Ten Best From Sectionals
Where we’re at right now, with sectionals in the rear view and a vista of state games set through the weekend, is the summit of the high school season. And, at the summit, there is typically an accepted frontrunner and…
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Continue ReadingWhere we’re at right now, with sectionals in the rear view and a vista of state games set through the weekend, is the summit of the high school season.
And, at the summit, there is typically an accepted frontrunner and at least some blue bloods in the mix. The former and the latter, nada. So we’re not attuned to this crowd of low-ish seeds climbing so high up the playoff ladder, but that does make for an engrossing, sectional specific edition of ten best.
Most Underrated:
Sectionals are the ideal recruiting platform because it’s a big enough stage for recruiters to take notice of every good performance, but small enough that nothing slips through the cracks. And this year was no different, as prospect-mania was really roaring through the weekend. Here were four of the best sectional performances from guys you may not be familiar with.
Keyser Helterbrand, Hudson
28 points versus Appleton West
15 points versus Neenah
Jacob Daulton, Hudson
2 points versus Appleton West
30 points versus Neenah
Quinn Steckbauer, Merrill
30 points versus New London
25 points against La Crosse Central
Ben Probst, Madison La Follette
21 points versus Waunakee
8 points versus Sun Prairie
Best Passer:
How Jalen Johnson saw an outleting James Graham, 94-feet to the other baseline, with his back turned is one of his instinctual traits that’s beyond my comprehension as a former benchwarmer. But, during Nicolet’s sidestep of Kaukauna on Saturday, it was that pass which proved that the point guard position may be the most viable avenue for Johnson to explore at the next level.
Best Rebounder:
Behind the scoring czars of sectionals, the rebounders have been the most impactful for their respective teams. And though Levi Nienhaus-Borchert and Kimberly would eventually lose in their first sectional, his rebounding talents, and effect on the game, was undeniable. In the first three minutes, Nienhaus-Borchert collected almost five offensive rebounds alone. Down the stretch even, the senior big man was subject to a vigorous double-team.
Even that didn’t stop him from tallying up a handful of offensive boards and loose balls.
Stock Riser: Neenah’s Max Klesmit is still chasing a division one offer, which seems like a farce considering he’s averaged 29.5 ppg in the playoffs, has had two 30 points halves this season, and eclipsed the 40 point threshold twice (while playing in a top-five conference in the state). Yet, the dust has settled, and no one is bidding on the scoring guard. Scouts, THIS IS YOUR GUY.
Top play: The best coaching decision would be a more apt title for this. Because, when Kaukauna saw their lead over Green Bay Southwest slipping from their fingertips, the Ghosts opted to press. With Donovan Ivory, Jacob Newhouse, and other lengthy defenders smothering the ball carrier, they were able to force turnovers and build a lead.
Best off the Bench: In Onalaska’s loss to La Crosse Central, Jonathan Flanagan put up 18 points despite coming off the bench. In a game where the starters were underperforming, Flanagan stepped up to the plate and played out of his mind on the biggest of stages.
Best Freshman Stat Line:
Tre White (versus Wauwatosa West): 16 points
Tre White (versus Milwaukee Lutheran): 12 points
Best Sophomore Stat Line:
Patrick Baldwin Jr. (versus Homestead): 15 points, 11 rebounds
Patrick Baldwin Jr. (versus Brookfield Central): 34 points, 19 rebounds
James Graham (versus Milwaukee Madison): 9 points
James Graham (versus Kaukauna): 16 points
Best Junior Stat Line:
Max Klesmit (versus Kimberly): 25 points
Max Klesmit (versus Hudson): 34 points
Best Senior Stat Line:
Will Pytleski (versus Kaukauna): 30 points
Bonus:
Recruiting boards are constantly in flux, but the top-tier remains scorer exclusive. Let’s give the glue guys some love. In the Nicolet versus Kaukauna game, we saw one on each side. Brayden Ivory (Kaukauna) and Sonny Phinisee (Nicolet) both busted it on the defensive end, crashed the glass on offense, and played their hearts out in front of college scouts.