Scouting Whitefish Bay Dominican

Record: 20-3 overall, 15-0 in Midwest Classic
Notable wins: def. Burlington Catholic Central, 51-47 and 67-47; def. Lomira, 78-50.
Losses: lost to Waukesha Catholic Memorial, 73-65; lost to Oostburg, 39-38; lost to Manitowoc Roncalli, 57-45.

What you should know: The Green Knights have won 15 straight games after losing to Oostburg and Manitowoc Roncalli in the WBBY Shootout at the Al McGuire Center over Christmas break. While the Midwest Classic Conference is far from the best in the Milwaukee area, Dominican had little trouble with anyone in the league except four a four-point win over Catholic Central and a one-point win over Shoreland Lutheran. This is a school that is used to deep tournament runs, but an upset loss to Milwaukee University school last year in a regional final bounced it from the tournament a bit early.

Player to watch: Kwamain Mitchell, a 6-foot junior guard. He leads the team in scoring (16.3 points per game) and if the Journal Sentinel Web site is accurate, has only missed three free throws this year (out of 70 attempted). Also keep an eye on 6-foot-8 senior Cameron Madlock, the Knights' top post presence. He averages nine points per game.

Bottom line: Without having seen Dominican play, its hard for me to give an accurate assesement of Laconia's chances. However, from looking at the stats, I'd say that the Spartans may be the better-prepared team. They've played a better schedule and beaten better teams. But you also have to wonder how much experience comes into play here. While Dominican was bounced from the tourney a bit early last year, it did win titles in 2004 and 2005. If Laconia is able to surprise Dominican with its quickness early, it will have the advantage. But if Dominican jumps out to an early lead, it may be a tough climb for the Spartans.