RECAP: Kimberly Knocks off Kaukauna, Grabs First Place in the FVA
KIMBERLY — The top two contenders in the Fox Valley Association squared off Friday night. Looking to dethrone the defending conference and Division 2 state champions, Kimberly (3-0) did just that. Behind a big performance from their star guard Jake…
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Continue ReadingKIMBERLY — The top two contenders in the Fox Valley Association squared off Friday night. Looking to dethrone the defending conference and Division 2 state champions, Kimberly (3-0) did just that. Behind a big performance from their star guard Jake Buchanan, the Papermakers grabbed hold of sole possession of first place in the FVA with an 85-64 win over Kaukauna (2-1).
Levi Borchert – 2019 – F – Kimberly
A huge difference maker in Friday’s win, Borchert absolutely killed Kaukauna on the glass. Borchert easily had a double-double, scoring 12 points, while limiting second chance opportunities, but gaining them for the Papermakers. The Ghosts couldn’t keep Borchert from getting offensive rebounds. The senior forward battled for all 36 minutes and sucked the life out of Kaukauna with his ability to shed his opponents and outwork them under the glass. Offensively, Borchert was the unsung hero as well. Kimberly often fed him on the block, despite the constant double teams. Borchert could always feel the weak-side defender coming and was able to pass out of them and set up high percentage looks for his teammates. Still looking for a home next season, Borchert would be a quality pickup at the Division 3 level.
Jake Buchanan – 2020 – PG – Kimberly
Kaukauna didn’t have an answer for Buchanan. Once the junior guard finally cooled off, it was almost too late. Buchanan scored 12 of his team’s first 22 points and scored 18 at the half as Kimberly opened up a huge lead. The crafty, high-scoring floor general made the Ghosts pay for just about every defensive mistake. Working around a ton of screens on and off the ball, Buchanan was always one step ahead of the defense, understanding how defenders were trying to play him. With his speed and shooting ability, there’s not a great way to play Buchanan. If defenders crowd him, he’s quick enough to go by and has the ball on a string. If they lay off, he’s a deadly 3-point shooter. Even off the ball, Buchanan can flare or curl around screens and catch-and-shoot on the move. Buchanan would finish with 28 points in the win. He holds two Division 2 offers from Michigan Tech and St. Leo.
Donovan Ivory – 2019 – F – Kaukauna
Ivory is getting better as a shot creator. He’s playing more on the perimeter this season and certainly has gained a lot of confidence in his 3-point shot. Ivory is still at his best when he’s slashing to the rim or playing up and down in transition, but the fact that he can now create shots in the half court is only going to make him more valuable at Minnesota-Duluth next season. Ivory scored a team-high 23 points and helped jump start a huge comeback in the second half as Kaukauna cut a 20-point deficit to six, highlighted by Ivory’s steal and slam. Putting on muscle is still going to be a point of emphasis and it will help Ivory finish around the rim as he missed a couple of bunnies Friday night, but the Bulldogs have to be excited about Ivory’s ceiling and what they’re getting next season.
Charlie Jacobson – 2019 – SG – Kimberly
As good as Kimberly was on Friday, they may not win the game without Jacobson. Following Kaukauna’s run, Jacobson hit consecutive 3-pointers to completely halt the Ghosts and steal back momentum. The following possession, he drew a charge and from there, it was all Kimberly the rest of the way. Jacobson isn’t one of the featured players for the Papermakers, but if his ability to make timely shots and play stout defense continues, Kimberly will be a very tough out in March.
Logan Jedwabny – 2020 – G/W – Kaukauna
The main catalyst behind Kaukauna’s second half surge, Jedwabny scored 18 points, scoring 13 in the second half alone. Jedwabny mixed it up with impressive drives to the rim, transition buckets, and a couple of 3-pointers, giving Kimberly fits at times. There were a couple shots at the rim that Jedwabny would like to have back, but he played some of the best ball we’ve seen out of him. The 6-foot-2 junior plays bigger than his size and is in the midst of a strong breakout season, averaging just shy of 19 ppg. A fearless attacker, Jedwabny got to the basket constantly and if he improves his finishing ability, can really spark the Ghosts for the rest of the season.