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WBY Tourney at Kaukauna: Brillion, Mosinee emerge as Pool champions

06/24/2015, 10:30am CDT
By Mark Miller

Nathan Schmidt

Observations from the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Summer Tournament held in Kaukauna June 19-20-21:

Pools E-F

Final Standings

Pool E – Destiny 2-2, Valders 2-2, Freedom 2-2, Shiocton 2-2, Kaukauna -- Black 2-2.

Pool F – Brillion 4-0, Wrightstown 3-1, Marshall 2-2, Laconia 1-3, Kewaunee 0-4.

Pool E vs. Pool F Championship Game: Brillion 52, Destiny 50.

Most Valuable Player

Dontae Krizenesky, 5-8, Sr., PG, Brillion
A quick point guard who can score and set up his teammates, Krizenesky played at a consistently high level in all five contests for the Lions, who won two games by two points and another game by a single point. Krizenesky finished in double figures in each game for coach Chad Shimek and showed the ability to get by defenders with his speed and quickness as well as make shots from outside the three-point arc. After averaging 7.2 points per game as a junior, Krizenesky figures to increase that output in 2015-16 as the Lions move to the newly organized Eastern Wisconsin Conference. 

All-Tournament Team (In alphabetical order)

Seth Doxtator, 6-3, Sr., F, Freedom

A physically strong forward who can score facing the basket and off of offensive rebounds, Doxtator will play a huge role for Freedom next winter as coach John Van Rossum must replace several key players from a club that went 21-4. Doxtator averaged 2.0 ppg as a junior, but scored in double figures in three of four games at Kaukauna.

Drew Gunnink, 6-0, Jr., G, Laconia
A poised, skilled and smart combination guard who can score at all three levels -- from deep, off the dribble and from mid range -- Gunnink is the top returning player for a traditionally strong program at Laconia. The left-hander can handle the ball, pass and shoot. He is also a good defender who competes with solid basketball instincts.

Zac Haese, 6-3, Sr., G, Wrightstown
Capable of playing either guard position, Haese brings a high skill level, a solid basketball IQ and very good basketball instincts to the game. The son of Wrightstown coach Cory Haese, Zac Haese can score from deep or off the dribble. His length and lateral movement allows him to be a very good defender as well. An outstanding student, Haese is one of the premier prospects in the Fox Valley area in the class of 2016.

Adam Link, 6-3, Sr., PG, Marshall
A four-year varsity performer for coach Jason McConnell, the left-handed Link added some weight and strength to his long frame over the past 12 months. His ability to continually beat defenders off the dribble and either score or set up his teammates is impressive. A very good student, Link is the leader for a Marshall squad expected to challenge for a spot in the WIAA Division 3 State Tournament.

Zach Markland, 6-6, Jr., F, Destiny
One of the many long, athletic forwards on the Destiny roster who can run the floor, score in the lane and block shots. Markland made a big impact for Destiny in the title game against Brillion, scoring six points, grabbing several rebounds and throwing down a monster put-back dunk. 

Sarion McGee, 6-7, Jr., F, Destiny
McGee is an athletic and physically strong forward who can snare rebounds, score on putbacks and block shots. On an extremely talented team, McGee scored 10 points in the 52-50 loss to Brillion in the Pools E-F title game. He also had a couple of blocked shots and a steal in that contest.

Brandon Neuberger, 6-2, Sr., F, Marshall
Ultra-athletic forward who competes with an edge and a great degree of mental toughness, Neuberger is the wild card for a Marshall team expected to perform at a high level in 2015-16. Neuberger can score around the basket, block shots, defend and set solid screens. His hustle and intangibles figure to be huge for the Cardinals.

Michael Rieder, 6-5, Sr., F, Brillion
A physically strong and skilled combination forward who is comfortable facing the basket and scoring from the perimeter, Rieder averaged 14.2 ppg in the Lions' five victories. He made shots from mid range and also finished around the basket. He also went an incredible 25-of-26 from the foul line.

Nathan Schmidt, 6-2, Jr., G, Shiocton
The son of Shiocton coach Chad Schmidt, Nathan Schmidt is a two-year varsity starter for the Chiefs who competes with plenty of savvy and a high basketball IQ. Schmidt scored in double figures in all four games for Shiocton and went for 16 points and four triples in a 63-60 victory over Valders. 

Alex Schueler, 6-0, Sr., WG, Valders
Schueler showed off his ability to score in Kaukauna as he pumped in 27 points in a 63-43 victory over Freedom. He connected on six shots from beyond the three-point arc in that victory. Schueler averaged 7.1 ppg as a junior and could emerge as the Vikings' top scoring option in 2015-16.

Team Champion
 
Brillion

After finishing one game behind Roncalli and Valders in the Olympian Conference last winter, the Lions move to the Eastern Wisconsin Conference in 2015-16. The league will be exceptionally strong with Brillion, Valders, Roncalli, Kiel, New Holstein, Two Rivers and Sheboygan Falls all expected to field highly competitive teams. Krizenesky is a two-year starter at point guard for Brillion while Rieder is a two-year letter winner. Senior guard Jordan Stanick (5-11) and senior forward Jason Timm (6-3) also figure to play key roles for Brillion. 

Notes
Destiny coach Branden Joseph has a deep roster loaded with size, length and quickness. In addition to McGee and Markland, look for senior Damon Simpson (6-4) and junior Terrence Banyard (6-6) to make big contributions in 2015-16 ... Valders moves from the now-defunct Olympian Conference to the Eastern Wisconsin Conference with a solid club more than capable of challenging for the league title. Schueler was very impressive in Kaukauna while versatile and athletic senior Braden Persinger (6-3) also performed well ... Freedom moves to the new 10-team North Eastern Conference with a relatively inexperienced lineup. But the Irish still have some talent and some solid athletes, which should make them more than competitive in the new circuit. In addition to Doxtator, seniors Noah Brickner (6-2) and Carter Helms (5-11) figure to play prominent roles ... Shiocton hopes to challenge Amherst and Iola-Scandinavia for the title in the Central Wisconsin 8 Conference next winter and will need huge seasons from Schmidt, senior guard Gage Kamp (5-10) and sophomore guard Brandon Spencer (5-8) in order to do so. Kamp is a good long-distance shooter as he averaged two made triples per game in Kaukauna ... The Kaukauna -- Black squad included many of the top players from the Ghosts' JV squad of a year ago. Look for Bailey McDaniel (6-0), Brad Vosters (5-11) and Logan Vande Wettering (5-10) to play important roles off the bench for coach Mike Schalow ... Wrightstown is definitely one of the favorites to win the North Eastern Conference as the Tigers return a veteran squad led by the considerable talents and leadership of Zac Haese. Seniors Stephen DeCramer (6-2), Nate Kola (6-3) and Austin DeCleene (6-3) had strong showings in helping the Tigers to a 3-1 mark in Kaukauna as did junior Derek Zwick (6-3) ... Junior Adam Wehking (6-5) and senior Andy Lutz (6-5) sat out for Marshall due to injuries. Their presence on the frontline along with that of Neuberger gives the Cardinals size, skill and strength along the baseline. Senior Tristan Killerlain (6-0) figures to team with Link in the backcourt ... Laconia again appears to be the team to beat in the Wisconsin Flyway Conference. In addition to the considerable talents of Gunnink, the Spartans welcome the return of promising sophomore guard Jaylen Mahone (6-0) along with senior Ben Wettstein (6-0) ... Kewaunee senior Zach Baumgartner (6-8) is the top returning player for coach Keil Ganz and the Storm. His length, ability to move his feet and skill level are impressive. He showed some explosion to the basket and finished above the rim at times for a young Kewaunee squad searching for some consistency in the backcourt.


Mitch McFarlane

Pools G-H

Final Standings

Pool G – Mosinee 4-0, Winneconne 3-1, Green Bay West 2-2, Winnebago Lutheran 1-3, Marinette 0-4.

Pool H – Almond-Bancroft 4-0, Barneveld 3-1, Edgar 2-2, Lourdes Academy 1-3, Gibraltar 0-4.

Pool G vs. Pool H Championship Game: Mosinee 44, Almond-Bancroft 35.

Most Valuable Player

Jordan Budnik, 5-11, Sr., G, Mosinee
An honorable mention all-league selection in the Great Northern Conference as a junior, Budnik led Mosinee to a 5-0 record with his steady, if not spectacular, play. He has a tight handle on the ball, makes excellent decisions and picked opportune times to hit three-point shots. He was also outstanding from the foul line, making six-of-six from the charity stripe in the 44-35 victory over Almond-Bancroft in the Pools G-H title game.  

All-Tournament Team (In alphabetical order)

Austin Bunders, 6-2, Sr., G/F, Almond-Bancroft

Steady, versatile player who can score inside and outside, Bunders is the senior leader for the Falcons, who return four starters from a club that went 18-7 under coach Curt Lamb. He scored in double figures in four of give games and consistently earned trips to the free throw line off his moves to the basket. He averaged 11.6 ppg and 4.7 rpg as a junior for Almond-Bancroft.

Dylan Bunders, 6-6, Jr., G/F, Almond-Bancroft
Intriguing collegiate prospect with a basketball build and tremendous length, Bunders is the younger brother of Almond-Bancroft senior Austin Bunders. Dylan Bunders can handle the ball, rebound, lead the break and make shots, both from deep and off of post-up moves. His versatility, length and aggressiveness are all impressive and should attract the attention of college coaches a year from now.

Jake Ellis, 6-4, Sr., F, Winneconne
Ellis was outstanding in the Wolves' victories over Green Bay West and Marinette. He went for 19 points and led a huge comeback as Winneconne notched a 49-48 victory over Green Bay West. He also had 25 points and four three-point baskets against Marinette. Ellis has very good size, strength and skill and is a tough matchup because of his versatility.

Ben Fochs, 6-1, Sr., G, Mosinee
Fochs came through with a big outing in the title-game victory over Almond-Bancroft, scoring 14 points and drilling four triples. He also had 13 points and four three-point baskets in a 58-50 triumph over Winnebago Lutheran. The honorable mention all-Great Northern Conference pick averaged 7.7 ppg as a junior and teams with Budnik to give coach Andy Bruess a talented and experienced backcourt.

Evan Ganther, 6-0, Jr., G, Lourdes Academy
A combination guard with excellent vision and basketball instincts, Ganther is an unselfish player who can score, defend, pass and rebound. He had an excellent sophomore year as Lourdes won the Northern Division title in the Trailways Conference for the second year in a row. He figures to be a team leader for new coach Brad Clark over the next two seasons.

Mitch McFarlane, 6-3, Sr., G, Winnebago Lutheran
A three-year varsity performer for coach Jeremiah Hoffmann entering his senior season at Winnebago Luthearn, McFarlane is a strong, skilled guard with size and the ability to score. He had 23 points in a 45-35 victory over Marinette and 18 in a 58-50 loss to Mosinee. A second-team all-league pick in the Wisconsin Flyway Conference as a junior, McFarlane is a tough cover because of his size and versatility.

Matthew Myers, 5-10, Jr., PG, Barneveld
Myers is the son of new Barneveld coach Jim Myers, who won 699 games during his long tenure as the girls' coach at Barneveld. Matthew Myers is a left-handed point guard with two years of varsity experience under his belt entering his junior season. He is an excellent ball handler and passer who can also make shots from deep. He had four triples and 14 points in a 49-46 victory over Lourdes Academy, including the game-winning triple as time expired.

Jake Poetzl, 6-2, Frosh., WG, Marinette
Coach Nate Semenas has to be excited about the chance to work with Poetzl over the next four years. The sharpshooting wing player has very good size and strength for such a young player. He is also an accurate perimeter sniper, scoring 21 points on seven triples in a loss to Winneconne. He finished the Marines' four games with 11 three-point baskets.

Matt Urmanski, 6-3, Sr., F, Edgar
A physically strong forward who can make perimeter shots and rebound, Urmanski tended to drift away from the hoop in looking for his shot opportunities. He had three triples in a loss to Almond-Bancroft and three more from beyond the arc in a 61-40 loss to Barneveld. He averaged 8.3 ppg as a junior.

Dontae Williams, 6-2, Sr., G, Green Bay West
An extremely fast combination guard with a quick first step, Williams was the scoring leader for the Wildcats, who have a new coach in former Montello mentor Matt Bredesen. Williams made shots off the dribble, but also knocked down seven three-point baskets while averaging 13.3 ppg over the four games West played in Kaukauna.

Team Champion
 
Mosinee

In addition to Budnik and Fochs, the Indians return seniors Jared Novitzke (6-2), Tyler Voigt (6-6) and Logan Miller (5-9) from a squad that went 18-7 a year ago. All five seniors are capable scorers, giving Bruess a balanced lineup that can attack defenses in a lot of different ways. Support from a talented junior class will help Mosinee remain in the thick of the title chase in the Great Northern Conference. Mosinee isn't flashy or exceptionally loaded with talent, but the Indians play the game the right way and do an excellent job of sharing the ball and playing strong defense. 

Notes
Almond-Bancroft finished fourth in the Central Wisconsin 10 Conference last winter, but the Falcons might be considered the favorites in the league next time around. Lamb has a roster loaded with size, experience and talent. In addition to the Bunders brothers, seniors Garrett Yonke (6-4), who did not play in Kaukauna, Nathaniel Disher (6-3) and Allan Zinda (6-5) are key returning players. Look for freshman Noah Kollock (6-0) to also play an important role for the Falcons ... Tanor Ecklund (5-8) and Zach Noll (5-11) played well in the backcourt for Winneconne, which moves to the East Central Conference in 2015-16 with an experienced lineup led by the all-around talents of Ellis ... Senior Marcus Tippins (6-0) is a bit undersized in the post, but his aggressive nature and physical strength allowed him to finish or earn trips to the foul line for Green Bay West. Tippins averaged 4.9 ppg as a junior and teams with Williams to give Bredesen a solid one-two scoring duo as the Wildcats enter the revamped Bay Conference ... Winnebago Lutheran lost some size to graduation, but the Vikings could remain a very competitive team in the Flyway behind the return of McFarlane and junior Eric Schmitz (6-1) and senior Joe Herrewig (5-11) ... Barneveld could emerge as one of the top teams in the Eastern Division of the Six Rivers Conference behind the steady play of Myers. Senior forward Bryce Arneson (6-3) gives the Eagles a sturdy presence in the paint while junior Michael Zouski (6-1) teams with Myers in the Eagles' talented backcourt ... Lourdes junior Sam Gelhar (6-3) missed two games Friday, but played well Saturday in the Knights' 61-37 victory over Gibraltar, scoring 15 points and dominating on the glass. Ganther, Gelhar and junior Sam Seibold (5-9) figure to be key players for Lourdes next season ... Edgar was a bit shorthanded in Kaukauna as senior Austin Borchardt (6-4), who averaged 10.3 ppg as a junior, and senior Maverick Mueller (5-8), who netted 7.9 ppg last year, did not participate. Urmanski and junior guard Alec Hafferman (5-10) played well for the Wildcats ... Marinette moves to the new North Eastern Conference at a very good time as the Marines figure to be vastly improved behind the influx of a very talented freshmen class led by Poetzl. Juniors Connor Nelson (5-11) and Nathan Paris (6-0) are key returning players for Marinette ... Senior Thor Johnson (6-1) had 21 points for Gibraltar in its 66-59 loss to Edgar, scoring from the perimeter, in the lane and from the free-throw line. Junior guard Nathan Surges (6-0) also played well for the Vikings.

Tag(s): Summer Tournaments