For the second straight year and the fourth time in six seasons, Oostburg is the Sheboygan County Tournament champion.
After going 4-1 in pool play, the Flying Dutchmen handed Sheboygan Christian its first loss of the season in the semifinals, then exacted some revenge on Sheboygan South - which beat Oostburg earlier in the day - to win the title once again.
Some thoughts from the tourney
*Oostburg is once again loaded and poised for another run at State. Last season, the Dutch went undefeated all the way to the D3 state championship game, then were soundly beaten by Stanley-Boyd. Oostburg has the size and firepower to get back there, if the passing and backside defense can effectively replace those who left via graduation. So far, so good.
*Sheboygan Christian is also a viable State contender, in Division 4. Jocelyn Ver Velde and Liz "Bizl" Egerer are as powerful an offensive tandem around; the pressure is on the other four girls on the floor to hold their own. The Eagles only have one loss so far, so like Oostburg, so far, so good.
*Sheboygan South is the real deal. Size, strength, strong front line, and the best setter in the area in Tia Rupnik.
*Sheboygan Lutheran doesn't have the firepower of Oostburg, Christian or South, but the Crusaders are well-coached and determined, and they're finding ways to win. They're also arguably the area's best serving team; the serves just shoot into the opposite court.
*Howards Grove proved it can play with Christian and Oostburg of the CLC. Whether or not the Tigers can actually defeat them is another thing. But they certainly played better on this day than when they were beaten by Ozaukee earlier in the week.
*Sheboygan North and Random Lake are two teams that could surprise some people as they get more seasoned down the road.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Thoughts on Ozaukee-Elkhart football
* The Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah varsity football story is a good one for fans to follow. The Resorters lost to Ozaukee 8-7, but there were smiles all around from a team that competed hard and knew it after the game. Sure, the Resorters want to win, but they know it's great just to be out there playing. The team's fans were jubilant the entire game and offered support after.
* Elkhart Lake's Alex Brown is taking a smart approach to trying to obtain a scholarship. Instead of trying to be a quarterback or defensive back at a D-I school, he's trying to get one as a kicker. He boots them 45 yards in practice, and attends an elite camp that routinely sends kickers to D-I schools. His dream school? The University of Colorado, because he's a big fan of the Packers' Mason Crosby.
* The Feldmann family IS Elkhart Lake football. The head coach is Barry Feldmann, his brother Brian "Fuzzy" Feldmann is an assistant, their kids handle water for the players and their father, Ron, works the chains.
Ron has been doing it since 1960, and has seen the good and the bad of Elkhart football. The Resorters led 7-6 at halftime, but Ron was worried that Elkhart might get run over in the second half, "We're a little thin," Ron said. To the Resorters' credit, they weren't run over. They battled.
* Ozaukee has a nice three-headed back trio of Collin Scheuermann, Josh Huiras and Shawn Flom. Each had more than 60 yards and averaged better than 4 yards a carry against Elkhart. Ozaukee hosts Sheboygan Lutheran/Kohler next week. If the Warriors win, they will be 4-0 heading into a Week 5 showdown at Random Lake. While walking off the field on Friday, coach Lee Baldwin said "The CLC should be very interesting," and that was probably before he heard about Oostburg's win over Cedar Grove-Belgium. How prophetic.
- Dave Lubach
* Elkhart Lake's Alex Brown is taking a smart approach to trying to obtain a scholarship. Instead of trying to be a quarterback or defensive back at a D-I school, he's trying to get one as a kicker. He boots them 45 yards in practice, and attends an elite camp that routinely sends kickers to D-I schools. His dream school? The University of Colorado, because he's a big fan of the Packers' Mason Crosby.
* The Feldmann family IS Elkhart Lake football. The head coach is Barry Feldmann, his brother Brian "Fuzzy" Feldmann is an assistant, their kids handle water for the players and their father, Ron, works the chains.
Ron has been doing it since 1960, and has seen the good and the bad of Elkhart football. The Resorters led 7-6 at halftime, but Ron was worried that Elkhart might get run over in the second half, "We're a little thin," Ron said. To the Resorters' credit, they weren't run over. They battled.
* Ozaukee has a nice three-headed back trio of Collin Scheuermann, Josh Huiras and Shawn Flom. Each had more than 60 yards and averaged better than 4 yards a carry against Elkhart. Ozaukee hosts Sheboygan Lutheran/Kohler next week. If the Warriors win, they will be 4-0 heading into a Week 5 showdown at Random Lake. While walking off the field on Friday, coach Lee Baldwin said "The CLC should be very interesting," and that was probably before he heard about Oostburg's win over Cedar Grove-Belgium. How prophetic.
- Dave Lubach
Monday, August 27, 2007
First state football poll released
The first Associated Press state football poll was released on Monday evening, and it featured few surprises.
Below is the poll in the three divisions.
The top-ranked teams on my poll are Homestead, Kewaunee and Stevens Point Pacelli. I'm very confident in the first two. Stratford is rightfully ranked No. 1 in the Small Division poll.
- Locally, Chilton received 11 votes in the Medium Division, while Cedar Grove (Medium) and Sheboygan Lutheran/Kohler (Small) got one vote each.
- I had Chilton No. 5 on my poll based on its potential, returning players and an impressive week 1 win.
- I also had Cedar Grove at No. 10; the Rockets collapsed in the fourth quarter and handed Cambridge an 18-14 win by being outscored 18-0 in the fourth. I prefer to think of that fourth quarter as an anomaly, one that won't be repeated.
- Lutheran/Kohler received its one vote from somebody else.
As far as local teams who didn't receive votes, New Holstein has a great, albeit very tough, change of climbing very quickly if it can win its next two games: hosting Chilton this week and at Sheboygan Falls for Week 3.
--Adam Thompson
Large Division (enrollment 744 and up)
School Record Points
1. Meq. Homestead (6) 1-0 78
2. Stevens Point 1-0 63
3. Hart. Arrowhead (1) 1-0 54
4. Janesville Parker 1-0 48
5. D.C. Everest 1-0 38
6. Ashwaubenon 1-0 26
7. Menomonie 1-0 23
8. Hartford 1-0 22
9. Verona 1-0 20
10. Franklin (1) 1-0 19
Others receiving votes: Brookfield Central (1-0) 17, Waunakee (1-0) 17, Appleton North (1-0) 14, Sun Prairie (1-0) 11, Kenosha Tremper (1-0) 11, Lakeland (1-0) 10, Kimberly (1-0) 7, Wisconsin Lutheran (1-0) 7, Waupaca (1-0) 5, Oshkosh North (1-0) 2, La Crosse Logan (1-0) 1, Chippewa Falls (1-0) 1, Germantown (1-0) 1.
Medium Division (284-742)
School Record Points
1. Kewaunee (3) 1-0 54
2. Madison Edgewood 1-0 44
3. Brodhead-Juda (1) 1-0 43
4. Kewaskum (2) 1-0 35
5. Platteville 1-0 34
6. Evansville (2) 1-0 30
7. Pardeeville 1-0 26
8. Denmark 1-0 22
9. Ladysmith 1-0 21
10. Horicon 1-0 18
(tie) Walworth Big Foot 1-0 18
Others receiving votes: Green Bay Notre Dame (0-1) 16, West Salem (1-0) 13, Lancaster (0-1) 12, Chilton (1-0) 11, Somerset (1-0) 11, Wrightstown (0-1) 10, Stanley-Boyd (0-1) 9, Lakeside Lutheran (1-0) 9, Amery (0-1) 8, Appleton Xavier (1-0) 8, Ripon (1-0) 7, Waupun (0-1) 6, Clintonville (1-0) 4, Kettle Moraine Lutheran (1-0) 4, Marathon (1-0) 3, Durand (1-0) 3, Whitewater (1-0) 3, Mount Horeb/Barneveld (0-0) 3, Waterloo (0-0) 3, Pewaukee (1-0) 2, Poynette (1-0) 2, Edgerton (1-0) 1, Cedar Grove (0-1) 1, Mosinee (1-0) 1.
Small Division (283 and lower)
School Record Points
1. Stratford (4) 1-0 59
2. Fennimore (1) 1-0 52
3. Eleva-Strum 1-0 41
4. Gilman (1) 1-0 40
(tie) Hilbert 1-0 40
6. Ste. Point Pacelli (1) 1-0 33
7. Racine Lutheran 1-0 23
8. Johnson Creek 1-0 15
(tie) Eau Claire Regis (1) 0-1 15
10. Edgar 1-0 13
(tie) Cambria-Friesland 0-1 13
Others receiving votes: Cuba City (1-0) 11, Deerfield (1-0) 11, Abbotsford (1-0) 9, Pecatonica/Argyle (1-0) 8, Burlington Catholic Central (1-0) 8, Shiocton (1-0) 8, Fond du Lac Springs (0-1) 7, New Glarus/Monticello (1-0) 7, Black Hawk (1-0) 6, DeSoto (0-1) 6, Plum City (1-0) 4, Suring (1-0) 3, Iola-Scandinavia (1-0) 3, Oakfield (0-1) 2, Wausaukee (1-0) 1, Sheboygan Lutheran (1-0) 1, Seneca (0-1) 1.
Below is the poll in the three divisions.
The top-ranked teams on my poll are Homestead, Kewaunee and Stevens Point Pacelli. I'm very confident in the first two. Stratford is rightfully ranked No. 1 in the Small Division poll.
- Locally, Chilton received 11 votes in the Medium Division, while Cedar Grove (Medium) and Sheboygan Lutheran/Kohler (Small) got one vote each.
- I had Chilton No. 5 on my poll based on its potential, returning players and an impressive week 1 win.
- I also had Cedar Grove at No. 10; the Rockets collapsed in the fourth quarter and handed Cambridge an 18-14 win by being outscored 18-0 in the fourth. I prefer to think of that fourth quarter as an anomaly, one that won't be repeated.
- Lutheran/Kohler received its one vote from somebody else.
As far as local teams who didn't receive votes, New Holstein has a great, albeit very tough, change of climbing very quickly if it can win its next two games: hosting Chilton this week and at Sheboygan Falls for Week 3.
--Adam Thompson
Large Division (enrollment 744 and up)
School Record Points
1. Meq. Homestead (6) 1-0 78
2. Stevens Point 1-0 63
3. Hart. Arrowhead (1) 1-0 54
4. Janesville Parker 1-0 48
5. D.C. Everest 1-0 38
6. Ashwaubenon 1-0 26
7. Menomonie 1-0 23
8. Hartford 1-0 22
9. Verona 1-0 20
10. Franklin (1) 1-0 19
Others receiving votes: Brookfield Central (1-0) 17, Waunakee (1-0) 17, Appleton North (1-0) 14, Sun Prairie (1-0) 11, Kenosha Tremper (1-0) 11, Lakeland (1-0) 10, Kimberly (1-0) 7, Wisconsin Lutheran (1-0) 7, Waupaca (1-0) 5, Oshkosh North (1-0) 2, La Crosse Logan (1-0) 1, Chippewa Falls (1-0) 1, Germantown (1-0) 1.
Medium Division (284-742)
School Record Points
1. Kewaunee (3) 1-0 54
2. Madison Edgewood 1-0 44
3. Brodhead-Juda (1) 1-0 43
4. Kewaskum (2) 1-0 35
5. Platteville 1-0 34
6. Evansville (2) 1-0 30
7. Pardeeville 1-0 26
8. Denmark 1-0 22
9. Ladysmith 1-0 21
10. Horicon 1-0 18
(tie) Walworth Big Foot 1-0 18
Others receiving votes: Green Bay Notre Dame (0-1) 16, West Salem (1-0) 13, Lancaster (0-1) 12, Chilton (1-0) 11, Somerset (1-0) 11, Wrightstown (0-1) 10, Stanley-Boyd (0-1) 9, Lakeside Lutheran (1-0) 9, Amery (0-1) 8, Appleton Xavier (1-0) 8, Ripon (1-0) 7, Waupun (0-1) 6, Clintonville (1-0) 4, Kettle Moraine Lutheran (1-0) 4, Marathon (1-0) 3, Durand (1-0) 3, Whitewater (1-0) 3, Mount Horeb/Barneveld (0-0) 3, Waterloo (0-0) 3, Pewaukee (1-0) 2, Poynette (1-0) 2, Edgerton (1-0) 1, Cedar Grove (0-1) 1, Mosinee (1-0) 1.
Small Division (283 and lower)
School Record Points
1. Stratford (4) 1-0 59
2. Fennimore (1) 1-0 52
3. Eleva-Strum 1-0 41
4. Gilman (1) 1-0 40
(tie) Hilbert 1-0 40
6. Ste. Point Pacelli (1) 1-0 33
7. Racine Lutheran 1-0 23
8. Johnson Creek 1-0 15
(tie) Eau Claire Regis (1) 0-1 15
10. Edgar 1-0 13
(tie) Cambria-Friesland 0-1 13
Others receiving votes: Cuba City (1-0) 11, Deerfield (1-0) 11, Abbotsford (1-0) 9, Pecatonica/Argyle (1-0) 8, Burlington Catholic Central (1-0) 8, Shiocton (1-0) 8, Fond du Lac Springs (0-1) 7, New Glarus/Monticello (1-0) 7, Black Hawk (1-0) 6, DeSoto (0-1) 6, Plum City (1-0) 4, Suring (1-0) 3, Iola-Scandinavia (1-0) 3, Oakfield (0-1) 2, Wausaukee (1-0) 1, Sheboygan Lutheran (1-0) 1, Seneca (0-1) 1.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
North-South football
Tonight's North-South game was entertaining, with plenty of big plays (mostly by South) and two diverse offenses who put the ball up in the air a combined 35 times.
I really like South's potential on offense. The Redwings have the excellent feature back (Ray Smith) and quarterback John Cabaj seems to have some special potential. If South's young offensive line continues to mesh and grow, the Redwings will score points.
North's offense seems like it's better than last year's, but the defense has some work to do, especially in the secondary.
South's defense won't come close to that great 2004 unit, but its offense has a chance to be better than any since that year.
I really like South's potential on offense. The Redwings have the excellent feature back (Ray Smith) and quarterback John Cabaj seems to have some special potential. If South's young offensive line continues to mesh and grow, the Redwings will score points.
North's offense seems like it's better than last year's, but the defense has some work to do, especially in the secondary.
South's defense won't come close to that great 2004 unit, but its offense has a chance to be better than any since that year.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Ashley Bares "best of the rest?"
Ashley Bares, who twice scored a state-record 69 goals in a season, who set the all-time state scoring record with 226, who ranks seventh all-time nationally with that total, was named a "best of the rest" player in the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association's All-State Team.
Now, the WSCA coaches who vote on things seem to be all right when it comes to their weekly state rankings; the top teams are usually right there on top.
(This is the opposite of the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association, by the way, which often times doesn't have the state's best teams even represented in its weekly poll.)
But leaving Bares off the All-State team - and the second-team All-State squad - is pretty mind boggling.
It can't be due to a lack of team success. Bares helped lead Ozaukee to four WIAA Division 3 state tournament appearances. The Warriors won two state titles in that span, and thus she should be pretty well-known at this point.
It can't be because colleges aren't looking at her. She signed a national letter of intent with NCAA Division I Marquette University before the season began.
Can it be because she plays on a Division 3 team? This must be it, but the WSCA should be embarrassed to simply make this kind of statement, that there are no worthy players on any Division 3 team, ever.
Or maybe the association just doesn't get it. One player from the Appleton area, who earned a full ride to Iowa State University, received no mention. According to the WSCA, she's not even a "best of the rest."
--Adam Thompson
Now, the WSCA coaches who vote on things seem to be all right when it comes to their weekly state rankings; the top teams are usually right there on top.
(This is the opposite of the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association, by the way, which often times doesn't have the state's best teams even represented in its weekly poll.)
But leaving Bares off the All-State team - and the second-team All-State squad - is pretty mind boggling.
It can't be due to a lack of team success. Bares helped lead Ozaukee to four WIAA Division 3 state tournament appearances. The Warriors won two state titles in that span, and thus she should be pretty well-known at this point.
It can't be because colleges aren't looking at her. She signed a national letter of intent with NCAA Division I Marquette University before the season began.
Can it be because she plays on a Division 3 team? This must be it, but the WSCA should be embarrassed to simply make this kind of statement, that there are no worthy players on any Division 3 team, ever.
Or maybe the association just doesn't get it. One player from the Appleton area, who earned a full ride to Iowa State University, received no mention. According to the WSCA, she's not even a "best of the rest."
--Adam Thompson
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Post 83 looks good in DH sweep
Sheboygan Post 83 rebounded from its season-opening losses to Neenah by sweeping previously unbeaten Pulaski in a doubleheader.
Post 83 cruised to 7-2 and 9-2 wins on the road.
Taylor Schwarz threw a two-hitter, striking out three with four walks. Ben Hendricks went 2-for-3 with two runs and two runs batted in.
In the nightcap, Mitchell Gardner struck out six in five innings of work for the win. Matt Hendricks scored three times for Post 83.
--Adam Thompson
Post 83 cruised to 7-2 and 9-2 wins on the road.
Taylor Schwarz threw a two-hitter, striking out three with four walks. Ben Hendricks went 2-for-3 with two runs and two runs batted in.
In the nightcap, Mitchell Gardner struck out six in five innings of work for the win. Matt Hendricks scored three times for Post 83.
--Adam Thompson
Friday, June 8, 2007
Too bad Ozaukee Warrior couldn't score
One unique tidbit from the Ozaukee-Racine St. Catherine's game today:
The only goal scored in the game, by the St. Catherine's Angels, was in the 76th minute, by a girl named Catherine Angel.
With a name like that, it would have been a shame if she had gone to Racine Horlick.
--Adam Thompson
The only goal scored in the game, by the St. Catherine's Angels, was in the 76th minute, by a girl named Catherine Angel.
With a name like that, it would have been a shame if she had gone to Racine Horlick.
--Adam Thompson
Ozaukee's title hopes dashed
Ozaukee’s bid for a third straight WIAA Division 3 girls state soccer championship came to an end Friday afternoon in a semifinal game at Uihlein Park in Milwaukee.
Racine St. Catherine’s Sara Carney found teammate Catherine Angel in the 76th minute, and the Angels held on to upset the Warriors 1-0.
It was Ozaukee’s fifth straight trip to State; the team had won three of the last four D3 state titles.
Ozaukee’s season ends at 21-1-1. Also ending is the prep career of Warriors standout Ashley Bares, who leaves Ozaukee as the state’s all-time leading scorer (226 goals) and the all-time single-season scorer (69 goals, in 2007 and in ’05). Bares will reunite with sister Brittany Bares on the field, herself a former Ozaukee star, and play at Marquette University next season.
Racine St. Catherine’s Sara Carney found teammate Catherine Angel in the 76th minute, and the Angels held on to upset the Warriors 1-0.
It was Ozaukee’s fifth straight trip to State; the team had won three of the last four D3 state titles.
Ozaukee’s season ends at 21-1-1. Also ending is the prep career of Warriors standout Ashley Bares, who leaves Ozaukee as the state’s all-time leading scorer (226 goals) and the all-time single-season scorer (69 goals, in 2007 and in ’05). Bares will reunite with sister Brittany Bares on the field, herself a former Ozaukee star, and play at Marquette University next season.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Wanna be a coach? Call North!
Just about anybody looking to coach at the Division 1 high school level can look right at Sheboygan North.
According to the Sheboygan Area School District Web site, North currently has a whopping nine coaching openings for the 2007-08 school year.
Among the openings are a head varsity coach for girls tennis, and an assistant girls tennis coach.
The other assistant openings are: volleyball coach, boys basketball, football, boys swimming, girls swimming and cheerleading (fall and winter).
Boys diving is also in need of a coach.
Sheboygan South, meanwhile, has just two openings listed, for an assistant boys soccer coach and a girls diving coach.
For more information on each opening, visit www.sheboygan.k12.wi.us and follow the links for employment.
According to the Sheboygan Area School District Web site, North currently has a whopping nine coaching openings for the 2007-08 school year.
Among the openings are a head varsity coach for girls tennis, and an assistant girls tennis coach.
The other assistant openings are: volleyball coach, boys basketball, football, boys swimming, girls swimming and cheerleading (fall and winter).
Boys diving is also in need of a coach.
Sheboygan South, meanwhile, has just two openings listed, for an assistant boys soccer coach and a girls diving coach.
For more information on each opening, visit www.sheboygan.k12.wi.us and follow the links for employment.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Kiel wins 1,600 relay; Lutheran boys finish second
Zach Schneider of Kiel chased down two runners in the last 150 meters of his split to lead the Raiders' 1,600 relay team to the Division 2 state championship.
The team of Eric Hoefler, Ramsey Wusterbarth, Adam Eckardt and Schneider ran a school-record time of 3:23.74 to erase a mark that stood since 1988.
Sheboygan Lutheran's boys also took home their second straight runner-up trophy in Division 3, falling short to Wausau Newman for the second straight year.
The team of Eric Hoefler, Ramsey Wusterbarth, Adam Eckardt and Schneider ran a school-record time of 3:23.74 to erase a mark that stood since 1988.
Sheboygan Lutheran's boys also took home their second straight runner-up trophy in Division 3, falling short to Wausau Newman for the second straight year.
Lutheran's Thiel wins another gold
Sheboygan Lutheran is definitely THE local story of the state track meet.
Senior Stacey Thiel won her second gold of the weekend, rolling to victory in the 3,200 in Division 3.
Thiel won in 11:12.88, almost 12 seconds better than Pardeeville's Samantha Bluske.
Thiel edged Bluske in winning the 1,600 on Friday.
- Dave Lubach
Senior Stacey Thiel won her second gold of the weekend, rolling to victory in the 3,200 in Division 3.
Thiel won in 11:12.88, almost 12 seconds better than Pardeeville's Samantha Bluske.
Thiel edged Bluske in winning the 1,600 on Friday.
- Dave Lubach
Sheboygan Falls soccer team defeated
The Sheboygan Falls girls' soccer team's bid for its first-ever trip to the WIAA Division 2 State Tournament fell short Saturday. The Falcons lost to Green Bay Notre Dame, 4-1.
Falls finishes the season 20-4-1.
Meanwhile, Ozaukee (20-0-1), the two-time defending Division 3 state champion, plays Winnebago Lutheran, a state qualifier a year ago, at 7 tonight in Fond du Lac in a sectional final.
Falls finishes the season 20-4-1.
Meanwhile, Ozaukee (20-0-1), the two-time defending Division 3 state champion, plays Winnebago Lutheran, a state qualifier a year ago, at 7 tonight in Fond du Lac in a sectional final.
Bolgert gets third gold
If they had a meet most valuable athlete award at State track, Lutheran's Peter Bolgert would have to be a lead candidate in Division 3.
Bolgert won his third gold on the weekend, taking the 800 after holding off a late charge by Frederic's River Karl. Bolgert finished in 1:58.32.
Teammate Zach Hasenstein was third in 1:59.42.
- Dave Lubach
Bolgert won his third gold on the weekend, taking the 800 after holding off a late charge by Frederic's River Karl. Bolgert finished in 1:58.32.
Teammate Zach Hasenstein was third in 1:59.42.
- Dave Lubach
More 400 medals
Area athletes won two more medals in the 400, with Chris Hokanson of Oostburg taking 4th in the Division 2 400 (50.73) and Kiel's Zach Schneider taking 6th.
Kohler's Fiorini medals in 400
Kohler's Dominic Fiorini earned a medal in the Division 3 400.
Fiorini was fifth with a time of 51.13 seconds. That's seventh-tenths of a second better than his sectional qualifying time.
Fiorini tries for another medal later in the day in the 200.
Fiorini was fifth with a time of 51.13 seconds. That's seventh-tenths of a second better than his sectional qualifying time.
Fiorini tries for another medal later in the day in the 200.
Could Lutheran's distance teams have been even better?
Watertown's Andrew Perkins won the Division 1 1,600 Saturday.
Normally, we wouldn't report much on out-of-the area results, but that name might sound familiar to some locals, especially those who attended Trinity Lutheran School in Sheboygan.
Perkins was in sixth and seventh grade with Lutheran standout Peter Bolgert, who won the Division 3 1,600 and has been part of two state-record setting 3,200 relay teams.
Perkins was born in Watertown and moved to Sheboygan with his family for a couple of years. He eventually moved back to Watertown, but said he follows his distance friends from Trinity and tracks their success.
"I've thought about (what might have been) if I'd have been there now," said Perkins. "They are great in cross country too, and I'm happy they have been successful."
- Dave Lubach
Normally, we wouldn't report much on out-of-the area results, but that name might sound familiar to some locals, especially those who attended Trinity Lutheran School in Sheboygan.
Perkins was in sixth and seventh grade with Lutheran standout Peter Bolgert, who won the Division 3 1,600 and has been part of two state-record setting 3,200 relay teams.
Perkins was born in Watertown and moved to Sheboygan with his family for a couple of years. He eventually moved back to Watertown, but said he follows his distance friends from Trinity and tracks their success.
"I've thought about (what might have been) if I'd have been there now," said Perkins. "They are great in cross country too, and I'm happy they have been successful."
- Dave Lubach
Lutheran's Bolgert golden again
Sheboygan Lutheran's Peter Bolgert won another gold medal this afternoon, with his repeat championship in the Division 3 1,600 run.
Bolgert never trailed and won going away, with a time of 4:20.38, an improvement of .56 off his winning run last year. The state record time is 4:19.04, set by Sean Currie of Cambridge in 1983.
Bolgert also won gold on Friday, when he ran the anchor on Lutheran's record-setting 3,200 relay team, which also defended its 2006 crown.
He goes for a third gold in this meet later today in the 800, which he holds the top qualifying time in.
- Dave Lubach
Bolgert never trailed and won going away, with a time of 4:20.38, an improvement of .56 off his winning run last year. The state record time is 4:19.04, set by Sean Currie of Cambridge in 1983.
Bolgert also won gold on Friday, when he ran the anchor on Lutheran's record-setting 3,200 relay team, which also defended its 2006 crown.
He goes for a third gold in this meet later today in the 800, which he holds the top qualifying time in.
- Dave Lubach
Today's finals at state track
It's should be a busy day for locals at the WIAA State Track and Field Championships in La Crosse.
The weather is sunny (for now, and warm), so it should be prime for some nice times.
Here are today's local finalists:
Pole vault: Cesar Raygoza, Sheboygan North
3200: Ashlyn Mauer, Sheboygan Falls
3200 relay: Chilton
Pole vault: Jessica Steffes, New Holstein
Triple jump: Anna Holzwart, Howards Grove; Kelsey Mauer, Sheboygan Falls
Discus: Stephanie Hennings, Kiel
The weather is sunny (for now, and warm), so it should be prime for some nice times.
Here are today's local finalists:
Division 1
Girls
Shot put: Rachel Breunig, Sheboygan South
Boys
800: Mike Granke, Sheboygan NorthPole vault: Cesar Raygoza, Sheboygan North
Division 2
Girls
800: Dan Glewen, Chilton; Alex Steiner, Chilton3200: Ashlyn Mauer, Sheboygan Falls
3200 relay: Chilton
Pole vault: Jessica Steffes, New Holstein
Triple jump: Anna Holzwart, Howards Grove; Kelsey Mauer, Sheboygan Falls
Discus: Stephanie Hennings, Kiel
Boys
400: Chris Hokanson, Oostburg; Zach Schneider, Kiel
800 relay: New Holstein
High jump: Matt Borchardt, Random Lake
Long jump: Andrew Verfuerth, Howards Grove
Shot put: Kyle Roy, Random Lake
Division 3
Girls
3200: Stacey Thiel, Sheboygan Lutheran
1600 relay: Cedar Grove
3200 relay: Kohler
Triple jump: Casey Hasenstein, Sheboygan Lutheran
Boys
200: Dominic Fiorini, Kohler
400: Dominic Fiorini, Kohler
800: Peter Bolgert, Sheboygan Lutheran; Zach Hasenstein, Sheboygan Lutheran
1600: Peter Bolgert, Sheboygan Lutheran; Myles Galloway, Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah
1600 relay: Sheboygan Lutheran
High jump: Ryan Mulloy, Cedar Grove-Belgium
Friday, June 1, 2007
South baseball team defeated
Fond du Lac, which seems to be the postseason nemesis for North and South, regardless of sport, upset Sheboygan South 9-8 in a WIAA Division 1 baseball regional final today at Wildwood Baseball Park.
The Redwings trailed 3-1, but rallied for six runs in the bottom of the fourth for a 7-3 lead. But the Cardinals answered with a six-run sixth inning for a lead they would not relinquish.
The Redwings trailed 3-1, but rallied for six runs in the bottom of the fourth for a 7-3 lead. But the Cardinals answered with a six-run sixth inning for a lead they would not relinquish.
Kohler doubles team reaches state semifinals
Kohler's doubles team of senior Kyle Wuthrich and sophomore Michael Knabel won their two matches Friday during the WIAA Boys State Individual Tennis Meet and reached the Division 2 semifinals.
Wuthrich and Knabel, the No. 3 seed and now 30-2 on the season, play the No. 2-seeded team of senior John Paradise and junior Dirk VanRybrock of Madison Edgewood (24-2) at 9:30 Saturday morning.
The winners advance to the D2 championship.
-- Sheboygan Press staff
Wuthrich and Knabel, the No. 3 seed and now 30-2 on the season, play the No. 2-seeded team of senior John Paradise and junior Dirk VanRybrock of Madison Edgewood (24-2) at 9:30 Saturday morning.
The winners advance to the D2 championship.
-- Sheboygan Press staff
Highlights from D2 and D3 action
In addition to the medal winners this morning and afternoon, here are a few more highlights from the action:
* Kohler's Dominic Fiorini qualfied for two finals in Division 3 - the 200 and 400. He qualified ninth in the 200 in 23.46 seconds and fifth in the 400 in 51.41.
* Two area runners qualified for the Division 2 finals in the boys 400: Chris Hokanson (6th) of Oostburg and Zach Schneider (7th) of Kiel. Hokanson finished in 51.10, off his area-best mark of 50.77, while Schneider lowered his second-best area time from 51.39 to 51.15.
* Sheboygan Lutheran's nice day was completed in the Division 3 1,600 relay, where it qualified third in 3:31.72. Relay members were Josh Kasinskas, Peter Buck, Alex Maxon and Zach Hasenstein.
* Cedar Grove-Belgium's girls 1600 relay team qualified sixth in Division 3 with a time of 4:12.57. The foursome bettered its area-best time by nearly 2 seconds (4:14.13). Team members are Aimee Large, Allie Anderson, Jackie Obbink and Ali Paul.
* Kohler's Dominic Fiorini qualfied for two finals in Division 3 - the 200 and 400. He qualified ninth in the 200 in 23.46 seconds and fifth in the 400 in 51.41.
* Two area runners qualified for the Division 2 finals in the boys 400: Chris Hokanson (6th) of Oostburg and Zach Schneider (7th) of Kiel. Hokanson finished in 51.10, off his area-best mark of 50.77, while Schneider lowered his second-best area time from 51.39 to 51.15.
* Sheboygan Lutheran's nice day was completed in the Division 3 1,600 relay, where it qualified third in 3:31.72. Relay members were Josh Kasinskas, Peter Buck, Alex Maxon and Zach Hasenstein.
* Cedar Grove-Belgium's girls 1600 relay team qualified sixth in Division 3 with a time of 4:12.57. The foursome bettered its area-best time by nearly 2 seconds (4:14.13). Team members are Aimee Large, Allie Anderson, Jackie Obbink and Ali Paul.
Division 1 starting at 4:30 p.m.
The first day of action in the Division 2 and 3 meets has concluded for the day. We'll provide a list of highlights shortly.
As a light rain continues to fall in La Crosse, the Division 1 slate is set to begin at 4:30, weather permitting. Here's a list of the area Division 1 athletes competing today:
Megan Bruckschen, Sheboygan North, high jump
Rachel Breunig, Sheboygan South, discus
Seth Rooker, Plymouth, high jump
Abby Ausloos, Plymouth, 1600
Craig Dekarske, Sheboygan South, 300 hurdles
Clare Schmidt, Plymouth, 800
- Dave Lubach
As a light rain continues to fall in La Crosse, the Division 1 slate is set to begin at 4:30, weather permitting. Here's a list of the area Division 1 athletes competing today:
Megan Bruckschen, Sheboygan North, high jump
Rachel Breunig, Sheboygan South, discus
Seth Rooker, Plymouth, high jump
Abby Ausloos, Plymouth, 1600
Craig Dekarske, Sheboygan South, 300 hurdles
Clare Schmidt, Plymouth, 800
- Dave Lubach
Sean Hasenstein takes 5th
Sheboygan Lutheran's Sean Hasenstein finished fifth in the boys' 3,200. He was disappointed with that result, because he entered the race with the best seed time.
He employed a good strategy early, running comfortably in about fourth place, just behind the leaders. But that group took off a little more than four laps into the eight-lap race, and Hasenstein couldn't answer.
He employed a good strategy early, running comfortably in about fourth place, just behind the leaders. But that group took off a little more than four laps into the eight-lap race, and Hasenstein couldn't answer.
Ramel sixth in shot put
Random Lake junior Jessica Ramel finished sixth in the Division 2 shot put with a toss of 36-7.25 inches, which was good for a medal in the event.
Lutheran's Thiel wins gold in D3 1,600
Sheboygan Lutheran senior Stacey Thiel won the gold medal Friday morning in the WIAA D3 girls' 1,600-meter run.
She ran the fastest time for that event in the Press coverage area for at least 12 years, clocking a fast 5:05.54.
Thiel made a powerful move around the final turn and built up a strong lead, but had to hold off a hard charge by Pardeeville sophomore Samantha Bluske at the finish line.
Thiel won the event by just one tenth of a second.
--Pete Barth
She ran the fastest time for that event in the Press coverage area for at least 12 years, clocking a fast 5:05.54.
Thiel made a powerful move around the final turn and built up a strong lead, but had to hold off a hard charge by Pardeeville sophomore Samantha Bluske at the finish line.
Thiel won the event by just one tenth of a second.
--Pete Barth
Another 3200 gold
Chilton's 3,200 relay team followed up Sheboygan Lutheran's gold medal in Division 3 with one of its own in Division 2.
Chilton's Dan Glewen broke away from Shorewood's Andrew Erickson in the last 150 meters to win the relay in 7:52.39, more than 25 seconds better than their qualifying time.
Damian Hilbert, Alex Steiner, Dylan Schmidt and Glewen's previous best time was 8:09. They came into the event seeded sixth.
New Holstein also competed in the event, taking 11th place. Sam Skurupey, Greg Skurupey, Mike Schmitz and Nate Jenkins finished in 8:15.56, almost 7 seconds better than their qualifying time.
- Dave Lubach
Chilton's Dan Glewen broke away from Shorewood's Andrew Erickson in the last 150 meters to win the relay in 7:52.39, more than 25 seconds better than their qualifying time.
Damian Hilbert, Alex Steiner, Dylan Schmidt and Glewen's previous best time was 8:09. They came into the event seeded sixth.
New Holstein also competed in the event, taking 11th place. Sam Skurupey, Greg Skurupey, Mike Schmitz and Nate Jenkins finished in 8:15.56, almost 7 seconds better than their qualifying time.
- Dave Lubach
Lutheran 3,200 relay team sets new state record
Sheboygan Lutheran's 3,200-meter relay team just broke its own record in the D3 3,200-meter relay team, running a 7:57.64 and defending its state title with gusto.
Anchor runner Peter Bolgert ran an unbelievable leg, clocking a hard-to-believe 1:55.6 split for his 800-meter dash. What made it even more amazing was that he wasn't pushed at all. Nobody was ever near him.
Lutheran's quartet was comprised of, in order, Peter Buck, Zach Hasenstein, Sean Hasenstein and Bolgert.
The old record, set by Lutheran last year, was 7:58.55.
--Pete Barth
Anchor runner Peter Bolgert ran an unbelievable leg, clocking a hard-to-believe 1:55.6 split for his 800-meter dash. What made it even more amazing was that he wasn't pushed at all. Nobody was ever near him.
Lutheran's quartet was comprised of, in order, Peter Buck, Zach Hasenstein, Sean Hasenstein and Bolgert.
The old record, set by Lutheran last year, was 7:58.55.
--Pete Barth
Saturday, May 26, 2007
State tennis field set
Sheboygan North and Kohler will be well-represented at this week’s WIAA State Tennis Tournament in Madison.
The Golden Raiders will have their top singles player and top two doubles teams in the Division 1 field, while the Blue Bombers will have their top two singles and doubles entries in the Division 2 meet.
The only other area entrant is Sheboygan South’s No. 1 singles player, who will compete in D1 as well.
The state tournament takes place Thursday through Saturday at Nielsen Tennis Stadium on the University of Wisconsin campus.
The following are first-round pairings of the area’s State entrants:
WIAA State Tennis Tournament
First-round pairings
Division 1
Singles
Derek Kieckhafer, soph., Sheboygan South (15-12) vs. Tim Noack, fr., Milwaukee Marquette (24-4)
Brandon Bayliss, sr., Sheboygan North (19-3) receives a first-round bye
Doubles
Andrew Bayliss, soph.-Matt Gassner, sr., Sheboygan North (19-2) receives a first-round bye
Kyle Hertel, sr.-Jake Snyder, Sheboygan North (24-8) vs. Dmitry Ragozin, sr.-Tony Lococo, jr., Homestead (11-2)
Division 2
Singles
Charlie Reinertsen, soph., Kohler (24-6) vs. Sanjay Hariharan, jr., University School (27-5)
Colin Johnson, soph., Kohler (28-3) vs. Eric Garske, sr., McFarland (16-4)
Doubles
Andy Cope, sr.-Tim Fehling, sr., Kohler (16-1) vs. Matt Klepp, sr.-Mike Loehe, soph., East Troy (7-4)
Kyle Wuthrich, sr.-Michael Knabel, soph., Kohler (28-2) receives a first-round bye
--Adam Thompson
The Golden Raiders will have their top singles player and top two doubles teams in the Division 1 field, while the Blue Bombers will have their top two singles and doubles entries in the Division 2 meet.
The only other area entrant is Sheboygan South’s No. 1 singles player, who will compete in D1 as well.
The state tournament takes place Thursday through Saturday at Nielsen Tennis Stadium on the University of Wisconsin campus.
The following are first-round pairings of the area’s State entrants:
WIAA State Tennis Tournament
First-round pairings
Division 1
Singles
Derek Kieckhafer, soph., Sheboygan South (15-12) vs. Tim Noack, fr., Milwaukee Marquette (24-4)
Brandon Bayliss, sr., Sheboygan North (19-3) receives a first-round bye
Doubles
Andrew Bayliss, soph.-Matt Gassner, sr., Sheboygan North (19-2) receives a first-round bye
Kyle Hertel, sr.-Jake Snyder, Sheboygan North (24-8) vs. Dmitry Ragozin, sr.-Tony Lococo, jr., Homestead (11-2)
Division 2
Singles
Charlie Reinertsen, soph., Kohler (24-6) vs. Sanjay Hariharan, jr., University School (27-5)
Colin Johnson, soph., Kohler (28-3) vs. Eric Garske, sr., McFarland (16-4)
Doubles
Andy Cope, sr.-Tim Fehling, sr., Kohler (16-1) vs. Matt Klepp, sr.-Mike Loehe, soph., East Troy (7-4)
Kyle Wuthrich, sr.-Michael Knabel, soph., Kohler (28-2) receives a first-round bye
--Adam Thompson
It's a good time to be a prep baseball fan
If you like high school baseball, then now is a good time to hit the diamonds around the area.
The WIAA spring postseason is under way - Chilton won its regional opener on Friday.
The Division 1 postseason starts Tuesday, with Sheboygan North at Oshkosh West at 4:30 p.m. The winner plays at second-seeded Manitowoc on Friday.
Sheboygan South earned a No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, and host the Fond du Lac/Oshkosh North winner on Friday. The two sectional rounds are June 5 at Watertown.
In addition, the summer season is just getting underway. Plymouth and Howards Grove each hosted tournaments heavy on the local, with league games played during the week.
--Adam Thompson
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Some overdue credit
I should have posted this a few weeks back, but it slipped my mind. But it's never to late to give a deserving athlete some credit for a team-type gesture.
A few weeks back when considering a prep profile, Howards Grove softball coach Danielle Wilson and I were discussing a Tiger for the honor. After much discussion we decided on sophomore Dayton Moenning, a standout pitcher. Wilson had many players who were worthy of the award.
But when Moenning was informed of the honor, she deferred and asked that senior Brynn Schueler be honored. Schueler was the true leader of the Tigers, who won the CLC.
This is the second time in less than a year I've had a Howards Grove athlete defer to a teammate for this award. The first time happened last summer, when Justin Poirier deferred to Eric Valenstein.
Props to these Howards Grove kids for getting involved in sports for all the right reasons - for fun and competition, and not the glory and attention. You guys also deserve some recognition for unselfish acts.
- Dave Lubach
A few weeks back when considering a prep profile, Howards Grove softball coach Danielle Wilson and I were discussing a Tiger for the honor. After much discussion we decided on sophomore Dayton Moenning, a standout pitcher. Wilson had many players who were worthy of the award.
But when Moenning was informed of the honor, she deferred and asked that senior Brynn Schueler be honored. Schueler was the true leader of the Tigers, who won the CLC.
This is the second time in less than a year I've had a Howards Grove athlete defer to a teammate for this award. The first time happened last summer, when Justin Poirier deferred to Eric Valenstein.
Props to these Howards Grove kids for getting involved in sports for all the right reasons - for fun and competition, and not the glory and attention. You guys also deserve some recognition for unselfish acts.
- Dave Lubach
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
12-year track & field honor roll
We'll unveil it in the paper and online sometime before next week's state meet.
I'll give you all an appetizer. Three males and three females have cracked the top three efforts since 1996 THIS season.
The boys are:
* Sheboygan North's Mike Granke, who ran a blistering 1:56.9 earlier this season. That tied Lutheran's Adam Lang's WIAA Division 3 state gold-medal winning effort at La Crosse last June.
* North teammate Cesar Raygoza pole vaulted 13-10, second-best to Plymouth's Jake Kruger's 14-7 in 2003.
* Random Lake's Kyle Roy threw the shot put 54-9.5, second to Plymouth's Chris Diedrich's 54-10 (1997).
The girls:
* Stacey Thiel clocked a fast 11:16.44 in the 3,200, second-best to Laurel Kleiber of Plymouth (11:09, at State, in 2005).
* Random Lake's Jessica Ramel's 39-8.5 in the shot is second-best since 1996 to Oostburg's Caryn Daane (44-5, in 2005).
* Cedar Grove-Belgium's Ali Paul, who was at No. 3 already in the 800, stayed at that position but improved her time to 2:21.97. That trails 12-year No. 2 Jess Scott of Kiel (2:18.3, in 2005).
--Pete Barth
I'll give you all an appetizer. Three males and three females have cracked the top three efforts since 1996 THIS season.
The boys are:
* Sheboygan North's Mike Granke, who ran a blistering 1:56.9 earlier this season. That tied Lutheran's Adam Lang's WIAA Division 3 state gold-medal winning effort at La Crosse last June.
* North teammate Cesar Raygoza pole vaulted 13-10, second-best to Plymouth's Jake Kruger's 14-7 in 2003.
* Random Lake's Kyle Roy threw the shot put 54-9.5, second to Plymouth's Chris Diedrich's 54-10 (1997).
The girls:
* Stacey Thiel clocked a fast 11:16.44 in the 3,200, second-best to Laurel Kleiber of Plymouth (11:09, at State, in 2005).
* Random Lake's Jessica Ramel's 39-8.5 in the shot is second-best since 1996 to Oostburg's Caryn Daane (44-5, in 2005).
* Cedar Grove-Belgium's Ali Paul, who was at No. 3 already in the 800, stayed at that position but improved her time to 2:21.97. That trails 12-year No. 2 Jess Scott of Kiel (2:18.3, in 2005).
--Pete Barth
Pictures of sports heartbreak
Now that the spring postseason is upon us, the wins and losses obviously mean so much more.
The thrill of victory is accentuated, and the agony of defeat is heightened.
It's all part of the natural order of high school sports. For every winner, there's a loser.
Over the years, Sheboygan Press photographers have captured some incredible shots of complete and utter jubilation as teams have won big playoff games and maybe even made it to State. Smiles, hugs, players jumping all around. Great stuff.
On the flip side, those same photographers have told the equally compelling story of defeat. On the front of the Wednesday Press, for example, there's a photo of two Plymouth softball players consoling each other after an unexpectedly early playoff exit.
Over the years, this type of shot has angered some readers. Some folks think we should avoid running these types of photos, that they somehow make the young athletes "look bad" in their time of sadness. But I strongly disagree. There is absolutely no shame in human emotion, no shame whatsoever in young athletes showing how much they care.
In fact, that level of caring is one of the things that make high school sports so appealing.
--Pete Barth
The thrill of victory is accentuated, and the agony of defeat is heightened.
It's all part of the natural order of high school sports. For every winner, there's a loser.
Over the years, Sheboygan Press photographers have captured some incredible shots of complete and utter jubilation as teams have won big playoff games and maybe even made it to State. Smiles, hugs, players jumping all around. Great stuff.
On the flip side, those same photographers have told the equally compelling story of defeat. On the front of the Wednesday Press, for example, there's a photo of two Plymouth softball players consoling each other after an unexpectedly early playoff exit.
Over the years, this type of shot has angered some readers. Some folks think we should avoid running these types of photos, that they somehow make the young athletes "look bad" in their time of sadness. But I strongly disagree. There is absolutely no shame in human emotion, no shame whatsoever in young athletes showing how much they care.
In fact, that level of caring is one of the things that make high school sports so appealing.
--Pete Barth
Elkhart's Myles Galloway
What a race!
Six runners entered the boys' 1,600 meter run at Monday's WIAA Division 3 regional at Cedar Grove with seed times faster than 4:41 (that's an unbelievably loaded field for a regional).
Sheboygan Lutheran's Peter Bolgert came in as the second-fastest seed, but he broke top-seeded Matthew DeVillers on the second lap and pulled away to win in 4:27.52 (a track record and area season best).
Four runners broke 4:40, including Elkhart Lake's freshman flash, Myles Galloway.
Galloway is a fantastic athlete with a hockey background who seems to have a great amount of heart and tenacity.
He charged down the final straightaway to finish third in 4:36.08, more than four seconds better than his previous best. He advanced to Thursday's sectional, and if he runs a similar time, he's got a great shot at getting to State.
--Pete Barth
Six runners entered the boys' 1,600 meter run at Monday's WIAA Division 3 regional at Cedar Grove with seed times faster than 4:41 (that's an unbelievably loaded field for a regional).
Sheboygan Lutheran's Peter Bolgert came in as the second-fastest seed, but he broke top-seeded Matthew DeVillers on the second lap and pulled away to win in 4:27.52 (a track record and area season best).
Four runners broke 4:40, including Elkhart Lake's freshman flash, Myles Galloway.
Galloway is a fantastic athlete with a hockey background who seems to have a great amount of heart and tenacity.
He charged down the final straightaway to finish third in 4:36.08, more than four seconds better than his previous best. He advanced to Thursday's sectional, and if he runs a similar time, he's got a great shot at getting to State.
--Pete Barth
Monday, May 21, 2007
Lutheran athlete pulls a Bo Jackson
Well, sort of.
For those too young, Bo Jackson was a pro superstar in football and baseball, and at times at the same time when both of those seasons were going on simultaneously.
Brian Begalke had a similar stretch. The junior won conference championships in two different sports last week.
He was part of the Crusaders’ 3,200 relay team that won at the Central Lakeshore Conference meet (he also took second in the 3,200), then was as a member of the golf team that won a team title, earning all-conference honors in the process.
Brian knows sports.
--Adam Thompson
For those too young, Bo Jackson was a pro superstar in football and baseball, and at times at the same time when both of those seasons were going on simultaneously.
Brian Begalke had a similar stretch. The junior won conference championships in two different sports last week.
He was part of the Crusaders’ 3,200 relay team that won at the Central Lakeshore Conference meet (he also took second in the 3,200), then was as a member of the golf team that won a team title, earning all-conference honors in the process.
Brian knows sports.
--Adam Thompson
Sunday, May 20, 2007
The postseason really gets rolling
Every sport but baseball gets the postseason ball really going this week, starting Monday afternoon with track and field regionals and going through Saturday with soccer regional finals.
In case you're wondering what's going on this week (playoff-wise), here it is below:
Monday
TRACK AND FIELD REGIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Beaver Dam
Division 2 - Chilton, Howards Grove, Kiel, New Holstein at Valders; Oostburg, Random Lake, Sheboygan Falls at Lomira
Division 3 - Elkhart Lake, Kohler, Ozaukee, Sheboygan Lutheran at Cedar Grove
Tuesday
TENNIS SUBSECTIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Oshkosh West
Division 2 - Chilton, Howards Grove, Kohler, Sheboygan Lutheran, Sheboygan Christian at Sheboygan Falls (Sports Core)
SOFTBALL REGIONAL SEMIFINALS (seeding in parenthesis)
Division 1 - (5) Sheboygan South at (4) Fond du Lac; (6) West Bend West at (3) Sheboygan North
Division 2 - (3) Winnebago Lutheran at (2) Plymouth; (4) Kiel at (1) Campbellsport
Division 3 - (3) Oostburg at (2) Howards Grove
Division 4 - (3) Elkhart Lake at (2) NEW Lutheran
GOLF REGIONALS
Division 2 - Chilton, New Hol¬stein at Badger Creek; Kiel, Random Lake, Sheboygan Falls at Hawthorne Hills
Division 3 - Cedar Grove, Kohler, Oostburg, Ozaukee at Blackwolf Run; Elkhart Lake, Howards Grove, She¬boygan Lutheran, Sheboygan Chris¬tian at Eagle Bluff
Wednesday
GOLF REGIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Quit Qui Oc
Thursday
TRACK AND FIELD SECTIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Hart¬ford
Division 2 - Chilton, Howards Grove, Kiel, New Holstein at Luxem¬burg-Casco; Oostburg, Random Lake, Sheboygan Falls at Kewaskum
Division 3 - Elkhart Lake, Kohler, Ozaukee, Sheboygan Luther¬an, Cedar Grove at Princeton
TENNIS SECTIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Oshkosh North
Division 2 - Chilton, Howards Grove, Sheboygan Lutheran, Sheboy¬gan Christian, Sheboygan Falls at Kohler (Sports Core)
SOFTBALL REGIONAL FINALS(seeding in parenthesis)
Division 1 - South/Fond du Lac winner at (1) Oshkosh West; North/West winner vs. Oshkosh North/West Bend East winner
Division 2 - Winnebago Luther¬an/Plymouth winner vs. Kiel/Camp¬bellsport winner
Division 3 - Oostburg/Howards winner vs. Oakfield/Lomira winner
Division 4 - Elkhart Lake/NEW Lutheran winner vs. Oshkosh Lour¬des/Gibraltar winner
SOCCER REGIONAL SEMIFINALS(seeding in parenthesis)
Division 1 - (5) Sheboygan South at (4) Plymouth, 4:30 p.m.; (7) Kaukauna at (2) Sheboygan North, 7 p.m.
Division 2 - (6) Waupun at (3) New Holstein, 7 p.m.; (7) Two Rivers at (2) Kiel, 4:30 p.m.
Division 3 - (8) Sheboygan Lutheran at (1) Ozaukee, 5 p.m.; (4) Howards Grove at (5) Sheboygan Christian, 4:30 p.m.; (6) Manitowoc Roncalli at (3) Oostburg, 7 p.m.; (7) Cedar Grove at (2) Random Lake, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
SOCCER REGIONAL FINALS
Division 1 - South/Plymouth winner vs. Green Bay Preble/Mani¬towoc winner; Kaukauna/North win¬ner vs. Kimberly/Green Bay East win¬ner
Division 2 - (5) Kewaskum/(4) Campbellsport at (1) Sheboygan Falls; New Holstein/Waupun winner vs. Two Rivers/Kiel winner
In case you're wondering what's going on this week (playoff-wise), here it is below:
Monday
TRACK AND FIELD REGIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Beaver Dam
Division 2 - Chilton, Howards Grove, Kiel, New Holstein at Valders; Oostburg, Random Lake, Sheboygan Falls at Lomira
Division 3 - Elkhart Lake, Kohler, Ozaukee, Sheboygan Lutheran at Cedar Grove
Tuesday
TENNIS SUBSECTIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Oshkosh West
Division 2 - Chilton, Howards Grove, Kohler, Sheboygan Lutheran, Sheboygan Christian at Sheboygan Falls (Sports Core)
SOFTBALL REGIONAL SEMIFINALS (seeding in parenthesis)
Division 1 - (5) Sheboygan South at (4) Fond du Lac; (6) West Bend West at (3) Sheboygan North
Division 2 - (3) Winnebago Lutheran at (2) Plymouth; (4) Kiel at (1) Campbellsport
Division 3 - (3) Oostburg at (2) Howards Grove
Division 4 - (3) Elkhart Lake at (2) NEW Lutheran
GOLF REGIONALS
Division 2 - Chilton, New Hol¬stein at Badger Creek; Kiel, Random Lake, Sheboygan Falls at Hawthorne Hills
Division 3 - Cedar Grove, Kohler, Oostburg, Ozaukee at Blackwolf Run; Elkhart Lake, Howards Grove, She¬boygan Lutheran, Sheboygan Chris¬tian at Eagle Bluff
Wednesday
GOLF REGIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Quit Qui Oc
Thursday
TRACK AND FIELD SECTIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Hart¬ford
Division 2 - Chilton, Howards Grove, Kiel, New Holstein at Luxem¬burg-Casco; Oostburg, Random Lake, Sheboygan Falls at Kewaskum
Division 3 - Elkhart Lake, Kohler, Ozaukee, Sheboygan Luther¬an, Cedar Grove at Princeton
TENNIS SECTIONALS
Division 1 - Plymouth, Sheboy¬gan North, Sheboygan South at Oshkosh North
Division 2 - Chilton, Howards Grove, Sheboygan Lutheran, Sheboy¬gan Christian, Sheboygan Falls at Kohler (Sports Core)
SOFTBALL REGIONAL FINALS(seeding in parenthesis)
Division 1 - South/Fond du Lac winner at (1) Oshkosh West; North/West winner vs. Oshkosh North/West Bend East winner
Division 2 - Winnebago Luther¬an/Plymouth winner vs. Kiel/Camp¬bellsport winner
Division 3 - Oostburg/Howards winner vs. Oakfield/Lomira winner
Division 4 - Elkhart Lake/NEW Lutheran winner vs. Oshkosh Lour¬des/Gibraltar winner
SOCCER REGIONAL SEMIFINALS(seeding in parenthesis)
Division 1 - (5) Sheboygan South at (4) Plymouth, 4:30 p.m.; (7) Kaukauna at (2) Sheboygan North, 7 p.m.
Division 2 - (6) Waupun at (3) New Holstein, 7 p.m.; (7) Two Rivers at (2) Kiel, 4:30 p.m.
Division 3 - (8) Sheboygan Lutheran at (1) Ozaukee, 5 p.m.; (4) Howards Grove at (5) Sheboygan Christian, 4:30 p.m.; (6) Manitowoc Roncalli at (3) Oostburg, 7 p.m.; (7) Cedar Grove at (2) Random Lake, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
SOCCER REGIONAL FINALS
Division 1 - South/Plymouth winner vs. Green Bay Preble/Mani¬towoc winner; Kaukauna/North win¬ner vs. Kimberly/Green Bay East win¬ner
Division 2 - (5) Kewaskum/(4) Campbellsport at (1) Sheboygan Falls; New Holstein/Waupun winner vs. Two Rivers/Kiel winner
Friday, May 11, 2007
Bares nearing history
Ozaukee senior soccer star Ashley Bares is a hat trick away from reaching 200 goals for her career, a number unmatched in state history.
Barea's total of 197 has already been established as a state record, one that probably won't be broken for a long time. Her 69 goals during her sophomore season is another state mark that's likely to stick.
The historic 200th goal will likely take place in the next few days. Ozaukee plays at Plymouth on Saturday at 3 p.m., then play at Oostburg at 7 p.m. on Monday.
Barea's total of 197 has already been established as a state record, one that probably won't be broken for a long time. Her 69 goals during her sophomore season is another state mark that's likely to stick.
The historic 200th goal will likely take place in the next few days. Ozaukee plays at Plymouth on Saturday at 3 p.m., then play at Oostburg at 7 p.m. on Monday.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Our 12-year track honor roll
One of the things I enjoy doing is comparing area track and field times and distances with the great local performances of the past.
Of all the sports, track and field truly is the one you can best compare standouts from all eras.
My first high school track season in Sheboygan was 1996; that year, I began what would become an annual staple of our spring preps coverage: The season honor roll.
Last year, I took a look back at all of the season honor rolls we had compiled, and created an "11-year honor roll."
We'll now update that master file, and with another year behind us, unveil it sometime soon as our 12-year honor roll.
Hey, before you know it, we'll have 20 years in the books of tracking the Sheboygan area's best all-time track and field performances.
If you're a track and field lover, and you notice a mistake or omission from the 12-year honor roll, please email me at pbarth@sheboygan-press.com and let me know!
--Pete Barth
Of all the sports, track and field truly is the one you can best compare standouts from all eras.
My first high school track season in Sheboygan was 1996; that year, I began what would become an annual staple of our spring preps coverage: The season honor roll.
Last year, I took a look back at all of the season honor rolls we had compiled, and created an "11-year honor roll."
We'll now update that master file, and with another year behind us, unveil it sometime soon as our 12-year honor roll.
Hey, before you know it, we'll have 20 years in the books of tracking the Sheboygan area's best all-time track and field performances.
If you're a track and field lover, and you notice a mistake or omission from the 12-year honor roll, please email me at pbarth@sheboygan-press.com and let me know!
--Pete Barth
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Another sign that spring sports are "different"
The most recent sign that the spring sports season doesn't come with the same level of weight as fall or winter:
Random Lake's girls soccer team went 1-1-1 at the Menasha St. Mary Central Invite on Saturday. In the final game of the day, the Rams' lone loss, the team had just nine players on the field.
Why? Because it's prom night, and four of the girls - only 13 made the trip because of the dance - drove back to Random Lake before the final game get a head start on getting ready.
Sheboygan Christian went 1-2 at the same tournament. The Eagles were also shorthanded on the day, especially the final game, as players left for a wedding, a play dress rehearsal and a couple of other mostly school-related events.
That's not to single out Random Lake or Sheboygan Christian. That example isn't as much an exception as it is a rule, how sports drops way down on the priority list in the lives of student-athletes, behind field trips, college entrance exams, dances and everything else that goes along with the spring season.
Spring Break decimates sports teams' rosters for a week, and weekend events are often times hampered by the tests and field trips.
Once the postseason gets going, so do the high school teams. The intensity picks up. But before that, it isn't surprising to find teams short-handed for reasons other than injury.
--Adam Thompson
Random Lake's girls soccer team went 1-1-1 at the Menasha St. Mary Central Invite on Saturday. In the final game of the day, the Rams' lone loss, the team had just nine players on the field.
Why? Because it's prom night, and four of the girls - only 13 made the trip because of the dance - drove back to Random Lake before the final game get a head start on getting ready.
Sheboygan Christian went 1-2 at the same tournament. The Eagles were also shorthanded on the day, especially the final game, as players left for a wedding, a play dress rehearsal and a couple of other mostly school-related events.
That's not to single out Random Lake or Sheboygan Christian. That example isn't as much an exception as it is a rule, how sports drops way down on the priority list in the lives of student-athletes, behind field trips, college entrance exams, dances and everything else that goes along with the spring season.
Spring Break decimates sports teams' rosters for a week, and weekend events are often times hampered by the tests and field trips.
Once the postseason gets going, so do the high school teams. The intensity picks up. But before that, it isn't surprising to find teams short-handed for reasons other than injury.
--Adam Thompson
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
South baseball No. 5 in state
Sheboygan South was ranked No. 5 in Division 1 in the most recent Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association state rankings. And it's no fluke.
The Redwings have three great pitchers and a solid batting order that has the potential to can produce a string of runs in any inning.
It really is a team built for a postseason run, when sectional doubleheaders require three solid throwers. Most high school teams don't have three solid guys they can put out there.
Before the playoffs, the Redwings have a different goal. At 7-0 in the Fox River Valley Conference, a league championship is within reach.
--Adam Thompson
Monday, April 30, 2007
Set your DVR for TV8 at 8 a.m.
Sports Talk, a sports information program by Sheboygan cable access channel TV-8, focused on high school girls basketball for its latest installment.
The program included discussions on how girls basketball has evolved, recruiting issues, what it takes to be a successful player, leadership, coaching concerns and more.
The show featured Sheboygan North head coach Susie Runaas; North all-state performer Kayla Tetschlag; Sheboygan South head coach Tim Crowns; and South all-conference standout Amy Selk.
This week, the show will air on TV-8 Wednesday and Friday at 8 a.m. The show aired several times last week.
--Adam Thompson
The program included discussions on how girls basketball has evolved, recruiting issues, what it takes to be a successful player, leadership, coaching concerns and more.
The show featured Sheboygan North head coach Susie Runaas; North all-state performer Kayla Tetschlag; Sheboygan South head coach Tim Crowns; and South all-conference standout Amy Selk.
This week, the show will air on TV-8 Wednesday and Friday at 8 a.m. The show aired several times last week.
--Adam Thompson
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Weather forces plethora of changes
Because April is usually a terrible month for weather in these parts, and because the WIAA spring season starts too early for just about everyone, many, many changes to the local high school sports schedule have been made.
Blizzards, rain and cold have forced postponements and even a few cancellations.
Many schools sent their rescheduled events, which were published in Tuesday's edition.
Sheboygan North is the most recent school to send in its rescheduled games. Here are the Golden Raiders' new dates:
Baseball
Thursday April 19: 4:15pm G.B. Southwest at North
Wednesday April 25: 4:00pm North at Manitowoc
Softball
Friday April 20: 4:15pm G.B. East at North
Soccer
Ozaukee TBD
Friday April 27th 4:30pm JV, Plymouth at North
Friday April 27th 5:00pm Waupun at North
--Adam Thompson
Blizzards, rain and cold have forced postponements and even a few cancellations.
Many schools sent their rescheduled events, which were published in Tuesday's edition.
Sheboygan North is the most recent school to send in its rescheduled games. Here are the Golden Raiders' new dates:
Baseball
Thursday April 19: 4:15pm G.B. Southwest at North
Wednesday April 25: 4:00pm North at Manitowoc
Softball
Friday April 20: 4:15pm G.B. East at North
Soccer
Ozaukee TBD
Friday April 27th 4:30pm JV, Plymouth at North
Friday April 27th 5:00pm Waupun at North
--Adam Thompson
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Congrats to All-Star players
Oostburg's Andrew Zimmermann and Howards Grove's Tyler Morgen both earned roster spots in the Division 3 Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game.
The WBCA hosts annual All-Star Games, one for each division, for the state's top seniors to showcase their skills. The boys games will be held June 23 at the UW Fieldhouse.
While the girls' team have not been formally announced, Kayla Tetschlag of Sheboygan North and Staci Dieringer of Random Lake will play in the Division 1 and Division 3 All-Star Games, respectively. Laura Hayward of North is an alternate.
--Adam Thompson
The WBCA hosts annual All-Star Games, one for each division, for the state's top seniors to showcase their skills. The boys games will be held June 23 at the UW Fieldhouse.
While the girls' team have not been formally announced, Kayla Tetschlag of Sheboygan North and Staci Dieringer of Random Lake will play in the Division 1 and Division 3 All-Star Games, respectively. Laura Hayward of North is an alternate.
--Adam Thompson
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Dean Foods Classic coming up
If you like seeing the area's top basketball players, don't miss the annual Dean Foods Classic, set for March 30-April 1.
But many of the state's best, which is a regularity are absent.
Only 15 teams are in this year's field, thanks in part to a new Milwaukee AAU tournament that has kept many of those area's kids closer to home.
But this area's top players are hanging around, and many of them are on the same team.
The Dean Foods' No. 1 seed is defending champ Randolph Boys Club, which includes, among others, Randolph senior Dan Tillema and Manitowoc Roncalli senior Greg Schrimpf.
The No. 2 seed is the Milwaukee Spartans, who include Dwight Byucks of Milwaukee Bay View and Dennis Thomas of Milwaukee Tech.
The top local team is fifth-seeded Plymouth Plumbing & Heating, which has these area all-stars: Andrew Zimmermann and Justin Wilterdink of Oostburg, TJ Kellner and Tom Eirich of Sheboygan North, Logan Dellger, Adam Doebert and Mike Flood of Plymouth, Christian Wolf of Kohler, Tyler Veldkamp of Sheboygan Christian and Mitch Schneider of New Holstein.
That team has a serious chance to be the first local team to contend for the Dean Foods championship in a long while.
--Adam Thompson
But many of the state's best, which is a regularity are absent.
Only 15 teams are in this year's field, thanks in part to a new Milwaukee AAU tournament that has kept many of those area's kids closer to home.
But this area's top players are hanging around, and many of them are on the same team.
The Dean Foods' No. 1 seed is defending champ Randolph Boys Club, which includes, among others, Randolph senior Dan Tillema and Manitowoc Roncalli senior Greg Schrimpf.
The No. 2 seed is the Milwaukee Spartans, who include Dwight Byucks of Milwaukee Bay View and Dennis Thomas of Milwaukee Tech.
The top local team is fifth-seeded Plymouth Plumbing & Heating, which has these area all-stars: Andrew Zimmermann and Justin Wilterdink of Oostburg, TJ Kellner and Tom Eirich of Sheboygan North, Logan Dellger, Adam Doebert and Mike Flood of Plymouth, Christian Wolf of Kohler, Tyler Veldkamp of Sheboygan Christian and Mitch Schneider of New Holstein.
That team has a serious chance to be the first local team to contend for the Dean Foods championship in a long while.
--Adam Thompson
Monday, March 19, 2007
Without further ado...
PREP BASKETBALL
BOYS ALL-STATE TEAM
The 2007 Associated Press boys all-state team, as voted on by a statewide panel of media members:
FIRST TEAM
Tim Jarmusz, Oshkosh West, 6-6 Sr.
Keaton Nankivil, Madison Memorial, 6-8 Sr.
Diante Garrett, Milwaukee Vincent, 6-4 Sr.
Scott Christopherson, La Crosse Aquinas, 6-2 Sr.
Dwight Buycks, Milwaukee Bay View, 6-2 Sr.
SECOND TEAM
Korie Lucious, Milwaukee Pius, 5-10 Jr.
Matt Hackl, Seymour, 6-7 Sr.
James Haarsma, Racine St. Catherine’s, 6-6 Sr.
Will Hudson, Middleton, 6-9 Sr.
Bryquis Perine, Milwaukee Vincent, 6-3 Sr.
THIRD TEAM
Kwamain Mitchell, Whitefish Bay Dominican, 6-0 Jr.
Dan Tillema, Randolph, 6-4 Sr.
Jeronne Maymon, Madison Memorial, 6-6 So.
Louis Hurd, Portage, 6-5 Sr.
Chris Vines, Milwaukee Washington, 6-3 Sr.
FOURTH TEAM
Scott Gillespie, Ripon, 6-0 Sr.
Dan Culy, Rice Lake, 6-0 Sr.
Ryan Rasmussen, Waupun, 6-2 Jr.
Andrew Zimmermann, Oostburg, 6-8 Sr.
Rico Combs, Wauwatosa West, 6-7 Sr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Keaton Nankivil, Madison Memorial
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Letsch, Racine St. Catherine’s (unanimous)
HONORABLE MENTION
Steve Djurickovic, Kenosha Bradford, Sr.
Brendan Sigler, Waterford, Sr.
John Henney, Burlington Catholic Central, Sr.
Conor Smith, Waukesha Catholic Memorial, Sr.
Jamil Wilson, Racine Horlick, So.
Matt Dorlack, New Berlin Eisenhower, Sr.
Anthony Hill, Bradley Tech, Sr.
Jared Jenkins, Milwaukee King, Sr.
Rick Wagner, West Allis Hale, Jr.
Travis Handy, Milwaukee Lutheran, Sr.
Brandon Whiteside, Wisconsin Lutheran, Jr.
Lee Pethan, Hilbert, Sr.
Robert Frozena, St. Mary Central, Sr.
Josh Regal, Suring, Jr.
Dennis Tinnon, Green Bay East, Sr.
Luke Baryenbruch, River Valley, Sr.
Bradie Ewing, Richland Center, Jr.
Tommie Gaston, Adams-Friendship, So.
Nick Allen, Barneveld, Sr.
Nick Krull, Marshall, Sr.
Lukas Holland, La Crosse Central, Sr.
Dan Schmidtknecht, La Crosse Logan, Sr.
Jordan Rumpel, Arcadia, Jr.
Lance Rongstad, Eleva-Strum, Jr.
Tim Larson, Westby, Sr.
Austin Meier, Oshkosh West, Sr.
Andy Kretsch, Manitowoc Lincoln, Sr.
Robert Linzmeier, Valders, Jr.
Greg Schrimpf, Manitowoc Roncalli, Sr.
T.J. Kellner, Sheboygan North, Jr.
Matt Karls, Verona, Sr.
Michael Zweifel, Whitewater, Sr.
David Wipperfurth, Sauk Prairie, Sr.
Brock Bidlingmaier, Monroe, Sr.
Jason Ziemer, Verona, So.
Shane Manor, Altoona, Sr.
Marcus Helland, Baldwin-Woodville, Sr.
Matt DeMars, Eau Claire Regis, Sr.
Josh Murray, Pepin, Sr.
Jimmy Thompson, Hayward, Sr.
--Adam Thompson
BOYS ALL-STATE TEAM
The 2007 Associated Press boys all-state team, as voted on by a statewide panel of media members:
FIRST TEAM
Tim Jarmusz, Oshkosh West, 6-6 Sr.
Keaton Nankivil, Madison Memorial, 6-8 Sr.
Diante Garrett, Milwaukee Vincent, 6-4 Sr.
Scott Christopherson, La Crosse Aquinas, 6-2 Sr.
Dwight Buycks, Milwaukee Bay View, 6-2 Sr.
SECOND TEAM
Korie Lucious, Milwaukee Pius, 5-10 Jr.
Matt Hackl, Seymour, 6-7 Sr.
James Haarsma, Racine St. Catherine’s, 6-6 Sr.
Will Hudson, Middleton, 6-9 Sr.
Bryquis Perine, Milwaukee Vincent, 6-3 Sr.
THIRD TEAM
Kwamain Mitchell, Whitefish Bay Dominican, 6-0 Jr.
Dan Tillema, Randolph, 6-4 Sr.
Jeronne Maymon, Madison Memorial, 6-6 So.
Louis Hurd, Portage, 6-5 Sr.
Chris Vines, Milwaukee Washington, 6-3 Sr.
FOURTH TEAM
Scott Gillespie, Ripon, 6-0 Sr.
Dan Culy, Rice Lake, 6-0 Sr.
Ryan Rasmussen, Waupun, 6-2 Jr.
Andrew Zimmermann, Oostburg, 6-8 Sr.
Rico Combs, Wauwatosa West, 6-7 Sr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Keaton Nankivil, Madison Memorial
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Letsch, Racine St. Catherine’s (unanimous)
HONORABLE MENTION
Steve Djurickovic, Kenosha Bradford, Sr.
Brendan Sigler, Waterford, Sr.
John Henney, Burlington Catholic Central, Sr.
Conor Smith, Waukesha Catholic Memorial, Sr.
Jamil Wilson, Racine Horlick, So.
Matt Dorlack, New Berlin Eisenhower, Sr.
Anthony Hill, Bradley Tech, Sr.
Jared Jenkins, Milwaukee King, Sr.
Rick Wagner, West Allis Hale, Jr.
Travis Handy, Milwaukee Lutheran, Sr.
Brandon Whiteside, Wisconsin Lutheran, Jr.
Lee Pethan, Hilbert, Sr.
Robert Frozena, St. Mary Central, Sr.
Josh Regal, Suring, Jr.
Dennis Tinnon, Green Bay East, Sr.
Luke Baryenbruch, River Valley, Sr.
Bradie Ewing, Richland Center, Jr.
Tommie Gaston, Adams-Friendship, So.
Nick Allen, Barneveld, Sr.
Nick Krull, Marshall, Sr.
Lukas Holland, La Crosse Central, Sr.
Dan Schmidtknecht, La Crosse Logan, Sr.
Jordan Rumpel, Arcadia, Jr.
Lance Rongstad, Eleva-Strum, Jr.
Tim Larson, Westby, Sr.
Austin Meier, Oshkosh West, Sr.
Andy Kretsch, Manitowoc Lincoln, Sr.
Robert Linzmeier, Valders, Jr.
Greg Schrimpf, Manitowoc Roncalli, Sr.
T.J. Kellner, Sheboygan North, Jr.
Matt Karls, Verona, Sr.
Michael Zweifel, Whitewater, Sr.
David Wipperfurth, Sauk Prairie, Sr.
Brock Bidlingmaier, Monroe, Sr.
Jason Ziemer, Verona, So.
Shane Manor, Altoona, Sr.
Marcus Helland, Baldwin-Woodville, Sr.
Matt DeMars, Eau Claire Regis, Sr.
Josh Murray, Pepin, Sr.
Jimmy Thompson, Hayward, Sr.
--Adam Thompson
Check here late tonight for boys All-State hoops team
The Associated Press All-State boys basketball teams will be released tonight. The information cannot be released until 11 p.m. tonight, so check back here shortly after that time for the full four teams and honorable mention selections.
Two area players got some mention. I'll let you guess who those were until 11 p.m.
--Adam Thompson
Two area players got some mention. I'll let you guess who those were until 11 p.m.
--Adam Thompson
Bryce Paup named new FB coach at GB Southwest
Former NFL linebacker Bryce Paup was named the new head football at Green Bay Southwest on Monday.
Paup, 39, was a four-time Pro Bowler during his 10-year career, including the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 with the Buffalo Bills.
Paup replaces Scott Mallien, who resigned in November after 11 years at Southwest, including a 5-6 record and a first-round playoff win last season.
Paup has been a volunteer assistant coach for De Pere for the past three years, and works in the Bellin Fitness Center’s Excel program.
--Adam Thompson
Paup, 39, was a four-time Pro Bowler during his 10-year career, including the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 with the Buffalo Bills.
Paup replaces Scott Mallien, who resigned in November after 11 years at Southwest, including a 5-6 record and a first-round playoff win last season.
Paup has been a volunteer assistant coach for De Pere for the past three years, and works in the Bellin Fitness Center’s Excel program.
--Adam Thompson
Sunday, March 11, 2007
That's it from Madison
Thanks for following along on this memorable run through the WIAA State Girls Basketball Tournament. Check back to this blog during the high school sports seasons for updates and opinions.
Hayward gets praise from opponent
Laura Hayward was called up to the varsity level for the regional final her freshman year, and then-rookie head coach Susie Runaas had the bravery to start her.
It paid off, as the point guard scored 12 points and led the Raiders to a victory over Sheboygan South.
Hayward was instrumental in her final game, as well, with 11 points and four assists. She certainly made a believer out of Vincent guard Teri Stamps, who had 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting.
“She’s the best guard I’ve played against all year. She worked me to death,” said Stamps. “I respect her100 percent.”
--Adam Thompson
It paid off, as the point guard scored 12 points and led the Raiders to a victory over Sheboygan South.
Hayward was instrumental in her final game, as well, with 11 points and four assists. She certainly made a believer out of Vincent guard Teri Stamps, who had 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting.
“She’s the best guard I’ve played against all year. She worked me to death,” said Stamps. “I respect her100 percent.”
--Adam Thompson
Tetschlag MVP, Hayward earns honor
Kayla Tetschlag was named the WIAA State Tournament's Most Valuable Player. She had 19 points and four rebounds in the title game.
She was joined on the all-tournament team by fellow Raider Laura Hayward.
Rounding out the team:
Milwaukee Vincent's Teri Stamps, Destinee Blue and Jade Hatchett
Grafton's Rachael Hencke
Cuba City's Tami Gleason
New London's Michelle Handschke
Flambeau's Whitney Verdegan and Beth Alberson
La Crosse Logan's Danielle Jorgenson
--Adam Thompson
She was joined on the all-tournament team by fellow Raider Laura Hayward.
Rounding out the team:
Milwaukee Vincent's Teri Stamps, Destinee Blue and Jade Hatchett
Grafton's Rachael Hencke
Cuba City's Tami Gleason
New London's Michelle Handschke
Flambeau's Whitney Verdegan and Beth Alberson
La Crosse Logan's Danielle Jorgenson
--Adam Thompson
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Runaas on the seniors
Someone asked Coach Runaas during the post-game press conference to sum up her feelings for the senior class.
"How much time do you have?" she asked.
Then Runaas asked Kayla Tetschlag, sitting near her, to summarize the senior class.
"Every year, we took a step further than the year before. To summarize, it's been amazing. We've built friendships for a lifetime. Amazing."
Added Runaas: "I love this team to death. As for Kayla, we've been together through thick and thin. She made me a better coach, and I hope I've made her a better player."
(Tetschlag nodded her head up and down enthusiastically).
--Pete Barth
"How much time do you have?" she asked.
Then Runaas asked Kayla Tetschlag, sitting near her, to summarize the senior class.
"Every year, we took a step further than the year before. To summarize, it's been amazing. We've built friendships for a lifetime. Amazing."
Added Runaas: "I love this team to death. As for Kayla, we've been together through thick and thin. She made me a better coach, and I hope I've made her a better player."
(Tetschlag nodded her head up and down enthusiastically).
--Pete Barth
Kayla Tetschlag quotes
* (On what made Vincent so tough to deal with inside) "Size, athleticism, a lot of things. WE fought hard. Obviously, they have big girls, but they hit shots, too, so it's pick your poison."
* (Asked if she can already see the big picture, and appreciate the journey) "I can. We just talked about that in the locker room. We did a lot of reflecting about how great a team we were, and nobody can take that away. Nobody can take away the friendships we've built."
* "There's a good future ahead for the Lady Raiders. Once a Lady Raider, always a Lady Raider, and we'll all be back helping and pushing the young players in the future, supporting them in every way."
--Pete Barth
* (Asked if she can already see the big picture, and appreciate the journey) "I can. We just talked about that in the locker room. We did a lot of reflecting about how great a team we were, and nobody can take that away. Nobody can take away the friendships we've built."
* "There's a good future ahead for the Lady Raiders. Once a Lady Raider, always a Lady Raider, and we'll all be back helping and pushing the young players in the future, supporting them in every way."
--Pete Barth
The Vincent story
Even the most die-hard North fan has to feel good for Vincent.
If you don't know the story, former head coach Chris Griffin died of a heart attack last year. His best friend, Marquis Hines, a former boys' coach, took over the Vincent program to honor Griffin.
Griffin was the father of Nicole Griffin, Vincent's gifted 6-6 freshman.
Saturday, after they won their title, the Vikings reflected on their late friend and coach.
"This is for Griff," Hines said.
Vincent player Jade Hatchett reflected on practice bets between Coach Griffin and his players.
"He'd bet us a Gatorade he could make a free throw, then he'd close his eyes and shoot it. It was that kind of confidence we had to have."
--Pete Barth
If you don't know the story, former head coach Chris Griffin died of a heart attack last year. His best friend, Marquis Hines, a former boys' coach, took over the Vincent program to honor Griffin.
Griffin was the father of Nicole Griffin, Vincent's gifted 6-6 freshman.
Saturday, after they won their title, the Vikings reflected on their late friend and coach.
"This is for Griff," Hines said.
Vincent player Jade Hatchett reflected on practice bets between Coach Griffin and his players.
"He'd bet us a Gatorade he could make a free throw, then he'd close his eyes and shoot it. It was that kind of confidence we had to have."
--Pete Barth
Susie Runaas quotes
* "I think Sheboygan North basketball made a statement tonight. I'm proud of each and every one of them."
* "Obviously it hurts now, and I feel bad for the kids. But as a coach, this basketball game was fun, and after the initial disappointment, I'll pop it in and enjoy watching it."
* "This game showcased the type of basketball Wisconsin has right now, girls' basketball."
* (On Laura Hayward) "She's very underrated. Laura does so many things so well. We go as Laura goes in a sense."
--Pete Barth
* "Obviously it hurts now, and I feel bad for the kids. But as a coach, this basketball game was fun, and after the initial disappointment, I'll pop it in and enjoy watching it."
* "This game showcased the type of basketball Wisconsin has right now, girls' basketball."
* (On Laura Hayward) "She's very underrated. Laura does so many things so well. We go as Laura goes in a sense."
--Pete Barth
The Churchills
Shelby and Dana battled like champs, as always.
They were up against an imposing, powerful front line, but they competed and never backed down. Shelby finished with five points, two steals and four boards. Dana had six points, and a game-high eight rebounds.
"It's a little disappointing that we lost, but getting this far has been amazing," Shelby said. "We gave it our all."
--Pete Barth
They were up against an imposing, powerful front line, but they competed and never backed down. Shelby finished with five points, two steals and four boards. Dana had six points, and a game-high eight rebounds.
"It's a little disappointing that we lost, but getting this far has been amazing," Shelby said. "We gave it our all."
--Pete Barth
Kayla Tetschlag's last shot
During the press conference, Susie Runaas said of Kayla Tetschlag's last shot, on which one of her feet were inside the 3-point arc, "I thought there was some contact there, but that's beside the point, neither here nor there.
Later, Tetschlag, asked if she thought she was fouled, said, "I wouldn't have called it. I'm a YMCA ref, if that counts. You don't make that game-changing call at that point."
--Pete Barth
Later, Tetschlag, asked if she thought she was fouled, said, "I wouldn't have called it. I'm a YMCA ref, if that counts. You don't make that game-changing call at that point."
--Pete Barth
Celebration for North on Wednesday afternoon
There will be an all-school pep rally for North on Wednesday at 1:45 p.m.
North athletic director Dan Stengel said members of the community are welcome to join the "celebration of North's great season."
--Pete Barth
North athletic director Dan Stengel said members of the community are welcome to join the "celebration of North's great season."
--Pete Barth
Neat scene after post-game press conferences
Milwaukee Vincent coach Marquis Hines and North coach Susie Runaas shared a neat moment of mutual respect following the press conferences.
Hines shook Runaas' hand, the two patted each other on the shoulders before parting.
Both coaches were extremely complimentary of each other's teams.
"The coach is very classy; it's a very classy program," Hines said of North, adding that the Golden Raiders were the best team his Vikings faced all year.
Earlier, while seated at the interview table, he said: "You just couldn't ask for a better state championship game, and I've seen 'em all."
--Pete Barth
Hines shook Runaas' hand, the two patted each other on the shoulders before parting.
Both coaches were extremely complimentary of each other's teams.
"The coach is very classy; it's a very classy program," Hines said of North, adding that the Golden Raiders were the best team his Vikings faced all year.
Earlier, while seated at the interview table, he said: "You just couldn't ask for a better state championship game, and I've seen 'em all."
--Pete Barth
Post-game North scene (outside locker room)
Lots and lots of laughter, some singing and in general, a good mood.
These girls get it. They understood immediately that Saturday's loss can't dim the great season they had.
Jenny Gassner even tried to sing the Vanilla Ice, ahem, classic, "Ice, ice, baby," but didn't know the words.
--Pete Barth
These girls get it. They understood immediately that Saturday's loss can't dim the great season they had.
Jenny Gassner even tried to sing the Vanilla Ice, ahem, classic, "Ice, ice, baby," but didn't know the words.
--Pete Barth
Finals stats: Vincent 49, Sheboygan North 45
* Vincent shot 50 percent from the field; North shot 48.6
* Vincent out-rebounded North 25-18
* Jade Hatchett had 15 points for Vincent, followed by 14 from Teri Stamps and 10 from 6-6 freshman Nicole Griffin
* North's Kayla Tetschlag scored a game-high 19 points with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Laura Hayward had 11 points.
More to follow
* Vincent out-rebounded North 25-18
* Jade Hatchett had 15 points for Vincent, followed by 14 from Teri Stamps and 10 from 6-6 freshman Nicole Griffin
* North's Kayla Tetschlag scored a game-high 19 points with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Laura Hayward had 11 points.
More to follow
Stats from the North boys
* North shot 38. 2 percent (13-for-34) compared to 57.1 percent for West (24-for-42)
* North absolutely needed 3's to win and only made 2 out of 13 (15 percent)
* North was outrebounded 32-15
* North absolutely needed 3's to win and only made 2 out of 13 (15 percent)
* North was outrebounded 32-15
Final thoughts on North boys
* The Golden Raiders shouldn't be too embarrassed about this one. Oshkosh West was clearly a superior team in every facet - size, experience and talent. West's Tim Jarmusz is a Wisconsin recruit at 6-7 and handles the ball extremely well. After watching him play just once, you can see why Bo Ryan wanted him. He's matchup nightmare, even at the college level. There aren't many 6-7 guards in college basketball, and he's a perfect fit for the swing offense. Badgers fans should expect to see him posting up quite a bit during the next four years.
* North finished the season very strong. After getting trounced by 20 points at home to Green Bay Preble late in the season, it didn't seem like the Raiders would be long for the playoffs. But they overcame their postseason nemesis Fond du Lac and beat two other quality Fox Valley Association opponents in Oshkosh North and Neenah, to earn their 17th sectional appearance under Tom Desotell and fifth in the last six years. As T.J. Kellner said, that will be the lasting memory of this 17-7 season, not the final game in Oshkosh.
* If I could grant North post man Tom Eirich one wish, it would be more help inside. North has plenty of firepower at guard in T.J. Kellner and Nolan Free. They could be one of the state's best backcourts. Tim Schwoerer adds a dimension with his driving ability, and Eirich constantly battling guys much bigger than him. Desotell challenges his big man a lot, but also acknowledges what he's usually up against. A big man could make next year's team truly special.
* And finally, a tip of the hat to North's seniors - Derek Duessing, Alex Jordan, Steven Lacy and Cory Dodge. All had moments to remember this season. What North fan will forget Duessing's shot at the end of regulation to send the Raiders to overtime in a game they eventually won at South? Or how about Jordan's fantastic game against Neenah Friday night? Lacy and Dodge weren't big names, but each had key baskets in the Neenah game and gave the Raiders some quality minutes. The class's points and rebounds weren't many, but their hard work and dedication to the program deserves a bow.
- Dave Lubach
* North finished the season very strong. After getting trounced by 20 points at home to Green Bay Preble late in the season, it didn't seem like the Raiders would be long for the playoffs. But they overcame their postseason nemesis Fond du Lac and beat two other quality Fox Valley Association opponents in Oshkosh North and Neenah, to earn their 17th sectional appearance under Tom Desotell and fifth in the last six years. As T.J. Kellner said, that will be the lasting memory of this 17-7 season, not the final game in Oshkosh.
* If I could grant North post man Tom Eirich one wish, it would be more help inside. North has plenty of firepower at guard in T.J. Kellner and Nolan Free. They could be one of the state's best backcourts. Tim Schwoerer adds a dimension with his driving ability, and Eirich constantly battling guys much bigger than him. Desotell challenges his big man a lot, but also acknowledges what he's usually up against. A big man could make next year's team truly special.
* And finally, a tip of the hat to North's seniors - Derek Duessing, Alex Jordan, Steven Lacy and Cory Dodge. All had moments to remember this season. What North fan will forget Duessing's shot at the end of regulation to send the Raiders to overtime in a game they eventually won at South? Or how about Jordan's fantastic game against Neenah Friday night? Lacy and Dodge weren't big names, but each had key baskets in the Neenah game and gave the Raiders some quality minutes. The class's points and rebounds weren't many, but their hard work and dedication to the program deserves a bow.
- Dave Lubach
Somewhere in this arena....
...a women's college basketball coach must be wondering why he or she didn't go after North point guard Laura Hayward with a scholarship offer.
North's No. 22 is playing unbelievable, intense ball right now. She's diving to the ground, driving to the basket, handling Vincent's pressure. She has five straight points, and North has cut into a 10-point lead.
It's 40-35 near the end of the fourth quarter.
--Pete Barth
North's No. 22 is playing unbelievable, intense ball right now. She's diving to the ground, driving to the basket, handling Vincent's pressure. She has five straight points, and North has cut into a 10-point lead.
It's 40-35 near the end of the fourth quarter.
--Pete Barth
Hayward hustle play
Laura Hayward just started off the second half by diving on the floor and forcing a jump ball, ending Vincent's first possession.
Maybe that can spark the Raiders.
Maybe that can spark the Raiders.
Key halftime stats
* Vincent out-rebounded North 13-9
* Both teams have 12 turnovers
* Kayla Tetschlag has 11 points to lead all scorers.
* Only six players played for North; eight played for Vincent.
* Teri Stamps has nine points for Vincent.
* North's Dana Churchill and Vincent's Destinee Blue each have five boards.
* Both teams are shooting well from the floor; North is at 53 percent; Vincent is at 50. The difference, though, is that Vincent has more shots (22) than North (17).
* Both teams have 12 turnovers
* Kayla Tetschlag has 11 points to lead all scorers.
* Only six players played for North; eight played for Vincent.
* Teri Stamps has nine points for Vincent.
* North's Dana Churchill and Vincent's Destinee Blue each have five boards.
* Both teams are shooting well from the floor; North is at 53 percent; Vincent is at 50. The difference, though, is that Vincent has more shots (22) than North (17).
Halftime: You've got to give Vincent credit
This a very good basketball team. It plays hard, fast and aggressively.
North isn't playing poorly as much as the Raiders have not faced a team like this.
What's really killing North right now is Vincent's perimeter shooting game. The Vikings have four 3-pointers, including Teri Stamps' dagger just before the first-half horn that gave Vincent a 29-24 halftime lead.
North led 22-21 with 1:49 left in the half, but Vincent closed out the half with an 8-2 run.
What's worse for North than being behind is the fact that Stamps' 3-pointer clearly gave Vincent the momentum.
But this North team and its five senior starters won't quit. Should be a great second half.
--Pete Barth
North isn't playing poorly as much as the Raiders have not faced a team like this.
What's really killing North right now is Vincent's perimeter shooting game. The Vikings have four 3-pointers, including Teri Stamps' dagger just before the first-half horn that gave Vincent a 29-24 halftime lead.
North led 22-21 with 1:49 left in the half, but Vincent closed out the half with an 8-2 run.
What's worse for North than being behind is the fact that Stamps' 3-pointer clearly gave Vincent the momentum.
But this North team and its five senior starters won't quit. Should be a great second half.
--Pete Barth
Tetschlag out of game
North star Kayla Tetschlag is out of the game right now. Trainer Chris Lenz is working on her near the North bench. She seemed to injure an ankle or leg a few minutes ago. Now she's on the North bench; Susie Runaas just went over to talk to her.
Obviously, this could be a devastating development.
Obviously, this could be a devastating development.
Alexis Steward!
Coach Susie Runaas just can't take her off the floor right now. The 5-8 sophomore reserve is playing with too much energy and confidence to be put back on the bench.
Steward just went strong through traffic and finished off the glass through several Vincent defenders' arms.
What an emergence for the young player.
--Pete Barth
Steward just went strong through traffic and finished off the glass through several Vincent defenders' arms.
What an emergence for the young player.
--Pete Barth
Alexis Steward playing well
The North sophomore, the first player off the bench tonight, is playing aggressively. She's at the line right now after a strong drive and left-handed shot attempt got her a foul call.
First quarter ends: Vincent 14, North 10
Kayla Tetschlag has seven points for North; Laura Hayward has three.
Vincent has hit a pair of 3-pointers and has forced numerous North turnovers.
Vincent, a 58-percent shooting team from the free-throw line, is 2-for-5 from the line right now.
Vincent has hit a pair of 3-pointers and has forced numerous North turnovers.
Vincent, a 58-percent shooting team from the free-throw line, is 2-for-5 from the line right now.
North having trouble adjusting to the quickness
Vincent is extremely quick, both off the ground and in passing lanes.
North is having trouble with that quickness right now, especially in terms of getting the ball downcourt.
North is having trouble with that quickness right now, especially in terms of getting the ball downcourt.
One of North's pre-game drills
It's pretty cool. The Golden Raiders catch a pass in the paint, facing the basket, and, keeping their left foot down, they take a jab step right, go hard left, then finish strong with their left hands.
The way they are all finishing strong and fast with their left hands is impressive.
--Pete Barth
The way they are all finishing strong and fast with their left hands is impressive.
--Pete Barth
It'll be a late start
At exactly 8:10 p.m., there are 16 minutes, 13 seconds to go before warmups are over. Throw in the introductions, etc., and we're looking at about an 8:30 tip-off.
Tonight's sign of the times
North fans are holding up five large paper signs. Side-by-side, the signs spell out:
"TAKIN' CARE OF BIZ-NESS"
"TAKIN' CARE OF BIZ-NESS"
North boys trail after 3
Oshkosh West leads Sheboygan North 49-24 after three quarters of the Division 1 sectional final.
The Golden Raiders played better, but couldn't cut into their halftime deficit.
T.J. Kellner and Nolan Free each have seven points for North.
The Golden Raiders played better, but couldn't cut into their halftime deficit.
T.J. Kellner and Nolan Free each have seven points for North.
Pre-game stats breakdown
VINCENT
Leading scorers (season): Teri Stamps, 16.7 ppg; Destinee Blue, 15.3 ppg; Nicole Griffin, 8.5 ppg; Jade Hatchett, 8.1 ppg
Leading rebounders (season): Griffin, 142; Blue, 133
Leading assists (season): Hatchett, 89; Stamps, 59
Leading steals: Stamps, 38
NORTH
Leading scorers (season): Kayla Tetschlag, 13.9 ppg; Dana Churchill, 12.0 ppg; Shelby Churchill, 10.8 ppg
Leading rebounders (season): Tetschlag, 145; S. Churchill, 122; D. Churchill, 102
Leading assists (season): Tetschlag, 98
Leading steals (season): Tetschlag, 90; Laura Hayward, 60
Leading scorers (season): Teri Stamps, 16.7 ppg; Destinee Blue, 15.3 ppg; Nicole Griffin, 8.5 ppg; Jade Hatchett, 8.1 ppg
Leading rebounders (season): Griffin, 142; Blue, 133
Leading assists (season): Hatchett, 89; Stamps, 59
Leading steals: Stamps, 38
NORTH
Leading scorers (season): Kayla Tetschlag, 13.9 ppg; Dana Churchill, 12.0 ppg; Shelby Churchill, 10.8 ppg
Leading rebounders (season): Tetschlag, 145; S. Churchill, 122; D. Churchill, 102
Leading assists (season): Tetschlag, 98
Leading steals (season): Tetschlag, 90; Laura Hayward, 60
North boys trail big at half
Oshkosh West leads Sheboygan North 35-11 at halftime of tonight's Division 1 sectional final.
The Golden Raiders haven't been able to stop West's Tim Jarmusz, a 6-6 guard/forward who is a University of Wisconsin recruit. Jarmusz had 17 points and 6 rebounds at the break.
The Golden Raiders haven't been able to stop West's Tim Jarmusz, a 6-6 guard/forward who is a University of Wisconsin recruit. Jarmusz had 17 points and 6 rebounds at the break.
Local girls' state champions
If North wins tonight, it would become the only female basketball team in city history to win a state title in the sport of basketball.
Following are all of the local teams (Press coverage area) to have won state basketball titles:
1982: Kohler (Class C)
1990: Oostburg (Class C)
1992: Chilton (Division 3)
1994: Oostburg (Division 3)
2002: Elkhart Lake (Division 4)
2004: Ozaukee (Division 3)
Following are all of the local teams (Press coverage area) to have won state basketball titles:
1982: Kohler (Class C)
1990: Oostburg (Class C)
1992: Chilton (Division 3)
1994: Oostburg (Division 3)
2002: Elkhart Lake (Division 4)
2004: Ozaukee (Division 3)
North boys trail after 1st quarter
From Oshkosh, it's No. 4 Oshkosh West 14, Sheboygan North 5 in a WIAA Division 1 Boys Basketball Sectional final.
North fan buses on the way to Madison
According to North athletic director Dan Stengel, at least five, possibly six, fan buses are headed to Madison to support the Lady Raiders girls team in the WIAA Division 1 state title game against Milwaukee Vincent.
Stengel said each bus holds 48 people.
Stengel said each bus holds 48 people.
Motivational slogans
The Waibel and Kopetsky families, parents and kids alike, also did a nice job decorating the players' hotel room doors with blue and gold balloons and blue and gold colored placards that say, "2 down, 1 to go."
There are also orange-painted paper plates in the shape of basketballs on each door, with each player's name on it, and strips of paper pasted on them with motivational slogans typed on them.
Following are some of the slogans, drawn from people like Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Bobby Knight and Knute Rockne:
* "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."
* "Good, better, best - never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best."
* "Basketball doesn't build character, it reveals it."
* "Boards, boards, boards."
* "Basketball is like photography; if you don't focus, all you have is the negative."
* "You have to be able to center yourself, to let all your emotions go ... Don't ever forget that you play with your soul as well as your body."
--Pete Barth
There are also orange-painted paper plates in the shape of basketballs on each door, with each player's name on it, and strips of paper pasted on them with motivational slogans typed on them.
Following are some of the slogans, drawn from people like Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Bobby Knight and Knute Rockne:
* "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships."
* "Good, better, best - never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best."
* "Basketball doesn't build character, it reveals it."
* "Boards, boards, boards."
* "Basketball is like photography; if you don't focus, all you have is the negative."
* "You have to be able to center yourself, to let all your emotions go ... Don't ever forget that you play with your soul as well as your body."
--Pete Barth
Ironing out the details
Sheboygan youth hoops coaching guru Scott Kopetsky and North team parent Jean Waibel were busy Saturday afternoon ironing all of the players' uniforms and warmups.
The team hotel was kind enough to let the two use an open room for the task. There were uniforms and warmup pants scattered all over both twins beds, and two irons in action.
--Pete Barth
The team hotel was kind enough to let the two use an open room for the task. There were uniforms and warmup pants scattered all over both twins beds, and two irons in action.
--Pete Barth
North girls' day
It's gameday in Madison, where the Sheboygan North girls' basketball team will play for the WIAA Division 1 state championship.
The Golden Raiders had a shoot-around at Edgewood High School late this morning, then had lunch at Panera Bread. They watched the Division 4 title game, to get a taste of the atmosphere.
Now, North players are huddled in one of their rooms at the Best Western Inntowner, going over the gameplan.
As of late afternoon, North coach Susie Runaas was still grappling with the decision of who will cover Vincent standout Destinee Blue, a 6-4 junior. She was leaning to using post-stopper Shelby Churchill.
--Pete Barth
The Golden Raiders had a shoot-around at Edgewood High School late this morning, then had lunch at Panera Bread. They watched the Division 4 title game, to get a taste of the atmosphere.
Now, North players are huddled in one of their rooms at the Best Western Inntowner, going over the gameplan.
As of late afternoon, North coach Susie Runaas was still grappling with the decision of who will cover Vincent standout Destinee Blue, a 6-4 junior. She was leaning to using post-stopper Shelby Churchill.
--Pete Barth
Looking at Oshkosh West
Sheboygan North's boys opponent in tonight's 7 p.m. sectional final at the Kolf Sports Center.
* West is 20-2 after Friday's 55-32 thrashing of Wisconsin Rapids.
* One of West's losses was to Neenah, 43-42.
* They are the reigning state champion and were the feel good story of the 2006 tournament, as son Lance Randall left an assistant's job in college to coach in place of his dad, Steve, who unexpectedly died shortly before the season.
* One of their players, 6-7 G/F Tim Jarmusz, averages 16.7 points a game and will be playing for Bo Ryan next season at Wisconsin.
* Another player 6-5 Austin Meier, is the son of former Indiana player Todd Meier. He averages about 13 points and 6 rebounds.
* Other common opponents besides Neenah include Fond du Lac, which West comfortably beat twice (North beat Fondy 73-69) and Appleton West (North beat Appleton 86-78 in 3 OTs), Oshkosh beat Appleton twice, by 8 and 15 points, respectively).
* West is 20-2 after Friday's 55-32 thrashing of Wisconsin Rapids.
* One of West's losses was to Neenah, 43-42.
* They are the reigning state champion and were the feel good story of the 2006 tournament, as son Lance Randall left an assistant's job in college to coach in place of his dad, Steve, who unexpectedly died shortly before the season.
* One of their players, 6-7 G/F Tim Jarmusz, averages 16.7 points a game and will be playing for Bo Ryan next season at Wisconsin.
* Another player 6-5 Austin Meier, is the son of former Indiana player Todd Meier. He averages about 13 points and 6 rebounds.
* Other common opponents besides Neenah include Fond du Lac, which West comfortably beat twice (North beat Fondy 73-69) and Appleton West (North beat Appleton 86-78 in 3 OTs), Oshkosh beat Appleton twice, by 8 and 15 points, respectively).
Thoughts on North boys
* Credit the Raiders for understanding that they are playing second fiddle to the girls this weekend. The boys are taking the proper approach to sectionals, as junior standout T.J. Kellner expressed after Friday's thrilling win: "We think about it maybe the day before the game, how many fans we'll have. But we have each other."
* Kellner is also relishing the underdog role North's boys have played throughout the postseason. They have knocked off two higher-seeded opponents, including one on their home court (Oshkosh West) and another Friday when the crowd was decidedly pro-Neenah. Even with North's rich history (5 sectional trips the last 6 seasons), Kellner reminds that the school can't be counted out tonight: "Not many teams can score 92 points in a game," a reference to the 92-90 win at Oshkosh North last Saturday.
* One of the abilities of a strong team is to adjust to the conditions of the game, and North received an A in this department. After relying on the 3-ball to upset Oshkosh North, the Raiders made only 4 of 13 against Neenah. Instead, guys like Alex Jordan and Kellner found success driving to the basket and forcing Neenah's big men to foul or leave their player, giving open looks to Cory Dodge, Tom Eirich, Steven Lacy and Derek Duessing, who hit a huge "3" at the end of the third quarter to tie the game at 41, for easy baskets.
* Tom Desotell did a great coaching job with his center, Tom Eirich, who was giving up 5 inches to Neenah's Khalil Trocme. Eirich got frustrated early and had some shots blocked and others altered. But during Eirich's trips to the bench Desotell could be heard encouraging Eirich, coaching him to let the shots come to him, giving advice how to guard Trocme "get the body on the big guy," keeping his head up. It resulted in Eirich contributing six points in a strong second half before fouling out. He finished with 10 points and 3 rebounds.
* Kellner is also relishing the underdog role North's boys have played throughout the postseason. They have knocked off two higher-seeded opponents, including one on their home court (Oshkosh West) and another Friday when the crowd was decidedly pro-Neenah. Even with North's rich history (5 sectional trips the last 6 seasons), Kellner reminds that the school can't be counted out tonight: "Not many teams can score 92 points in a game," a reference to the 92-90 win at Oshkosh North last Saturday.
* One of the abilities of a strong team is to adjust to the conditions of the game, and North received an A in this department. After relying on the 3-ball to upset Oshkosh North, the Raiders made only 4 of 13 against Neenah. Instead, guys like Alex Jordan and Kellner found success driving to the basket and forcing Neenah's big men to foul or leave their player, giving open looks to Cory Dodge, Tom Eirich, Steven Lacy and Derek Duessing, who hit a huge "3" at the end of the third quarter to tie the game at 41, for easy baskets.
* Tom Desotell did a great coaching job with his center, Tom Eirich, who was giving up 5 inches to Neenah's Khalil Trocme. Eirich got frustrated early and had some shots blocked and others altered. But during Eirich's trips to the bench Desotell could be heard encouraging Eirich, coaching him to let the shots come to him, giving advice how to guard Trocme "get the body on the big guy," keeping his head up. It resulted in Eirich contributing six points in a strong second half before fouling out. He finished with 10 points and 3 rebounds.
Friday, March 9, 2007
That's it for blogging tonight
Please check back often tomorrow.
Due to Daylight Savings Time, our print deadline for the newspaper has been moved up, to a time of 10:15 p.m. (hope the game's over by then).
We will get what we can in the paper.
However, check on line at www.sheboygan-press.com throughout the night for plenty of stuff on this blog, and an expanded game story and other pieces on the home page.
--Pete Barth
Due to Daylight Savings Time, our print deadline for the newspaper has been moved up, to a time of 10:15 p.m. (hope the game's over by then).
We will get what we can in the paper.
However, check on line at www.sheboygan-press.com throughout the night for plenty of stuff on this blog, and an expanded game story and other pieces on the home page.
--Pete Barth
Opponents' fans' reactions
It's been interesting sitting on press row directly in front of the opposing fans the last two nights.
Against both Franklin on Thursday and La Crosse Logan on Friday, fans of the teams had similar reactions.
First, they whined endlessly about the officiating, as North was physically stronger in both contests.
But the second thing the fans of both losing teams had in common was that they were critical of their teams' coaches (even though their teams were at State).
Thinking about this, I concluded that North is playing so well right now, they're just making some really top-notch competition look really, really bad.
--Pete Barth
Against both Franklin on Thursday and La Crosse Logan on Friday, fans of the teams had similar reactions.
First, they whined endlessly about the officiating, as North was physically stronger in both contests.
But the second thing the fans of both losing teams had in common was that they were critical of their teams' coaches (even though their teams were at State).
Thinking about this, I concluded that North is playing so well right now, they're just making some really top-notch competition look really, really bad.
--Pete Barth
More Kayla Tetschlag quotes from press conference
* (When asked if she's surprised North is playing for the state title Saturday): "No. We worked so hard. So hard. We're not satisified, and we're not going to back down."
* "Sheboygan North is not usually mentioned (among the state's elite programs). We're ready for us to be mentioned."
* "We cannot come out flat. Get get that quick start, get off and running, and nobody can catch us."
-- Pete Barth
* "Sheboygan North is not usually mentioned (among the state's elite programs). We're ready for us to be mentioned."
* "We cannot come out flat. Get get that quick start, get off and running, and nobody can catch us."
-- Pete Barth
Kayla Tetschlag handles big (literally) challenge
In a somewhat strange move, Logan coach Tom Campbell put 6-3 junior center Danielle Jorgenson on North senior standout Kayla Tetschlag.
It didn't work out so well.
Make no mistake; Jorgenson is a very nice player. She's tall, strong and talented.
But Tetschlag was too quick and too instinctive for the big center.
North's senior put up a stat-stuffing night: Game-highs in points (22), rebounds (eight), assists (seven) and steals (five).
During the post-game press conference, Tetschlag said she didn't realize Jorgenson would be on her until the game started.
"Once I saw it, I got kind of excited actually. She backed away, knowing I wouldn't shoot. But I started making moves around her. As big as she is, she's not as quick ... I get excited when bigger players are on me, because I feel I'm quicker."
--Pete Barth
It didn't work out so well.
Make no mistake; Jorgenson is a very nice player. She's tall, strong and talented.
But Tetschlag was too quick and too instinctive for the big center.
North's senior put up a stat-stuffing night: Game-highs in points (22), rebounds (eight), assists (seven) and steals (five).
During the post-game press conference, Tetschlag said she didn't realize Jorgenson would be on her until the game started.
"Once I saw it, I got kind of excited actually. She backed away, knowing I wouldn't shoot. But I started making moves around her. As big as she is, she's not as quick ... I get excited when bigger players are on me, because I feel I'm quicker."
--Pete Barth
Laura Hayward, buzzer beater
North's senior guard hit a really significant 3-pointer at the first-half horn that gave North a 33-21 lead at the break.
Those who have seen Hayward know this is nothing new. She's hit at least three 3-pointers at the horn in her career (at least, that's how many she remembers).
Friday's was an off-balance leaner from the right side of the arc that banked in.
"That definitely got us riled up," said Kayla Tetschlag of the shot. "Laura Hayward has a history of shots at the buzzer. That's exactly who we wanted to have the ball in that situation."
But did Hayward call "bank?"
"No, I didn't," she said with a grin.
Her penchant for hitting these types of shots is a combination of court sense, smarts and that "clutch" thing you just can't teach.
Oh, and then there's the games of "lightning" they play at North High during gym class. Lightning is a popular game in which players line up, with two basketballs. The object is for the second player to knock the player in front of him or her out by making a basket before he or she does.
Hayward and friends play it with a twist in gym class though: They play from half-court (rather than the usual free-throw line).
--Pete Barth
Those who have seen Hayward know this is nothing new. She's hit at least three 3-pointers at the horn in her career (at least, that's how many she remembers).
Friday's was an off-balance leaner from the right side of the arc that banked in.
"That definitely got us riled up," said Kayla Tetschlag of the shot. "Laura Hayward has a history of shots at the buzzer. That's exactly who we wanted to have the ball in that situation."
But did Hayward call "bank?"
"No, I didn't," she said with a grin.
Her penchant for hitting these types of shots is a combination of court sense, smarts and that "clutch" thing you just can't teach.
Oh, and then there's the games of "lightning" they play at North High during gym class. Lightning is a popular game in which players line up, with two basketballs. The object is for the second player to knock the player in front of him or her out by making a basket before he or she does.
Hayward and friends play it with a twist in gym class though: They play from half-court (rather than the usual free-throw line).
--Pete Barth
Karlie Tetschlag's impact
It wasn't just what the sophomore center did. It was when she did it.
In the second quarter, with Dana Churchill battling foul trouble, Tetschlag came in and gave North quality minutes. She rebounded with determination and sure hands, didn't make mistakes and simply played with great poise.
For the game, the younger Tetschlag had six boards, five points and a steal in 14 minutes. One of her baskets came on a pretty catch on the break, fake-drop step move to finish a break. She also led a fast break down the middle of the court, feeding her sister Kayla on a wing.
Karlie, the first player off the bench on this night, also did not have a turnover, though she was in the game during extreme crunch time, when it was close.
After the game, I called out to her for an interview near the North locker room, and she seemed surprised, asking, "Me?"
"It was really exciting," she said of her night. "I know I have a role to step into, which is to get out there and give our starters a break."
Tonight, she did that and more.
--Pete Barth
In the second quarter, with Dana Churchill battling foul trouble, Tetschlag came in and gave North quality minutes. She rebounded with determination and sure hands, didn't make mistakes and simply played with great poise.
For the game, the younger Tetschlag had six boards, five points and a steal in 14 minutes. One of her baskets came on a pretty catch on the break, fake-drop step move to finish a break. She also led a fast break down the middle of the court, feeding her sister Kayla on a wing.
Karlie, the first player off the bench on this night, also did not have a turnover, though she was in the game during extreme crunch time, when it was close.
After the game, I called out to her for an interview near the North locker room, and she seemed surprised, asking, "Me?"
"It was really exciting," she said of her night. "I know I have a role to step into, which is to get out there and give our starters a break."
Tonight, she did that and more.
--Pete Barth
North coach Susie Runaas quotes
* "We went to a half-court defense in the second half (rather than full-court pressure) and that was key for us in the third quarter. It allowed us to set up our jumps and traps."
* (On Kayla Tetschlag) "This is a young lady, to the right of me (at the post-game interview table); I can't say enough about her."
* (More on Tetschlag) "We're definitely a team, but when you talk about Kayla Tetschlag's ability to play, she's just the total package. She's just one of those players you need to see to appreciate."
* (On tonight's opponent, Milwaukee Vincent) "I can honestly say, we have not faced an opponent like that. It's going to be a matter of mental toughness. Who wants it more. Our girls have played from the heart all year."
* (On North's boys' winning) "It's a good-bad problem. I think the (North) fans will make their choice (as to which team they'll go watch) but we definitely support (the boys) and they support us."
--Pete Barth
* (On Kayla Tetschlag) "This is a young lady, to the right of me (at the post-game interview table); I can't say enough about her."
* (More on Tetschlag) "We're definitely a team, but when you talk about Kayla Tetschlag's ability to play, she's just the total package. She's just one of those players you need to see to appreciate."
* (On tonight's opponent, Milwaukee Vincent) "I can honestly say, we have not faced an opponent like that. It's going to be a matter of mental toughness. Who wants it more. Our girls have played from the heart all year."
* (On North's boys' winning) "It's a good-bad problem. I think the (North) fans will make their choice (as to which team they'll go watch) but we definitely support (the boys) and they support us."
--Pete Barth
Quotes from Logan
Head coach Tom Campbell
* "It's not so much that (North) was hard to defend. We just didn't have the gas. Our tank was empty."
* "Tiredness made us do things we don't normally do, like playing defense with our hands instead of our feet."
* "Of course (falling behind early) has an influence on the game. But if we'd have been fresh, it might have been a different story."
Player Ashley Hightower
* "Yeah, we got a little lazy on defense."
* "(Kayla Tetschlag) was a good player. (Danielle Jorgenson) did a pretty good job on her, but she was on tonight."
---Pete Barth
* "It's not so much that (North) was hard to defend. We just didn't have the gas. Our tank was empty."
* "Tiredness made us do things we don't normally do, like playing defense with our hands instead of our feet."
* "Of course (falling behind early) has an influence on the game. But if we'd have been fresh, it might have been a different story."
Player Ashley Hightower
* "Yeah, we got a little lazy on defense."
* "(Kayla Tetschlag) was a good player. (Danielle Jorgenson) did a pretty good job on her, but she was on tonight."
---Pete Barth
Notable North girls' stats
* North has 12 steals to Logan's four.
* Kayla Tetschlag was a stat monster. She finished with 22 points, eight boards, seven assists and five steals.
* North outscored Logan in every quarter.
* North was 22 for 31 from the free-throw line. Logan was 5-for-12.
* The points in the paint category was even in the first half, but North won that 32-22.
* Karlie Tetschlag, a reserve, had a huge game off the bench. She grabbed six boards in 14 minutes.
--Pete Barth
* Kayla Tetschlag was a stat monster. She finished with 22 points, eight boards, seven assists and five steals.
* North outscored Logan in every quarter.
* North was 22 for 31 from the free-throw line. Logan was 5-for-12.
* The points in the paint category was even in the first half, but North won that 32-22.
* Karlie Tetschlag, a reserve, had a huge game off the bench. She grabbed six boards in 14 minutes.
--Pete Barth
It's a final
Sheboygan North won 64-41.
The Golden Raiders will play for the state championship Saturday night at 8:15 p.m.
More to follow after post-game interviews.
--Pete Barth
The Golden Raiders will play for the state championship Saturday night at 8:15 p.m.
More to follow after post-game interviews.
--Pete Barth
It's a final
Sheboygan North won 64-41.
The Golden Raiders will play for the state championship Saturday night at 8:15 p.m.
More to follow after post-game interviews.
--Pete Barth
The Golden Raiders will play for the state championship Saturday night at 8:15 p.m.
More to follow after post-game interviews.
--Pete Barth
North boys win
North senior Alex Jordan scored with 13 seconds remaining, and Neenah missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to propel the Raiders to a 53-52 victory.
North advances to Saturday's sectional final against Oshkosh West, set for 7 p.m. at the UW-Oshkosh Kolf Center.
North by 20!
The Golden Raiders look like a machine.
They scored the final 13 points of the third quarter and now lead 49-29 entering the fourth.
Perhaps most telling about this quarter, and this team, is that six different players scored for North in the quarter.
--Pete Barth
They scored the final 13 points of the third quarter and now lead 49-29 entering the fourth.
Perhaps most telling about this quarter, and this team, is that six different players scored for North in the quarter.
--Pete Barth
Great teams have great reserves
North is getting just an unbelievable game from reserve post player Karlie Tetschlag. She's rebounding, gathering up loose balls, leading breaks in the open floor (for a second, before dishing it to big sister Kayla) and finishing strong. She just did a sweet fake, drop-step move to make it 45-29 in favor of North.
And senior Jen Waibel hit a sweet 14-foot jumper from the left baseline, then went up strong on the other end for a big, big rebound in traffic.
Yes, North has its stars. But this postseason run has really been a consumate team effort.
--Pete Barth
And senior Jen Waibel hit a sweet 14-foot jumper from the left baseline, then went up strong on the other end for a big, big rebound in traffic.
Yes, North has its stars. But this postseason run has really been a consumate team effort.
--Pete Barth
Third foul on Kayla Tetschlag
Two starters now have three fouls apiece (Dana Churchill is the other).
But Laura Hayward just hit a monstrous 3-pointer to give North a 41-27 lead.
But Laura Hayward just hit a monstrous 3-pointer to give North a 41-27 lead.
North up, but a little ragged on offense
The Raiders lead 38-27 with 4:13 left in the third. North has missed four straight shots.
Raiders boys tied going into the fourth
North's boys team is tied 41-41 with Neenah going into the fourth quarter of its sectional semifinal at UW-Oshkosh.
Derek Duessing hit a 3-pointer at the horn to tie the score, the second buzzer-beater of the game for the Raiders.
Derek Duessing hit a 3-pointer at the horn to tie the score, the second buzzer-beater of the game for the Raiders.
More notable halftime stats
* Kayla Tetschlag has 15 points to lead all scorers. She also has five boards and three steals.
* The big thing that sticks out is free throws. North is 16 for 17 from the free-throw line, while Logan is 2-of-6.
* Most other stats are pretty equal. Logan has nine turnovers, North has seven; North has 17 rebounds, Logan has 16; both teams have 12 points in the paint; North is shooting 40 percent from the field; Logan is at 36.
--Pete Barth
* The big thing that sticks out is free throws. North is 16 for 17 from the free-throw line, while Logan is 2-of-6.
* Most other stats are pretty equal. Logan has nine turnovers, North has seven; North has 17 rebounds, Logan has 16; both teams have 12 points in the paint; North is shooting 40 percent from the field; Logan is at 36.
--Pete Barth
Hayward at the buzzer!
Laura Hayward just hit an off-balance 3-pointer at the first-half buzzer, giving surging North a 33-21 halftime lead over Logan.
It's doubtful she called bank, but that's exactly what her shot did.
North seems to be physically wearing Logan down now. The Golden Raiders do not seem fatigued. In the second quarter, North was a stellar 11 for 12 from the free-throw line. What's more, the Raiders hit their last 10 without a miss.
--Pete Barth
It's doubtful she called bank, but that's exactly what her shot did.
North seems to be physically wearing Logan down now. The Golden Raiders do not seem fatigued. In the second quarter, North was a stellar 11 for 12 from the free-throw line. What's more, the Raiders hit their last 10 without a miss.
--Pete Barth
Karlie Tetschlag providing nice lift
The 5-10 sophomore reserve, who uncharacteristically was the first player off the bench for North tonight, has played extremely well down low for the Raiders.
She's gotten a few rebounds and pulled them down strong.
--Pete Barth
She's gotten a few rebounds and pulled them down strong.
--Pete Barth
Logan's not going away
It's 24-20 with 3 minutes left in the first half.
North is drawing fouls. The Raiders have hit six straight free throws
North is drawing fouls. The Raiders have hit six straight free throws
North boys lead at halftime
Sheboygan North's Cody Dodge scored on a layup at the halftime buzzer, giving the Golden Raiders a 24-23 lead over Neenah heading into the break of their sectional semifinal.
North leads 13-10 after one quarter
The Golden Raiders lost some momentum late in the period, as Logan scored six of the last eight points.
North's Kayla Tetschlag seven of North's 13 points.
Dana Churchill is in mild foul trouble with two.
--Pete Barth
North's Kayla Tetschlag seven of North's 13 points.
Dana Churchill is in mild foul trouble with two.
--Pete Barth
Great defense so far by Shelby Churchill
It's early, but it's worth noting that north's No. 40 is playing great post defense against Logan's best player, 6-3 junior center Danielle Jorgenson.
Churchill is playing behind her, keeping a strong base and keeping her arms up nice and long.
--Pete Barth
Churchill is playing behind her, keeping a strong base and keeping her arms up nice and long.
--Pete Barth
North looks great again
The Golden Raiders are creating turnovers and creating all kinds of problems for Logan.
If you didn't see it on TV, Kayla Tetschlag just made one of the sweetest up-and-under moves you'll ever see. She also got fouled and made the free throw.
It's North 11, Logan 4.
If you didn't see it on TV, Kayla Tetschlag just made one of the sweetest up-and-under moves you'll ever see. She also got fouled and made the free throw.
It's North 11, Logan 4.
Report from Oshkosh
Neenah leads North 12-8 after one quarter.
T.J. Kellner has all of North's points.
T.J. Kellner has all of North's points.
"Taking care of business"
North fans in three rows behind each other are holding individual cards with letters on them. The cards spell out the phrase, "Taking care of business."
Crowd update from Oshkosh
The North boys are playing Neenah in a sectional semifinal game tonight, and according to on-site reports, the Golden Raiders' fans are badly outnumbered. One estimate has nore more than a few hundred North fans at the Kolf.
North is well-represented by adults here in Madison for the girls' game, but the student section is thin, probably because they are split between Oshkosh and here.
There was a rumor floating around that if both North teams won tonight, Saturday's boys' game would be moved to 1 p.m. But that rumor was shot down firmly by an administrator at Oshkosh. There's a baseball clinic going on at the Kolf during the day, making the switch impossible.
--Pete Barth
North is well-represented by adults here in Madison for the girls' game, but the student section is thin, probably because they are split between Oshkosh and here.
There was a rumor floating around that if both North teams won tonight, Saturday's boys' game would be moved to 1 p.m. But that rumor was shot down firmly by an administrator at Oshkosh. There's a baseball clinic going on at the Kolf during the day, making the switch impossible.
--Pete Barth
Vincent moves on to the state final
Milwaukee Vincent beat Merrill 54-47 Friday night to advance to Saturday night's state championship game.
The Vikings will present a formidable challenge. They're athletic and smart. Their first-year head coach, Marquis Hines, directs a patient attack. When Merrill tried to sag a bit, Hines pulled his team out and had them hold the ball, forcing Merrill to adjust.
Vincent also appears to be a well-conditioned team. On back-to-back nights, they were in close games at halftime and pulled away in the second half.
One thing to remember though: On the season, Vincent shoots 58 percent from the free-throw line. That could be a factor in a close game.
--Pete Barth
The Vikings will present a formidable challenge. They're athletic and smart. Their first-year head coach, Marquis Hines, directs a patient attack. When Merrill tried to sag a bit, Hines pulled his team out and had them hold the ball, forcing Merrill to adjust.
Vincent also appears to be a well-conditioned team. On back-to-back nights, they were in close games at halftime and pulled away in the second half.
One thing to remember though: On the season, Vincent shoots 58 percent from the free-throw line. That could be a factor in a close game.
--Pete Barth
North ticket info (if the girls' team wins)
If the Golden Raiders advance to Saturday's WIAA Division 1 state championship game, fans can sign up for the pep buses from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at North. The charge to ride one of the buses, which leave at 5 p.m. for Madison, is $5 for students and $7 for members of the general public.
Familiar face leads Grafton
Grafton sophomore Sarah Eichler scored 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting and added seven rebounds in her team's 54-52 win in a Division 2 state semifinal.
Eichler's name may sound familiar to area basketball fans, especially those of the Central Lakeshore Conference. As a freshman, Eichler teamed with Staci Dieringer to lead Random Lake to one of its best seasons.
Eichler, who was also a star soccer play and whose father Gottfried Eichler was the girls soccer coach, transferred to Grafton during the summer.
Eichler's name may sound familiar to area basketball fans, especially those of the Central Lakeshore Conference. As a freshman, Eichler teamed with Staci Dieringer to lead Random Lake to one of its best seasons.
Eichler, who was also a star soccer play and whose father Gottfried Eichler was the girls soccer coach, transferred to Grafton during the summer.
Pre-game report
Sheboygan North girls' basketball coach Susie Runaas said Friday afternoon that rebounding, pressuring the basketball and dealing with second-day fatigue will be key to winning tonight's WIAA Division 1 state semifinal game against La Crosse Logan.
Logan (22-3) beat Milwaukee King (21-3) Thursday in a crazy, crazy game that featured an almost unbelievable 36 turnovers by Logan and a 26-percent shooting night by King.
There are three key players for Logan: Junior Danielle Jorgenson, an extremely strong 6-3 post player who grabbed 14 boards Thursday; guard Ashley Hightower, a good athlete and slasher who did have a stunning total of 10 turnovers Thursday; and guard Abby Eddy, the primary ball-handler.
Runaas said Shelby Churchill will likely draw the man-to-man assignment on the imposing Jorgenson, adding that there may be a rotation of North players guarding her.
--Pete Barth
Logan (22-3) beat Milwaukee King (21-3) Thursday in a crazy, crazy game that featured an almost unbelievable 36 turnovers by Logan and a 26-percent shooting night by King.
There are three key players for Logan: Junior Danielle Jorgenson, an extremely strong 6-3 post player who grabbed 14 boards Thursday; guard Ashley Hightower, a good athlete and slasher who did have a stunning total of 10 turnovers Thursday; and guard Abby Eddy, the primary ball-handler.
Runaas said Shelby Churchill will likely draw the man-to-man assignment on the imposing Jorgenson, adding that there may be a rotation of North players guarding her.
--Pete Barth
Kayla Tetschlag named WBCA All-State
Sheboygan North's senior standout has been named to the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Division 1 All-State team. She was the leading vote-getter among all Division 1 nominees.
The WBCA All-State team is comprised of 10 players in each division. Oostburg's Megan VanTatenhove made the Division 3 team.
Sheboygan South junor Amy Selk was an honorable mention choice in Division 1 and Chilton's Gretchen VanGrinsven is honorable mention in Division 2.
North's Tetschlag, a three-time All-Fox River Valley Conference Player of the Year, is headed to UW-Green Bay on scholarship.
"I'm really proud of her," said North coach Susie Runaas. "She's being rewarded for four years of really hard work. I just hope that other players and coaches understand how important it is to be an all-around player. It's not just about the scoring stat line. It's about being a complete, all-around player."
See Saturday's Sheboygan Press or visit www.sheboygan-press.com Saturday morning for more details.
--Pete Barth
The WBCA All-State team is comprised of 10 players in each division. Oostburg's Megan VanTatenhove made the Division 3 team.
Sheboygan South junor Amy Selk was an honorable mention choice in Division 1 and Chilton's Gretchen VanGrinsven is honorable mention in Division 2.
North's Tetschlag, a three-time All-Fox River Valley Conference Player of the Year, is headed to UW-Green Bay on scholarship.
"I'm really proud of her," said North coach Susie Runaas. "She's being rewarded for four years of really hard work. I just hope that other players and coaches understand how important it is to be an all-around player. It's not just about the scoring stat line. It's about being a complete, all-around player."
See Saturday's Sheboygan Press or visit www.sheboygan-press.com Saturday morning for more details.
--Pete Barth
Sheboygan North girls watch the Badgers practice
After lunch on Friday, Sheboygan North's girls' basketball team got a surprise treat.
Coach Susie Runaas arranged for the Golden Raiders to watch the University of Wisconsin women's basketball team's afternoon practice.
"You could have heard a pin drop," Runaas said. "They just sat there and took it all in. It's funny, because they actually do some similar drills to ours, but the intensity is 10 times greater. And the players are listening to six or seven coaches barking at them.
"It was a nice experience for us."
--Pete Barth
Coach Susie Runaas arranged for the Golden Raiders to watch the University of Wisconsin women's basketball team's afternoon practice.
"You could have heard a pin drop," Runaas said. "They just sat there and took it all in. It's funny, because they actually do some similar drills to ours, but the intensity is 10 times greater. And the players are listening to six or seven coaches barking at them.
"It was a nice experience for us."
--Pete Barth
An amazing play
One of the best plays I've ever seen in a high school game occurred for Randolph in its game against Christian Thursday.
Randolph senior Dan Tillema, who's a 6-4 pogo stick, threw down an authoritative slam off an inbounds pass from midcourt. I'm not sure what was more impressive - the hops of the 6-4 Tillema, or the pinpoint pass from 6-8 freshman Kyle Kelm.
If the Tillema name sounds familiar, he's the little brother of UW-Green Bay's Ryan Tillema. There's another Tillema, sophomore Tyler, who has long arms at 6-1 and looks like he might have another growth spurt in him.
As Christian coach Brett Flipse said "How do you defend that?"
He's probably not the only coach to face Randolph asking similar questions.
- Dave Lubach
Randolph senior Dan Tillema, who's a 6-4 pogo stick, threw down an authoritative slam off an inbounds pass from midcourt. I'm not sure what was more impressive - the hops of the 6-4 Tillema, or the pinpoint pass from 6-8 freshman Kyle Kelm.
If the Tillema name sounds familiar, he's the little brother of UW-Green Bay's Ryan Tillema. There's another Tillema, sophomore Tyler, who has long arms at 6-1 and looks like he might have another growth spurt in him.
As Christian coach Brett Flipse said "How do you defend that?"
He's probably not the only coach to face Randolph asking similar questions.
- Dave Lubach
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Next up for North: La Crosse Logan
Sheboygan North (22-2) will face La Crosse Logan (22-3) tonight at 8:15 p.m. in a state semifinal.
In its win over constantly scrambling and gambling Milwaukee King, Logan turned the ball over a stunning 36 times. Often, the team put its guard, Abby Eddy, in bad situations on in-bounds plays from its own baseline. Logan does not appear to be an especially good passing or ball-handling team, something Sheboygan North may be able to take advantage of.
The real key from Logan's perspective will be junior Danielle Jorgenson, a strong, sturdy 6-3 junior. She had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and is Logan's only really strong interior player. She will have to be limited.
--Pete Barth
In its win over constantly scrambling and gambling Milwaukee King, Logan turned the ball over a stunning 36 times. Often, the team put its guard, Abby Eddy, in bad situations on in-bounds plays from its own baseline. Logan does not appear to be an especially good passing or ball-handling team, something Sheboygan North may be able to take advantage of.
The real key from Logan's perspective will be junior Danielle Jorgenson, a strong, sturdy 6-3 junior. She had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and is Logan's only really strong interior player. She will have to be limited.
--Pete Barth
Franklin coach Ron Kluth quote on North's passing
* On whether he's seen a better passing team in his career than Sheboygan North: "Not as well as they do. I'm surprised by the quickness of their taller players. They pass bigs to bigs, which is really impressive. And they can pass bigs to bigs outside in."
Key stats from the North game
* North shot 57.1 percent from the field.
* North had 36 points in the paint, compared to 18 for Franklin.
* Laura Hayward, Kayla Beck, Shelby Churchill and Dana Churchill went 17-of-22 from the field.
* Franklin was whistled for 22 personal fouls, compared to six against North.
* Sheboygan North had 14 fast-break points. Franklin had zero.
--Pete Barth
* North had 36 points in the paint, compared to 18 for Franklin.
* Laura Hayward, Kayla Beck, Shelby Churchill and Dana Churchill went 17-of-22 from the field.
* Franklin was whistled for 22 personal fouls, compared to six against North.
* Sheboygan North had 14 fast-break points. Franklin had zero.
--Pete Barth
Notes, quotes and thoughts from the North game
* As the Golden Raiders came onto the floor, several fans held up a large paper banner. On it was written, "It's time to finish business! Good luck Lady Raiders." It took seven people to hold it up because it was so wide.
* North's Laura Hayward had an unbelievable game. She didn't score at all against Fond du Lac in the sectional final, but she had two baskets in the first minute-and-a-half of this one and finished with a game-high 20 points. But her value runs much deeper than her scoring, anyway. She ran the floor and her team well, powering through attempted Franklin double-teams and traps.
* OK, so Kayla Beck wasn't perfect. Just close to perfect. Near the end of the game, she fired a high lob over her teammates' heads under the Franklin basket. It sailed out of bounds, drawing a few smiles from the soon-to-be victorious Raiders.
It was a forgivable pass, all things considered, especially after how Beck had played. The first-year starter was phenomenal, hitting a quick 3-pointer, scoring nine points, grabbing a team-high eight boards and just playing so very smart.
"She was so huge," said teammate Kayla Tetschlag.
* Sheboygan North's passing continues to dazzle. The Golden Raiders have such a feel for where their teammates are, it's incredible. Back-door cuts had Franklin defenders confused and sometimes unaware of where the ball was.
"I thought they were really good," said Franklin's Paige Narloch. "We didn't even see them coming."
--Pete Barth
* North's Laura Hayward had an unbelievable game. She didn't score at all against Fond du Lac in the sectional final, but she had two baskets in the first minute-and-a-half of this one and finished with a game-high 20 points. But her value runs much deeper than her scoring, anyway. She ran the floor and her team well, powering through attempted Franklin double-teams and traps.
* OK, so Kayla Beck wasn't perfect. Just close to perfect. Near the end of the game, she fired a high lob over her teammates' heads under the Franklin basket. It sailed out of bounds, drawing a few smiles from the soon-to-be victorious Raiders.
It was a forgivable pass, all things considered, especially after how Beck had played. The first-year starter was phenomenal, hitting a quick 3-pointer, scoring nine points, grabbing a team-high eight boards and just playing so very smart.
"She was so huge," said teammate Kayla Tetschlag.
* Sheboygan North's passing continues to dazzle. The Golden Raiders have such a feel for where their teammates are, it's incredible. Back-door cuts had Franklin defenders confused and sometimes unaware of where the ball was.
"I thought they were really good," said Franklin's Paige Narloch. "We didn't even see them coming."
--Pete Barth
North reserves are in
Sheboygan North will win its second-ever WIAA girls' state tournament game.
The Golden Raiders will play La Crosse Logan Friday night at 8:15 in a state semifinal.
The Golden Raiders will play La Crosse Logan Friday night at 8:15 in a state semifinal.
Franklin's first free-throws of the night
Julia Lewis just knocked down two free-throws with 1:22 left in the fourth quarter. It was the first trip to the line for Franklin.
Incredibly physical game
Players are getting shoved, grabbed and pulled.
Kayla Tetschlag just made a steal and a Franklin defender literally grabbed her off arm, forcing her to lose the ball out of bounds.
Bodies are hitting the floor all over the place.
Kayla Tetschlag just made a steal and a Franklin defender literally grabbed her off arm, forcing her to lose the ball out of bounds.
Bodies are hitting the floor all over the place.
End of third quarter
Sheboygan North is leading 42-29.
Dana Churchill had four points in the quarter and Laura Hayward had three.
Kayla Beck continues to play incredibly strong on both ends.
Meanwhile, Franklin has one player with an ice pack on the back of her neck and another with some sort of a significant ankle injury.
Dana Churchill had four points in the quarter and Laura Hayward had three.
Kayla Beck continues to play incredibly strong on both ends.
Meanwhile, Franklin has one player with an ice pack on the back of her neck and another with some sort of a significant ankle injury.
Franklin player OK
Julia Lewis, who tumbled over Jenny Gassner and landed wickedly on her head, is OK. She left the court with the help of the team trainer.
North's passing clinic
The Golden Raiders' passing is something to behold.
North team
North has scored the first six points of the second half and leads 37-22.
Remember the old Princeton team that gave Georgetown so much trouble? This North team does some of that backdoor cutting and anticipation passing.
It's beautiful basketball.
--Pete Barth
North team
North has scored the first six points of the second half and leads 37-22.
Remember the old Princeton team that gave Georgetown so much trouble? This North team does some of that backdoor cutting and anticipation passing.
It's beautiful basketball.
--Pete Barth
Official first-half stats
A few things jump out:
* North is 12 for 19 from the floor, a robust 63.2 percent. Laura Hayward is 4-for-4 and Kayla Beck is 3-for-3. Franklin shot 47.4 percent.
* North is doubling up Franklin in rebounds, 12-6.
* North has 20 points in the paint, compared to eight for Franklin.
* But the great equalizer for Franklin, which is keeping them in a game they're otherwise being outplayed in, is the 3-point shot. The Sabers, who average fewer than two 3-point attempts a game over the course of the season, are 4-for-5 from that range today.
* North is 12 for 19 from the floor, a robust 63.2 percent. Laura Hayward is 4-for-4 and Kayla Beck is 3-for-3. Franklin shot 47.4 percent.
* North is doubling up Franklin in rebounds, 12-6.
* North has 20 points in the paint, compared to eight for Franklin.
* But the great equalizer for Franklin, which is keeping them in a game they're otherwise being outplayed in, is the 3-point shot. The Sabers, who average fewer than two 3-point attempts a game over the course of the season, are 4-for-5 from that range today.
First half is over
Sheboygan North leads 31-22.
Franklin fans sitting behind us are irate about the officiating; Franklin was called for eight first-half fouls while North was whistled for one.
Laura Hayward is playing an almost perfect game for the Golden Raiders. She has 11 points and has not missed from the field.
Kayla Beck is also playing extremely well with seven points.
North's defense is doing well inside, but it has given up three 3-pointers, which has kept the score closer than it otherwise would be.
On offense, the Golden Raiders are playing extremely unselfishly, almost to a fault. A couple of times, North players had nice, open looks in the soft spots of the Franklin zone, but tried to make that extra pass into traffic with unsuccessful results.
--Pete Barth
Franklin fans sitting behind us are irate about the officiating; Franklin was called for eight first-half fouls while North was whistled for one.
Laura Hayward is playing an almost perfect game for the Golden Raiders. She has 11 points and has not missed from the field.
Kayla Beck is also playing extremely well with seven points.
North's defense is doing well inside, but it has given up three 3-pointers, which has kept the score closer than it otherwise would be.
On offense, the Golden Raiders are playing extremely unselfishly, almost to a fault. A couple of times, North players had nice, open looks in the soft spots of the Franklin zone, but tried to make that extra pass into traffic with unsuccessful results.
--Pete Barth
End of first quarter
North leads 13-10.
Franklin scored seven of the last nine points in the period.
Laura Hayward and Kayla Tetschlag each have four points.
Franklin scored seven of the last nine points in the period.
Laura Hayward and Kayla Tetschlag each have four points.
Sign of things to come?
Franklin is 2-for-3 from 3-point range so far, as North leads 11-6 with 2:20 remaining in the first.
On the season, Franklin is attempting fewer than two 3's per game, going 21-for-45 from beyond the arc through 23 games.
On the season, Franklin is attempting fewer than two 3's per game, going 21-for-45 from beyond the arc through 23 games.
North looks fantastic so far
The Golden Raiders have several steals and lead 11-3 with 3:51 to go in the first.
North's defense has a great handle on what Franklin is trying to do, though Franklin just hit its second 3-pointer of the day to cut it to 11-6.
North's defense has a great handle on what Franklin is trying to do, though Franklin just hit its second 3-pointer of the day to cut it to 11-6.
Sheb. Christian falls
Sheboygan Christian lost to Randolph tonight, 65-38, in a WIAA Division 4 sectional semfinal at Fond du Lac.
It's just warmups, but...
Sheboygan North senior point guard Laura Hayward is hitting just about everything. She's knocking down 3-pointer after 3-pointer during the pre-game shootaround.
La Crosse Logan advances
Despite a whopping 36 turnovers, La Crosse Logan advanced to Friday's Division 1 sectional semifinal with a 52-50 win over Milwaukee King in the first game of the night session.
Logan (22-3) will play the winner of the Sheboygan North-Franklin game, which gets under way in 7 minutes.
6-foot-3 junior Danielle Jorgenson had 17 points and 14 rebounds and Ashley Hightower added 10 points and 12 boards for Logan.
King's fast-paced style dictated the game's up-and-down action - and Logan's high turnover total - but its poor shooting cost the Generals. They shot 22-of-85 (25.9 percent). Rachel Story, the team's leading scorer this season, scored six points on 3-of-23 shooting.
Logan (22-3) will play the winner of the Sheboygan North-Franklin game, which gets under way in 7 minutes.
6-foot-3 junior Danielle Jorgenson had 17 points and 14 rebounds and Ashley Hightower added 10 points and 12 boards for Logan.
King's fast-paced style dictated the game's up-and-down action - and Logan's high turnover total - but its poor shooting cost the Generals. They shot 22-of-85 (25.9 percent). Rachel Story, the team's leading scorer this season, scored six points on 3-of-23 shooting.
Familiar Ozaukee face
Former Ozaukee standout Nicole Bundy can be seen in every corner of the Alliant Center.
She's pictured on the cover of the WIAA Program, shooting during last year's state final game against Cuba City. She's also all over media row, where a picture of her during a jump ball from the same game is shown on each of the media outlets' placards.
She's pictured on the cover of the WIAA Program, shooting during last year's state final game against Cuba City. She's also all over media row, where a picture of her during a jump ball from the same game is shown on each of the media outlets' placards.
Sheb. Christian trails at halftime
They're at halftime in Fond du Lac, and Randolph leads Sheboygan Christian, 33-20, in the WIAA Division 4 Boys Basketball sectional semifinal.
Notable stats from the Oostburg game
* The Dutch shot 31.8 percent from the field for the game, and that final number comes on the strength of a 40-percent second half. In the first half, the Dutch shot 21.1 percent.
* Oostburg was bothered by Cuba City's 1-3-1 trap. The Cubans turned the Dutch over 15 times, an uncharacteristic total.
* Megan VanTatenhove finished with four points and senior guard Kristine Raeder had three. Those were Oostburg's top two scorers this season; they averaged 24.7 points per game between them.
* For what it's worth, Cuba City went to the line 23 times (16 makes) to Oostburg's nine (seven makes). The Dutch had great difficulty getting inside.
* Oostburg scored zero points in the first quarter and 22 in the fourth.
* Oostburg's record of the last two seasons is 47-2.
--Pete Barth
* Oostburg was bothered by Cuba City's 1-3-1 trap. The Cubans turned the Dutch over 15 times, an uncharacteristic total.
* Megan VanTatenhove finished with four points and senior guard Kristine Raeder had three. Those were Oostburg's top two scorers this season; they averaged 24.7 points per game between them.
* For what it's worth, Cuba City went to the line 23 times (16 makes) to Oostburg's nine (seven makes). The Dutch had great difficulty getting inside.
* Oostburg scored zero points in the first quarter and 22 in the fourth.
* Oostburg's record of the last two seasons is 47-2.
--Pete Barth
Thoughts on Oostburg's loss
* As tough as this loss was for Oostburg's five seniors, Thursday's loss has to serve as incredible motivational fuel for this great junior class. Megan VanTatenhove, Britta Jensema, Kelsey TeBeest and Alyssa DeBruine return next season. That's a lot of talent and experience.
* Cuba City will probably win its third straight state title on Saturday. Don't think that winning experience didn't help on Thursday. Every single time Oostburg made a run, Cuba City answered. As gutsy as Oostburg is, Cuba City is just as much so.
* DeBruine really showed up. She hit three terrific-looking 3-pointers and grabbed a couple of boards. Coach DePagter, who had moved DeBruine (a former starter) to the bench earlier this season, was extremely pleased with her play. Thursday, he was pleased with her play and most of all, her effort.
"She was in there scrapping and fighting," DePagter said. "It looks like she really wants to be a part of things next season."
* Jensema's stock rose too. Aggressive, athletic and confident, she appears poised to be an absolute standout next season.
--Pete Barth
* Cuba City will probably win its third straight state title on Saturday. Don't think that winning experience didn't help on Thursday. Every single time Oostburg made a run, Cuba City answered. As gutsy as Oostburg is, Cuba City is just as much so.
* DeBruine really showed up. She hit three terrific-looking 3-pointers and grabbed a couple of boards. Coach DePagter, who had moved DeBruine (a former starter) to the bench earlier this season, was extremely pleased with her play. Thursday, he was pleased with her play and most of all, her effort.
"She was in there scrapping and fighting," DePagter said. "It looks like she really wants to be a part of things next season."
* Jensema's stock rose too. Aggressive, athletic and confident, she appears poised to be an absolute standout next season.
--Pete Barth
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