Friday’s Games to Watch
Games to watch during Friday’s WIAA boy’s basketball action…
Kimberly (4-0) at Neenah (4-2)
AAU teammates Max Klesmit (22.2 ppg) and Jake Buchanan (23.5 ppg) will square off against one another. Kimberly has been just as good as advertised, if not better to begin the year. The Papermakers have won three of four by double-digits including a resounding over 21-point victory over Kaukauna. One of many teams bunched in the middle of the pack in the Fox Valley Association, Neenah’s two losses have come by just an average of 4.0 ppg.
Oshkosh West (3-2) at Kaukauna (4-1)
There’s no such thing as a must-win game in December, but there’s a lot of pressure on both of these teams to keep pace with first-place Kimberly. Despite getting nearly 30 points per game from junior guard Karter Thomas, Oshkosh West is struggling, having lost their last two games, both in FVA play. After falling to the Papermakers last week, Kaukauna has been playing with fire as well, just squeaking out victories over Wauwatosa West and Oshkosh North.
Wautoma (4-1) at Mauston (3-1)
Two contenders in Division 3 square off Friday night. The 1-2 punch of Alex Hendrickson (25.5 ppg) and Ryan Lois (21.5 ppg) has lifted Wautoma in their strong start. Led by Cade Hall (22.0 ppg), Mauston’s lone slip up came against New Glarus, the top ranked team in Division 4.
Wauwatosa West (0-5) at Sussex Hamilton (1-0)
Potential trap game for Hamilton, coming off a big win over Brookfield Central and right before they face Nicolet on Saturday. Tosa West has played a brutal schedule to this point and fell down the stretch to Kaukauna, Red Oak (TX), and Germantown. The Chargers made a statement earlier this week, knocking off the No. 1 ranked Lancers 69-61 behind 32 points from Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Others: Racine St. Catherine’s at Catholic Central, Appleton West at Appleton North, Green Bay Southwest at Bay Port