Five Takeaways: Tipton (40) vs. Northeast, Goose Lake (61) [WFA Shootout]
CEDAR RAPIDS — Northeast, Goose Lake jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead and cruised to a 61-40 win over Tipton in a River Valley Conference game played at the US Cellular Center (Cedar Rapids) as part of the inaugural Wells Fargo Advisors Shootout on Saturday morning.
In control throughout, the Rebels used that big run to build a lead that they would never relinquish. Long known for their defensive prowess, this year’s edition of the Rebels has been more potent offensively, and their work in transition was a big reason why. They leaked someone out on every Tipton shot in the first quarter, and while the Tigers were trying to crash the offensive glass, Northeast feasted in transition, getting layup after layup. Tipton made the adjustment to get defenders back, and was able to cut the Northeast lead to six at the half, 27-21, but they were never able to get any closer.
Northeast, Goose Lake (12-1) was led by Dawson Stoll, who had 18 points to lead three in double figures. The big man combination of Luke Empen (16) and Braeden Hoyer (15) combined for 31 points and 19 rebounds (11 Hoyer, eight Empen) in the win. Stoll contributed seven rebounds, five assists and four steals in addition to his team-high 18 points.
Tipton (10-4) was led by Logan Hoffman, who scored a game-high 21 and was the only Tiger in double figures. He was highly effective operating out of the high post, but was the only Tipton player who did much of anything on Saturday morning.
Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | F |
Tipton | 5 | 16 | 6 | 13 | 40 |
Northeast, Goose Lake | 18 | 9 | 17 | 17 | 61 |
Tipton: Logan Hoffman 21, Luke Becker 6, Frank Bierman 4, Andrew Stewart 4, Jacob Tischuk 3, Bryce Deerberg 2
Northeast, Goose Lake: Dawson Stoll 18, Luke Empen 16, Braeden Hoyer 15, Collin Swanton 8, Trey McAleer 4
Northeast is going to be a bear to take out in 2A postseason play
The Rebels have made their name known in previous years for being a top-notch defensive team, and that’s still the case. But this year’s team is strong on the offensive end as well, and is really well built. The Rebels have a pair of good big men in Luke Empen and Braeden Hoyer who are going to be really tough for any 2A team to handle with their combination of size, strength and athleticism. Then you put a shooter like Dawson Stoll alongside that duo and you have a really balanced offensive unit. Look for this group to make some noise in Class 2A.
Logan Hoffman is a highly effective player
The only Tipton Tiger who did anything of note on Saturday morning, Hoffman scored a game-high 21 points on 8-15 shooting. He was really good operating in the high post against Northeast’s 2-3 zone, where he is a triple threat. He has great shooting touch from the mid-range, can put the ball on the floor and score with good footwork, and he’s also a capable and willing passer. He’s undersized for a four at 6-4, but he’d still be an effective Division III player.
Luke Empen and Braeden Hoyer are a dynamic post duo
Empen has always been a solid player around the rim, routinely the strongest player on the floor who is able to bully his way to the rim and score. He’s now added a 15-footer that he looks comfortable taking and knocking down. The big addition this year however has been Hoyer. The 6-5 junior is one of the state’s best high jumpers and is a phenomenal athlete who controls the glass, can protect the rim, and runs the floor really well. The combination of Hoyer and Empen is going to be a lot for 2A teams to handle in the paint, and could carry the Rebels to Des Moines.
Dawson Stoll, stat sheet stuffer
Stoll is Northeast’s second leading scorer at 14.5 points a game, and he led the Rebels in this one with 18 points. Those 18 points are great, and his shooting adds another dimension to their attack, but it was his all-around floor game that really stood out. He had seven rebounds from his guard spot, dished out a team-high five assists and had four steals playing at the top of the Rebels 2-3 zone. His ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways makes Northeast a really dangerous team moving forward.
Keep an eye on Tipton’s Frank Bierman
The 6-5 sophomore was fairly quiet in this one, scoring just four points on 2-2 shooting. But when Hoffman is gone next year, it’ll be Bierman and Andrew Stewart’s team, and in a pair of viewings this year, Bierman has shown some flashes of being a big-time player. He’s strong, a great athlete, efficient and rebounds at a high level. As he continues to develop his all-around skill set, he could become a nightly double-double threat.