Five Takeaways From Sussex Hamilton-Brookfield Central
There is no need for introductions. No under the radar prospects. Friday’s GMC tilt between Sussex Hamilton and Brookfield Central was a heavyweight battle between two of Wisconsin’s best and most well-known teams. For most of the game, it looked…
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Continue ReadingThere is no need for introductions. No under the radar prospects. Friday’s GMC tilt between Sussex Hamilton and Brookfield Central was a heavyweight battle between two of Wisconsin’s best and most well-known teams.
For most of the game, it looked like Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Sussex Hamilton would avenge last year’s loss to BC in the Sectional Final.
Then Ben Nau showed up. Nau was clutch from behind the arc, netting six total threes in the winning effort.
The Lancers controlled the game in the final minutes and got the 64-56 win. Central now moves to 6-0 in GMC play.
Here are five takeaways from Friday night’s matchup:
Both of these squads can hoist the Gold Ball
Sure, there are a handful of teams in Divison One that can challenge for a title, but it just seems like these two squads are the favorites. Brookfield Central has a deep roster that is loaded with plenty of talent at each position. Sussex Hamilton has Patrick Baldwin Jr., the best player in the 2021 class, and some other really solid role players. My bet is that one of these teams takes the D1 crown in March.
Patrick Baldwin Jr. is a future lottery pick
Patrick Baldwin Jr. is the best prospect in Wisconsin, regardless of class. Baldwin Jr. is outstanding in all aspects of the game. He is long, athletic, can shoot, defend, score, and rebound. David Joplin did a nice job of slowing Baldwin down in the second period, but that came after the junior forward owned the first 18 minutes.
Bottom line: Baldwin Jr. is a really special player who will go down as one of the best players to ever play Wisconsin high school hoops.
Role players stepped up for both squads
Josh Bruggink came off the Brookfield Central bench and hit the biggest shot of the game. Bruggink found the bottom of the net on a three-point attempt that gave BC the lead for good. Bruggink, however, wasn’t the only role player to step up under the brightest lights. Carson Smith, JT Hoytink, and Eric Radisevic all showed up.
Both of these teams have show-stopping stars, but the role players are the reason why they find so much success.
Ben Nau has the clutch gene
During Central’s magical run in last year’s state tournament, Cole Nau stepped up in the biggest moments and played his best basketball. When the Lancers needed a bucket, they turned to Cole. Now, after Cole’s graduation, Ben Nau has slid into the role that his older brother previously occupied.
Nau was money for BC down the stretch. He took over in the second half and refused to let his team lose. The point guard finished with 27 points on six made threes.
Tanner Resch is Sussex Hamiltion’s second most important player
Tanner Resch is really an underrated player on this Sussex Hamilton team. Resch can score, defend, and pass really well. There is no question that Patrick Baldwin Jr. owns this team and he needs to play his best basketball for the Chargers to win games. But, Resch is a prospect who can be really dangerous. Just when teams start to shift their focus to his five-star teammate, Resch will go off.