Five Takeaways: Kimberly Vs. Oshkosh West
Oshkosh, WI- Tuesday night’s FVA matchup between Kimberly (11-2) and Oshkosh West (7-6) featured two of the best 2020 guards in the state of Wisconsin. Karter Thomas (26.4 ppg) and Jake Buchanan (19 ppg) squared off for the first time this season. In their anticipated matchup,…
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Continue ReadingOshkosh, WI- Tuesday night’s FVA matchup between Kimberly (11-2) and Oshkosh West (7-6) featured two of the best 2020 guards in the state of Wisconsin. Karter Thomas (26.4 ppg) and Jake Buchanan (19 ppg) squared off for the first time this season. In their anticipated matchup, Oshkosh West upended the Papermakers by a final score of 73-67. Karter Thomas scored 31 in the win, while Jake Buchanan scored 19.
Karter Thomas Needs To Play At A High Level In Order For O-West To Win Games
This is not breaking news, but Karter Thomas is vital to the success of Oshkosh West. The standout junior has scored at least 35 points five times this year. When he has done so, West is 5-0. It is not a coincidence that when Thomas started playing well, his team did the same. Thomas started off cold, scoring just 12 points in the first 18 minutes. After his shaky first half, Thomas exploded for 19 second half points. The junior guard started the second half of play with a made three and ended it with some game-sealing free throws.
The Difference Between Kimberly and Oshkosh West is Depth
Karter Thomas and Jake Buchanan are both fantastic guards, but Kimberly has had more success this year due to the depth that the Papermakers have. Kimberly has three players who are averaging over double-digits per game, while Oshkosh West has just two players who are doing so. Like stated earlier, West has struggled when Thomas has not played well. At times, the Wildcats have been to reliant on their star guard. Luckily for West, Thomas was able to play his best basketball.
On the other hand, Kimberly has the luxury of tremendous depth. Jake Buchanan did not play his best basketball, but Kimberly was able to be competitive because other guys were able to step up. Reed Miller had 16 points and displayed his smooth jumpshot. Charlie Jacobson was also able to make some contributions. Jacobson made two threes and had a layup on a nice backdoor cut.
Oshkosh West Misses Luke Haasl
Without Luke Haasl, Levi Nienhaus-Borchert dominated the paint. At times, the absence of Haasl was painfully obvious. In attempt to slow Borchert, the Wildcats elected to double-team him every time he caught the basketball. This allowed the 6’5″ senior to dribble out and find an open shooter.
Not only do the Wildcats miss Haasl’s defensive presence, but they also miss him on offense as well. Haasl would provide O-West with security when on offense. The senior has a pretty jumpshot and is pretty crafty around the rim. As a junior, Haasl scored nine points per game.
Levi Nienhaus-Borchert Is Playing The Best Basketball Of His Career
In his previous two games, Levi Nienhaus-Borchert has missed only three shots and scored a combined 53 points. It is pretty safe to say the the senior center has found his stride. Last night, Borchert scored 14 and was very assertive on the offensive end. Despite being double teamed on most of his post touches, Borchert was able to use his high basketball IQ to find an open shooter, or dribble out and create something for himself. To put it into simple terms, Levi Nienhaus-Borchert was a man amongst boys.
Jacquez Overstreet Has Potential To Become A Great Player
Entering this game, Jacquez Overstreet was averaging seven points per game and was the third leading scorer for Oshkosh West. In Oshkosh West’s win over Kimberly, the sophomore guard scored nine points. Overstreet started the game off hot, hitting two threes. Since that point, he cooled off a bit. However, don’t let his sub-par second half fool you from the fact that he already has all of the tools that he needs. Overstreet is a phenomenal shooter, passer, and ball handler. The 6’3″ guard also posses speed that allows him to get to the rim with ease. The one thing that Overstreet will need to improve on his his composure. At one point in the second half, Overstreet showed his youth. On back-to-back possessions in the final 18 minutes, Overstreet committed two critical turnovers.