2018-19 State Tournament Predictions: Division 1
The 2018-19 WIAA basketball season officially kicks off on Tuesday. Who will take home the gold ball in Division 1 come march? Prep Hoops Wisconsin makes our preseason picks.
SECTIONAL FINAL 1
Kimberly over Oshkosh West
You could potentially see an All-Fox Valley Association final four in this sectional. Kimberly is ready to take that next step after a promising 2017-18 season behind their big three of Jake Buchanan, Reed Miller, and Levi Borchert.
SECTIONAL FINAL 2
Brookfield Central over Sussex Hamilton
This is good enough to be a state championship game. Brookfield Central and Sussex Hamilton will play twice to likely decide the Greater Metro Conference. The third battle could determine a state berth. This is a toss up, but I tend to favor senior guards like Cole Nau and Gage Malensek in March.
SECTIONAL FINAL 3
Racine Park over Madison LaFollette
Size is going to be a problem for the Lancers. They could very well win the Big Eight, but Nobal Days and Richie Warren on the inside present a huge problem in this matchup. Larry Canady is also one of the state’s defenders and could stifle LaFollette’s guards.
SECTIONAL FINAL 4
Waukesha West over West Allis Central
The Wolverines jump to Division 1, but there doesn’t appear to be much standing between them and Madison as many of the teams in their sectional are in rebuilding mode.
STATE SEMIFINALS
(1) Waukesha West over (4) Kimberly
West has a few more seniors and one too many players for Kimberly to match up with. The versatility of players like David Skogman and Cameron Palesse gives the Wolverines an edge in this one.
(2) Brookfield Central ove (3)Racine Park
This isn’t a great matchup for Central as Park could give them a huge scare, but we’ll take the Lancers anticipating that sophomore David Joplin makes a big jump from year one to year two and becomes an x-factor in March.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
(2) Brookfield Central over (1) Waukesha West
Both teams are playing a loaded non-conference schedule and will be tested and ready for the bright lights of the Kohl Center. Waukesha West might have the second-most talented starting five in the state, but I question if they have enough depth. I know Brookfield Central has it, especially with guys like Malik Abdul-Wahid who are stars in their role.