So I went 8 for 10 on day 1, missing Duluth East over Rocori, and Concordia Academy over Pierz. I hit on the other 8. Here is hoping for another 8 out of 10.
Foley Tournament
I was at Night game last night and saw Sebeka lose to Foley(Led most of the game however). Sebeka ran out of gas against Foley, this was the first game I have ever seen where the lengthening of the game meant a change in the winner of that game. Had we been playing a 32 minute game, Sebeka would have pulled the upset. Congrats to Matt Feuling 6'4 Sr F Foley, on his 30 point game last night, Matt had a great spring/summer with our Comets North team this past year.
Becker vs. Sebeka- I think this is a chance for Becker to get the win, and send Sebeka packing for home with two losses. I just don't think Sebeka will have much left in the tank after losing that game last night, I think Becker will handle Sebeka's pressure and win by 7. Becker 74 Sebeka 67.
Foley vs. Rockford- Falcons are at home, and didn't play well last night save for Feuling, and a couple of their bench kids, I think they respond. Foley teams have rarely gotten outworked the way they did last night, and I think they bring a workman like effort to what will be a great game. Rockford is well coached and has experience, I don't expect it to be enough. Foley 65 Rockford 61.
SCC tourney
Litchfield vs. Melrose- Litch should have an advantage in this one. Melrose is hurting more this year than I expected. Look for Litch to get out quick, and win by a dozen or so. Litch 58 Melrose 46.
Pierz vs. Milaca- Pierz will be smarting after their loss to CA yesterday, I expect coach Stumpf to have them ready to go, I am going out on a limb and say Pierz keeps Milaca winless. Pierz 68 Milaca 41.
Sauk Rapids vs. Braham- Could be the game of the night, as I don't expect the other semifinal to be close. Jordan Christensen had better go for 25 if Sauk has a chance, Braham has shooters everywhere and Jonah Dahlman is playing very well. Braham in a close one 72-68.
SCC vs. CA- I expect a 20 point CA win, I don't think Cathedral can run with them, and I don't think SCC is one of the best 6 teams in this tourney, they get run out tonight, Big win by CA 88-67.
Granite City Classic-
Rocori vs. Monticello- OLD CLC matchup, I am taking the Spartans but this matchup is always tough, two defensive minded clubs. Backes will be the difference Rocori 57 Monti 52. These teams played a week ago and Monti won on their home floor, Rocori turns the tide tonight.
FL vs. Sartell- FL has too much, and scores inside and out, I think the Rangers expected to give Osseo a better game yesterday and will come ready to play today. Sartell takes it on the chin, and has had an incredibly tough draw. FL 74 Sartell 63
Washburn vs. Osseo- Suprised these two teams weren't on opposite halves of the bracket. I think no Hageman means Dower runs wild. Look for Osseo to go inside early and often. I will take the Orioles by 8. I know all of these kids know eachother so it could be a fantastic game. Osseo 78 Washburn 70
Apollo vs. Duluth East- I am taking the Eagles to get to their second straight final of the GCC. I think Garth/Frericks/Akubar can rotate on Starks, and Bergstrasser will be too much inside for East. Take Apollo by 10 81 to 71.
There you have it, i will check back tomorrow.
Monticello vs.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas Tournament 1st day predictions
I have been busy, and have spent the last month without a home PC, so my blogging has become erratic, after many trips to Best Buy, I think the new computer arrives on Wednesday. Anyways, a brief predicitons on the three local holiday tourneys for boys.
Foley Tournament
Rockford vs. Becker- not sure who to like here, as it should be a good matchup, Rockford has some nice size in Kyle Then and decent guard play. Becker has Andrew Nuemann, and a bunch of good juniors led by Mike Lindsey. I will take the Rockets in this one, but only by 4 67-63.
Foley vs. Sebeka- Foley is 4-0 and playing very good basketball, this is their chance to go to 6-0 as they draw two games versus teams they can and should beat. Sebeka is a year a way with both Harris(soph) and Cupherus(jr) coming back next year. I expect it to be very high scoring with the Falcons winning 82-66.
SCC Tourney
Litchfield vs. Braham- Two great programs, with some talent and fantastic coaching. This one could go either way, I am going to take Braham because in the matchup of the day, Jonah Dahlman takes care of Steve Hendrickson, Jonah just has a little more to his game. Braham 71 Litch 68.
Sauk Rapids vs. Melrose- I think Melrose is struggling a little bit, and Sauk smells blood in the water, they want to win today as neither game tomorrow will be easy. Look for Jordan Christensen to score inside/Out and Cody Meyer to be the difference with his ball pressure. SR 65 Melrose 52
Concordia Academy vs. Pierz- Maybe the best two teams in the tourney, and certainly two of the top 4. CA has Towle who Pierz will have to stop, and Pierz already has a win against DLS this year. I think Pierz wins by 10, with their defense being too much. Pierz 77 CA 67.
SCC vs. Milaca- Cathedral set themselves up nicely here, and I expect a big win for the host school. I think SCC has too many good athletes for Milaca, although I like Chaz Crotzer for the Wolves. SCC 78 Milaca 61
GCC
Forest Lake vs. Osseo- I think the Orioles with Kyle Mason, and Sam Dower win a slug fest, FL will try to play this game in the 50's Osseo in the 80's. Dower will be the difference, as he is the best big man to play on that court since John Williams. Osseo 75 FL68.
Apollo vs. Monticello- Consider me one guy who doesn't think Monti is as good as advertised, I think depth is an issue and Apollo will bring it at them in waves. Garth is an awful matchup for Monti. If Bigelow can get Bergstrasser in foul trouble, then it may tighten a bit. Apollo 81 Monticello 71.
Duluth East vs. Rocori- 2-3 and the flex works for Rocori, to slow down the game. I think Starks get's a few open jumpers, but no way DE hits enough other shots to keep Rocori from winning. Spartans 61 greyhounds 53
Washburn vs. Sartell- I think Washburn big, I expect the mercy rule to come into play. Get there early as there will be a ton of dunks. I love Dylan Hale's game. Washburn 91 Sartell 59
Foley Tournament
Rockford vs. Becker- not sure who to like here, as it should be a good matchup, Rockford has some nice size in Kyle Then and decent guard play. Becker has Andrew Nuemann, and a bunch of good juniors led by Mike Lindsey. I will take the Rockets in this one, but only by 4 67-63.
Foley vs. Sebeka- Foley is 4-0 and playing very good basketball, this is their chance to go to 6-0 as they draw two games versus teams they can and should beat. Sebeka is a year a way with both Harris(soph) and Cupherus(jr) coming back next year. I expect it to be very high scoring with the Falcons winning 82-66.
SCC Tourney
Litchfield vs. Braham- Two great programs, with some talent and fantastic coaching. This one could go either way, I am going to take Braham because in the matchup of the day, Jonah Dahlman takes care of Steve Hendrickson, Jonah just has a little more to his game. Braham 71 Litch 68.
Sauk Rapids vs. Melrose- I think Melrose is struggling a little bit, and Sauk smells blood in the water, they want to win today as neither game tomorrow will be easy. Look for Jordan Christensen to score inside/Out and Cody Meyer to be the difference with his ball pressure. SR 65 Melrose 52
Concordia Academy vs. Pierz- Maybe the best two teams in the tourney, and certainly two of the top 4. CA has Towle who Pierz will have to stop, and Pierz already has a win against DLS this year. I think Pierz wins by 10, with their defense being too much. Pierz 77 CA 67.
SCC vs. Milaca- Cathedral set themselves up nicely here, and I expect a big win for the host school. I think SCC has too many good athletes for Milaca, although I like Chaz Crotzer for the Wolves. SCC 78 Milaca 61
GCC
Forest Lake vs. Osseo- I think the Orioles with Kyle Mason, and Sam Dower win a slug fest, FL will try to play this game in the 50's Osseo in the 80's. Dower will be the difference, as he is the best big man to play on that court since John Williams. Osseo 75 FL68.
Apollo vs. Monticello- Consider me one guy who doesn't think Monti is as good as advertised, I think depth is an issue and Apollo will bring it at them in waves. Garth is an awful matchup for Monti. If Bigelow can get Bergstrasser in foul trouble, then it may tighten a bit. Apollo 81 Monticello 71.
Duluth East vs. Rocori- 2-3 and the flex works for Rocori, to slow down the game. I think Starks get's a few open jumpers, but no way DE hits enough other shots to keep Rocori from winning. Spartans 61 greyhounds 53
Washburn vs. Sartell- I think Washburn big, I expect the mercy rule to come into play. Get there early as there will be a ton of dunks. I love Dylan Hale's game. Washburn 91 Sartell 59
Friday, December 19, 2008
Weekend thoughts
Some teams that are off to good starts...
Apollo 4-0 first two games without Andre Garth, blew FF out last night.
Foley 3-0 I think their last two wins weren't nearly as impressive as going to Mora and winning, look for them to start 6-0 at least.
NL-S girls 5-1 great start for the wildcats
Sauk Centre5-0 the new girls powerhouse in central MN.
Teams I have a little concern about...
Tech- 4-0 but I see them getting knicked by Apollo/Willmar
Albany girls- 1-3 with no Noreen girl to rescue them.
Lastly,
If SJU is going to run a HS tournament maybe somewhere(Minnesota scores, preps, sctimes, mshsl) the brackets and game times should be posted, wanted to head out there last night, but couldn't find any game times. Awful publicity, I was disapointed.
Apollo 4-0 first two games without Andre Garth, blew FF out last night.
Foley 3-0 I think their last two wins weren't nearly as impressive as going to Mora and winning, look for them to start 6-0 at least.
NL-S girls 5-1 great start for the wildcats
Sauk Centre5-0 the new girls powerhouse in central MN.
Teams I have a little concern about...
Tech- 4-0 but I see them getting knicked by Apollo/Willmar
Albany girls- 1-3 with no Noreen girl to rescue them.
Lastly,
If SJU is going to run a HS tournament maybe somewhere(Minnesota scores, preps, sctimes, mshsl) the brackets and game times should be posted, wanted to head out there last night, but couldn't find any game times. Awful publicity, I was disapointed.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Quick thoughts
Three games I wanted to talk about really quickly, although I wasn't at any of them.
Foley going to Mora and winning by 3. Down 9 at the half, in a tough environment, the Falcons just buckled down and guarded I am told. Congrats to the new coach on his first win, and to get it in such a tough environment, and with at Zimmerman and 4 straight home games, Foley looks like 5-1 at worst going into 2009. I know some people scoffed at how high I put the Falcons, but I knew how good their seniors were, and I knew the kind of player Nick Jansen is as well.
Congrats to Nate Miller also getting his first win last night as SCC defeated Melrose. Melrose has taken a couple on the chin early this year, but they will be back, too well coached not to. Also, Luke Januschka had 20 last night, I think it had something to do with working 16 hours this weekend running clocks for me. HA HA HA.
Lastly, Albany loses to Sauk Centre, on paper this shouldn't happen, but Sauk battles hard, and won on a buzzer beater by Berling. Nice win for the Streeters. In the other conference action LPGE beat Milaca by 18. Could be a rough season for the Wolves. Nathan Korfe had 35 for LPGE.
Foley going to Mora and winning by 3. Down 9 at the half, in a tough environment, the Falcons just buckled down and guarded I am told. Congrats to the new coach on his first win, and to get it in such a tough environment, and with at Zimmerman and 4 straight home games, Foley looks like 5-1 at worst going into 2009. I know some people scoffed at how high I put the Falcons, but I knew how good their seniors were, and I knew the kind of player Nick Jansen is as well.
Congrats to Nate Miller also getting his first win last night as SCC defeated Melrose. Melrose has taken a couple on the chin early this year, but they will be back, too well coached not to. Also, Luke Januschka had 20 last night, I think it had something to do with working 16 hours this weekend running clocks for me. HA HA HA.
Lastly, Albany loses to Sauk Centre, on paper this shouldn't happen, but Sauk battles hard, and won on a buzzer beater by Berling. Nice win for the Streeters. In the other conference action LPGE beat Milaca by 18. Could be a rough season for the Wolves. Nathan Korfe had 35 for LPGE.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Pierz vs. Little Falls
I attended my first guys game of the year Tuesday night, traveling to Little Falls to watch LF/Pierz. I brought along my dad and we made the 30 mile trek to the north.
Great atmosphere, I love the LF gym, even though in my three years playing there, I never had more than 12 points in a game against them, they had a packed house, good sound system, and they have a solid concession stand. LF girls were just getting done defeating the Pierz girls in what must have been a boys/girls doubleheader.
It turned out to be a fantastic game, Pierz led for much of the 1st half, with 3 LF kids and 2 Pierz kids spending most of the 1st half on the bench with fouls. I really am against how close they call things, especially in outstate, and in small towns like LF. Unfortunatly this game was decided in the end by a game of attrition, and both teams had multiple guys foul out. Anyways, off my soap box, Pierz is up 9 at the break as seniors Breck Weber and Tyler Monson are having big games. Neither of their games are real pretty, but Weber's jumper is, and Monson plays as hard as anyone in the state. Great spark off the bench by Mark Eno for Pierz, he is clearly their best guard, and played a big role for the Pioneers.
With 9 minutes to go in the second half LF is in major foul trouble as both Kornbaum's, and Erdich have 3 or 4 fouls. LF coach starts subbing O for D and putting on heavy man pressure. It doesn't get many steals, but takes Pierz out of what they want to do. Before you know it we go to OT. Now to be honest I left before it was done, I had a long drive home and I had to work in the morning early, but Pierz dominates OT and wins by 9.
I thought Danny K and Ronnie K were very good and only foul trouble stopped them from even better things, Erdich struggled with fouls, and Scott was a big reason LF even got to OT. For Pierz, they just play so hard, and even though for the second time in three years their best player blew out his knee, they respond and play hard for coach Stumpf. Fun rivalry game, and good for Pierz to pull the minor upset.
Great atmosphere, I love the LF gym, even though in my three years playing there, I never had more than 12 points in a game against them, they had a packed house, good sound system, and they have a solid concession stand. LF girls were just getting done defeating the Pierz girls in what must have been a boys/girls doubleheader.
It turned out to be a fantastic game, Pierz led for much of the 1st half, with 3 LF kids and 2 Pierz kids spending most of the 1st half on the bench with fouls. I really am against how close they call things, especially in outstate, and in small towns like LF. Unfortunatly this game was decided in the end by a game of attrition, and both teams had multiple guys foul out. Anyways, off my soap box, Pierz is up 9 at the break as seniors Breck Weber and Tyler Monson are having big games. Neither of their games are real pretty, but Weber's jumper is, and Monson plays as hard as anyone in the state. Great spark off the bench by Mark Eno for Pierz, he is clearly their best guard, and played a big role for the Pioneers.
With 9 minutes to go in the second half LF is in major foul trouble as both Kornbaum's, and Erdich have 3 or 4 fouls. LF coach starts subbing O for D and putting on heavy man pressure. It doesn't get many steals, but takes Pierz out of what they want to do. Before you know it we go to OT. Now to be honest I left before it was done, I had a long drive home and I had to work in the morning early, but Pierz dominates OT and wins by 9.
I thought Danny K and Ronnie K were very good and only foul trouble stopped them from even better things, Erdich struggled with fouls, and Scott was a big reason LF even got to OT. For Pierz, they just play so hard, and even though for the second time in three years their best player blew out his knee, they respond and play hard for coach Stumpf. Fun rivalry game, and good for Pierz to pull the minor upset.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Some Comet Kids have had some nice starts
Here are a few notables, realizing that many boys teams haven't played yet.
Brianna Herbst of Foley is averaging 19 rebounds per game
Gabby Boser of Pierz is averaging 17 points per game
Same goes for Jessi Althoff of Becker.
On the boys side Scott Nystrom had 22 points last night, but against Echo Charter. Echo Charter? How do you get better playing Echo Charter. Nystrom is a stud, but he is all Kimball has.
Taylor Freelty and KMS fresh off a football state Championship have already played 2 HS games this year.
Brianna Herbst of Foley is averaging 19 rebounds per game
Gabby Boser of Pierz is averaging 17 points per game
Same goes for Jessi Althoff of Becker.
On the boys side Scott Nystrom had 22 points last night, but against Echo Charter. Echo Charter? How do you get better playing Echo Charter. Nystrom is a stud, but he is all Kimball has.
Taylor Freelty and KMS fresh off a football state Championship have already played 2 HS games this year.
Friday, December 5, 2008
1st game of the year
I went to my first HS basketball game of the year last night. Foley vs. Zimmerman girls @ Foley. I hadn't been in the Foley gym in awhile and it was good to be back. There was a good but not great crowd, a lot of the boys team was there, and most of the junior high girls stayed throughout too. I was excited to watch the Falcon girls, because although I don't know any of them all that well, they all seem like nice girls who could have a big season.
It's back and forth through the first ten minutes, Foley is killing them on the glass, getting 3-4 shots per possesion on almost every possesion, and either converting or drawing fouls. I remember thinking that Zimmerman wasn't very deep and foul trouble could hurt and it eventually did. Zimmerman makes a little run, sophomore guard Brook Inman is a really nice player, and she hits a couple of shots, and drops off a pass or two for layups. With 5 minutes to go in the half, Foley is down 3. From here on out a lot of bad things happen to Zimmerman, Inman and starting center Atkinson pick up their 3rd and 4th fouls respectively(How a girl stays in the game in the 1st half with 3, I will never know, games aren't won or lost in the 1st half generally)and Foley turns up the heat, getting solid bench play from their own sophomore Kelsey Katke who has a few steals, and big rebounds. Foley ends the half on a 10-3 run and turns a 3 point defecit to a 7 point lead. The back breaker is a steal and layup by senior Bethany Gapinski as the 1st half buzzer sounds.
I thought Foley was sitting pretty, and their pressure continued to wear Zimmerman down. With Inham on the bench for a lot of the second half Foley built a 15 point lead, but some over aggressive fouling leave Brianna Herbst and Beth Gapinski on the bench with 8 minutes to play with 4 fouls a piece. If Zimmerman had a chance it was now with the Falcons two best players on the bench, and the Zimmerman coach knew it, pleading with his girls to keep after the falcons. They cut it to 8, before Herbst and Gapinski re enter. Once they re enter, you could see the confidence grow on the floor, as senior guard Bry Schyma hits a back breaking 3 within 15 seconds. Foley takes a few ill advised shots as their coach begs them to settle down and run the offense. Defensivly Foley get's to the point where their four most important players all have 4 fouls, and so collectively defensively they become a little passive, and allow Zimmerman some cheap stuff late. Foley never really get's into any danger and pulls off the 58-51 victory.
My observations were these. Brianna Herbst might only be 5'8 but she rebounds as though she were 6'2. She does a great job rebounding in traffic, and kept probably 15 possesions alive last night alone, paper says 18 rebounds and I had her for 21. The return of Bethany Gapinski after being hurt the back half of last season has really made a difference, she is a total playmaker, and solid decision maker, she might be the best lead guard in the WCN this year, I think she will make even more improvements as her the season continues. Katie Kotsmith had a chance to have 30 points last night, but missed several easy shots, that she is too good of a player to miss, she plays nicely off of Brianna and Bethany who spoon fed her a lot of easy ones. She should lead them in scoring because she will get the better post matchup, and Herbst and Gapinski give her a lot of easy ones. Underated, but extremely valuable was the floor game Bry Schyma played last night, she did all the little things, and hit essentially the game ending shot. I was impressed with Brooke Kjaers, and Kelsey Katke, and you can see the athletic ability Bethany Halvorsen possesses. Maybe a game where some of the younger posts could have been sprinkled in, I though both Kotsmith and Herbst got tired and then commited dumb fouls, would of loved to have seen the bench posts a little to help their development, especially with a 15 point lead for most of the second half.
I really liked Imhan for Zimmerman.
It's back and forth through the first ten minutes, Foley is killing them on the glass, getting 3-4 shots per possesion on almost every possesion, and either converting or drawing fouls. I remember thinking that Zimmerman wasn't very deep and foul trouble could hurt and it eventually did. Zimmerman makes a little run, sophomore guard Brook Inman is a really nice player, and she hits a couple of shots, and drops off a pass or two for layups. With 5 minutes to go in the half, Foley is down 3. From here on out a lot of bad things happen to Zimmerman, Inman and starting center Atkinson pick up their 3rd and 4th fouls respectively(How a girl stays in the game in the 1st half with 3, I will never know, games aren't won or lost in the 1st half generally)and Foley turns up the heat, getting solid bench play from their own sophomore Kelsey Katke who has a few steals, and big rebounds. Foley ends the half on a 10-3 run and turns a 3 point defecit to a 7 point lead. The back breaker is a steal and layup by senior Bethany Gapinski as the 1st half buzzer sounds.
I thought Foley was sitting pretty, and their pressure continued to wear Zimmerman down. With Inham on the bench for a lot of the second half Foley built a 15 point lead, but some over aggressive fouling leave Brianna Herbst and Beth Gapinski on the bench with 8 minutes to play with 4 fouls a piece. If Zimmerman had a chance it was now with the Falcons two best players on the bench, and the Zimmerman coach knew it, pleading with his girls to keep after the falcons. They cut it to 8, before Herbst and Gapinski re enter. Once they re enter, you could see the confidence grow on the floor, as senior guard Bry Schyma hits a back breaking 3 within 15 seconds. Foley takes a few ill advised shots as their coach begs them to settle down and run the offense. Defensivly Foley get's to the point where their four most important players all have 4 fouls, and so collectively defensively they become a little passive, and allow Zimmerman some cheap stuff late. Foley never really get's into any danger and pulls off the 58-51 victory.
My observations were these. Brianna Herbst might only be 5'8 but she rebounds as though she were 6'2. She does a great job rebounding in traffic, and kept probably 15 possesions alive last night alone, paper says 18 rebounds and I had her for 21. The return of Bethany Gapinski after being hurt the back half of last season has really made a difference, she is a total playmaker, and solid decision maker, she might be the best lead guard in the WCN this year, I think she will make even more improvements as her the season continues. Katie Kotsmith had a chance to have 30 points last night, but missed several easy shots, that she is too good of a player to miss, she plays nicely off of Brianna and Bethany who spoon fed her a lot of easy ones. She should lead them in scoring because she will get the better post matchup, and Herbst and Gapinski give her a lot of easy ones. Underated, but extremely valuable was the floor game Bry Schyma played last night, she did all the little things, and hit essentially the game ending shot. I was impressed with Brooke Kjaers, and Kelsey Katke, and you can see the athletic ability Bethany Halvorsen possesses. Maybe a game where some of the younger posts could have been sprinkled in, I though both Kotsmith and Herbst got tired and then commited dumb fouls, would of loved to have seen the bench posts a little to help their development, especially with a 15 point lead for most of the second half.
I really liked Imhan for Zimmerman.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Best day of the year
It's a great day to be a HS basketball player. I always looked forward to this day as a player, and even more so as a coach. As a coach you have your practice plans set for the week, how much conditioning, how much shooting, defense, rebounding etc. We always went two a days a couple of times this week, and really worked the boys hard. Lot's of fundamental review, and defensive positioning/rotations.
I always thought we didn't need to touch a ball too much these first few days, more work on conditioning, and defense, because in the first month if you can't score, at least you can defend and rebound. We very rarely had an out of bounds play in, this first week of practice.
It's a sad day today for me, I certainly miss it a lot right now. I think on the plus side I will be able to spend a lot more time with my family. On the negative side is everything else, I would rather be in a gym than just about anywhere else, and I loved the interaction with the kids. I have had plenty of offers to come into to other coaches practices, and "help out" but it wouldn't be the same I don't think.
I just wanted to wish all the kids, coaches, parents,etc good luck on the upcoming season. I am sure you will see me in a gym sometime.
I always thought we didn't need to touch a ball too much these first few days, more work on conditioning, and defense, because in the first month if you can't score, at least you can defend and rebound. We very rarely had an out of bounds play in, this first week of practice.
It's a sad day today for me, I certainly miss it a lot right now. I think on the plus side I will be able to spend a lot more time with my family. On the negative side is everything else, I would rather be in a gym than just about anywhere else, and I loved the interaction with the kids. I have had plenty of offers to come into to other coaches practices, and "help out" but it wouldn't be the same I don't think.
I just wanted to wish all the kids, coaches, parents,etc good luck on the upcoming season. I am sure you will see me in a gym sometime.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Undervalued prospects
I have heard from several college coaches who have stumbled across my blog already, and so this entry is for them.
Eric Shulstad 6'6 Pelican Rapids
Tyson Eurhle 6'4 St. Cloud Tech
Tom Sawatzke 6'0 Monticello
Tim Bergstrasser 6'5 Apollo
Jordan Christensen 6'4 Sauk Rapids
Isaac Leyk 6'2 Sauk Rapids
Ron Kornbaum 6'1 Little Falls
Nick Erdich 6'3 Little Falls
David Stommes 6'6 Eden Valley Watkins
Matt Bigelow 6'5 Monticello
Matt Feuling 6'4 Foley
Laine Nelson 6'1 Foley
Leonard Gabbert 6'2 Foley
Jay Moten 5'11 NL-S
Evan Ziegler 6'5 Sartell
Kyle Mareck 6'5 Sartell
Nathan Nietfeld 6'5 Paynesville
Jonah Dahlman 6'1 Braham
Cody Luebeck 6'3 Braham
Joe Mork 6'5 Mora
Logan Orazem 6'5 Mora
Charlie Warnes 6'4 Alex
Pierce Peeters 6'5 Minnewaska
Nick Jordan 5'11 Tech
Isaac Knowles 6'8 Tech
Dustin Monson 6'5 Pierz
Breck Webber 6'0 Pierz
Isaac Pelzer 5'11 Upsala
Jordan Burns 6'5 Browerville
Joey Wallin 6'5 Walker
I could see all of those kids, plus I am sure a few more end up on a college roster next year, from a D2 to an NAIA, D3, JUCO. I would recruit the majority of that list hard if I were a small college coach, most of those kids come from winning programs, excel in the classroom, and love the game. Wouldn't suprise me to see Peeters, Neitfeld, Bergstrasser, Shulstad, Sawatzke, Stommes, Christensen, and Ziegler find their way into scholarship dollars
Eric Shulstad 6'6 Pelican Rapids
Tyson Eurhle 6'4 St. Cloud Tech
Tom Sawatzke 6'0 Monticello
Tim Bergstrasser 6'5 Apollo
Jordan Christensen 6'4 Sauk Rapids
Isaac Leyk 6'2 Sauk Rapids
Ron Kornbaum 6'1 Little Falls
Nick Erdich 6'3 Little Falls
David Stommes 6'6 Eden Valley Watkins
Matt Bigelow 6'5 Monticello
Matt Feuling 6'4 Foley
Laine Nelson 6'1 Foley
Leonard Gabbert 6'2 Foley
Jay Moten 5'11 NL-S
Evan Ziegler 6'5 Sartell
Kyle Mareck 6'5 Sartell
Nathan Nietfeld 6'5 Paynesville
Jonah Dahlman 6'1 Braham
Cody Luebeck 6'3 Braham
Joe Mork 6'5 Mora
Logan Orazem 6'5 Mora
Charlie Warnes 6'4 Alex
Pierce Peeters 6'5 Minnewaska
Nick Jordan 5'11 Tech
Isaac Knowles 6'8 Tech
Dustin Monson 6'5 Pierz
Breck Webber 6'0 Pierz
Isaac Pelzer 5'11 Upsala
Jordan Burns 6'5 Browerville
Joey Wallin 6'5 Walker
I could see all of those kids, plus I am sure a few more end up on a college roster next year, from a D2 to an NAIA, D3, JUCO. I would recruit the majority of that list hard if I were a small college coach, most of those kids come from winning programs, excel in the classroom, and love the game. Wouldn't suprise me to see Peeters, Neitfeld, Bergstrasser, Shulstad, Sawatzke, Stommes, Christensen, and Ziegler find their way into scholarship dollars
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
West Central North Prediction
This is a league I am very familiar with having coached the Foley Falcons the past two years. last year was Foley's first year in the West Central and this year the West Central welcomes two more teams in Mora and Milaca. There are going to be some long bus rides for everyone this year. I also had four juniors in this league on my AAU team this spring, so I am also very familiar with the players as well.
Predicted order of finish
1. New London -Spicer
I still think that they are the favorites, the defending state champs lost all five starters, but have a tremendous junior class built around PG Eric Tengwall(In my opinion one of the best two or three lead guards in the 2010 class) and big men Aaron "Moose" Johnson and Justin Zylstra. Throw in some other nice juniors like Jenny, and Schmid and you have a nice top 5 in the junior class. They also have Jay Moten who is an expolsive senior guard who can score from distance, and his younger brother might be the best sophomore in the conference. They are very well coached, and also have been very succesful in years past. it's their conference until someone takes it from them...
2. Mora
Newcomer Mora is a suprise pick this high, but they have something that not a lot of teams have in the WCN this year and that is size. At 6'9 Andrew Good is poised to have a breakout season , and with a 6'4 PG a 6'3 SG and two 6'5 forwards as a possible starting lineup, Mora can really affect shots, and create easy scoring opportunities with their length. Good is the primary option for them in the half court, and is very comfortable 15 feet on in. The key for them is guard play and specifically Logan Orazem, who has started for 3 years and is a 6'4 PG who can really shoot and handle it. He is one of the best 10 players in the league and so is Good. They get 7 teams coming at least 40 minutes to their place, so homecourt should play well for them.
3. Foley
I love the falcons, and may have a bias towards my ex players, but I expect them to finish no worse than 4th this season. They return their whole bench from last years 20 win team and have 4 seniors in Nelson, Feuling, Gabbert, and Wenneberg who have been with the varsity for 3 years. Coupled with those 4 tow juniors in Niemann and Jansen who each rescued the Falcons at least once last year, and you return a lot of experience and talent. Size could be a factor, but I expect the Falcons to be the best or second best transition team in the league with all of their speed. The kids in the program are used to winning, and compete as hard as anyone, and that means they will be very hard to beat.
4. Melrose
I think they are as well coached as anyone in the league, and much like NL-S they don't rebuild they reload. Notch is a 6'6 athlete who can step out and hit a 15 footer, and their guards will always be scrappy and able to make shots. I know their younger kids are really good, so don't be suprised to see some youth sprinkled in their lineup sooner than later this season. Just like Foley, being used to and expecting to win will make them a tough out.
5. Albany
Could be the second most talented team in the league, with Noreen, Voit, Blackmore, Conrad, etc. but they have really taken their lumps in the past two seasons, and I am not sure they have learned how to win yet. They could win the conference, and they could take 7th, I am just not sure, I know Coach Dorn will always have them ready to play, and with Noreen, they have a matchup nightmare for every team in the league.
6. Cathedral
New coach Nate Miller much like Forest Witt will in Alex will breathe a bunch of new energy into the program. The previous staff really got a lot out of their talent, and I expcet coach Miller to do the same. With the kind of shooters this league has, saying that Luke Januschka is the best pure shooter in the league is a big statement, but I believe it. He can flat out shoot, and is only getting better at taking people to the rack. 6'5 and very bouncy, he will lead the league in dunks this season. I like some of their role guys too, like Coborn, and the big kids inside too.
7. Sauk Centre
I could also see this team making a jump. Their staff really has them believing that this could be a great year for them. I love Skorheim, just a monster of a rebounder, who has taken his game to the perimeter and can now knockdown the 3 ball. I think guys like Messer, and the younger Berling are ready for big things, and their PG is the kind of kid other kids PG's don't like to play against. Bigs like Meyer and Winters allow Skorheim to play a lot of point forward.
8. Milaca
Another newcomer, and probably another rough season for the Wolves. Chaz Crotzer and Myles Swenson are a nice 1-2 combo of athleitc forwards, but their guard play with the exception of Sikkink is very inexperienced and young. Milaca will win some games, their court is very nice and they draw extremely well compared to how good their record is(as opposed to Foley which is the opposite). I justthink it could a rude awakening for them in the WCN.
9. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle
They lost their two best players in Graves and Morrill. They return Korfe who is a good guards, but the rest of their team has little size or experience, those factors will pose a problem in the WCN. I think coach Dittberner will have them ready, and they have an oddly lighted/painted gym so they may get some teams to shoot poorly at their place, but for now, I think they have to go here.
All Conference 1st team
C -Good-Mora
F- Noreen-Albany
F- Skorheim-Sauk Centre
G- Tengwall-NLS
G- Moten-NLS
2nd team
C- Notch-Melrose
F- Feuling -Foley
G- Januschka-SCC
G- Jansen-Foley
G-Orazem-Mora
3rd team
C-Crotzer Milaca
F- Gabbert- Foley
F- Johnson-NLS
G- Berling- Sauk Centre
G-Nelson- Foley
4th team
C- Voit-Albany
F- Swenson-Milaca
F- Mork-Mora
G- Korfe-LPGE
G- Conrad-Albany
HM
Thieschaeffer, Claphake Melrose
Zylstra,Schmid, Jenny NLS
Meyer, Messer Sauk Centre
Coborn, Peck SCC
Oslin-Mora
Sikkink- Milaca
Wenneberg,Niemann Foley
Thune LPGE
Blackmore-Albany
Predicted order of finish
1. New London -Spicer
I still think that they are the favorites, the defending state champs lost all five starters, but have a tremendous junior class built around PG Eric Tengwall(In my opinion one of the best two or three lead guards in the 2010 class) and big men Aaron "Moose" Johnson and Justin Zylstra. Throw in some other nice juniors like Jenny, and Schmid and you have a nice top 5 in the junior class. They also have Jay Moten who is an expolsive senior guard who can score from distance, and his younger brother might be the best sophomore in the conference. They are very well coached, and also have been very succesful in years past. it's their conference until someone takes it from them...
2. Mora
Newcomer Mora is a suprise pick this high, but they have something that not a lot of teams have in the WCN this year and that is size. At 6'9 Andrew Good is poised to have a breakout season , and with a 6'4 PG a 6'3 SG and two 6'5 forwards as a possible starting lineup, Mora can really affect shots, and create easy scoring opportunities with their length. Good is the primary option for them in the half court, and is very comfortable 15 feet on in. The key for them is guard play and specifically Logan Orazem, who has started for 3 years and is a 6'4 PG who can really shoot and handle it. He is one of the best 10 players in the league and so is Good. They get 7 teams coming at least 40 minutes to their place, so homecourt should play well for them.
3. Foley
I love the falcons, and may have a bias towards my ex players, but I expect them to finish no worse than 4th this season. They return their whole bench from last years 20 win team and have 4 seniors in Nelson, Feuling, Gabbert, and Wenneberg who have been with the varsity for 3 years. Coupled with those 4 tow juniors in Niemann and Jansen who each rescued the Falcons at least once last year, and you return a lot of experience and talent. Size could be a factor, but I expect the Falcons to be the best or second best transition team in the league with all of their speed. The kids in the program are used to winning, and compete as hard as anyone, and that means they will be very hard to beat.
4. Melrose
I think they are as well coached as anyone in the league, and much like NL-S they don't rebuild they reload. Notch is a 6'6 athlete who can step out and hit a 15 footer, and their guards will always be scrappy and able to make shots. I know their younger kids are really good, so don't be suprised to see some youth sprinkled in their lineup sooner than later this season. Just like Foley, being used to and expecting to win will make them a tough out.
5. Albany
Could be the second most talented team in the league, with Noreen, Voit, Blackmore, Conrad, etc. but they have really taken their lumps in the past two seasons, and I am not sure they have learned how to win yet. They could win the conference, and they could take 7th, I am just not sure, I know Coach Dorn will always have them ready to play, and with Noreen, they have a matchup nightmare for every team in the league.
6. Cathedral
New coach Nate Miller much like Forest Witt will in Alex will breathe a bunch of new energy into the program. The previous staff really got a lot out of their talent, and I expcet coach Miller to do the same. With the kind of shooters this league has, saying that Luke Januschka is the best pure shooter in the league is a big statement, but I believe it. He can flat out shoot, and is only getting better at taking people to the rack. 6'5 and very bouncy, he will lead the league in dunks this season. I like some of their role guys too, like Coborn, and the big kids inside too.
7. Sauk Centre
I could also see this team making a jump. Their staff really has them believing that this could be a great year for them. I love Skorheim, just a monster of a rebounder, who has taken his game to the perimeter and can now knockdown the 3 ball. I think guys like Messer, and the younger Berling are ready for big things, and their PG is the kind of kid other kids PG's don't like to play against. Bigs like Meyer and Winters allow Skorheim to play a lot of point forward.
8. Milaca
Another newcomer, and probably another rough season for the Wolves. Chaz Crotzer and Myles Swenson are a nice 1-2 combo of athleitc forwards, but their guard play with the exception of Sikkink is very inexperienced and young. Milaca will win some games, their court is very nice and they draw extremely well compared to how good their record is(as opposed to Foley which is the opposite). I justthink it could a rude awakening for them in the WCN.
9. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle
They lost their two best players in Graves and Morrill. They return Korfe who is a good guards, but the rest of their team has little size or experience, those factors will pose a problem in the WCN. I think coach Dittberner will have them ready, and they have an oddly lighted/painted gym so they may get some teams to shoot poorly at their place, but for now, I think they have to go here.
All Conference 1st team
C -Good-Mora
F- Noreen-Albany
F- Skorheim-Sauk Centre
G- Tengwall-NLS
G- Moten-NLS
2nd team
C- Notch-Melrose
F- Feuling -Foley
G- Januschka-SCC
G- Jansen-Foley
G-Orazem-Mora
3rd team
C-Crotzer Milaca
F- Gabbert- Foley
F- Johnson-NLS
G- Berling- Sauk Centre
G-Nelson- Foley
4th team
C- Voit-Albany
F- Swenson-Milaca
F- Mork-Mora
G- Korfe-LPGE
G- Conrad-Albany
HM
Thieschaeffer, Claphake Melrose
Zylstra,Schmid, Jenny NLS
Meyer, Messer Sauk Centre
Coborn, Peck SCC
Oslin-Mora
Sikkink- Milaca
Wenneberg,Niemann Foley
Thune LPGE
Blackmore-Albany
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Conference Predictions
I am going to do a conference prediction for every conference I pay really close attention to ( CLC, West Central North, WCS, Central Minnesota, Prairie). I am a day behind so one day I will do two, but today I am going to do the CLC. The league I played and coached in.
1. Tech- They might not go 29-3 this season, and they will miss Stinogel and Farb(emotional bench leaders are important) more than they think. They also have significantly beefed up there schedule with Hopkins, Tartan taking the place of Albany and Duluth East. Obviously I love Wolters,Hanks, etc. A fun thing about this Tech team is there isn't a kid in their rotation who didn't grow up going to my basketball camp.
2. Willmar- I think the Filipek's and Smith prove to be too much size, length, athleticism, that is a nice 3. I think guard play will be important, but they are extremely well coached, and Willmar is a tough gym to win in.
3. Apollo- Consider me sold on Bergstrasser, I think Garth needs to become not only a better shooter, but a shutdown defensive stopper as well. I think as long as the ball goes inside out, Apollo will be hard to stop, another well coached team, with a nice combination of experience and youth.
4. Little Falls- I just really like the Kornbaum's Scott, Erdich, etc. That foursome plus some of the other guards they have(little Horesji) make them a serious contender, and of course they have state tournament experience from last year. You know defensively they will be solid, and offensively they will execute well. If Dan Kornbaum continues to take the steps he can, they could easily be #2.
5. Fergus Falls- Really don't know a ton about them other than their new coach got them fired up last year, and Hansen is a nice player. I am a big believer that football success translates into basketball success, so consider me a Fergus believer.
6. Sauk Rapids- usually the conference doormat, but they have a nice group of athletes, and experienced players as well. Christensen is a tough matchup for most if not all teams in the conference, and Meyer is improving every day as a drive and kick PG who can get people a lot of easy looks with his quickness.
7. Rocori- Not usually seen this far down, but to me their seniors are sub par. I do like their junior class with Willenbring and Worms physicality. You know they will defend, and you know they will win a few they aren't supposed to.
8. Brainerd- I really think this team is the hardest to gauge, those coaches work their tails off up there, and the kids have bought into the systems they are being taught. I love Crocker, and I think Pavek will have a breakout year. It's tough to put them this low, because of the coaching and talent they have.
9. Alexandria- Witt will do an unbelievable job and breath a bunch of new energy into the program, with Conley, Illies, Warnes, and some good juniors as well, there is plenty of talent there. I am glad their old coach John Holsten has a new job, he was a great coach as well, and well respected.
10. Sartell- Pretty young team, as they have some good sophs coming up. Evan Ziegler is a 3 who plays a lot of 5 for a small Sartell team. He is one of the best athletes in the conference and he can fill it up when he get's hot. I also think they have a couple of juniors and Kyle Mareck is a great Shooter/defender.
1-10 the league is stronger than normal, the bottom 6 can flip in any way, and any of them could sneak into the top 3 without too much suprise. I think this league has 10 good coaches, and probably 25 high level college basketball players in it, with a potential for 3-4 to go division 1. This is the best outstate conference in the state, and with teams traditions like Apollo, Willmar, Rocori, and more recently Tech and LF, it should be a battle again. There are no free wins this season.
My all conference teams
1st team
C- Bergstrasser- Apollo
F- Christensen- SR
F-T Filipek -Willmar
G- A Hanks- Tech
G- Wolters- Tech
2nd team
C- Kornbaum -LF
F- Hansen- FF
F- Smith- Willmar
G- Garth- Apollo
G- Crocker- Brainers
3rd team
C-R Filipek Willmar
F- Ziegler- Sartell
F- Willenbring- Rocori
G- Meyer- SR
G- Scott- LF
4th team
C-Pavek- Brainerd
F- Warnes- Alex
F- Eurhle- Tech
G- Kornbaum - LF
G- Leyk SR
HM
Johnson, Jordan Tech
Maslonkowski, Frericks Apollo
Warnes, Meyer Rocori
Mareck Geiske Sartell
Stein SR
Weise, Gervais Brainerd
Illies Alex
Esboldt Willmar
Erdich LF
1. Tech- They might not go 29-3 this season, and they will miss Stinogel and Farb(emotional bench leaders are important) more than they think. They also have significantly beefed up there schedule with Hopkins, Tartan taking the place of Albany and Duluth East. Obviously I love Wolters,Hanks, etc. A fun thing about this Tech team is there isn't a kid in their rotation who didn't grow up going to my basketball camp.
2. Willmar- I think the Filipek's and Smith prove to be too much size, length, athleticism, that is a nice 3. I think guard play will be important, but they are extremely well coached, and Willmar is a tough gym to win in.
3. Apollo- Consider me sold on Bergstrasser, I think Garth needs to become not only a better shooter, but a shutdown defensive stopper as well. I think as long as the ball goes inside out, Apollo will be hard to stop, another well coached team, with a nice combination of experience and youth.
4. Little Falls- I just really like the Kornbaum's Scott, Erdich, etc. That foursome plus some of the other guards they have(little Horesji) make them a serious contender, and of course they have state tournament experience from last year. You know defensively they will be solid, and offensively they will execute well. If Dan Kornbaum continues to take the steps he can, they could easily be #2.
5. Fergus Falls- Really don't know a ton about them other than their new coach got them fired up last year, and Hansen is a nice player. I am a big believer that football success translates into basketball success, so consider me a Fergus believer.
6. Sauk Rapids- usually the conference doormat, but they have a nice group of athletes, and experienced players as well. Christensen is a tough matchup for most if not all teams in the conference, and Meyer is improving every day as a drive and kick PG who can get people a lot of easy looks with his quickness.
7. Rocori- Not usually seen this far down, but to me their seniors are sub par. I do like their junior class with Willenbring and Worms physicality. You know they will defend, and you know they will win a few they aren't supposed to.
8. Brainerd- I really think this team is the hardest to gauge, those coaches work their tails off up there, and the kids have bought into the systems they are being taught. I love Crocker, and I think Pavek will have a breakout year. It's tough to put them this low, because of the coaching and talent they have.
9. Alexandria- Witt will do an unbelievable job and breath a bunch of new energy into the program, with Conley, Illies, Warnes, and some good juniors as well, there is plenty of talent there. I am glad their old coach John Holsten has a new job, he was a great coach as well, and well respected.
10. Sartell- Pretty young team, as they have some good sophs coming up. Evan Ziegler is a 3 who plays a lot of 5 for a small Sartell team. He is one of the best athletes in the conference and he can fill it up when he get's hot. I also think they have a couple of juniors and Kyle Mareck is a great Shooter/defender.
1-10 the league is stronger than normal, the bottom 6 can flip in any way, and any of them could sneak into the top 3 without too much suprise. I think this league has 10 good coaches, and probably 25 high level college basketball players in it, with a potential for 3-4 to go division 1. This is the best outstate conference in the state, and with teams traditions like Apollo, Willmar, Rocori, and more recently Tech and LF, it should be a battle again. There are no free wins this season.
My all conference teams
1st team
C- Bergstrasser- Apollo
F- Christensen- SR
F-T Filipek -Willmar
G- A Hanks- Tech
G- Wolters- Tech
2nd team
C- Kornbaum -LF
F- Hansen- FF
F- Smith- Willmar
G- Garth- Apollo
G- Crocker- Brainers
3rd team
C-R Filipek Willmar
F- Ziegler- Sartell
F- Willenbring- Rocori
G- Meyer- SR
G- Scott- LF
4th team
C-Pavek- Brainerd
F- Warnes- Alex
F- Eurhle- Tech
G- Kornbaum - LF
G- Leyk SR
HM
Johnson, Jordan Tech
Maslonkowski, Frericks Apollo
Warnes, Meyer Rocori
Mareck Geiske Sartell
Stein SR
Weise, Gervais Brainerd
Illies Alex
Esboldt Willmar
Erdich LF
Friday, November 14, 2008
MN Comets Class of 2009
Right now the Comets list of signees sits at 1 Jessie Althoff 6'1 Becker. She played on my wife's elite team and commited last spring to Bemidji State. I believe she signed yesterday.
Obviously, many more of our kids will sign along the way, but in the early signing period which runs through Wednesday the 19th, we only have one. I know we have alot of kids who are tremendous two and three sport performers (Sara Carlson, Ty Storrenstam,etc) so I am sure they will have to choose even what sport they would look to play in college first before even looking at specific colleges.
I will(if I figure it out) keep a running tally on the side of where all of our kids have signed and commited.
Obviously, many more of our kids will sign along the way, but in the early signing period which runs through Wednesday the 19th, we only have one. I know we have alot of kids who are tremendous two and three sport performers (Sara Carlson, Ty Storrenstam,etc) so I am sure they will have to choose even what sport they would look to play in college first before even looking at specific colleges.
I will(if I figure it out) keep a running tally on the side of where all of our kids have signed and commited.
First time Blogger
My name is Chris Lewis and I am the former HS boys basketball coach at Foley HS.
I just wanted to say that I hope to cover many HS boys and girls games during the HS season, and also AAU games during the AAU season. I am a former HS basketball coach with a lot less to do this winter than I have in previous winters. I hope for the chance to write about the kids, and also maybe offer a perspective from a former HS coach. I hope its enjoyable reading, and I welcome responses, questions, etc.
I just wanted to say that I hope to cover many HS boys and girls games during the HS season, and also AAU games during the AAU season. I am a former HS basketball coach with a lot less to do this winter than I have in previous winters. I hope for the chance to write about the kids, and also maybe offer a perspective from a former HS coach. I hope its enjoyable reading, and I welcome responses, questions, etc.
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