Tip Off Classic 5 Takeaways: North Woods earns signature win over Mayer Lutheran
North Woods was a bit shorthanded Saturday, playing without its top big man. It provided all the more opportunity for Cade Goggleye to put his stamp on the game and he did. Goggleye scored 25 points, leading the Grizzlies to…
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Continue ReadingNorth Woods was a bit shorthanded Saturday, playing without its top big man. It provided all the more opportunity for Cade Goggleye to put his stamp on the game and he did. Goggleye scored 25 points, leading the Grizzlies to a 59-46 win over Mayer Lutheran.
Here are five takeaways from the game:
Goggleye controls the game as well as any guard in Class A
In what was a frantic, out of sorts kind of affair, it felt like the only time the game wasn’t played at an uncomfortable pace was when the ball was in Goggleye’s hands. The senior guard scored 25 points to lead all scorers but more than that, his ability to make the right reads, get things organized and get the Grizzlies something good was a big key in the win. He’s been a terrific scorer for years now, but Goggleye’s development into a true point guard is why North Woods has a chance to contend for a state championship in March.
Baden Noennig is going to have to dominate for the Crusaders
Noennig scored 23 points Saturday but outside of a stretch in the middle of the second half when Mayer Lutheran made a run, the game never felt competitive. Noennig is the one gamebreaking talent the Crusaders have and he had a slow start to the game. There’s a lot on his plate, especially early in the year as younger/less experienced guys ingratiate themselves to the varsity level.
North Woods has some good young talent
Darius Goggleye and TJ Chiabotti combined to score 18 points and contribute in key spots Saturday in the win. The younger Goggleye already has a solid frame and athleticism to stand out at the Class A level and as he gains more playing time and confidence, he could be a very good player. He scored 12 and battled Noennig throughout the game and was impressive. The younger Chiabotti scored six points and provides pesky perimeter defense. Neither guy will be featured players on this version of North Woods but if they can provide low-leverage production early in the year, the Grizzlies would have more depth when they face stiffer competition.
Mayer Lutheran isn’t young, but its inexperience showed
The Crusaders graduated a terrific core of seniors which led the team to new heights a season ago. With those guys gobbling up so many minutes last year, few guys are left that have any meaningful experience. And it showed Saturday. Mayer Lutheran isn’t necessarily young as its entire roster is juniors and seniors but very few have played at the varsity level. Some of those guys will have to step up and provide complementary contributions. Noennig is really good. But he also needs guys to set him up at times and he’ll need some guys to take pressure off him as defenses will assuredly key on him heavily.
What kind of impact will Trevor Morrison make?
Morrison was the third-leading scorer for North Woods last year and could be a double-double guy this winter. He missed the game Saturday, robbing us of a chance to see him against Noennig inside. Goggleye is a terrific go-to guy and is the undoubted fulcrum of the North Woods attack. But Morrison providing interior production will be a key when the Grizzlies run into a team that can challenge them athletically.