Most Intriguing Conference Races: Fox Valley Association
We’re at the halfway point of the 2018-19 season. Prep Hoops Wisconsin takes a closer look at some of the more intriguing conference title races, continuing with the Fox Valley Association CURRENT STANDINGS 1. Kimberly 8-1 2. Kaukauna 7-2…
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Continue ReadingWe’re at the halfway point of the 2018-19 season. Prep Hoops Wisconsin takes a closer look at some of the more intriguing conference title races, continuing with the Fox Valley Association
CURRENT STANDINGS
1. Kimberly 8-1
2. Kaukauna 7-2
3. Appleton West 6-3
3. Neenah 6-3
5. Oshkosh North 4-5
5. Hortonville 4-5
5. Oshkosh West 4-5
8. Appleton East 3-6
8. Appleton North 3-6
10. Fond Du Lac 0-9
BREAKING DOWN THE RACE
As expected, Kimberly has a lead at the halfway point. Not as expected, there’s more competition at the top and the league is even deeper than we thought. The Papermakers have a loss to eighth-place Appleton East. Second-place Kaukauna was also taken down by Neenah and Kimberly by double-digits.
Appleton West and Neenah have proven to be tougher outs than expected and have the potential to shake up the race. Meanwhile, Oshkosh West is still waiting in the weeds and showing flashes of being able to compete with anyone in the league as well.
SURPRISE TEAM
Oshkosh North was supposed to be in rebuilding mode after winning the Division 1 state championship. While they’re under .500 in conference play, 4-5 is nothing to scoff at in the FVA, especially when Tyrese Haliburton and Quincy Anderson aren’t walking through the door again. Senior forward Matt Hickey (15.8 ppg) has had a breakout season to help the Spartans remain relevant in arguably the state’s best conference.
OUR PICK
If Kimberly plays a full 36 minutes, there’s little doubt they’re the best team in the conference — as seen during their 21-point win versus Kaukauna. In fact, six of their eight conference wins have come by 19 points or more. The Papermakers do have a very difficult stretch ahead, traveling to both Oshkosh West and Kaukauna this week followed by dates with Neenah and Appleton West, however.
MIDWAY POINT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
With so many quality candidates, you have to go with the best player on what’s been the best team to this point. Kimberly guard Jake Buchanan is averaging 19 points and 4 assists per game. Against the second and third place teams — Kaukauna and Appleton West — Buchanan posted 26 and 28 points respectively.
Other Candidates: Karter Thomas (Oshkosh West), Will Mahoney (Appleton West), Donovan Ivory (Kaukauna), Max Klesmit (Neenah)