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WBY Tourney in Plymouth: Marshfield, Sheboygan Christian each finish 5-0

07/24/2015, 10:15am CDT
By Mark Miller

Adam Fravert

Observations from the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Summer Tournament held in Plymouth July 17-18-19:

Pools A-B

Final Standings

Pool A: Marshfield 4-0, Appleton North 3-1, Ashwaubenon 2-2, Marinette 1-3, West Bend East 0-4.

Pool B: De Pere 4-0, Kimberly 3-1, Xavier 2-2, Franklin 1-3, Plymouth I 0-4.

Pool A vs. Pool B Title Game: Marshfield 57, De Pere 53.

Most Valuable Player

Adam Fravert, 6-7, WF, Sr., Marshfield

Emerging wing who can score from deep and off the dribble, Fravert flashed athleticism, made clutch shots and consistently produced at a very high level in helping Marshfield to a 5-0 record in Plymouth. He pumped in 20 points in helping the Tigers to their victory over De Pere in the Pools A-B title game. After averaging 8.2 points per game as a junior, Fravert appears primed for a breakout season under new coach Scott Scheuer. He can get around defenders and weave his way to the basket for layups or dunks, and has an accurate stroke from well beyond the three-point arc. He is, without a doubt, one of the most improved players in Wisconsin from the end of the high school season until now and has a big ceiling as he adds weight and strength.

All-Tournament Team (In alphabetical order)

Steve Behnke, 6-0, G, Sr., Kimberly

After coming off the bench last season, Behnke figures to move into the starting rotation in 2015-16. He performed very well in Plymouth, scoring in double figures in three of four games. His ability to make perimeter shots and get into the lane to create for his teammates is vital to the Papermakers' success.

Sam Burkart, 5-11, PG, Sr., Xavier
There may not be a player in the state who impacts a game more without being a huge scorer than Burkart. His toughness is on display each time he steps onto the court as is his ability to help his team win. He rebounds exceptionally well for a guard and is a very good passer. His strength and aggressiveness allow him to get into the paint whenever he wants, and he does an excellent job of locating open teammates. A four-year varsity player for coach Matt Klarner, Burkart is receiving recruiting attention from NCAA Division II and III schools.

Max Huddleston, 6-6, PF, Jr., De Pere
A relative newcomer to the game after playing ice hockey in grade school, Huddleton is a physical specimen with very good athleticism. He can bull his way to the basket and finish above the rim, but he sometimes runs over defenders in the process. His upside is very good as he continues to refine his skills and learn the ins and outs of basketball from coach Brian Winchester.

Jordan Janssen, 6-3, G/F, Sr., Kimberly
The lone returning starter from a club that finished 22-4 and won the Fox Valley Association championship, Janssen is a versatile performer on both ends of the court for coach Lucky Wurtz. He can defend on the perimeter or use his strength and intelligence to guard in the post. A three-year varsity performer for the Papermakers, Janssen isn't a big scorer, but he'll have to improve upon his 6.2 ppg of a year ago in order for Kimberly to remain in the upper half of the 10-team FVA. 

Jordan Joseph, 6-4, F, Jr., De Pere
An athletic, rangy wing player who can attack the basket, Joseph split time between junior varsity and varsity last winter at De Pere. On a very deep and talented team, he appears to have worked himself into the regular playing rotation for the Redbirds. He led De Pere with 16 points in its loss to Marshfield and scored 19 in a victory over Plymouth, hitting four triples in the process.

Nathan Paris, 6-1, WG, Jr., Marinette
Paris scored in double figures in all four games for the Marines, including a game-high and the game-winning three-point basket in a double overtime victory over West Bend East. Paris consistently used his strength, skill and aggressiveness to get points for Marinette.

Nick Steel, G, Franklin
Steel poured in 13 points and buried three triples in a loss to Xavier. He also had a couple of triples in a one-point victory over Plymouth I.

Ethan Voss, 6-2, WG, Sr., Marshfield
In order for Marshfield to avoid another last-place finish in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, the Tigers will need some offensive production from players besides Fravert. And while Voss was a reserve on a club that went 8-17 last winter, he showed the ability to score in Plymouth, averaging 10.8 ppg in Marshfield's five victories. He made shots from beyond the arc and also connected on mid-range jump shots.

Mitch Widule, 5-11, WG, Sr., Appleton North
Widule played as a freshman and sophomore at North before sitting out last season. He is planning to play again for the Lightning as a senior and led his club to a 3-1 record in Plymouth, thanks to his ability to score through contact, from mid-range and in transition. His scoring ability will be huge for first-year coach Jon Leisner this winter. 

Ben Wittig, 6-2, G, Jr., Ashwaubenon
Few players today catch the ball in triple-threat position. Wittig, the son of former Green Bay Preble coach Mike Wittig, does it every time. And it helps him keep defenders on their heels. He scored from deep and off the dribble for the Jaguars and teams with older brother Turner Wittig and physical senior Zak Imig (6-2) to give Ashwaubenon a solid core.

Team Champion
 
Marshfield

With defending champion Stevens Point the heavy favorite to win its fourth straight Wisconsin Valley Conference crown, Marshfield may have to settle for making a strong move upward in the league standings. After winning just two of 12 league games last season, the Tigers could emerge as the surprise of the seven-team loop in 2015-16, despite needing to replace four starters lost to graduation. Fravert is an all-conference caliber performer while Voss and senior Tyson Slade (6-0) give Scheuer additional scoring options. Junior point guard Alec Hinson (5-11) is a capable scorer as well, but he is even more important as the facilitator for the Tigers' offense. Marshfield enjoyed a successful summer and with Fravert leading the way, the Tigers figure to boast a highly competitive squad.

Notes
De Pere aims for its seventh title in a row in the Fox River Classic Conference with a team boasting plenty of size and depth. Though the Redbirds were without seniors Zack Rabas (6-5) and Jordan Barthels (6-2) in Plymouth, they got some solid production from other returning varsity players, including Huddleston, Joseph, junior post Aaron Vopal (6-7), junior guard Sam Roffers (6-1) and junior guard Joe Robinson (5-10). Bay Port and Sheboygan North will give the Redbirds a run for their money in the FRCC next winter, but with depth and tradition on its side, De Pere remains the team to beat ... Kimberly played without junior Will Chevalier (6-7), a potential all-league performer, but got solid play from Behnke, Janssen, senior Troy Argall (6-1) and junior Bennett Thies (6-3) while finishing 3-1 ... Appleton North played very well despite missing two of its top returning players in Tony Mattioli (5-11) and Jake Bellin (6-0). In addition to Widule, senior Spencer Christensen (5-11) and junior Mitch Mologne (5-11) performed well for the Lightning ... It will be fascinating to watch Xavier compete in the Division 2 Bay Conference after winning the Eastern Valley Conference title the past two seasons. Burkart's presence in the Hawks' lineup gives them a chance to win every game they play. But the Hawks have other weapons as well. Seniors Zach Simons (6-1) and Matt De Young (6-4) did not play in Plymouth, but figure to be key contributors along with sophomores Hunter Plamann (5-11) and Sam Ferris (5-9). Seniors Bailey Headington (5-11) and Noah Severin (5-8) played well in Plymouth along with promising junior Will Schlicht (6-5) ... Look for junior David Clark (6-1) and sophomore Anthony Guarascio (6-2) to play key roles for Ashwaubenon coach John Miron ... Senior guard Madison Semrau (5-10) had a solid weekend for Marinette, which played without seniors Connor Nelson (5-11) and Garrett Waloway (5-8) ... Senior Andrew Steiner (6-2) scored in double figures in three of four games for West Bend East, which also got a couple of solid showings from physical senior Ben Johnson (6-1) ... Plymouth I played without senior T.J. Moegenburg (6-3) due to the WIAA summer baseball playoffs, but seniors Gage Nischke (6-2) and Will Hunter (6-3) showed plenty of promise for the Panthers ... New Franklin coach Tyler Podoll is getting to know his players and got some solid contributions from Marcus Lee (6-2), Tyler Klug (6-3) and Matt Teska (5-11) in addition to Steele.

Pools C-D

Final Standings

Pool C: Racine Lutheran 3-1, Random Lake 3-1, NEW Lutheran 3-1, Sheboygan Lutheran 1-3, North Fond du Lac 0-4.

Pool D: Sheboygan Christian 4-0, St. Mary's Springs 3-1, Northland Pines 2-2, Sheboygan Falls 1-3, Milwaukee Juneau/Reagan 0-4.

Pool C vs. Pool D Title Game: Sheboygan Christian 48, Racine Lutheran 43.

Most Valuable Player

Brayden Van Ess, 6-2, PG, Jr., Sheboygan Christian

With his team in serious danger of losing a pool-play game to St. Mary's Springs, Van Ess made several huge plays down the stretch to force overtime and then led the Eagles to a 45-39 victory over the Ledgers. His has very good size, solid skills and competes with confidence when penetrating into the lane. After averaging 9.9 points per game as a sophomore, Van Ess appears to be on the verge of becoming an all-league player for a solid Sheboygan Christian squad.

All-Tournament Team (In alphabetical order)

Austin Blaesing, 6-3, F, Sr., Racine Lutheran

An active, athletic player who makes solid cuts to the basket and consistently finishes over taller defenders. Blaesing moves well on defense and can be solid on the boards as well. He averaged 13.6 ppg as a junior for Racine Lutheran.

Isaac Brandies, 6-0, PG, Sr., Racine Lutheran
A somewhat unorthodox player who is very productive for the Crusaders. He can pop three-point shots, get into the lane and set up his teammates with his excellent vision. Brandies teams with Blaesing and senior Brendan Naegeli (6-0) to give coach Jeff Christensen a solid core to build around in 2015-16.

Evan DeBroux, 6-5, F, Sr., Random Lake
A mobile frontline player who can also play on the perimeter, DeBroux averaged 8.7 ppg as a junior and showed in Plymouth he'll likely reach double figures on a nightly basis next winter. He can score in several different ways and is a willing defender and rebounder as well.

Austin Feyen, 6-5, PF, Sr., St. Mary's Springs
A big, strong power player who finishes around the basket and can also connect from the foul line. Averaged just 2.9 ppg as a junior for the Ledgers, but went for 14 in a victory over Northland Pines and teams with classmate Kurt Mueller (6-8) to give coach Kurt Krueger a solid frontline tandem.

Kevin Gauthier, 6-0, Sr., G, Northland Pines
Gauthier led Northland Pines to victories over Sheboygan Falls and Milwaukee Juneau/Reagan with his scoring ability. After averaging 8.1 ppg as a junior, Gauthier reached double figures in three of four games for Northland Pines.

Jared Jurss, 6-2, WG, Soph., Sheboygan Lutheran
The next go-to player for the Crusaders, Jurss missed both games Friday, but averaged 21 ppg and made seven triples in a pair of games Saturday. He has deep shooting range, good size and competes with plenty of confidence. 

Austin Martin, 5-10, PG, Jr., Random Lake
A solid junior lead guard who received significant playing time for coach Joe Stroede at Random Lake as a sophomore, Martin made shots from the perimeter while also moving the ball on offense and talking to his teammates on defense.

Samuel Meerstein, 6-2, G, Frosh., NEW Lutheran
The son of Green Bay NEW Lutheran coach Mark Meerstein, Samuel Meerstein is an incoming freshman with plenty of poise, skill and upside. He already has good length and the ability to make shots from deep and off the dribble. He scored in double figures in three of four games for the Blazers.

Nathaniel Schaefer, 5-11, PG, Sr., NEW Lutheran
A point guard who loves to get into the paint and finish over taller defenders with reverse layups, Schaefer is sure-handed with the ball in his hands and is coming off a solid junior season in which he averaged 8.7 ppg for NEW Lutheran. He scored well in Plymouth, but also did an excellent job of putting ball pressure on his opponents with his quickness on the perimeter.

Chris TenDolle, 6-5, F, Sr., Sheboygan Christian
TenDolle showed the ability to post up in the lane and score while also stepping outside and making mid-range jump shots. He has very good size and strength, which allows him to set some screens on the top of the key for coach Brett Flipse. TenDolle averaged 7.4 ppg a year ago and teams with Michael Alsum (6-5) on the Eagles' talented frontline.

Team Champion
 
Sheboygan Christian

The new Big East Conference, which includes Sheboygan Christian, includes a whopping 14 teams. The nine teams from the now-defunct Central Lakeshore Conference join Hilbert, Manitowoc Lutheran, Mishicot, Reedsville and St. Mary Central in the new mega conference. Sheboygan Christian should rank among the top teams in the league behind the return of Van Ess, Alsum and TenDolle. Junior Jacob Stecker (6-0) is another key player for veteran coach Brett Flipse, who figures have solid depth with the arrival of junior Luke Heinen (6-3) and sophomore Levi Modahl (6-1).  

Notes
Senior forward Austin Wilson (6-1) was solid throughout the weekend for Racine Lutheran, especially when Naegeli went down on Friday with an ankle injury ... As usual, St. Mary's Springs has a deep roster loaded with strong, athletic players. Though the Ledgers lost five key players from a squad that won 18 games, they figure to again field a highly competitive team in the Wisconsin Flyway Conference. Look for sophomore Clay Schueffner (6-1) to make a strong showing for the Ledgers ... Junior Dan Ruchalski (6-2) had solid showing for Random Lake in a victory over Sheboygan Lutheran, scoring 22 points and knocking down three shots from behind the three-point arc ... Senior forward Gabe Lloyd (6-5) missed two games Friday, but was in uniform Saturday and helped NEW Lutheran to a pair of victories. His ability to move so well on offense and rebound on defense is definitely troublesome for opponents ... Sheboygan Lutheran missed juniors Josh Splittgerber (5-10) and Vinny Montazella (6-2) in Plymouth, but coach Nick Verhagen appears to have another talented team on his hands as Jurss and senior Josh Pingel (5-10) both played well for the Crusaders ... In addition to Gauthier, Northland Pines received solid showings from senior Kody Godleske (6-3) and junior Cameron Wait ... North Fond du Lac has a pair of very promising young players in sophomore Dawson Wodsedalek (6-3) and freshman Kyle McCullen (5-8). Wodsedalek showed deep shooting range and can also score off the dribble, thanks to his skill and length ... Milwaukee Juneau/Reagan missed three of its top four players for various reasons, but the Pioneers did receive solid play from juniors Donovan Pickam-Hurt (6-1) and Treshawn Thompson (5-9) ... Sheboygan Falls is competing in the WIAA baseball playoffs and was without sophomore JT Petrie (6-2), junior Ross Krist (6-1) and seniors Austin Madden (5-9) and Ryan Schmitt (5-10). Nonetheless, coach Jake Frohling had to be pleased with the strong play of Brayden Much (5-11), a sophomore guard who attacked the hoop and also shot the ball well from the perimeter.

Tag(s): Summer Tournaments