Oshkosh Sports Authority

Oshkosh North 7, Oshkosh West 7

2006-09-08T19:35:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: On the first play of the game, Juston Wara fumbled the snap. Two plays later, he fumbled again.
It’s what he did on every other play that really counted though.
Escaping a sack for a loss on the second play of the game, Wara tossed a 30-yard pass to running back Josh Murphy, all alone in the flat. Then, two plays after his second fumble, Wara launched a 61-yard pass to senior wide receiver Jake Kellesvig, who was brought down at the 1.
Wara ran the ball in for the touchdown on the ensuing play, resulting in a 7-0 lead.
West wasn’t demoralized with the Spartans’ three-minute drive. The Wildcats simply one-upped them.
After a 7-yard run by Chris Agrell, the senior running back scampered 62 yards. He receiving excellent help with a solid block by wide receiver Jamie Braasch down around the five, before strolling in for the touchdown.
The drive only took one minute.
Agrell rushed for 79 yards on five carries in the first quarter.

You have to be kidding me

2006-05-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: I'm at the Ripon vs. UW-Stevens Point, and the umpire has the widest strike zone I've ever seen. Seriously, I think you could drive a VW bug through this guys' strike zone.

Big Shot Bob Abel

2006-05-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: In his last at bat, Bob Abel homered for the game-winning run on Friday. Well, he's back!!! Bob homered in the bottom of the second against UW-Stevens Point in what could be the championship game of the NCAA Division III Midwest regional. Ripon is ahead 2-0, but Point has runners on the corners with only one out in the top of the third.

Ripon takes the lead

2006-05-19T12:42:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: Compliments of an error by St. Olaf, and some timely hitting by the Red Hawks, Ripon captured a 2-0 lead in the top of the fourth. Leadoff hitter Andy Monigal scored from third on a single by Eric Schwendiman. Ripon added another run when Tyler Haddock scored from second on a single to left field by Chevy Schultz. However, St. Olaf just scored on a homerun by Josh Schultheis.

Ripon/UWO

2006-05-19T12:29:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: I'm sure I'm not the only one surprised that Ripon's the No. 1 seed in the regional. More importantly, the Red Hawks are playing like a No. 1 seed. But pardon me if I'm mistaken, but I thought UW-Oshkosh was supposed to be the big, tough baseball team in the area.

Red Hawks NCAA baseball update!!

2006-05-19T12:24:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: In the third inning, the Red Hawks just earned their first hit on a single by Chevy Schultz. However, after a sacrifice bunt advanced Schultz, Chad Olson struck out to end the inning. The score remains 0-0 midway through the third with an error charged to Ripon.

Can Bonds just go away?

2006-05-15T21:00:00.000-05:00

Dan Kohn: It sure would be nice if we didn't have to see Barry Bonds' mug every night. Unfortunately, until he ties and then passes Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list, it will continue.

Baseball's black eye thanks to the steroids era just won't go away.

When will networks learn?

2006-05-12T19:59:00.000-05:00

Dan Kohn: When will radio and TV people learn to keep former athletes, especially those who may have been drinking, away from the camera or the microphone?

It seems every year some former jock is loaded and a microphone or camera are jammed in their faces. What do you expect is going to happen? Joe Namath made a fool of himself on ESPN a couple of years ago.

This past week, it was former Chicago Cubs standout Rick Sutcliffe. Sutcliffe was coaxed to go on the air during a San Diego Padres baseball game. The slurred speech should have been a warning, but no. Stick that microphone in his face and let him talk.

Sure, both Namath and Sutcliffe should have just declined any interview requests, but the real culprits here were the supposed professionals with the microphones. Instead of getting on the former jock, it's about time someone else takes ownership and puts an end to this problem before things really get out of hand. Just because someone is a former player is no reason to risk an FCC violation.

Is anyone really interested?

2006-05-11T20:40:00.000-05:00

Dan Kohn: ESPN and the rest of the networks may be in love with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, but do they have to show every game of every season? There are 28 other Major League Baseball teams, but you'd never know it.

If this were playoff time, maybe it'd be worthwhile, but it's only May 11.

How about seeing more games that involve the World Champion Chicago White Sox or the up-and-coming Cincinnati Reds or Milwaukee Brewers? Just a thought.

Weather cancels schedule

2006-05-11T16:04:00.000-05:00

Dan Kohn: Several baseball, boys golf, boys tennis, girls soccer and softball games and matches have been postponed due to inclement weather. For a complete listing of rescheduled events, check out Friday's Northwestern or log on to: www.thenorthwestern.com later today.

Sheets a poor investment so far

2006-05-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

Dan Kohn: How fragile is pitcher Ben Sheets? Talk about not getting your money's worth. After signing a contract last season that pays him nearly $10 million a year for the next four years, Sheets has barely been on the field.

After starting this season on the DL, he developed "shoulder stiffness" this past weekend and is now on the shelf again for two weeks.

As exciting and young as the Brewers are this season, they need a lot more production from their ace. He may have an Olympic gold medal but he hasn't done much in the pros. Hopefully, that changes this season, but if early indications are anything, it sure looks like the Brewers have another Teddy Higuera on their hands.

After winning 20 games and becoming the ace of the Brewers' staff in the mid-to-late 1980s, Higuera signed a lucrative contract only to never pitch well again.

Sheets has yet to have a 20-win season. Time is marching on and hopefully Sheets can prove his critics wrong and bounce back strong.

Draft Blunders

2006-05-01T15:13:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: Sure, it's only a day or so after the draft. But this was horrible. I still don't understand grabbing AJ Hawk. He's a great linebacker, but how about helping Favre out a little bit. Was this just another move to force him into retirement?
The defense was decent last season. After all those times when one of Green Bay's running backs fumbled at the 20- or 30-yard line, and the defense held the opposition to a field goal or less, why grab more defensive players?
The offense was horrible. The wide receiving corp was downgraded with that Javon Walker trade. And that offensive line was about as overpowering as Pinky and the Brain.
Wisconsin, welcome back to the lean years of Packers history.

Thompson doing the right thing

2006-04-30T15:33:00.000-05:00

Dan Kohn: Ted Thompson's wheeling and dealing has instantly upgraded the Green Bay Packers. Going from seven picks to 12 is fabulous. A.J. Hawk immediately upgrades the linebacking corps and getting rid of disgruntled receiver Javon Walker was definitely the right thing to do. Getting a second round pick for Walker and then parlaying that and another pick into three selections showed Thompson likes to build through the draft. He learned that not only from Ron Wolf, but the Seattle Seahawks and I think two years down the road you will see the dividends on the field.

Mike Sherman couldn't deal his picks away fast enough so it is refreshing to see how much Thompson values the draft.

Wide receiver and special teams continue to be a concern, but with three wide receivers selected, including a return specialist, the Packers can only get better from all of this.

Favre's back. So what!

2006-04-26T10:15:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: What's this really mean for the team? Didn't they lose two offensive lineman this offseason? Didn't they lose another two during the previous offseason? Don't they have a wide receiver who would rather give the money back than play for the Packers? Weren't they the least explosive team in free agency?
Really?!!? What does it mean that Brett Favre is back for one more season??!?!?!

Yost needs to shuffle lineup

2006-04-23T16:21:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: Realizing that it is a 162-game season and we're not even out of April, it's time for Ned Yost to shift around his lineup.

I don't care what time of year it is, nobody should get shut out by Aaron Harang on three days' rest. The Milwaukee Brewers are only one game below .500, but their offense has been anything but spectacular as of late. It's been good in bursts, but it hasn't been consistent, which is a big problem.

For starters, I'd like to see Rickie Weeks hit in the leadoff spot. Entering today's game, he has a 10-game hitting streak and his speed is something that Brady Clark doesn't have. J.J. Hardy is a fine No. 2 hitter, and he should stay there.

What about putting Gabe Gross in the starting lineup in place of Brady Clark and have him hit third? He's been white hot off the bench, and I think he deserves a few games to prove what he can do. If it doesn't work out, you can always switch back.

I wouldn't touch Carlos Lee at the No. 4 spot, and Prince Fielder is a nice fit at the No. 5 spot.

Geoff Jenkins isn't off to a terrific start, but I think he poses enough of a threat at the No. 6 spot that not too many guys are going to want to walk Carlos Lee or Prince Fielder.

Bill Hall/Corey Koskie can bat seventh. Both are good at driving guys in. Damian Miller is the perfect No. 8 hitter — he is patient and won't do anything too stupid realizing the pitcher is behind him.

It was a bad week for the Brewers, but the good news is there is a long way to go on a season that looked promising after a 5-0 start. Let's see what Yost has up his sleeve.

Arrington may join Giants

2006-04-20T16:24:00.000-05:00

Dan Kohn: Well, it appears the Green Bay Packers are going to miss out on one big name free agent - LaVar Arrington. Arrington is reportedly in New York today to take a physical. He is then expected to ink a contract with the Giants.

That's too bad. Arrington would have really bolstered the Packers' defense. Green Bay needs at least one more impact player on defense and one or two more good offensive lineman to have any shot at respectability next season. And that's if Brett Favre returns as the team's quarterback.

Otherwise it may be a return - even if only briefly - to the glum days of the 1970s where the team struggled. With a rookie quarterback, no offensive line and a patch-work defense, things don't look good for 2006. But with a good draft, Green Bay may do what Miami has done and that's rebuild quickly. Only time will tell.

The NFL draft

2006-04-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

Who do you want the Packers to draft and why? And let's be real, they aren't getting Reggie Bush.

Sheets solid in rehab stint

2006-04-07T23:31:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: As good as it is to see the Brewers off to a 4-0 start, it's even better news, as far as I'm concerned, to see that Ben Sheets fared well in his rehab start Thursday in Mississippi.

It's imperitive that the Brewers have a healthy Ben Sheets. And I think he knows it.

Sheets loves to joke around in the clubhouse. I wish I could repeat the lyrics to some of his improvised songs, but they are a bit too juvenille for this forum. So when someone asked on Opening Day what his body was telling him, this is what he said.

"It's telling me to kick (expletive deleted.)"

Sheets is probably going to make one more rehab start before joining the Brewers, possibly for a start April 16 against the Mets. Unfortunately, that means he'll miss this weekend's Frozen Four at the Bradley Center. But Sheets, who is part owner of the minor-league hockey team in Milwaukee, has it covered.

"I hired out this guy to scout for me," he said. "They have this big-time player we are looking at. He's name's, uh, (inaudbile mumbling)."

Always the jokester.

A view from the top

2006-04-07T16:44:00.000-05:00

Dan Kohn: It may be a brief stay but it's sure nice to see the Milwaukee Brewers in the catbird's seat of the National League Central Division. The Brewers conclude their opening homestand this weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks before departing on a brutal road trip to St. Louis, New York and Houston.

If the Brewers can return with an above-.500 record, they should be fine. With high expectations and a young roster, a good road trip is necessary to help boost the club's confidence level.

It looks like the Cubs and Cardinals may be the two teams to beat in the Central this season but you never know. It's only April and there still is a lot of baseball to be played.

Thompson as GM

2006-04-06T10:29:00.000-05:00

Larry Graham: Sometimes a guy gets what he deserves, and Ted Thompson deserves all the negative press coming his way. This guy isn't doing anything to increase the Packers chances of winning.
It just makes me wonder, if Ted Thompson would have never left Seattle, do you think they would have re-signed Shaun Alexander. Cause if you look back, Thompson was the one who originally denied Alexander a contract extension.

Brewers win

2006-04-03T16:11:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: Gomer closed the door on the Pirates quickly, striking out the first batter, giving up a single, then inducing a ground-ball double play.

The Brewers won their home opener for the second straight year (both against the Pirates). Justin Lehr got the win and Solomon Torres was charged with the loss.

The Brewers play the Pirates at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday night.

Check back here for postgame updates and tomorrow's Northwestern for complete coverage.

A record crowd on hand

2006-04-03T16:03:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: The 45,023 tickets sold for today's game marks the largest crowd ever to see a Miller Park season opener. The previous record was 44,405 in the 2004 season when the Astros paid a visit.

The crowd is also the third largest in Miller Park history, behind a Sept. 6, 2003, game with the Cubs and Rollie Fingers bobblehead night on July 16, 2005, against the Nationals.

Turnbow is now in the game, entering to Metallica's "Fuel." Not a bad music choice. If I were a closer, I'd probably enter to the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" or "Let's Get Dirty" by Redman. But that's just me.

Lee adds to the lead

2006-04-03T16:00:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: What an at bat by Carols Lee.

After fouling off four straight two-strike pitches, Lee tatooed a Matt Capps fastball over the fence in left-centerfield to give the Brewers a 5-2 lead. The at bat lasted 11 pitches.

It's still a save situation, so expect to see Turnbow in the ninth.

Bring on Gomer

2006-04-03T15:53:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: The Brewers still have to bat here in the eighth inning, but with a 3-2 lead, it looks like Ned Yost will turn the game over to closer Derrick Turnbow.

Turnbow, who signed a 3-year deal worth $6.5 million on Sunday, tied the single-season club record for saves with 39 last year.

Strategy pays off

2006-04-03T15:39:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: As my sports editor and press box neighbor Dan Kohn just said, "I love the strategy of baseball."

Brewers manager Ned Yost and Pirates manager Jim Tracy just played a game of chess in the seventh inning, and Yost came away the winner.

With runners at second and third and one out, Yost sent up the left-handed Gabe Gross to pinch-hit for the pitcher's spot. Tracy countered by bringing in left-handed pitcher Damaso Marte. Yost countered that move by sending the veteran Jeff Cirillo (a righty) to the plate.

It paid off.

Cirillo singled to left, scoring both Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall to give the Brewers a 3-2 lead.

The game is now in the hands of the Brewers' bullpen. Matt Wise has the eight, and provided things go well, Derrick Turnbow will come on in the ninth for the save.

And the winner of the sausage race is...

2006-04-03T15:16:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: The bratwurst has taken the early lead in the Sausage Race Standings, edging the Italian at the last minute.

As for the game, both starting pitchers are out. Justin Lehr is now in for the Brewers while Solomon Torres finished the sixth inning for the Pirates.

Pittsburgh holds a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh.

Rickie got robbed

2006-04-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr: The fans are upset with second base umpire Mark Carlson. With the bases loaded, Rickie Weeks made a nice play to field a ground ball hit up the middle by Humberto Cota, then he flipped it behind his back to J.J. Hardy, who was covering second for the force out. The play looked somewhat awkward, and the fact that Hardy had to dive for the toss may have influenced Carlson's call, but replays showed the Pittsburgh runner was out.

Pittsburgh took a 2-1 lead on the play. My guess is Doug Davis is done for the day. That's a shame, because he's pitched well enough to win. But as was the case last year, poor run support has done him in. Remember when he was stuck on nine wins forever? It looks like that is happening again this year.

Perez finding his groove

2006-04-03T14:43:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: Pirates' pitcher Oliver Perez is finding his groove. He's struck out five batters since the end of the third inning and hasn't allowed a hit since the beginning of the second. Prince Fielder has struck out twice so far today, twice swinging at high fastballs.

The good news is that Perez is at around 85 pitches. Managers usually have their starters on a tight leash at the beginning of the season as far as pitch counts go, so Perez probably has an inning more at best before he gives way to the bullpen.

It's still tied 1-1 in the top of the sixth inning.

The 'D' is all right

2006-04-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: If there's one criticism that some have of the Brewers this season is the defensive holes in the infield. And while there was an infield single that probably should have been an out, the Brewers have done an admirable job since.

They've turned two double plays and J.J. Hardy has made a couple of nice plays in the field. Pittsburgh's only run came off a single by the pitcher, Oliver Perez.

It's 1-1 in the third inning.

The boo-birds are out

2006-04-03T13:38:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: A pair of former Brewers received less-than-friendly receptions at Miller Park.

Victor Santos and Jeromy Burnitz, now with the Pirates, were both booed roundly during pre-game introductions. The boos followed Burnitz to his first at-bat, where he struck out swining against Davis.

I can see why the fans booed Santos. He wasn't the most effective pitcher last year. But what I don't get is the harassing of Burnitz. He was a solid player during his tenure in Milwaukee and never was much of a malcontent. Hopefully it was just a bunch of drunks that didn't know any better and Burnitz will get the warm reception he deserves tomorrow night.

Hardy hits a homer

2006-04-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: So much for starting of 2006 in a slump.

J.J. Hardy, who struggled at the plate at the beginning of last season, smacked a 402-foot blast to centerfield, giving the Brewers an early 1-0 lead.

Hardy, who only hit nine home runs all of last season, is now on pace to hit 162 (that was a joke).

I got a chance to talk to Hardy in the clubhouse before the game, just about Yount being around and his excitement for a new season. He laughed when I said I was from Oshkosh. He's never been there, but he's heard of the clothes. Go figure. I didn't tell him it's no longer locally owned. I don't think he cared that much.

Changes around Miller Park

2006-04-03T13:15:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: There are a few noteworthy changes at Miller Park this year, aside from the fact that the Brewers may have a contender on the field.

The old-school scoreboards in left and right are gone. An electronic LED board was put in left field, while the right field wall was converted into a picnic area. There is also an LED board that runs between the second and third decks.

As far as I'm concerned, the changes are horrible. So far, the board in left field (which is supposed to show out of town scores) has been stuck on the same five games, four of which haven't started (including a 9:05 game between the Yankees and A's).

The LED board that wraps around the entire seating level may have just interfered with the game. Carlos Lee somehow dropped a line drive in left field that would have been the third out of the inning. Instead, the Pirates have runners on first and second (after a walk to Jason Bay) with two outs in the first inning and Wisconsin kid Joe Randa at the plate.

'The Kid' is back

2006-04-03T13:03:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: Much has been made about the return of former Milwaukee Brewers legend Robin Yount to the coaching staff.

Yount spent his entire professional career in Milwaukee, winning MVP awards in 1982 and 1989. He will be the bench coach, which is fine with him.

"If I had to hand pick my job," Yount said before the game, "this would be it."

Yount also said that he had no desire to manage... ever.

Greetings from Miller Park

2006-04-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

John Casper Jr.: Even though the weather outside isn't cooperating too much, it's time for baseball here in Milwaukee.

Fresh off their first non-losing season since 1992, the Brewers have high expectations coming into this season. In the clubhouse, the players were all excited to get the season underway.

Here are the lineups for today's game.

Pittsburgh - Chris Duffy cf, Jack Wilson ss, Sean Casey 1b, Jason Bay lf, Joe Randa 3b, Jeromy Burnitz rf, Jose Castillo 2b, Humberto Cota c, Oliver Perez p.

Milwaukee - Brady Clark cf, J.J. Hardy ss, Geoff Jenkins rf, Carlos Lee lf, Prince Fielder 1b, Rickie Weeks 2b, Bill Hall 3b, Damian Miller c, Doug Davis p.

We're about to get underway here.

Make a decision already

2006-04-01T15:16:00.000-06:00

Dan Kohn: Brett Favre may be the greatest player to have ever put on a Green Bay Packers uniform, but he's got to make up his mind on retirement and soon.

If he comes back, great. But if he doesn't, this whole offseason has been a fiasco and he has cost the Packers valuable time in going after a veteran quarterback to either back up Aaron Rodgers or to take over the starting job.

In the climate of the NFL these days, no team is far away from contending for a championship. Favre, of all people should know this.

Yes, Green Bay has a lot of cap room, but the way they spend some of that money is directly linked to Favre.

So it's time Brett to make up your mind. Are you coming back or not? If not? Thanks for the memories and it's time to move on. If so, great. It'll be great seeing a Hall of Famer light up the Lambeau Field scoreboard one last time.

Polka named Mr. Basketball

2006-03-26T13:48:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: The honors keep pouring in for Andy Polka and Lance Randall.

Polka received the coveted Mr. Basketball award for the state of Wisconsin in an endeavor coordinated by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and voted on by the state's coaches. Randall was named coach of the year.

Polka was the centerpiece of West's run to a Division 1 state title, and received co-MVP honors for his dominating performance at the state tournament.

The Mr. Basketball award is different than the AP state player of the year in that the voting is done by a state-wide poll of coaches. The AP state player of the year is determined by eight sportswriters from across the state in a meeting the day after the state tournament.

As far as I'm concerned, the Mr. Basketball award is a better representation of the best player in the state of Wisconsin.

Crunch time for Bucks

2006-03-26T12:56:00.000-06:00

Dan Kohn: After a fast start, the Milwaukee Bucks have been in neutral for much of the season and enter today's game against Toronto 34-35. Thankfully they are in the top-heavy Eastern Conference.

Although many fans have been discouraged because the Bucks haven't been able to pull away from the bottom feeders, one should remember the strives this team has made.

Just a year ago, the Bucks were 30-52. They have virtually two rookies in the starting lineup - Andrew Bogut and T.J. Ford, who isn't a rookie but missed over a year of action. Considering they are still on a steep learning curve, give Milwaukee its due. The Bucks are still only 1 1/2 games out of the fifth playoff spot.

Oshkosh West nationally ranked?

2006-03-24T17:15:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It's nothing to get too excited about, but is still a neat honor nonetheless. According to maxpreps.com, Oshkosh West is the No. 9 team in the nation.

Maxpreps uses a statistical formula for its ranking system, so West's 26-0 regular season record surely had something to do with it. And while there is no real way of knowing how West stacks up against other schools across the nation, there's nothing to prove whether or not the ranking is accurate.

But it's still a fun honor for the Division 1 state champions.

Anything you can do I can do better

2006-03-18T16:02:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Just as his sister did in 2003, Austin Meier has a chance to win an undefeated state championship.

"I was hoping my moment would come, and now it has," Meier said. "My sister would always give me crap that she won two state championships, undefeated team. Now I have a chance to do the same thing."

Austin's sister, Morgan, was a part of two state championship teams at Oshkosh West and played in four state tournaments. She's now a freshman on the women's basketball team at South Dakota State, but has been in Madison the last few days because her team was passed over for a WNIT bid.

Randall respects Nankivil

2006-03-18T15:54:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: There's no doubt in anyone's mind that Madison Memorial's 6-foot-7 forward Keaton Nankivil will be the best post player Oshkosh West has seen this season.

But according to West coach Lance Randall, he might be among the best post players West — or anyone in the state — has seen in 10 years.

"He's got a great touch," Randall said. "I love how he plays."

Of course, everyone thinks that Andy Polka will be charged with stopping Nankivil, and while that might be true, I'm guessing West will employ a variety of defenses, including the 1-3-1 zone that Randall's father, Steve, liked to use a lot of the time.

Look for Austin Meier to front Nankivil as much as possible and for Polka to play behind.

Getting into a routine

2006-03-18T15:43:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: As I mentioned in today's notebook, Oshkosh West will play its third 8:15 game in three days when it faces Madison Memorial in a WIAA state championship game tonight.

That means that for the third straight day, the Wildcats will be in the same routine.

Lance Randall said the team wakes up at 9:45 and leaves from their Madison hotel to a walk-through at Madison Edgewood college. After that, they return at 1 or so for a snack and have free time until the pre-game meal at 4. From there, they head to the Kohl Center for the game.

Madison Memorial, on the other hand, has played at 3:15 p.m, 6:35 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Not that it matters too much. After the Spartans coaching staff watched all of West's 59-45 victory over Arrowhead on Friday, they were already back at the hotel watching film by the time the West players had showered, changed and boarded the team bus.

"It all evens out," Randall said.

Casper Crazies getting some attention

2006-03-18T15:38:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Perhaps no other student section has received as much attention at this year's state tournament than the Casper Crazies, the name the students at Oshkosh West go by.

Some of the attention has been deflected my way, but I have nothing to do with it at all. This is something that the students at West set out to do at the beginning of the year and they have done it. Now, the entire state is getting a chance to see what their hard work has produced.

You would not believe the comments I'm hearing from other media (aside from teasing). It's been a memorable run both on the court and in the stands.

Monona Grove's emotional run comes to an end

2006-03-18T15:27:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Oshkosh West isn't the only team with a touching story at this year's state tournament.

Monona Grove senior Kevin Richter underwent two surgeries for diverticulitis, a problem around his appendix. He's been hospitalized for the last month, and it wasn't sure if he'd be able to attend the state tournament.

But after the Silver Eagles' walk-through on Friday, the team bus made a stop at Richter's hospital to pick him up and take him to the game. Monona Grove beat Altoona, 52-46, to advance to the championship game.

To read a great column about it, visit here.

The magic ran out, however, as Seymour upended the Eagles in the championship game, 46-37.

It's Memorial in an upset

2006-03-17T20:01:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Looks like Memorial is going to pull it off.

Not that this is a big break for West, but I think the Wildcats match up a bit better with the Spartans than they do with King.

Slowing Nankivil is going to be a priority, but Austin Meier will also probably be charged with defending Jeronne Maymon, Memorial's super frosh.

That's going to be the last update from me until after the West game. I've got some work to do. Thanks for checking in and come back after you are done celebrating the Wildcats' victory.

Lead down to 2

2006-03-17T19:39:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: King has cut the lead down to two points after a solid third quarter.

Should be an interesting fourth quarter.

Lucious, King making a comeback

2006-03-17T19:30:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: As expected, King is starting to make its comeback.

Korie Lucious just made a couple of shots and the lead is down to 38-33 with 2:53 left in the third quarter.

In what is the worst kept secret at this year's state tournament, the scuttlebutt in the media room is that Lucious is going to enroll at Milwaukee Pius next year.

State-tourney shocker?

2006-03-17T19:08:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Any time the defending state champion is winning at halftime, it shouldn't be considered an upset.

But this is a special case.

Behind a dominating performance inside by Keaton Nankivil and a surprise performance from their freshman superstar, Madison Memorial is up 33-22 on state power Milwaukee King at halftime.

From an Oshkosh West perspective, this is probably the best thing that could happen. Either Madison Memorial, who has probably been preparing for this game since January, pulls off the upset or Milwaukee King uses up all its energy trying to come back.

Granted, West still has to win its game with Arrowhead. But Arrowhead is like an Appleton West without the 6-foot-6 kid in the middle. If the Wildcats build a big lead early, look for coach Lance Randall to give his regulars extended periods of rest.

Memorial up at the end of the first quarter

2006-03-17T18:47:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Maybe a Milwaukee King championship isn't in the cards this year. Madison Memorial has taken control in the first quarter and leads 17-11.

Keaton Nankivil is playing pretty well so far, schooling King's big men on several occasions. He has six points and four rebounds.

Memorial just scored the first basket of the second quarter and leads 19-11.

Memorials section doubled

2006-03-17T18:22:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Both Madison Memorial and Oshkosh West will share one side of the Kohl Center tonight, so that probably means the defending state champions' student section will seem twice as large.

That's because the West fans will no doubt cheer for an upset by Memorial. While both are strong teams, I don't think anyone wants to face King and their roster full of Division I recruits.

On another note, Memorial has the best costumes of any student section so far. There's the incredible hulk, some guy wearing a turtle costume and last night they had someone dressed like the creepy Burger King guy.

King doesn't have much fans to speak of, but they do have one great band.

Lourdes loses, 64-46

2006-03-17T13:10:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: The final score really doesn't do the game itself much justice. It was much closer than that; Burlington Catholic Central just pulled away late.

This could be quite a fun team to watch next year. Isaiah Tucker brings a lot of athleticism and Michael Kinderman can hit the 3-ball. Rob Patek, Paul Netzer and the other seniors leave some big shoes to fill.

Remember, Lourdes is playing in the Trailways next year, not the Lakes. So expect a much better record than the .500 season the Knights turned in this year.

The dagger

2006-03-17T12:04:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Rion Rayfield's 3-pointer with 3:37 left just gave Burlington Catholic a 55-42 lead.

It's all but over for Lourdes. It was one heck of a run.

The Knights battled Burlington Catholic better than I thought they would, and even had the lead for most of the second quarter. But all the grit and determination in the world can't make up for a size advantage like the one Burlington Catholic had over Lourdes.

Lourdes not going away

2006-03-17T11:51:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr: Isaiah Tucker's 3-pointer cut the lead to five points, but another layup by Catholic Central pushed the lead back to seven.

If Lourdes can find a way to stop the Toppers inside game, they can get right back in this thing.

It's slipping away

2006-03-17T11:46:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Burlington Catholic is starting to pound the inside. It's in the middle of a 14-3 run and all of its points are scored on layups and free throws.

The switches it made on defense are stifling Lourdes as well. The Knights will need to make an adjustment quickly. Perhaps have Tucker draw a double team and then dish to Patek more.

Catholic Central turning up heat

2006-03-17T11:41:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: As expected, Burlington Catholic ditched the box-and-one on Rob Patek and is now going with a 3/4-court press and a man-to-man defense.

It's paid off. Lourdes has two turnovers in the first two minutes, and Catholic Central has scored on all but one of its trips down the floor.

Matt Smith is now guarding Isaiah Tucker and John Henry is guarding Patek.

33-29 Burlington with 5:45 left in the third.

Looking at the stats

2006-03-17T11:33:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Nothing stands out on the halftime stat sheet, other than the rebounding totals. Lourdes' quickness has led to six offensive rebounds and they've scored six points off those second-chance opportunities, the same as Catholic Central.

Burlington's big guns, Matt Smith and Rion Rayfield have combined for 13 points, but were relatively quiet in the second quarter. As expected, a third-party is having a big game for the Toppers. John Henry is taking advantage of his open looks and has eight points, tied for the team lead with Smith.

Paul Netzer leads Lourdes with nine points and Isaiah Tucker has eight.

It will be interesting to see what halftime adjustments Catholic Central makes, for example, if they stick with the box-and-one on Patek.

Do you believe in miracles?

2006-03-17T11:29:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It may be a bit premature to quote Al Michaels yet, but so far, Lourdes is giving Burlington Catholic Central everything it can handle.

Despite being severely undersized, Lourdes is using the athleticism of Isaiah Tucker on offense and the solid defense of guys like Ross Tomcyzk, Peter Hollmaier and Tom Leschke to stop Matt Smith.

Lourdes is actually outrebounding Catholic Central by 1.

Paul Netzer's 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer gave the Knights a 26-25 lead.

Not a bad first half against the best team in Division 4.

Matt Smith still on the floor

2006-03-17T11:23:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Although he picked up his second foul, Burlington Catholic's Matt Smith is still in the game. After scoring all those points early, he really hasn't done that much. Lourdes is collapsing hard to give Rob Patek some help on the 6-foot-9 senior.

Still 21-21 with 1:58 left in the first half.

Isaiah Tucker asserting himself

2006-03-17T11:17:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Burlington Catholic is having troubles with Isaiah Tucker.

The junior is setting up right in the middle of what looks like a box and one (Patek is being covered by Smith), and getting in the lane a lot.

It's tied at 21 after a 3-pointer by Rion Rayfield.

Lourdes has the lead

2006-03-17T11:12:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: So far, so good for Oshkosh Lourdes.

The Knights missed a golden opportunity when Burlington's Matt Smith was called for a technical foul for hanging on the rim. Rob Patek made one of the free throws but Lourdes couldn't score on its ensuing possession.

It's now 15-12 after a Isaiah Tucker layup.

Early matchups

2006-03-17T10:57:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Burlington Catholic is exploiting the sie difference early and often. Matt Smith, a 6-foot-9 Lewis recruit, has six of the Toppers first 12 points and all are coming from around the basket.

But Lourdes is taking advantage of Burlington Catholic's pourous defense to score several layups of its own.

It's tied at 12.

Abbotsford wins other semifinal

2006-03-17T10:55:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Behind 16 points from Andrew Frank and a 15-point, 11-rebound performance by Seth Runnoe, Abbotsford downed Eleva-Strum, 61-54, in the first game of the day here.

Abbotsford shot 54.8 percent from the floor but didn't pull away until the last few minutes of the game.

Lourdes band rocks

2006-03-17T10:24:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It may not be a traditional pep band, but the gruop of guys rocking out right now from Oshkosh Lourdes have been quite entertaining so far. More bands should make use of the keyboard.

They also have one of the better signs of the tournament. "We gave up losing for lent."

Good Morning from the Kohl Center

2006-03-17T10:20:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: With the fate of my NCAA tournament bracket already decided by dinner time last night, I can fully concentrate on today's WIAA state tournament action at the Kohl Center.

It should be a good day of hoops. Upset-minded Oshkosh Lourdes is about 30 minutes away from its tip-off with Burlington Catholic Central. Later today, University of Wisconsin recruit Trevon Hughes leads his Delafield St. John's team against mighty Seymour.

And then of course, later tonight, Milwaukee King and Madison Memorial square off before Oshkosh West puts its undefeated season and state championship hopes on the line against upstart Arrowhead.

West on to semifinal

2006-03-16T23:09:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Sorry for the lack of updates during the game, folks, but we had some technical difficulties. Plus I have a deadline to meet.

But West played a solid game against a very good team, winning 52-42 over Verona. Provided it keeps it up against Arrowhead tonight, I think the Wildcats will be playing for a state title on Saturday night.

It will be interesting to see how West plans to guard Arrowhead's Jon Koch and Charlie Chapman. My guess is that we'll see Kyle Kannenberg do a lot of chasing.

Arrowhead isn't the best defensive team out there, so West can probably rack up a fair amount of points. If it can keep the Warhawks below 50 points, I think West is playing in the championship game on Saturday.

West up by 8 at half

2006-03-16T20:50:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It's 23-15 at halftime and Oshkosh West is playing about as well as it could have hoped. Verona is shooting 23.5 percent from the floor and West is dominating the boards, 15-6.

Offensively, West is doing an admirable job against the bigger, thicker defense of Verona. Tim Jarmusz is 6 of 7 from the floor and has a game-high 13 points. But Andy Polka has had to work for everything he's got, and is 2 of 8 with only five points.

As for the second half, look for Polka to assert himself more. Jarmusz is carrying too much of the load right now. Also, West hasn't made a 3-pointer since Jarmusz and Brady Borgardt opened the game with treys. Verona may collapse a bit when Jarmusz penetrates, leaving guys like Borgardt, Brent Hielsberg and Dylan Christian open.

Deceivingly good

2006-03-16T19:38:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: They may not look like much in person, but the members of the Arrowhead boys basketball team know how to play ball.

Charlie Chapman and Jon Hoch both look like they are about 12 years old, and Chapman could pass for a body double for that kid on Boy Meets World.

But I'm not sure how effective they'd be if Menomonie had someone that could lock into them for extended periods of time. That's been West's specialty the last few weeks, thanks to speedy guards like Kyle Kannenberg, Brent Hielsberg and Rylee Berndt.

Arrowhead leads at half

2006-03-16T19:10:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Behind Charlie Chapman's 10 points and a perfect 4-for-4 shooting half from John Hoch, Hartland Arrowhead leads 28-21 at halftime of its Division 1 state quarterfinal game against Menomonie.

It's not that big of a surprise. Arrowhead is playing well recently (Chapman returned after missing the first 18 games of the season due to a suspension) and Menomonie needed a 3-point shot at the buzzer to get into the state tournament.

So it looks like if West wins tonight, it will play Arrowhead in a semifinal on Friday night.

Casper Crazies, you may have met your match

2006-03-16T15:44:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Brookfield Central and Oshkosh West will probably not play each other at this year's state tournament, and that's too bad.

Because their respective student sections would put on quite a show.

Central, going with the white-out theme, has one end zone completely full and is taunting the Memorial fans. So far, it's helped, as Central is up 22-18.

Halftime stats for King/Ash

2006-03-16T14:29:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Here's why King is so good. Ashwaubenon came into today's game shooting at a 46.4 percent clip from the floor. King is holding them to 23.5 percent. King also is outrebounding them 16-9 and has forced 11 turnovers.

That's why King is the favorite to win state.

In case you hadn't heard, King is really good

2006-03-16T14:06:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: The title for this post says it all. This team is just too deep.

Ashwaubenon is a very good team in its own right, but it is just getting dominated. King is up 26-9, and the game doesn't even feel that close. And the 7-foot Mitchell Carter isn't doing that much on offense.

The good news for Oshkosh West is that it won't have to play King until the championship game. After Ashwaubenon, King probably will have to play Madison Memorial, probably the second-best team in the state. By the time West gets a crack at them, they might be a bit weary.

Or not.

Brookfield Central going with the white-out

2006-03-16T13:50:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: While its only the end of the first quarter of the Milwaukee King-Ashwaubenon game (King leads 14-7), the Brookfield Central fans have started filing in.

They are going with the white-out theme, a la the Casper Crazies, for their game against Madison Memorial.

Speaking of white-outs, those of you that are still in Oshkosh, be safe driving down here. The roads are bad. Take your time. Leave early.

Westby, St. Cate's on to D3 final

2006-03-16T13:24:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: We're underway here in Madison, and already we've seen a couple of fantastic games.

Westby used it's 1-3-1 zone to make life miserable for Glenwood City in most of their semifinal, until Rick Ohman started draining 3s. Glenwood City nearly came all the way back from a 17-point deficit but Zack Lyon missed a 15-foot jumper with two seconds left that would have tied it.

In the second game, Racine St. Catherine's withstood several 3-point bombs by Mantiowoc Roncalli (coached by Berlin and UW-Oshkosh grad Joe Rux), to advance to its second straight title game.

Last year the Angels beat Seymour in the Division 2 championship. This year, they are playing down in D3 and tearing it up once again.

Pep rallies galore

2006-03-15T21:23:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It was fun to attend both teams' send offs this morning.

While they were both unique in their own right, I'd have to say the one at Lourdes had more energy. This is probably a case where having less students is better. Everyone at the Lourdes pep rally was pumped and involved in what was going on. Plus, AD Jim McClowry did a great job in running the show.

The West send off was good, too. It's too bad the all-school roller coaster didn't go over as well as it could have, but I don't think anything can top the parents roller coaster last week. Hopefully you can pull it off at the Kohl Center.

I know that I'm looking forward to a big weekend of basketball here in Madison. Be sure to check the blog all weekend for updates.

What about those Knights?

2006-03-14T18:37:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It seems the public is demanding a blog on Lourdes. Ask, and I shall deliver.

Oshkosh Lourdes has had a nice season. I don't think anyone around here was too surprised to see them make another run at the state tournament. I know I had them penciled in to the state semifinal.

Burlington Catholic is a very, very good team. In fact, if Lourdes beats Burlington Catholic on Friday, I think it'd be a bigger upset than if Lourdes would have beaten Randolph last year.

With that being said, it's certainly not impossible. Burlington Catholic has flaws, some of which were exposed by Faith Christian in a playoff game that the Hilltoppers only won by two.

It's going to take a tremendous game on the part of Rob Patek. He's going to have his hands full down low. Isaiah Tucker will have to be on fire.

I think Lourdes' experience at state last year will help them. I think guys like Paul Netzer really gained a lot of experience from that run and that should come to fruition on Friday.

Hey, it's March. Anything can happen, right?

Then vs. Now

2006-03-13T22:47:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: I posed the question to a couple of former players in addition to Oshkosh West boys basketball coach Lance Randall, and now I pose it to you.

If this year's team played the state runner-up team from 2001, who would win a seven-game series?

Both Adrian Tigert and Tom Levin said their team in 2001 would win, and Lance Randall said that the 2001 team would win, four games to three, because "they had a better coach."

Obviously, Randall has bigger things to worry about this week and I felt a little bit foolish asking the question, but I think it's a fun debate for the fans.

I never saw the 2001 team play, but I've heard that players like Jon McGraw and Dan Archambault were pretty special in addition to Tigert. It'd be fun to see the 2001 Tigert battle the 2006 Andy Polka.

West familiar with Verona

2006-03-13T21:38:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: They haven't played this season, but when Verona and Oshkosh West play in a WIAA state quarterfinal at 8:15 p.m. Thursday at the Kohl Center, they won't be strangers.

I swung by West's practice today and Andy Polka, Tim Jarmusz and Austin Meier all said they've played AAU ball against some of the Verona players. On top of that, Verona coach Alan Buss was an assistant at Beloit for two years when West coach Lance Randall played there.

From what I hear, it seems like Verona is a more talented version of Neenah. They are big and athletic, but I think West might be able to spread them out a little bit and attack with Jarmusz, Meier and Brady Borgardt. Depending on how Verona reacts, that could lead to open 3s for Dylan Christian, Brent Hielsberg and Kyle Kannenberg, or easy buckets inside for Polka.

It will be a tougher challenge than what West saw this weekend at Kolf, but nothing the Wildcats can't handle.

Speaking of Kolf, the roller coaster performed by the parents was unbelievable. You should have seen what it looked like from across the way. Good stuff all around.

Now here's a challenge for you, Chantz Sawyer. Try doing an all-school roller coaster at the send off on Wednesday morning. That'd be something else.

Fondy will pose a tough test

2006-03-10T22:29:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: They may have had a bad year, but there's a reason Fondy is back in the sectional final, and it's not only because they had to play Wisconsin Little Ten teams to get there.

While that didn't hurt, the main reason Fondy is back is because of Dick Diener. What a superb coaching job he has done with this team. Outside of Eddie Gilgenbach, I'm not sure any of these guys could have started for the Cardinals in years past. But Diener is getting every scrap of basketball ability out of these guys and the results are finally starting to show.

I still think Oshkosh West will win the game, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a lot closer than the two regular season meetings. After all, I bet Diener is putting together a scheme as you read this.

Go ahead and mark your calendar for next year

2006-03-10T22:27:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Once again, it was about a six-minute stretch that did in the Oshkosh North boys basketball team.

I was impressed with the Spartans' activity on defense, but I was more impressed with Brady Borgardt. That was a big 15 points he scored and it may have sent a message to possible future opponents that he's someone to keep an eye on.

But looking very far ahead, to next year, I think these two teams will meet again in this same game. North is going to just get better next year, and while it's mathematically impossible for West to improve on a 20-o regular season, the Wildcats should be back here, too.

I know I can't wait for it.

Cursing not allowed

2006-03-10T20:34:00.000-06:00

Dan Kohn: Just a reminder that any blog item containing curse words, or even a letter and stars that you can obviously tell what curse word is, will be rejected.

Tigert named MVP, Panthers on to NCAAs

2006-03-07T20:16:00.011-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Oshkosh West grad Adrian Tigert was named MVP of the Horizon League tournament, thanks in part to his 14-point, 9-rebound performance on Tuesday night.

Butler's coach Todd Lickliter was impressed.

"He's a great leader and a great player," Lickliter said. "I'm sure he's a pleasure to coach."

The Panthers will find out their NCAA tournament opponent on Sunday when the bids are announced in the late afternoon.

Aside from Tennessee, Marquette may also be a candidate. The Golden Eagles are looking at a 5-7 seed, meaning UWM would have to get a 12 seed or higher for that to happen.

According to Joah Tucker, that's just fine. UWM went to the Sweet 16 as a 12 seed last year.

"If anyone out there is listening, we'd like a 12 again," Tucker said. "That worked for us just fine, so we'll do it again. A 12 seed somewhere warm."

Davis has the answer

2006-03-07T20:16:00.010-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Every time Butler has mounted some comeback in the last few minutes, it's been answered by a 3-pointer at the other end by Boo Davis.

You have to question the shot selection somewhat. UWM has been killing them on the inside. But if he's making them, why not keep taking them?

UWM is up, 75-59, with 3:58 left. Start making plans for the NCAA tournament.

Hansen hits big 3 for UWM

2006-03-07T20:16:00.009-06:00

John Casper Jr.: The crowd here can start to feel it. Appleton West grad Nick Hansen just made a transition 3-pointer from the corner to give UWM a 65-50 lead. As long as they keep Butler from going on a 3-point shooting spree, this one is all over.

How about this for an NCAA tournament matchup? UWM against Tennessee in a first round game? The Panthers are probably looking at a 12-13 seed and Tennessee might be a 3-5 seed. The NCAA selection committee loves first-round matchups with storylines. Perhaps we have one here.

Butler has the better mascot

2006-03-07T20:16:00.008-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It's probably not going to win the game, but at least Butler can go home happy knowing it has the better mascot. It's pretty fierce looking and way better than the cartoonish Panther UWM has had for the last few years.

Oh, and by the way, Derrick Ford just blocked a shot into the first row. Phenomenal game. Maybe UWM should just make him their mascot.

Butler has the better mascot

2006-03-07T20:16:00.007-06:00

Ford dominating

2006-03-07T20:16:00.006-06:00

John Casper Jr.: If UWM wins this game, a big part of it is going to be the contributions of Derrick Ford off the bench.

In the last few minutes, he just drew Brandon Polk's fourth foul, then had a rebound dunk at the other end.

UWM leads, 54-44, with 11:50 left. Polk is on the bench and Butler has been staying afloat thanks to a couple of 3-pointers by Brandon Crone.

Tucker 4 fouls

2006-03-07T20:16:00.005-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It only took 40 seconds for Joah Tucker to pick up his fourth foul, but it hasn't bother the Panthers too much.

Adrian Tigert and Boo Davis scored on layups that sandwiched a jumper by Brandon Polk, as UWM has a 10-point lead with 18 minutes to play.

The key in the second half, at least in my opinion, is for UWM to keep pounding the ball inside. Polk is going to be expending so much energy offensively that he can't guard Tigert and McCoy and Davis on every possession.

First half over

2006-03-07T20:16:00.004-06:00

John Casper Jr.: The first half just came to an end, and while UWM holds a 40-32 lead over Butler, you'd have to imagine they want something more. Butler added two inside baskets by Brandon Polk in the last 1:16, and while a UWM layup pushed the lead back to eight, UWM really should have a 14 or 16-point lead the way they've played the last 8 minutes.

The good news for Panther fans is that Butler hasn't really connected from the outside. The bad news for Panther fans is that Butler hasn't really connected from the outside, and they are going to heat up in the second half.

Another thing to watch: UWM's Joah Tucker just picked up his third foul. He'll have to play cautiously in the second half to avoid the bench.

UWM storming back

2006-03-07T20:16:00.003-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Just like that, the Panthers are back in it.

Adrian Tigert scored on a nice move after an offensive rebound, and since then, UWM is rolling.

The Panthers are on a 6-0 run in the last minute and lead 31-26 with 3:44 left.

At least it's shutting up the Butler student section, who is stationed right next to me.

Polk asserting himself

2006-03-07T20:16:00.002-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Brandon Polk is really starting to assert himself. He scored six straight points, four of them coming against Adrian Tigert, as Butler grabbed a 24-19 lead.

UWM just responded with an offensive rebound and a basket, but Polk just drew a foul in the paint and will shoot two free throws.

So far, Tigert has four points and four rebounds but has his hands full with Polk. Butler is up 24-21 with 7:53 yet.

Butler's game plan

2006-03-07T20:16:00.001-06:00

John Casper Jr.: It's probably not that much of a surprise, but Butler has been doing a good job of getting the ball inside. They do have some 3-point shooters, so UWM has to respect the kick-out, but for the most part they've done most of their damage the last few minutes in the paint.

Butler off to hot start, but UWM roaring back.

2006-03-07T20:16:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr: I'm coming to you live, once again, this time from the Horizon League championship game in Milwaukee. Oshkosh West grad Adrian Tigert and the UWM Panthers have a chance to get back to the NCAA tournament for the second straight year and third time in the last four years.

Butler started off hot, as Brandon Crone and Avery Sheets each hit 3-pointers. But the Panthers have battled back, and just took a 15-11 lead.

Tigert is really starting to assert himself on the boards. He's already got four boards by my count.

Be careful

2006-03-05T13:25:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: The feedback on some of these posts have been amazing, but please keep in mind that we are dealing with high school athletes and coaches. This isn't the pros. It isn't even college.

We will not tolerate any direct criticism of coaches or players, especially when the attackers can hide behind the veil of anonymity. Please keep that in mind when you post.

We will continue to reject comments we find objectionable.

North-West part III

2006-03-04T22:25:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: What a day of basketball.

Regional Final Saturday is always one of my favorite days of the year, and today was no exception.

From Oshkosh West's 56-32 stomping of Neenah in the afternoon to Oshkosh North's solid 46-33 upset over Wisconsin Rapids at night, this was one to remember.

A few thoughts before I wrap it up and head to my Rapids hotel that smells a lot like bad carpet cleaner:

*Krei Meier turned in the game of his life. All that he really needs to do in North's offense is shoot, but on Saturday, he did that, and added a few nice passes to go with it. It will be interesting to see how West plans to defend him and keep Juston Wara from becoming a force on the inside.

*I was impressed with the North student section at the game tonight. Wisconsin Rapids isn't an easy drive, which is why I found the cheapest hotel possible so I wouldn't have to play frogger with deer on Highway 21. But they were festive and despite being outnumbered by the Rapids section 6-1, made their presence felt.

*So you think the FVA is down this year? Consider the fact that six (SIX!) teams from the FVA are still playing, and the four that aren't were eliminated by other FVA teams. How about Fond du Lac? It won, what, four games all year? Now they are playing on Friday night at Kolf? Unreal.

Be sure to check out The Northwestern all this week for feature stories and insight into this weekend's sectional games.

Levin in foul trouble

2006-03-03T19:43:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: This probably wasn't the start to the Horizon League tournament that Oshkosh West graduate Tom Levin envisioned.

Levin, a sophomore at Loyola-Chicago, picked up two fouls in two minutes of today's quarterfinal against Detroit at the U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee. He was called for a push on defense and an illegal screen on offense.

It's been a rough year overall for Levin. For more on his struggles with an ankle injury, read this story I wrote at the beginning of the week.

It's halftime now, and the Ramblers are trailing Detroit, 23-22. The winner of this game advances to play UW-Milwaukee in a semifinal tomorrow at 6 p.m.

It will be the last shot Levin has to beat his old high school teammate Adrian Tigert. Tigert and the Panthers are 5-0 against Loyola since Levin arrived in Chicago.

Spotted in the crowd: Former UW-Milwaukee standout Marc Mitchell talking with former Marquette star and current UW-Green Bay assistant Brian Wardle.

UW-Milwaukee women's basketball game

2006-03-02T19:41:00.000-06:00

Larry Graham: The score says 33-30 with less than a minute remaining in the first half. Yet, for some reason, it feels like this is a UW-Milwaukee blowout.
Spotted in the stands with her family was UW-Oshkosh senior Kelly O'Keef. I guess she's checking out her old team, Loyola-Chicago

WIAA boys basketball predictions

2006-02-27T23:45:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Not that some of you care, but I thought I'd share my "expertise" with you on the upcoming WIAA basketball tournament. Feel free to make your own predictions and send them my way, or save this blog entry and laugh when none of them come true.

Division 1

State tournament field: Appleton East, Milwaukee King, Madison Memorial, Racine Park, Wausau East, Milwaukee Vincent, Oshkosh West, Beloit Memorial.

Semifinals: Milwaukee King, Madison Memorial, Milwaukee Vincent, Oshkosh West

Final: Milwaukee King over Oshkosh West.

Division 2

State tournament field: Altoona, Wisconsin Dells, Seymour, Whitefish Bay.

Final: Whitefish Bay over Wisconsin Dells.

Division 3

State tournament field: Glenwood City, La Crosse Aquinas, Manitowoc Roncalli, Racine St. Catherine's.

Final: Racine St. Catherine's over La Crosse Aquinas.

Division 4

State tournament field: South Shore, Eleva-Strum, Oshkosh Lourdes, Burlington Catholic Central.

Final: Burlington Catholic Central over Eleva-Strum.

Toll loses in finals

2006-02-25T21:39:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr.: He had his chances, but Laconia junior Aaron Toll couldn't crawl out from an early deficit in a 5-3 loss to William McCormick of Milwaukee Heritage Christian in the finals of the 275-pound weight class in Division 3.

Laconia, who had never medaled at the state tournament much less have a wrestler in the finals, also won a third place at 130 pounds (Cam Smit).

For full coverage of today's activities at the Kohl Center, read tomorrow's Northwestern.

Finals update

2006-02-25T18:49:00.001-06:00

John Casper Jr.: Alyssa Lampe's quest to become the first girl to win a WIAA state championship ended one match short. She lost to Thane Antczak of Chetek/Prairie Farm in the 103-pound final in Division 2.

It's too bad. I'm probably not going to say anything about Lampe that hasn't already been said, but listening to the crowd's reaction when she won her semifinal match on Friday night was something I won't soon forget.

The sad part is I think there were a bunch of people at the Kohl Center today that just wanted to see Lampe lose because she's a girl. Until there is sanctioned girls wrestling there's no reason for them not to compete with the boys as far as I'm concerned.

But give credit to Antczak. I'm sure that almost everyone (except for those from his hometown and the close-minded group I mentioned earlier) was cheering not only for Lampe, but against him. He delivered under pressure.

Finals update

2006-02-25T18:49:00.000-06:00

Staehle falls in third-place match

2006-02-25T14:29:00.000-06:00

John Casper Jr: Waukesha Catholic Memorial's Guy Dragonetti downed Wautoma's Tyler Staehle, 7-2, in the Division 2 third-place match at 160 pounds.

That does it for our area wrestlers until later tonight, when Laconia's Aaron Toll wrestles in the Division 3 finals at 275 pounds.