the rankings here.
BOYS
DIVISION 1: 1. Milw. Vincent; 2. Madison Memorial; 3. Milw. Washington; 4. Oshkosh West; 5. Milw. Pius; 6. Appleton East; 7. Milw. King; 8. Middleton; 9. Oshkosh North; 10. Wausau East.
DIVISION 2: 1. Adams-Friendship; 2. Seymour; 3. Catholic Memorial; 4. Waupun; 5. Rice Lake; 6. Evansville; 7. New Berlin Eisenhower; 8. Union Grove; 9. East Troy; 10. Whitewater.
DIVISION 3: 1. La Crosse Aquinas; 2. Manitowoc Roncalli; 3. Oostburg; 4. Cuba City; 5. Iola-Scandinavia; 6. Racine St. Catherine’s; 7. Whitefish Bay Dominican; 8. Cameron; 9. Weyauwega-Fremont; 10. Prescott.
DIVISION 4: 1. Randolph; 2. Barneveld; 3. Abbotsford; 4. Eleva-Strum; 5. Elmwood; 6. Suring; 7. Sheboygan Christian; 8. Lena; 9. Gilman; 10. Marshfield Columbus
GIRLS
DIVISION 1: 1. DePere; 2. Milw. Vincent; 3. Sheboygan North; 4. Franklin; 5. Janesville Parker; 6. Middleton; 7. Fond du Lac; 8. Eau Claire North; 9. Milw. King; 10. Arrowhead.
DIVISON 2: 1. Greendale; 2. Columbus; 3. Jefferson; 4. Grafton; 5. New London; 6. Rice Lake; 7. Monroe; 8. Elkhorn; 9. Campbellsport; 10. Ripon.
DIVISION 3: 1. Cuba City; 2. Oostburg; 3. Colfax, 4. Markesan; 5. Amherst; 6. Park Falls; 7. Ozaukee; 8. Osseo-Fairchild; 9. North Fond du Lac; 10. Wild Rose.
DIVISION 4: 1. Flambeau; 2. Niagara; 3. Clayton; 4. Rib Lake; 5. Barneveld; 6. Hurley; 7. Pecatonica; 8. Rio; 9. Wausau Newman; 10. Ithaca.
Here's how I voted in the AP poll this week. You can discuss the rankings here.
BOYS
DIVISION 1: 1. Milw. Vincent; 2. Madison Memorial; 3. Milw. Washington; 4. Oshkosh West; 5. Milw. Pius; 6. Appleton East; 7. Milw. King; 8. Middleton; 9. Oshkosh North; 10. Wausau East.
DIVISION 2: 1. Adams-Friendship; 2. Seymour; 3. Catholic Memorial; 4. Waupun; 5. Rice Lake; 6. Evansville; 7. New Berlin Eisenhower; 8. Union Grove; 9. East Troy; 10. Whitewater.
DIVISION 3: 1. La Crosse Aquinas; 2. Manitowoc Roncalli; 3. Oostburg; 4. Cuba City; 5. Iola-Scandinavia; 6. Racine St. Catherine’s; 7. Whitefish Bay Dominican; 8. Cameron; 9. Weyauwega-Fremont; 10. Prescott.
DIVISION 4: 1. Randolph; 2. Barneveld; 3. Abbotsford; 4. Eleva-Strum; 5. Elmwood; 6. Suring; 7. Sheboygan Christian; 8. Lena; 9. Gilman; 10. Marshfield Columbus
GIRLS
DIVISION 1: 1. DePere; 2. Milw. Vincent; 3. Sheboygan North; 4. Franklin; 5. Janesville Parker; 6. Middleton; 7. Fond du Lac; 8. Eau Claire North; 9. Milw. King; 10. Arrowhead.
DIVISON 2: 1. Greendale; 2. Columbus; 3. Jefferson; 4. Grafton; 5. New London; 6. Rice Lake; 7. Monroe; 8. Elkhorn; 9. Campbellsport; 10. Ripon.
DIVISION 3: 1. Cuba City; 2. Oostburg; 3. Colfax, 4. Markesan; 5. Amherst; 6. Park Falls; 7. Ozaukee; 8. Osseo-Fairchild; 9. North Fond du Lac; 10. Wild Rose.
DIVISION 4: 1. Flambeau; 2. Niagara; 3. Clayton; 4. Rib Lake; 5. Barneveld; 6. Hurley; 7. Pecatonica; 8. Rio; 9. Wausau Newman; 10. Ithaca.
Friday, February 02, 2007
I'm off tonight
It's Parent's Night for me (folks are talking me out to dinner) so I won't be out at an area gym tonight.
But if you are, and have something to say, head on over to the SportsTalk Forum and voice your opinion.
But if you are, and have something to say, head on over to the SportsTalk Forum and voice your opinion.
More thoughts from Myles Brand
A couple of additional thoughts on Myles Brand's speech on Thursday:
*He said that college has completely random steroids tests, but it didn't sound like they enforced them that often. In the Q and A with the media, he essentially said it was more or less reactionary, where if a trainer sees an athlete bulking up rather quickly, they'll investigate. However, they test at all championships, and the penalties for getting caught are severe. One failed test and you lose a year of eligibility. Two failed tests and you are done. "It's just cheating," Brand said. "It's just flat out cheating."
*During the Q and A with the audience, Brand was asked if the day would come where college athletes were every paid. His simple response: "No." After some laughter, he did expound on that point: "If you want to play our games, you're going to have to follow our rules. And our rules say you're a student first. If you don't want to be a student, that's OK. It's not for everyone. Go somewhere else, go to Europe or to a developmental league."
*I was surprised that Brand didn't mention Wednesday's college basketball game in Bloomington, Ind., in his general speech. He did make a quip about it with the media afterwards, and flashed a big smile. Brand was president of Indiana before becoming president of the NCAA. The Hoosiers upset No. 2 Wisconsin on Wednesday, ending the Badgers' 17-game winning streak. By the way, Brand was also the guy that fired Bob Knight.
*He said that college has completely random steroids tests, but it didn't sound like they enforced them that often. In the Q and A with the media, he essentially said it was more or less reactionary, where if a trainer sees an athlete bulking up rather quickly, they'll investigate. However, they test at all championships, and the penalties for getting caught are severe. One failed test and you lose a year of eligibility. Two failed tests and you are done. "It's just cheating," Brand said. "It's just flat out cheating."
*During the Q and A with the audience, Brand was asked if the day would come where college athletes were every paid. His simple response: "No." After some laughter, he did expound on that point: "If you want to play our games, you're going to have to follow our rules. And our rules say you're a student first. If you don't want to be a student, that's OK. It's not for everyone. Go somewhere else, go to Europe or to a developmental league."
*I was surprised that Brand didn't mention Wednesday's college basketball game in Bloomington, Ind., in his general speech. He did make a quip about it with the media afterwards, and flashed a big smile. Brand was president of Indiana before becoming president of the NCAA. The Hoosiers upset No. 2 Wisconsin on Wednesday, ending the Badgers' 17-game winning streak. By the way, Brand was also the guy that fired Bob Knight.
Excellent Michael Hunt column today
I've refrained from commenting on the "brawl" at a recent Bradley Tech-Bay View game. I haven't attended a Milwaukee City Conference game in years, so I really can't speak for the conditions at those events.
However, I think Michael Hunt hits the nail right on the head in today's column. You shouldn't punish the kids in this situation... they did nothing wrong. You should punish the fans that refuse to respect the right of others to watch a high school basketball game in relative peace.
I wouldn't be surprised if MPS holds all conference games right after school starting next season. It's a shame that working parents and fans outside the school won't be able to make many of the games, but its better than taking drastic steps such as cancelling the season.
However, I think Michael Hunt hits the nail right on the head in today's column. You shouldn't punish the kids in this situation... they did nothing wrong. You should punish the fans that refuse to respect the right of others to watch a high school basketball game in relative peace.
I wouldn't be surprised if MPS holds all conference games right after school starting next season. It's a shame that working parents and fans outside the school won't be able to make many of the games, but its better than taking drastic steps such as cancelling the season.
How far can Waupun go?
Without a doubt, the top boys basketball team in our area is Waupun. Not only do they have the record to prove it, but they have the most talented starting 5, one of the best mastermind coaches and star-power in Ryan Rasmussen.
The question I pose to you now is: How far can they go?
I think a regional championship is a safe bet. The Warriors should skate through their first few games, then meet Waupaca, Little Chute or Fox Valley Lutheran in a sectional semifinal.
In the sectional final, in all likelihood, they'll meet Seymour. And I have a feeling this might be the year that Seymour's postseason run ends shy of the state tournament.
What do you think? Voice your opinion in the SportsTalk Forum.
The question I pose to you now is: How far can they go?
I think a regional championship is a safe bet. The Warriors should skate through their first few games, then meet Waupaca, Little Chute or Fox Valley Lutheran in a sectional semifinal.
In the sectional final, in all likelihood, they'll meet Seymour. And I have a feeling this might be the year that Seymour's postseason run ends shy of the state tournament.
What do you think? Voice your opinion in the SportsTalk Forum.
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