Feast Week Pt. 1
By: Brett Pickarts
It has been an offseason that has been full of change for the logistics of high school basketball in the state. Wissports.net essentially being obsolete, to coaches now being asked to put in stats in three different places. I think we will all appreciate wissports’ cluckyness when we are scanning three websites for local score updates from our favorite teams locally. To add to the mix for the never ending logistical laundry list for coaches this offseason, Hudl Classic does not work properly, and drawings are inconsistent. Perfect, right? Maybe, we can bring back the OG drawings for a small increase of 3,000 dollars next season on our Hudl tabs.
Let’s get down to business for all the basketball fans crazy about high school hoops, look no further this week to some superb matchups around the state. We have great non-conference matchups, Thanksgiving tournaments, and one day events around the state worth keeping some eyes on. They still call it Feast Week on the four letter network right? Here are three games to keep close tabs on around the state of Wisconsin on Wednesday Night.
#1 Nicolet vs. West Allis Central- Wednesday Night
As a one time southside (St. Francis) resident, this is the time of the year where I miss living in the Milwaukee area purely for the amount of talent and excitement that is generated from high school basketball. If you have never attended a game in the WAC field house, you have truly missed out on some great basketball games with a unique atmosphere, and let’s say an interesting main floor.
Why I love this matchup: Long time WAC coach David Mlachnik is headed into his 15th year with the Bulldogs being a legitimate threat to Wisconsin Lutheran’s quest at another D1 title this season. Yusef Gray Jr. (Iowa State) is electric with the ball and is one of five starters back for the Bulldogs. Nicolet, although graduating David Bolden, brought back Rashaad Davis, four other starters and did I mention super talented transfer and future d1 prospect Duece McDuffie, that makes Nicolet a legit contender in the North Shore and in Division 2. This game will not be short of scoring, so enjoy the game if you are able, and grab a cup of Chicken Dumpling and a Patty Melt at Michael’s Family Restaurant after the game (if you know you know).
#2- Kettle Moraine Lutheran vs. Xavier- Wednesday Night
This matchup is always one I have circled on my schedule each Thanksgiving week. Matt Klarner and Josh Lindner define the word consistency each year with how they get their teams prepared to play right away to start the season and finish the season. It’s a Wednesday night, and I live in the Fox Valley, so I will be attending this one in person in the legendary Torchy Gym.
Why I Love this Matchup: KML is one of the schools that were once part of the ECC that no longer exists, but is already a contender in the newly formed Glacier Trails Conference. KML brings back senior Henry Bednar who may give the Hawks of Xavier some size concerns on opening night. Jake Bartlet will be one to watch as he is one of the better junior lead guards in the state with his quickness and decision making. He will have his hands full with most likely drawing the assignment of Logan Ramczyk . Ramczyk is coming off his sophomore season where he shared player of the year honors in the Bay Conference. Xavier’s version of the splash brothers includes Ramcyzk and his counterpart, Kyler Bleck. Both teams shoot and make a lot of threes, so if you like scoring and fast pace, this a great game to go watch before Turkey day.
#3 Brookfield East vs. Neenah- Wednesday Night
If you have not seen the new Neenah High School in Fox Crossing, please put this one on your list to go see a game at. The gym is outstanding without feeling like most gyms constructed in the last ten years (nothing will beat the old fieldhouse though). Neenah is hosting Brookfield East and you really can’t ask for a better coaching matchup this early in the season.
Why I love this Matchup: You will not find many more teams that are tougher, well coached, or fundamental as these two squads. Although Neenah and head coach Lee Rabas graduated four senior starters, the expectations are still very high for the Rockets. Nick Schultz is a very tough guard and Xavier Bezares has the capability to score in bunches on any given night. The Rockets as always, are legitimate contenders to win the FVA, arguably the most competitive basketball conference in the state. How can we mention toughness without mentioning a Joe Rux coached team? The Spartans return four starters from a team that went 16-10 last year and had success at the lower levels. If you know anything about Coach Rux’s offense you are going to see the “system”-- motion based basketball with great screens, smart shots, and outstanding three point shooting.
As a part of feast week, please head over to @V3Content on social media platforms for upcoming articles. We will have our first game writeup and a preview of a great one day event later this week. As always, thanks for reading.
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Brett Pickarts
@Coach_Pickarts
