Fox Cities sports talk

Check out Brewers blog

2010-04-19T17:46:00.001-05:00

I have taken over the Brewers blog at The Post-Crescent. Check it out at:
http://www.postcrescent.com/section/blogsBrewers

Winneconne goes for first title

2010-03-27T11:50:00.002-05:00

The Winneconne girls' basketball team takes on New Berlin Eisenhower in the WIAA Division 2 staate championship game today at 6:35 p.m. Join The Post-Crescent's online chat at www.postcrescent.com
Here is a preview of today's game:

WIAA Division 2 state championship

When: 6:35 p.m. today

Where: Kohl Center, Madison

* Winneconne (25-3) vs. New Berlin Eisenhower (25-2): Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and will be playing for their first-ever state title in girls’ basketball. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 13.9 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.4 ppg. Winneconne is coming off of a 31-30 state semifinal win over Monroe on Friday.

New Berlin Eisenhower placed first in the Woodland-Black with a 16-1 record. The Lions also are competing at the state tournament for the first time. Eisenhower is led in scoring by 6-1 junior forward Anna Hahn at 14 ppg. and 5-9 sophomore guard Nicole Bauman at 11.2 ppg. The Lions advanced with a 40-38 win over Altoona in Friday’s sectional semifinal.

Disappointment lingers

2010-03-24T17:36:00.002-05:00

Not much was expected of the University of Wisconsin men's basketball team this season . At least one media outlet had the Badgers finishing seventh in the Big Ten. Wisconsin proceded to put together a season where they not only contended for the conference championship, but also earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the ninth straight year.
Despite this, there's a feeling of disappointment that Wisconsin failed to reach the Sweet 16. My how times have changed. Fifteen years ago, Badger fans could only dream of the success Wisconsin now enjoys. The disappointment is a good thing. It means expectations for the Badgers program have been raised tremendously.

Only the girls survive

2010-03-20T11:21:00.002-05:00

Both area boys' basketball teams saw their seasons come to an end at the state basketball tournament on Friday at the Kohl Center as Brillion in Division 3 and Appleton East in Division 1 came up short in state semifinal games.
Three girls' teams, however, will be looking to punch their tickets to next week's state tournament. Here is a look at today's match-ups. Check out The Post-Crescent's live chat tonight at www.postcrescent.com.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: Saturday
What: Sectional finals
Division 1
* (No. 3 seed) Kaukauna vs. (No. 1 seed) De Pere at the Kress Center, Green Bay, 7 p.m.: Kaukauna tied with Kimberly for third place in the Fox Valley Association at 13-5. The Ghosts are 19-5 overall. Kaukauna is led in scoring by 5-6 senior guard Lindsey VanRooy at 10.8 ppg and 6-0 junior forward Abbey DeBruin at 10 ppg. The Ghosts advanced to sectionals with a 55-49 win over Ashwaubenon last Saturday and to the sectional finals with a 40-33 win over second-seeded De Pere.
De Pere tied for the Fox River Classic Conference championship with Pulaski at 15-1. The Redbirds are 23-1 overall. They are led in scoring by 6-1 senior center Kristin Tischer at 15.7 ppg. De Pere advanced to sectionals with a 50-34 win over Appleton North last Saturday and to the sectional finals with a 51-38 win over fourth-seeded Kimberly.
Division 2
* (No. 1 seed) Luxemburg-Casco vs. (No. 1 seed) Winneconne at Seymour, 7 p.m.: Luxemburg-Casco won the Bay Conference at 14-2 and is 23-3 overall. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Janelle VanderPlas at 18.2 ppg. and 5-10 junior forward Kelsey Jonioux at 8.6 ppg. Luxemburg-Casco advanced to sectionals with a 56-44 win over Denmark last Saturday and to the sectional finals with a 45-40 double-overtime win over top-seeded Freedom on Thursday.
Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 23-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.2 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.6 ppg. Winneconne advanced to sectionals with a 44-32 win over New London last Saturday and a 41-35 win over Xavier on Thursday.
Division 3
* (No. 2 seed) Gillett vs. (No. 1 seed) Brillion at De Pere, 7 p.m.: Gillett tied for the Marinette & Oconto Conference championship with Peshtigo at 15-1 and is 23-3 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by Lauren Kasten at 10.7 ppg. Gillett advanced to sectionals with a 34-31 win over Peshtigo and then defeated top-seeded Auburndale 38-33 on Thursday in a sectional semifinal.
Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 25-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.8 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco. The Lions beat Manitowoc Roncalli 40-28 in a regional final last Saturday and Oshkosh Lourdes 49-48 on Thursday.

Interesting match-ups highlight Friday's prep basketball postseason action

2010-03-18T23:46:00.004-05:00

Join The Post-Crescent on Friday for our Coverit Live chat during the WIAA boys' state tournament and girls' sectional semifinals. Here are our local match-ups:
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
When: Friday
What: State semifinals
Division 1
* Appleton East (22-5) vs. Madison Memorial (22-4) at Kohl Center, Madison, 6:35 p.m.: Appleton East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11 ppg. and 10.7 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.2 ppg. East advanced to the state semifinals with a 54-46 win over previously unbeaten Antigo on Thursday. It is the school’s sixth state appearance and first since 1996. East was a state runnerup in both 1986 and 1990. The Patriots are on a 12-game winning streak. East’s last loss was a 72-62 setback at home against Kaukauna on Jan. 26. Appleton East coach John Mielke is in his 10th season as Patiots coach. He has a 138-92 record at the school and is 275-178 overall.
Madison Memorial, the defending state champions, are making their seventh straight state appearance. Memorial also won a state championship in 2005 and finished as runner-up in 2004, 2006 and 2008. The Spartans advanced to the state semifinals with a 58-41 win over Neenah. Memorial tied for the Big Eight championship with Madison East, both at 15-3. The Spartans are led in scoring by Marquette University recruit Vander Blue at 17.2 ppg., Tre Creamer at 14.7 ppg. and Junior Lomomba at 10.4 ppg. Spartans coach Steve Collins is in his 12th year at the school and has a 231-59 overall record.
Division 3
* Eau Claire Regis (22-5) vs. Brillion (23-4) at Kohl Center, Madison, approximately 10:45 a.m.: Eau Claire Regis placed second in the Cloverbelt-West with a 13-3 record. Regis is led in scoring by 6-3 senior forward Adam Ganske at 14.5 ppg., 6-2 junior point guard Connor Miller at 13.7 ppg. and 5-11 senior guard Jack Eaton at 13.4 ppg. The Ramblers are making their third straight state appearance, falling in the state semifinals the past two years.
Brillion finished third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizenesky at 10.3 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 8.8 ppg. and 6-2 junior forward Brian Krueger at 8.4 ppg. Brillion advanced to state with a 66-63 sectional final win over previously unbeaten Marathon last Saturday. This is the Lions’ first-ever state appearance.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: Friday
What: Sectional semifinals
Division 1
* (No. 4 seed) Kimberly vs. (No. 1 seed) De Pere at the Kress Center, Green Bay, 6 p.m.: Kimberly tied for third place in the Fox Valley Association with Kaukauna at 13-5 and is 17-7 overall. The Papermakers are led in scoring by 5-7 junior guard Nateah Beimborn at 11.2 ppg. The Papermakers beat Green Bay Preble 38-31 in a regional final on Saturday.
De Pere tied for the Fox River Classic Conference championship with Pulaski at 15-1. The Redbirds are 22-1 overall. They are led in scoring by 6-1 senior center Kristin Tischer at 15.7 ppg. De Pere advanced to sectionals with a 50-34 win over Appleton North on Saturday. De Pere beat Kimberly 32-31 on Nov. 28 at the Kress Classic at the Kress Center in Green Bay. It was the second game of the season for both teams.
* (No. 3 seed) Kaukauna vs. (No. 2 seed) Pulaski at the Kress Center, Green Bay, 8 p.m.: Kaukauna tied with Kimberly for third place in the Fox Valley Association at 13-5. The Ghosts are 18-5 overall. Kaukauna is led in scoring by 5-6 senior guard Lindsey VanRooy at 10.8 ppg and 6-0 junior forward Abbey DeBruin at 10 ppg. The Ghosts advanced to sectionals with a 55-49 win over Ashwaubenon on Saturday.
Pulaski tied for first place in the Fox River Classic Conference with De Pere at 15-1 and is 21-3 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Brooke Lauritzen at 10.5 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Kristin Halla at 9.5 ppg. Pulaski advanced to sectionals with a 58-30 win over Appleton East on Saturday.

Solid prep basketball match-ups Thursday

2010-03-17T17:16:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to log onto www.postcrescent.com Thursday and take part in our basketball chat. Joel Christopher will be the moderator. It'll be a big day with the WIAA state basketball tournament getting under way in the early morning, the NCAA Tournament getting started in late morning and girls' sectional finals at night.
Here is a look at our area prep games:

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

When: Thursday

What: State quarterfinals

Division 1
* Antigo (24-0) vs. Appleton East (21-5) at Kohl Center, Madison, 1:35 p.m.: Antigo

Appleton East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11 ppg. and 10.7 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.2 ppg. East advanced to state with a 42-40 win over top-ranked De Pere on Saturday. It is the school’s sixth state appearance and first since 1996. East was a state runnerup in both 1986 and 1990. The Patriots are on an 11-game winning streak. East’s last loss was a 72-62 setback at home against Kaukauna on Jan. 26. Appleton East coach John Mielke is in his 10th season as Patiots coach. He has a 137-92 record at the school and is 274-178 overall. Prior to joining the Patriots, Mielke was head coach at Antigo.

Antigo, which won the Great Northern Conference championship at 12-0, has earned a berth in the state tournament for the 13th time and first since 1995. The Red Robins have not advanced past the semifinals in any of their previous appearances. Antigo advanced with a 62-45 sectional final win over Merrill. The Red Robins are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Jordan Mach, a UW-Parkside recruit, who averages 29.5 ppg, and Skylar Cameron, a 6-3 senior forward, at 13.4 ppg.

* Madison Memorial (21-4) vs. Neenah (17-9) at Kohl Center, Madison, approximately 3:45 p.m.: Madison Memorial, the defending state champions, are making their seventh straight state appearance. Memorial also won a state championship in 2005 and finished as runner-up in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Memorial tied for the Big Eight championship with Madison East, both at 15-3. The Spartans are led in scoring by Marquette University recruit Vander Blue at 17.2 ppg., Tre Creamer at 14.7 ppg. and Junior Lomomba at 10.4 ppg. Spartans coach Steve Collins is in his 12th year at the school and has a 230-59 overall record.

Neenah tied for third in the FVA with Oshkosh North and Appleton West at 11-7. Neenah is led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Patrick Follen’s 12.7 ppg and 6-5 senior guard/forward Josh Hopfensperger’s 11.9 ppg. Neenah advanced to state with a 48-42 win over Sheboygan South in a sectional final in Oshkosh on Saturday. This will be the Rockets’ 25th appearance at the state tournament, but first since 2000. Neenah won state championships in 1930, 1975 and 1978. Neenah was runner-up in 1920, 1939, 1969, 1970, 1972 and 1988. The Rockets are coached by Chas Pronschinske, who is in his fifth season at the school. He is 63-52 at Neenah and 182-108 overall.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: Thursday

What: Sectional semifinals

Division 2
* (No. 1 seed) Luxemburg-Casco vs. (No. 1 seed) Freedom at Seymour, 5:30 p.m.: Luxemburg-Casco won the Bay Conference at 14-2 and is 22-3 overall. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Janelle VanderPlas at 18.2 ppg. and 5-10 junior forward Kelsey Jonioux at 8.6 ppg. Luxemburg-Casco advanced to sectionals with a 56-44 win over Denmark on Saturday.

Freedom won the Eastern Valley Conference at 18-0 and is 22-1 overall. The Irish are led in scoring by Katie Gonnering at 13.7 ppg. Freedom’s only loss this season was a 37-32 decision to New London at home on Dec. 22. The Irish advanced to sectionals with a 62-42 win over Green Bay Notre Dame on Saturday.

* (No. 2 seed) Winneconne vs. (No. 2 seed) Xavier at Seymour, 7:30 p.m.: Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 22-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.2 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.6 ppg. Winneconne is coming off of a 44-32 win over New London on Saturday.

Xavier tied with Fox Valley Lutheran for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 17-8 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Claire Burkhart at 8.7 ppg and 5-11 junior guard Lexi Thein at 7.1 ppg. Xavier beat top-seeded Chilton 46-36 in a regional final on Saturday.

Division 3
* (No. 1 seed) Oshkosh Lourdes vs. (No. 1 seed) Brillion at Kimberly, 7 p.m.: Oshkosh Lourdes won the Trailways-North title at 15-0 and is 22-3 overall. The Knights are led in scoring by 6-0 sophomore Lexie Peterman at 17.5 ppg. and 5-10 sophomore guard Teenie Lichtfuss at 11.8 ppg. Lourdes defeated Weyauwega-Fremont 49-48 in a regional final on Saturday.

Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 24-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.8 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco. The Lions beat Manitowoc Roncalli 40-28 in a regional final on Saturday.

Girls' regional, boys' sectional finals today

2010-03-13T01:52:00.004-06:00

Area boys' basketball teams have a chance to punch their ticket to state today, while several area girls' teams look to advance to sectionals.
Here is a look at all of the matchups in The Post-Crescent coverage area.
Don't forget to log on to wwww.postcrescent.com and join our live chat beginning at 1 p.m. The Coverit Live event will be hosted by Joel Christopher.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: today
What: Regional finals
Division 1
* (No. 8 seed) Appleton North at (No. 1 seed De Pere), 1:30 p.m.: Appleton North placed sixth in the Fox Valley Association with an 8-10 record and is 13-10 overall. The Lightning are led in scoring by 5-8 junior guard Nicole Albers at 10.6 ppg. and 5-6 junior guard Alex Dennee at 10.4 ppg. Appleton North beat Bay Port 41-26 on Tuesday.
De Pere tied for the Fox River Classic Conference championship with Pulaski at 15-1. The Redbirds are 21-1 overall. They are led in scoring by 6-1 senior center Kristin Tischer at 15.5 ppg. De Pere received a first-round bye.
* (No. 5 seed) Green Bay Preble at (No. 4 seed) Kimberly, 7 p.m.: Green Bay Preble placed third in the Fox River Classic Conference at 13-3 and is 15-8 overall. The Hornets are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard Kenzie Perttu at 15.9 ppg. Preble defeated Menasha 64-33 on Tuesday.
Kimberly tied for third place in the Fox Valley Association with Kaukauna at 13-5 and is 16-7 overall. The Papermakers are led in scoring by 5-7 junior guard Nateah Beimborn at 10.4 ppg. The Papermakers beat Green Bay East 43-23 on Tuesday.
* (No. 6 seed) Ashwaubenon at (No. 3 seed) Kaukauna, 1:30 p.m.: Ashwaubenon placed fifth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 11-5 and is 15-8 overall. The Jaguars are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Morgan Heim at 10.6 ppg. and 6-0 senior forward Claire DeCaster at 10.2 ppg. The Jaguars defeated Appleton West 49-43 in overtime on Tuesday.
Kaukauna tied with Kimberly for third place in the Fox Valley Association at 13-5. The Ghosts are 18-5 overall. Kaukauna is led in scoring by 6-0 junior forward Abbey DeBruin at 10.4 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Lindsey VanRooy at 10.3 ppg. The Ghosts beat Green Bay Southwest 67-36 on Tuesday.
* (No. 7 seed) Appleton East at (No. 2 seed) Pulaski, 6:30 p.m.: Appleton East finished fifth in the Fox Valley Association at 10-8 and is 14-9 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 6-0 sophomore forward Marissa Michalkiewicz at 13.3 ppg. and 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Malory Christenson at 9.2 ppg. Appleton East beat Manitowoc 54-49 on Tuesday.
Pulaski tied for first place in the Fox River Classic Conference with De Pere at 15-1 and are 20-3 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Brooke Lauritzen at 10 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Kristin Halla at 9.7 ppg. Pulaski beat Green Bay West 38-18 on Tuesday.
* (No. 6 seed) Wisconsin Rapids at (No. 3 seed) Neenah, 8 p.m.: Wisconsin Rapids placed fourth in the Wisconsin Valley Conference at 6-6 and is 11-12 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 5-4 senior guard Steph Wisen at 10.3 ppg. and 5-9 sophomore guard Hailee Frank at 10 ppg. Wisconsin Rapids beat Sheboygan South 54-47 on Tuesday.
Neenah tied for first place in the Fox Valley Association with Oshkosh West at 15-3 and is 19-4 overall. The Rockets are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Lexi Masiak at 10.2 ppg. and 5-4 junior guard Taylor Zehren at 9.1 ppg. Neenah beat Oshkosh North 50-19 on Tuesday.
Division 2
* (No. 2 seed) Green Bay Notre Dame vs. (No. 1 seed) Freedom at Pulaski, noon: Green Bay Notre Dame placed fourth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 12-4 and is 19-5 overall. The Tritons are led in scoring by 5-8 senior guard Lauren Byrne at 9.3 ppg. and 5-5 senior guard Sara VanHemelryk at 8.9 ppg. Green Bay Notre Dame beat Oconto 72-34 on Tuesday and Oconto Falls 48-27 on Thursday.
Freedom won the Eastern Valley Conference at 18-0 and is 22-1 overall. The Irish are led in scoring by Katie Gonnering at 13.5 ppg. Freedom’s only loss this season was a 37-32 decision to New London at home on Dec. 22. The Irish received a bye in the first round and beat Clintonville 50-32 on Thursday.
* (No. 2 seed) Winneconne vs. (No. 1 seed) New London at Hortonville, 1:30 p.m.: Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 21-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.9 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.7 ppg. Winneconne is coming off of a 75-28 win over Omro on Tuesday and a 50-25 triumph over Waupun on Thursday.
New London finished second in the Bay Conference at 13-3 and is 20-3 overall. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Tara Knapstein at 11.5 ppg. and 5-5 sophomore guard Bridget Pethke at 10.2 ppg. New London beat Waupaca 40-26 on Thursday after receiving a first-round bye.
* (No. 2 seed) Xavier vs. (No. 1 seed) Chilton at Manitowoc, 1 p.m.: Xavier tied with Fox Valley Lutheran for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 16-8 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Claire Burkhart at 9 ppg and 5-11 junior guard Lexi Thein at 7.2 ppg. Xavier beat New Holstein 38-34 on Tuesday and Valders 48-28 on Thursday.
Chilton placed third in the Olympian Conference at 13-5 and is 17-6 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by 6-1 junior guard Michelle Piepenburg at 16.6 ppg. and 5-9 junior guard Kelynn Sporer at 14.5 ppg. Chilton received a bye in the first round and beat Fox Valley Lutheran 63-42 on Thursday.
Division 3
* (No. 3 seed) Manitowoc Roncalli vs. (No. 1 seed) Brillion at Wrightstown, 1 p.m.: Manitowoc Roncalli placed second in the Olympian Conference at 15-3 and is 20-4 overall. The Jets are led in scoring by 5-5 senior guard Nicole Schrimpf at 11.3 ppg. and 5-8 senior guard/forward Moriah Mitchell at 11 ppg. Roncalli beat Sevastopol 62-34 on Tuesday and Algoma 47-44 on Thursday.
Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 23-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.7 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco. The Lions beat Shiocton 62-17 on Tuesday and Kewaunee 42-31 on Thursday. Brillion beat Roncalli 40-25 at Manitowoc on Jan. 5 and 53-52 at home on Feb. 15.
* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont vs. (No. 1 seed) Oshkosh Lourdes at Waupaca, 1:30 p.m.: Weyauwega-Fremont placed third in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 10-4 and is 14-8 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Christie Struck at 12.7 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard Kacie Cullen at 12.6 ppg. Struck has been injured for much of the season. Weyauwega-Fremont is coming off a 55-40 win over Wild Rose on Tuesday and a 37-27 triumph over Markesan on Thursday.
Oshkosh Lourdes won the Trailways-North title at 15-0 and is 21-3 overall. The Knights are led in scoring by 6-0 sophomore Lexie Peterman at 16.8 ppg. and 5-10 sophomore guard Teenie Lichtfuss at 11.8 ppg. Lourdes defeat Tri-County 60-19 on Tuesday and Laconia 49-38 on Thursday.
Division 4
* (No. 6 seed) Hilbert vs. (No. 1 seed) Marion at Green Bay Southwest, 1:30 p.m.: Hilbert was 10th in the Olympian Conference at 2-16 and is 4-19 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by senior guard Whitney Krueger at 9.7 ppg. and senior forward Val Kasper at 8.9 ppg. Hilbert beat No. 3 seed Lena 49-35 on Tuesday and No. 2 seed Gibraltar 36-30 on Thursday.
Marion won the Central Wisconsin Conference-10 at 17-1 and is 23-1 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 5-9 junior guard Halie Joerres at 13.4 ppg. and 5-10 senior post player Brianna Loughan at 11.6 ppg. Marion beat Oneida Nation 86-19 on Tuesday and Green Bay NEW Lutheran 66-33 on Thursday.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
When: today
What: Sectional final
Division 1
* (No. 3 seed) Appleton East vs. (No.1 seed) De Pere at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon, 6 p.m.: Appleton East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association and is 20-5 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11.3 ppg. and 10.9 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.1 ppg. East advanced with a 53-43 sectional semifinal win over Kaukauna on Friday. The Patriots are on a 10-game winning streak. East’s last loss was a 72-62 setback at home against Kaukauna on Jan. 26.
De Pere won the Fox River Classic Conference championship at 16-0 and is 23-1 overall. The Redbirds are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Brandon Pritzl at 17.2 ppg. and 6-3 junior guard Reece Zoelle at 15.4 ppg. De Pere beat Appleton West 63-52 in a sectional semifinal on Friday.
* (No. 4 seed) Sheboygan South vs. (No. 3 seed) Neenah at Kolf Sports Center, Oshkosh, 7 p.m.: Sheboygan South tied for fourth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 8-8 and is 15-10 overall. The Redwings are led in scoring by 6-2 junior forward Riley Tutas at 14 ppg. Sheboygan South defeated Oshkosh North in a sectional semifinal 66-60 on Friday.
Neenah tied for third in the FVA with Oshkosh North and Appleton West at 11-7. The Rockets are 16-9 overall. Neenah is led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Patrick Follen’s 12.9 ppg and 6-5 senior guard/forward Josh Hopfensperger’s 11.7 ppg. Neenah beat Beaver Dam 55-43 in a sectional semifinal on Friday.
Division 2
* (No. 3 seed) Kiel vs. (No. 1 seed) Seymour at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon, 1:30 p.m.: Kiel tied for second with Plymouth in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference at 10-4 and is 18-6 overall. The Raiders are led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Brandon Gries at 25 ppg. and 6-2 junior guard Joey Burris at 14.7 ppg. Kiel defeated Waupun 77-75 in a sectional semifinal on Thursday.
Seymour won the Bay Conference with a 16-0 record and is 24-2 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-4 junior guard Calahan Skogman with 19.5 ppg. and 6-7 junior forward Phil Romback at 15.8 ppg. Seymour defeated Shawano 56-30 in a sectional semifinal on Thursday.
Division 3
* (No. 2 seed) Brillion vs. (No. 1 seed) Marathon at Ashwaubenon, 7 p.m.: Brillion placed third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4 and is 23-4 overall. Among the Lions’ leading scorers are 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizensky at 9.6 ppg., freshman Eric Kittel at 9.4 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 8.9 ppg., 6-8 junior center Brian Krueger at 8.4 ppg. and 6-3 senior center Adam Schmitt at 8.0 ppg. Brillion defeated Weyauwega-Fremont 59-52 in a sectional semifinal on Friday. The Lions have won eight in a row.
Marathon won the Marawood-South at 14-0 and is 26-0 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 6-3 junior guard/forward Cody Hanke at17.3 ppg. and 6-0 senior guard Ryan Wokatsch at 11.9 ppg. Marathon beat Three Lakes 68-45 in a sectional semifinal on Friday.

Boys' sectionals highlight today's games

2010-03-12T00:05:00.002-06:00

There are a number of WIAA sectional semifinal boys' basketball games in our area tonight. If you can't go to a game, check out our live chat at www.postcrescent.com. Joel Christopher and Kevin Dittman will moderate.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
When: Friday
What: Sectional semifinals
Division 1
* (No. 4 seed) Appleton West vs. (No.1 seed) De Pere at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon, 6 p.m.: Appleton West finished tied for third in the Fox Valley Association at 11-7 and is 17-7 overall. The Terrors are led in scoring by 6-0 senior point guard Kevin Levandoski at 16.7 ppg. West beat Green Bay Preble 66-50 and Pulaski 37-30 in regional play.
De Pere won the Fox River Classic Conference championship at 16-0 and is 22-1 overall. The Redbirds are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Brandon Pritzl at 17.2 ppg. and 6-3 junior guard Reece Zoelle at 15.4 ppg. De Pere beat Manitowoc 55-45 in the regional final after receiving a bye in the opening round.
* (No. 3 seed) Appleton East vs. (No. 2 seed) Kaukauna at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon, 8:15 p.m.: Appleton East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association and is 19-5 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11.3 ppg. and 10.9 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.1 ppg. East advanced with a 62-29 win over Green Bay West and a 46-40 win over Bay Port on Saturday. The Patriots are on a nine-game winning streak. East’s last loss was a 72-62 setback at home against Kaukauna on Jan. 26. The Ghosts also beat East in Kaukauna 55-50 on Dec. 4.
Kaukauna won the Fox Valley Association at 15-3 and is 20-4 overall. It is the second time in three years the Ghosts have won the FVA title and third time in school history. The Ghosts are led in scoring by 6-4 senior guard Jake Schalow at 24.1 ppg and 6-5 senior forward Ben Hennes at 12.4 ppg. Kaukauna beat Menasha 65-25 and Kimberly 55-53 in overtime in regional play.
* (No. 3 seed) Neenah vs. (No. 2 seed) Beaver Dam at Kolf Sports Center, Oshkosh, 8:15 p.m.: Neenah tied for third in the FVA with Oshkosh North and Appleton West at 11-7. The Rockets are 15-9 overall. Neenah is led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Patrick Follen’s 12.9 ppg and 6-5 senior guard/forward Josh Hopfensperger’s 11.7 ppg. Neenah beat West Bend East 48-23 and Wisconsin Rapids 49-37 in regional action.
Beaver Dam finished second in the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference at 10-4 and is 17-6 overall. The Golden Beavers are led in scoring by 6-1 senior guard Tal Diekvoss at 15.8 ppg. and 6-2 sophomore forward Jake Heuer at 12.6 ppg. Beaver Dam advanced with a 73-57 win over Fond du Lac in the regional final after receiving a first-round bye.
Division 3
* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont vs. (No. 2 seed) Brillion at Menasha, 7 p.m.: Weyauwega-Fremont placed second in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 11-3 and is 17-6 overall. This was the first time since the 1999-2000 season the Indians did not win or share the conference championship. Weyauwega-Fremont is led in scoring by 6-0 junior guard Kyle Loughrin at 17.8 ppg. and 6-2 senior forward Jordan Tolsma at 11.3 ppg. The Indians beat No. 2 seed Wild Rose 47-41 last Thursday and No. 1 seed Laconia 60-58 on Saturday. Weyauwega-Fremont has won seven of its last eight games.
Brillion placed third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4 and is 22-4 overall. Among the Lions’ leading scorers are 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizensky at 9.6 ppg., freshman Eric Kittel at 9.4 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 8.9 ppg., 6-8 junior center Brian Krueger at 8.4 ppg. and 6-3 senior center Adam Schmitt at 8.0 ppg. Brillion beat Kewaunee 74-51 last Thursday before knocking off top-seeded Manitowoc Roncalli 46-39 in the regional final on Saturday. The Lions have won seven in a row.

Sad to see Olsen leave us so soon

2010-03-12T00:02:00.003-06:00

I never met Merlin Olsen, but I do remember his playing days with the Los Angeles Rams as well as his broadcasting and acting careers.
Olsen always seemed genuine and it's always tough to see someone die so young. At age 69, it seems like he is leaving us too early.

Tonight's area WIAA boys' and girls' games

2010-03-11T19:29:00.002-06:00

Here are tonight's girls' and boys' basketball games. Should be an exciting night.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
When: 6 p.m. today
What: Sectional semifinal
Division 2æ (No. 1 seed) Shawano vs. (No. 1 seed) Seymour at Brown County Arena, Ashwaubenon: Shawano placed second in the Bay Conference at 13-3 and is 21-3 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 6-4 senior guard James Oshkeshequoam at 18 ppg. Shawano defeated Green Bay Notre Dame 42-40 in a regional final at Bay Port on Saturday.
Seymour won the Bay Conference with a 16-0 record and is 230-2 overall. Seymour beat Shawano at home 51-38 on Dec. 21 and 52-49 at Shawano on Feb. 11. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-4 junior guard Calahan Skogman with 19.5 ppg. and 6-7 junior forward Phil Romback at 15.8 ppg. Seymour defeated Little Chute 37-34 in the regional final at Kimberly on Saturday.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
When: 7 p.m. today
What: Regional semifinals
Division 2æ (No. 4 seed) Clintonville at (No. 1 seed) Freedom: Clintonville placed ninth the Eastern Valley Conference at 2-16 and is 5-18 overall. The Truckers are led in scoring by 5-10 junior forward Nichole Paiser at 11.1 ppg. Clintonville beat Shawano 43-34 in a regional quarterfinal on Tuesday.
Freedom won the Eastern Valley Conference at 18-0 and is 21-1 overall. The Irish are led in scoring by Katie Gonnering at 13.5 ppg. Freedom’s only loss this season was a 37-32 decision to New London at home on Dec. 22. The Irish received a bye in the first round.
* (No. 4 seed) Little Chute at (No. 1 seed) Luxemburg-Casco: Little Chute placed third in the Eastern Valley Conference at 13-5 and is 16-7 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 6-0 senior center Ellen VandenBerg at 12.3 ppg. and 5-10 junior forward Stacy Gloudemans at 8.6 ppg. Little Chute beat Sturgeon Bay 50-39 on Tuesday.
Luxemburg-Casco won the Bay Conference with a 14-2 record and is 20-3 overall. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Janelle VandenPlas at 18.3 ppg. Luxemburg-Casco beat Wrightstown 50-31 on Tuesday.
* (No. 3 seed) Seymour at (No. 2 seed) Denmark: Seymour finished third in the Bay Conference at 12-4 and is 19-4 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-0 senior forward Emily Doxtator at 12.1 ppg. Denmark beat Seymour 42-39 at Seymour on Dec. 28 and 42-33 at Denmark on Feb. 25.
Denmark finished fourth in the Bay Conference at 11-5 and is 17-6 overall. The Vikings are led in scoring by 6-0 junior forward Courtney Ullmer at 11.7 ppg. Denmark advanced with a 47-30 win over Southern Door on Tuesday.
* (No. 4 seed) Waupaca at (No. 1 seed) New London: New London finished second in the Bay Conference at 13-3 and is 19-3 overall. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Tara Knapstein at 11.5 ppg. and 5-5 sophomore guard Bridget Pethke at 10.2 ppg.
Waupaca finished tied for sixth in the Eastern Valley Conference with Berlin at 8-10 and is 10-13 overall. The Comets are led in scoring by 5-9 junior guard Kristen Fuss at 10 ppg. and 5-11 senior forward Zoey Brooks at 6.5 ppg.
* (No. 3 seed) Waupun at (No. 2 seed) Winneconne: Waupun placed fifth in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference at 8-6 and is 15-8 overall. The Warriors are led in scoring by 5-4 sophomore guard Katlyn Hansen at 11.1 ppg and 5-7 sophomore guard Morgan Domask at 9.6 ppg. Waupun defeated Wautoma 58-33 on Tuesday.
Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 20-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.9 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.7 ppg. Winneconne is coming off of a 75-28 win over Omro on Tuesday.
* (No. 4 seed) Fox Valley Lutheran at (No. 1 seed) Chilton: Fox Valley Lutheran tied with Xavier for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 12-11 overall. Katie Doell, a 5-5 sophomore guard, leads the Foxes in scoring at 10.2 ppg. Fox Valley Lutheran defeated Two Rivers 46-33 on Tuesday.
Chilton placed third in the Olympian Conference at 13-5 and is 16-6 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by 6-1 junior guard Michelle Piepenburg at 16.6 ppg. and 5-9 junior guard Kelynn Sporer at 14.5 ppg. Chilton received a bye in the first round.
* (No. 3 seed) Valders at (No. 2 seed) Xavier: Valders placed fourth in the Olympian Conference at 11-7 and is 13-9 overall. The Vikings are led in scoring by 5-8 senior Sally Linzmeier at 13.3 ppg. Valders beat Kiel 52-41 on Tuesday.
Xavier tied with Fox Valley Lutheran for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 15-8 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Claire Burkhart at 9 ppg and 5-11 junior guard Lexi Thein at 7.2 ppg. Xavier beat New Holstein 38-34 on Tuesday.
Division 3
* (No. 4 seed) Kewaunee at (No. 1 seed) Brillion: Kewaunee finished second in the Packerland Conference at 11-3 and is 16-7 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-5 sophomore guard Nicole Geier at 10.5 ppg. and 5-3 senior guard Cassie Vanlanen at 9.8 ppg. Kewaunee beat Reedsville 46-23 on Tuesday.
Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 22-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.7 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco. The Lions beat Shiocton 62-17 on Tuesday.
* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont at (No. 2 seed) Markesan: Weyauwega-Fremont placed third in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 10-4 and is 13-8 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Christie Struck at 12.7 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard Kacie Cullen at 12.6 ppg. Struck has been injured for much of the season. Weyauwega-Fremont is coming off a 55-40 win over Wild Rose on Tuesday.
Markesan tied for first place in the Trailways-Central at 12-2 and is 17-6 overall. The Hornets are led in scoring by 5-9 senior forward Rea Rooney at 7.4 ppg., 5-5 sophomore guard Emily Krueger at 6.9 ppg., 6-0 freshman forward Courtney Anderson at 6.6 ppg. and 5-4 junior guard Angela Brown at 6.5 ppg. Markesan defeated Montello 44-9 on Tuesday.
Division 4
* (No. 6 seed) Hilbert at (No. 2 seed) Gibraltar: Hilbert was 10th in the Olympian Conference at 2-16 and is 3-19 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by senior guard Whitney Krueger at 9.7 ppg. and senior forward Val Kasper at 8.9 ppg. Hilbert beat No. 3 seed Lena 49-35 on Tuesday.
Gibraltar placed seventh in the Packerland Conference at 2-12 and is 10-13 overall. The Vikings are led in scoring by 5-8 sophomore guard Ashley Aune at 11.4 ppg. and 5-5 senior guard Kelsey Moore at 8.2 ppg. Gibraltar beat Valley Christian 38-27 on Tuesday.

Girls' regional play begins tonight

2010-03-09T15:45:00.004-06:00

Most area girls' basketball teams take to the hardwood tonight as regional play gets started. Here is a look at our area teams and their matchups:

When: 7 p.m. today
What: Girls’ basketball regionals
Division 1 semifinals
* (No. 9 seed) Bay Port at (No. 8 seed) Appleton North: Bay Port finished seventh in the Fox River Classic Conference at 7-9 and is 9-13 overall. The Pirates are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Megan Etten at 12.1 ppg.
Appleton North placed sixth in the Fox Valley Association with an 8-10 record and is 12-10 overall. The Lightning are led in scoring by 5-8 junior guard Nicole Albers at 10.6 ppg. and 5-6 junior guard Alex Dennee at 10.4 ppg.
* (No. 12 seed) Menasha at (No. 5 seed) Green Bay Preble: Menasha finished ninth in the Fox Valley Association at 3-15 and is 5-17 overall. The Bluejays are led in scoring by 6-2 senior forward Sarah Stecker at 12.7 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard Jacqueline Landry at 10.6 ppg.
Green Bay Preble placed third in the Fox River Classic Conference at 13-3 and is 14-8 overall. The Hornets are led in scoring by 5-9 sophomore guard Kenzie Perttu at 15.9 ppg.
* (No. 13 seed) Green Bay East at (No. 4 seed) Kimberly: Green Bay East placed 10th in the Fox River Classic Conference at 3-13 and is 5-17 overall. The Red Devils are led in scoring by 5-6 senior Stephanie Speel at 10.5 ppg.
Kimberly tied for third place in the Fox Valley Association with Kaukauna at 13-5 and is 15-7 overall. The Papermakers are led in scoring by 5-7 junior guard Nateah Beimborn at 10.4 ppg.
* (No. 11 seed) Appleton West at (No. 6 seed) Ashwaubenon: Appleton West finished eighth in the Fox Valley Association at 10-8 and is 8-14 overall. The Terrors are led in scoring by 5-10 junior guard Beth Sankey at 11.6 ppg.
Ashwaubenon placed fifth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 11-5 and is 14-8 overall. The Jaguars are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Morgan Heim at 10.6 ppg. and 6-0 senior forward Claire DeCaster at 10.2 ppg. The Jaguars defeated the Terrors 56-37 at the Kress Classic on Nov. 28 at the Kress Center in Green Bay.
* (No. 14 seed) Green Bay Southwest at (No. 3 seed) Kaukauna: Green Bay Southwest placed 11th in the Fox River Classic Conference at 2-14 and is 4-18 overall. The Fighting Trojans are led in scoring by 6-0 senior forward Kristin Moesch at 7.6 ppg.
Kaukauna tied with Kimberly for third place in the Fox Valley Association at 13.5. The Ghosts are 17-5 overall. Kaukauna is led in scoring by 6-0 junior forward Abbey DeBruin at 10.4 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Lindsey VanRooy at 10.3 ppg.
* (No. 10 seed) Manitowoc at (No. 7 seed) Appleton East: Manitowoc placed eighth in the Fox River Classic Conference at 5-11 and is 11-11 overall. The Ships are led in scoring by 5-9 freshman guard/forward Kali Hackmann at 9.4 ppg., 5-7 freshman guard Shawny Gabriel at 9.3 ppg. and 5-5 sophomore guard Sammy Hermann at 8.9 ppg.
Appleton East finished fifth in the Fox Valley Association at 10-8 and is 13-9 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 6-0 sophomore forward Marissa Michalkiewicz at 13.3 ppg. and 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Malory Christenson at 9.2 ppg.
* (No. 12 seed) Hortonville at (No. 5 seed) Fond du Lac: Hortonville tied for seventh in the Bay Conference with Shawano at 3-13 and is 4-17 overall. The Polar Bears are led in scoring by 5-8 senior guard Tasia Parker at 8.2 ppg.
Fond du Lac finished seventh in the Fox Valley Association at 7-11 and is 10-12 overall. The Cardinals are led in scoring by 5-9 junior Hope Bonlander at 13.7 ppg.
* (No. 14 seed) Oshkosh North at (No. 3 seed) Neenah: Oshkosh North finished 10th in the Fox Valley Association at 0-18 and is 0-22 overall. The Spartans are 1-63 the past three seasons. Oshkosh North is led in scoring by 5-8 sophomore guard/post Kellyn Cameron at 6.8 ppg.
Neenah tied for first place in the Fox Valley Association with Oshkosh West at 15-3 and is 18-4 overall. The Rockets are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Lexi Masiak at 10.2 ppg. and 5-4 junior guard Taylor Zehren at 9.1 ppg. Neenah beat North 55-22 at home on Jan. 5 and 48-18 on Feb. 18 at Oshkosh North.
Division 2 quarterfinals
* (No. 5 seed) Shawano at (No. 4 seed) Clintonville: Shawano tied with Hortonville for seventh place in the Bay Conference at 3-13 and is 5-17 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-4 senior guard Amanda Jaskolski at 8.5 ppg.
Clintonville placed ninth the Eastern Valley Conference at 2-16 and is 4-18 overall. The Truckers are led in scoring by 5-10 junior forward Nichole Paiser at 10.7 ppg. Clintonville beat Shawano 46-42 in a nonconference game at home on Dec. 5.
* (No. 8 seed) Wrightstown at (No. 1 seed) Luxemburg-Casco: Wrightstown placed seventh in the Olympian Conference at 6-12 and is 6-16 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by 5-6 junior guard Courtney Klister at 7.4 ppg.
Luxemburg-Casco won the Bay Conference with a 14-2 record and is 19-3 overall. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-1 junior center Janelle VandenPlas at 18.7 ppg.
* (No. 5 seed) Sturgeon Bay at (No. 4 seed) Little Chute: Sturgeon Bay finished third in the Packerland Conference at 9-5 and is 16-5 overall. The Clippers are led in scoring by 5-9 senior forward Lauren Rose at 13.3 ppg. and 5-9 junior guard/forward Kelly Curtin at 10.9 ppg.
Little Chute placed third in the Eastern Valley Conference at 13-5 and is 15-7 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 6-0 senior center Ellen VandenBerg at 12.3 ppg. and 5-10 junior forward Stacy Gloudemans at 8.7 ppg.
* (No. 6 seed) West De Pere at (No. 3 seed) Seymour: West De Pere placed sixth in the Bay Conference at 7-9 and is 10-12 overall. The Phantoms are led in scoring by 5-7 senior guard Kelsey Boettcher at 10.7 ppg. and 6-0 senior center Maddie Weiske at 8.2 ppg.
Seymour finished third in the Bay Conference at 12-4 and is 18-4 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-0 senior forward Emily Doxtator at 12.6 ppg. Seymour defeated West De Pere 35-23 at home on Jan. 21 and 41-25 at West De Pere on March 1.
* (No. 5 seed) North Fond du Lac at (No. 4 seed) Waupaca: North Fond du Lac placed sixth in the Flyway Conference at 5-9 and is 7-15 overall. The Orioles are led in scoring by 5-10 junior forward Yolanda Hayes-Barnes at 8.8 ppg.
Waupaca finished tied for sixth in the Eastern Valley Conference with Berlin at 8-10 and is 9-13 overall. The Comets are led in scoring by 5-9 junior guard Kristen Fuss at 10 ppg. and 5-11 senior forward Zoey Brooks at 6.4 ppg.
* (No. 7 seed) Omro at (No. 2 seed) Winneconne: Omro placed 10th in the Eastern Valley Conference at 1-17 and is 3-19 overall. The Foxes are led in scoring by 5-6 junior guard Aereal Schug at 7.8 ppg.
Winneconne placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 19-3 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-10 senior forward Kathryn Koeck at 14.5 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard/forward Maggie Peerenboom at 12.5 ppg. Winneconne defeated Omro 52-16 at home on Jan. 19 and 52-21 at Omro on Feb. 23.
* (No. 5 seed) Two Rivers at (No. 4 seed) Fox Valley Lutheran: Two Rivers tied with Plymouth for third place in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference at 9-5 and is 12-10 overall. The Purple Raiders are led in scoring by 6-1 senior point guard Rebecca Diedrich at 14.9 ppg.
Fox Valley Lutheran tied with Xavier for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 11-11 overall. Katie Doell, a 5-5 sophomore guard, leads the Foxes in scoring at 10.2 ppg.
* (No. 7 seed) New Holstein at (No. 2 seed) Xavier: New Holstein placed eighth in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference at 0-14. The Huskies are led in scoring by 5-10 junior forward Chelsi Cash at 12.4 ppg. and 5-6 junior guard Amelia Mirsberger at 10.6 ppg.
Xavier tied with Fox Valley Lutheran for fourth place in the Eastern Valley Conference at 11-7 and is 14-8 overall. The Hawks are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Claire Burkhart at 9 ppg.
Division 3 quarterfinals
* (No. 5 seed) Manawa at (No. 4 seed) Marathon: Manawa tied for fourth in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 7-7 and is 9-13 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by 5-9 senior center Aubree Drath at 10.5 ppg.
Marathon placed fifth in the Marawood-South at 6-8 and is 12-10 overall. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 5-5 junior guard Alex Boehm at 12.3 ppg.
* (No. 8 seed) Shiocton at (No. 1 seed) Brillion: Shiocton finished eighth at 0-14 in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight and is 2-20 overall. The Chiefs are led in scoring by 5-9 junior forward Jennifer Van Asten at 7.4 ppg.
Brillion won the Olympian Conference title at 18-0 and is 21-1 overall. The Lions are led in scoring by 5-9 senior guard Alyssa Olp at 11.6 ppg. and 6-0 sophomore forward Kylie Moxley at 11.2 ppg. Brillion’s lone loss was a 55-52 setback on Dec. 7 at Luxemburg-Casco.
* (No. 6 seed) Wild Rose at (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont: Wild Rose placed fifth in the Central Wisconsin Conference-10 with an 11-7 record and is 14-8 overall. The Wildcats are led in scoring by 5-8 sophomore guard/forward Morgan Yeska at 8.8 ppg. and 5-5 senior guard Lyndsey Dorsett at 8.6 ppg.
Weyauwega-Fremont placed third in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 10-4 and is 13-8 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-7 senior forward Christie Struck at 12.7 ppg. and 5-7 senior guard Kacie Cullen at 12.6 ppg. Struck has been injured for much of the season.
Division 4 quarterfinals
* (No. 5 seed) St. Mary Central at (No. 4 seed) Green Bay NEW Lutheran: St. Mary Central finished ninth in the Olympian Conference at 3-15 and is 4-18 overall. The Zephyrs are led in scoring by 5-6 senior guard Megan Miner at 9.9 ppg.
Green Bay NEW Lutheran finished eighth in the Packerland Conference at 1-13 and is 5-17 overall. The Blazers are led in scoring by 5-7 junior guard Jacqueline Mielke at 17.3 ppg. and 5-7 junior guard Val Mielke at 7.9 ppg.
* (No. 6 seed) Hilbert at (No. 3 seed) Lena: Hilbert was 10th in the Olympian Conference at 2-16 and is 2-19 overall. The Wolves are led in scoring by senior guard Whitney Krueger at 9.7 ppg. and senior forward Val Kasper at 8.9 ppg.
Lena tied for sixth place with St. Thomas Aquinas in the Marinette & Oconto Conference at 7-9 and is 8-14 overall. The Wildcats are led in scoring by seniors Dani Marohl at 13.2 ppg. and Becky Huberty at 11.3 ppg.
* (No. 6 seed) Stockbridge at (No. 3 seed) Sheboygan Christian: Stockbridge finished 10th in the Central Lakeshore Conference at 0-18 and is 2-20 overall. The Indians are led in scoring by 5-2 junior guard Mel Mader at 5.6 ppg. and 5-6 senior guard Ali Zahringer at 5.2 ppg.
Sheboygan Christian placed ninth in the Central Lakeshore Conference at 3-15 and is 4-18 overall. Sheboygan Christian is led in scoring by Adrianna Walvoort at 6.8 ppg. The Eagles defeated host Stockbridge 34-19 on Jan. 5 and beat the Indians 38-20 at home on Jan. 22.

Football's funny season has arrived

2010-03-05T20:41:00.002-06:00

It's amazing how excited everyne gets over a few free agent signings. I could see if a team is a player or two away from being a Super Bowl contender, but you can't build your whole team around free agency. Hello Chicago. Hello Detroit.
Without draft picks in the first two rounds of this year's draft, I can see how Chicago needs to do something, but the Bears may have overpaid for Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor. I guess only time will tell.

Regional finals set

2010-03-05T03:22:00.003-06:00

Saturday will feature a number of area boys' basketball teams in action. Don't miss The Post-Crescent's Coverit Live chat at www.postcrescent.com
Here are Saturday's area matchups:

When: Saturday

What: Boys’ basketball regionals

Division 1 finals

* (No. 5 seed) Pulaski at (No. 4 seed) Appleton West, 7 p.m.: Pulaski finished second in the Fox River Classic Conference at 14-2 and is 17-6 overall. The Red Raiders are led by 6-5 senior forward Adam Abegglen, who averages 15.8 ppg. Pulaski dropped a 51-47 decision to Appleton West on Dec. 30 in the Shawano Sundrop Classic. Pulaski defeated Ashwaubenon 43-34 on Tuesday.

West finished tied for third in the Fox Valley Association at 11-7 and is 16-7 overall. The Terrors are led in scoring by 6-0 senior point guard Kevin Levandoski at 16.9 ppg. West beat Green Bay Preble 66-50 on Tuesday.

* (No. 6 seed) Bay Port at (No. 3 seed) Appleton East, 7 p.m.: Bay Port finished third in the Fox River Classic Conference with a 13-3 record and is 18-5 overall. The Pirates are led in scoring by 6-6 senior forward Alec Winzenried at 9.5 ppg. and 5-9 senior point guard Christian Krah at 9.2 ppg. Bay Port defeated Green Bay Southwest 67-48 on Tuesday.

East finished second at 14-4 in the Fox Valley Association and is 18-5 overall. The Patriots are led in scoring by 5-8 junior point guard Johnny Coenen and 6-2 junior forward Caleb Zeegers at 11.6 ppg. and 10.9 ppg., respectively. Junior Trent Schmidt, a 6-3 forward, averages 10.4 ppg. East advanced on Tuesday with a 62-29 win over Green Bay West.

* (No. 7 seed) Kimberly at (No. 2 seed) Kaukauna, 7 p.m.: Kimberly placed sixth in the FVA at 9-9 and is 12-11 overall. The Papermakers are led in scoring by 6-6 senior forward Matt Craggs at 13.5 ppg. and 6-4 senior guard Dylan Wurtz at 12.3 ppg. Kimberly defeated Appleton North 51-31 on Tuesday.

Kaukauna won the Fox Valley Association at 15-3 and is 19-4 overall. It is the second time in three years the Ghosts have won the FVA title and third time in school history. Kaukauna defeated Kimberly at home 60-50 on Dec. 7, but lost to the Papermakers in Kimberly 72-55 on Jan. 30. The Ghosts are led in scoring by 6-4 senior guard Jake Schalow at 23.9 ppg. Kaukauna beat Menasha 65-25 on Tuesday.

* (No. 6 seed) Wisconsin Rapids at (No. 3 seed) Neenah, 7 p.m.: Wisconsin Rapids finished tied for fourth place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference at 5-7 with Stevens Point and is 10-13 overall. During the regular season, Rapids handed FVA champion Kaukauna a 63-60 home setback on Jan. 12. The Red Raiders are led in scoring by 6-3 junior guard Dylan Lubeck at 11.3 ppg and 6-2 junior guard Joe Ritchay at 11.1 ppg. Wisconsin Rapids defeated Hortonville 64-32 on Tuesday.

Neenah tied for third in the FVA with Oshkosh North and Appleton West at 11-7. The Rockets are 14-9 overall. Neenah was led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Patrick Follen’s 13.1 ppg. Neenah beat West Bend East 48-23 on Tuesday.

Division 2 finals

* (No. 2 seed) Little Chute vs. (No. 1 seed) Seymour at Kimberly, 4 p.m.: Little Chute won the Eastern Valley Conference championship with a 17-1 record and is 21-3 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard/forward JJ Martin at 13.2 ppg. Little Chute is coming off a 48-42 win over Wrightstown on Thursday.

Seymour won the Bay Conference with a 16-0 record and is 22-2 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-4 junior guard Calahan Skogman with 19.4 ppg. Seymour is coming off a 67-43 win over West De Pere on Thursday.

* (No. 2 seed) New London vs. (No. 1 seed) Waupun at Hortonville, 1:30 p.m.: New London finished third in the Bay Conference at 11-5 and is 18-5 overall. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Trevor Hass at 23.3 ppg. New London beat Winneconne 67-49 on Thursday.

Waupun won the Eastern Wisconsin Conference title at 13-1 and is 21-2 overall. The Warriors are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Austin Armga at 25.8 ppg. and 6-2 senior guard Cory Nickel at 14.9 ppg. Waupun is coming off an 83-67 win over Omro on Thursday.

Division 3 finals

* (No. 2 seed) Brillion vs. (No. 1 seed) Manitowoc Roncalli at Seymour: Brillion placed third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4 and is 20-4 overall. Among the Lions’ leading scorers are 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizensky at 9.8 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 9 ppg. and 6-3 senior center Adam Schmitt at 8.5 ppg. Brillion beat Kewaunee 74-51 on Thursday.

Manitowoc Roncalli tied for the Olympian Conference title with Valders, finishing at 17-1. The Jets are 21-3 overall. Roncalli defeated Brillion 70-60 at home on Jan.7 and then 72-71 at Brillion on Feb. 12. The Jets are led in scoring by 6-2 junior point guard Ben Stelzer at 22.3 ppg. Roncalli defeated Algoma 66-38 on Thursday.

* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont vs. (No. 1 seed) Laconia at Waupaca, 7 p.m.: Weyauwega-Fremont placed second in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 11-3 and is 16-6 overall. This was the first time since the 1999-2000 season the Indians did not win or share the conference championship. Weyauwega-Fremont is led in scoring by 6-0 junior guard Kyle Loughrin at 17.6 ppg. The Indians beat No. 2 seed Wild Rose 47-41 on Thursday.

Laconia tied for second in the Flyway Conference with Kettle Moraine Lutheran at 11-3. The Spartans are 20-4 overall. Laconia defeated host Weyauwega-Fremont 67-46 on Jan. 19. The Spartans are led in scoring by 6-0 junior guard Zach DeBoer at 13.6 ppg. and 6-0 junior guard Sam Mattheis at 12-2 ppg. Laconia beat Markesan 68-49 on Thursday.

Division 4 semifinals

* No area teams remain.

Tonight's area matchups

2010-03-04T15:51:00.004-06:00

We have a few WIAA Divisions 2 and 3 regional boys' basketball games in The Post-Crescent circulation area tonight. Here is a look at them. Also, don't forget to log into www.postcrescent.com and take part in the live chat. Joel Christopher and Sarah Riley will be the moderators.

Division 2 semifinals

* (No. 4 seed) Clintonville at (No. 1 seed) Shawano: Clintonville placed sixth in the Eastern Valley Conference at 8-10 and is 11-12 overall. The Truckers are led by 6-5 junior forward Patrick VanDaalwyk’s 18.5 ppg. Clintonville defeated Oconto Falls 62-59 in double overtime in a regional quarterfinal on Tuesday.

Shawano placed second in the Bay Conference at 13-3 and is 19-3 overall. The Hawks, who had a bye in the regional quarterfinals, are led in scoring by 6-4 senior guard James Oshkeshequoam at 17.4 ppg.

* (No. 5 seed) West De Pere at (No. 1 seed) Seymour: West De Pere tied for sixth place in the Bay Conference with Denmark at 6-10. The Phantoms are 12-11 after Tuesday’s 46-43 win over Denmark. West De Pere is led in scoring by Tanner Hackl at 10 ppg.

Seymour won the Bay Conference with a 16-0 record and is 21-2 overall. The Thunder are led in scoring by 6-4 junior guard Calahan Skogman with 19.1 ppg. Seymour is coming off a 72-58 win over Luxemburg-Casco on Tuesday.

* (No. 3 seed) Wrightstown at (No. 2 seed) Little Chute: Wrightstown placed fourth in the Olympian Conference at 11-7 and is 14-9 overall. The Tigers are led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Ta Woods at 14.8 ppg. Wrightstown defeated Sturgeon Bay 55-38 on Tuesday.

Little Chute won the Eastern Valley Conference championship with a 17-1 record and is 20-3 overall. The Mustangs are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard/forward JJ Martin at 13.2 ppg. Little Chute is coming off a 59-19 win over Southern Door on Tuesday.

* (No. 3 seed) Winneconne at (No. 2 seed) New London: Winneconne tied for third place in the Eastern Valley Conference with Ripon at 11-7 and is 16-7 overall. The Wolves are paced in scoring by 6-0 junior point guard Austin Ryf at 23 ppg. Winneconne defeated North Fond du Lac 59-58 on Tuesday.

New London finished third in the Bay Conference at 11-5 and is 17-5 overall. The Bulldogs are led in scoring by 6-3 senior guard Trevor Hass at 23.8 ppg. New London beat Waupaca 51-32 on Tuesday.

* (No. 3 seed) Kiel at (No. 2 seed) Fox Valley Lutheran: Kiel tied for second place in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference with Plymouth at 10-4 and is 15-6 overall. The Raiders are led in scoring by 6-0 senior guard Brandon Gries at 23.7 ppg. Kiel defeated Xavier 69-52 on Tuesday.

Fox Valley Lutheran placed second in the Eastern Valley Conference at 15-3 and is 18-5 overall. The Foxes are led in scoring by 6-7 senior forward/center Micah Parlow at 12.4 ppg. and 5-9 junior guard Travis Paschen at 11.9 ppg. Fox Valley Lutheran beat Chilton 43-36 on Tuesday.

Division 3 semifinals

* (No. 3 seed) Kewaunee at (No. 2 seed) Brillion: Kewaunee placed third in the Packerland Conference at 8-6 and is 14-9 overall. The Indians are led by in scoring by 6-4 junior forward Mike Lux at 11.7 ppg. and 6-3 senior forward Jerry Charles at 11.3 ppg. Kewaunee defeated Mishicot 55-42 on Tuesday.

Brillion placed third in the Olympian Conference at 14-4 and is 19-4 overall. Among the Lions’ leading scorers are 5-9 sophomore guard Trevor Krizensky at 10.2 ppg., 6-0 senior guard Jacob Hebbard at 9.1 ppg. and 6-3 senior center Adam Schmitt at 8.5 ppg. Brillion beat Sevastopol 77-35 on Tuesday.

* (No. 3 seed) Weyauwega-Fremont at (No. 2 seed) Wild Rose: Weyauwega-Fremont placed second in the Central Wisconsin Conference-Eight at 11-3 and is 15-6 overall. This was the first time since the 1999-2000 season the Indians did not win or share the conference championship. Weyauwega-Fremont is led in scoring by 6-0 junior guard Kyle Loughrin at 17.4 ppg. The Indians beat Oakfield 59-48 on Tuesday.

Wild Rose won the Central Wisconsin Conference-Ten championship with a 17-1 record and are 22-1 overall. The Wildcats are led in scoring by 6-1 junior forward Brian Erickson at 15.2 ppg. and 5-10 senior guard Sean Daniels at 15.1 ppg. Wild Rose defeated Montello 71-55 on Tuesday.

Division 4 semifinals

* No area teams remain.

Spring officially started today

2010-03-04T15:43:00.002-06:00

As I'm writing this, I am listening online to the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training opener agaainst the San Francisco Giants. That means one thing is official - it's spring. The most amazing thing about today's gaame is that Jeff Suppan did not allow a run in two innings of work. It's also noteworthy that the Giants still carry a grudge. Last year, Prince Fielder homered against them late in the season in Milwaukee and when he was greeted at home plate by his teammates, they fell down like bowling pins as he jumped up and into them as he touched the plate. Get over it San Francisco. It was a classic celebration.

Getting started again

2010-03-04T15:21:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Cory Jennerjohn, we'll get this blog up and running again. Don't miss Sports for Lunch every Tuesday at noon at the Clubhouse at the Radisson Paper Valley in Appleton or log on to www.postcrescent.com and watch it live. Cory and Brett Christopherson talk sports and often have a guest. This past week they had former University of Wisconsin standout Dave Mader on and talked a lot of basketball. Mader was a member of the Badgers' Final Four team in 2000.

Brewers are for real despite slump

2007-05-23T23:46:00.000-05:00

Milwaukee may be 4-8 in its past 12 games, but the Brewers still lead the National League Central by 6 1/2 games. Brewers fans should take heart, considering their best baseball still lies ahead of them.

Not only are the Brewers young, but they are talented. With a solid pitching corps and a weak division to boot, there is no doubt Milwaukee will be in the thick of things all season. And it's a good bet the Brewers will be playing in October for the first time since 1982.

Tournament doesn't disappoint, talking heads do

2007-03-22T13:18:00.000-05:00

It never ceases to amaze me how good the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments are each year.

In Wisconsin, we got to see a depleted Badgers team make it into the second round of the tournament before running into a red hot UNLV squad. There is no shame in Wisconsin's loss, only in the national talking heads who continue to bash them.

Should they have gone farther? Possibly. But without Brian Butch's inside presence, it was tough.

Guys like ESPN's Doug Gottlieb, however, who don't see Wisconsin, Marquette, UW-Green Bay or UW-Milwaukee play on a consistent basis, just don't get it. Gottlieb ripped Butch last year for being a big disappointment. That was far from the truth then as it is now.

He now is ripping the Badgers for being overrated in a down Big Ten. That also could be no further than the truth.

Don't believe me? Look back 10 years to see the difference between college basketball in Wisconsin then and now. All four state schools are relevant these days and that's good to see.

As for guys like Gottlieb, it'd be nice if they just shut up for once and let the players do all the talking on the court.

As for women's basketball, UW-Green Bay sent a statement to the elites like Connecticut the other day when they led 40-38 at the half against the Huskies in an NCAA Tournament second round game. Sure Connecticut came back to win, but it sure wasn't as easy as it was in year's past.

Women's basketball is also making huge strides. Instead of three or four dominant programs, it's nice to see that the difference in talent levels between the haves and have nots is shrinking.

Packers fans spoiled

2006-12-04T14:06:00.000-06:00

Green Bay Packers fans are already asking for Mike McCarthy's head after the team's 38-10 loss to the New York Jets Sunday.

But weren't these same fans in agreement that this year may be painful due to the team's need to rebuild? Making rash statements 12 games into McCarthy's tenure is downright ridiculous.

Mike Sherman put this team in a deep hole with several poor drafts. It's going to take time to dig out of that hole.

By changing coaches again at the end of the season is just idiotic. The Packers spoiled fans by winning too much over the past decade and now their expectations are way out of whack.

Give McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson some time and this team will be good once again.

Yes, Sunday's game was painful. But that's the price you pay for the damage Sherman's drafts did.

Buckeyes are the best

2006-11-19T01:58:00.000-06:00

Ohio State proved they are the best team in the country on Saturday by downing Michigan 42-39.
The Buckeyes have the offense to beat anyone that steps in their way.

Good games featured tonight

2006-10-06T13:45:00.000-05:00

Once again, this week features a number of excellent high school matchups in our area. Here is a look at the top five games. I'm now 14-11 this season on predictions.

1. Oshkosh West at Kimberly: Kimberly can all but clinch its first Fox Valley Association football championship with a win over the Wildcats. West should give the Papermakers all it can handle. Kimberly 21, Oshkosh West 20.

2. Deerfield at Oshkosh Lourdes: The Knights will face their stiffest test to date in the Trailways Large. Lourdes 21, Deerfield 17.

3. Wittenberg-Birnamwood at Manawa: Manawa made a huge statement last week with a rout of Weyauwega-Fremont and should win again this week. Manawa 32, Wittenberg-Birnamwood 20.

4. Appleton North at Oshkosh North (Saturday): The winner of this game moves closer to a playoff berth. Oshkosh North needs to rebound after a bad loss at Appleton East. Oshkosh North 23, Appleton North 21.

5. Oconto Falls at Waupaca. Oconto Falls continues to improve, while the Comets are preparing to make a run in the playoffs. This could go down to the wire. Waupaca 20, Oconto Falls 13.

Hats off to Stratford

2006-09-29T23:41:00.000-05:00

The Stratford Tigers came within a couple of plays from tying the longest winning streak in Wisconsin prep football history Friday night. But a blocked punt and subsequent 37-yard field goal with three seconds to go gave La Crescent, Minn., a 34-31 win over the Tigers in non-conference action Friday night.

Stratford had not lost since the 2002 playoffs and was looking for its 48th straight win, which would have tied the mark set by Manitowoc from 1983 to 1987. The Tigers and coach Cal Tackes deserve all the credit in the world for what they have accomplished. It's too bad they couldn't have matched the Ships' record, but their streak is still remarkable.

More blogs to come

2006-09-29T18:47:00.000-05:00

For those loyal few who enjoy this blog, I must apologize for not updating this the four times a week I promised when I started this in August. I will, however, try to be better at it in the coming weeks.

Since I am also responsible for putting together Packers Preview each week, I may throw NFL topics out there as well. Any suggestions are welcome.

Prep picks of the week

2006-09-29T18:39:00.000-05:00

After going 4-1 last week, I am now 11-9 on the season. That's hardly anything to brag about but it does mean that the games of the week usually can go either way. Here are this week's five best games to watch:
1. Kimberly at Menasha: The Papermakers can move closer to a Fox Valley Association title with a win over the defending champion Bluejays. Menasha needs this game to move closer to a playoff berth. Kimberly 28, Menasha 14.
2. Fond du Lac at Oshkosh West: Fondy and West still have an outside shot at an FVA title and both are eyeing a playoff berth. Add in a good rivalry in the rain and this one is a can't miss game to watch. Oshkosh West 24, Fond du Lac 21.
3. Waupaca at Little Chute: Both teams are among the best programs the Valley 8 has to offer. This one should go down to the wire. Waupaca 18, Little Chute 14.
4. Oshkosh Lourdes at Randolph: The Knights can clinch a playoff berth with a win tonight. Randolph has struggled the past couple of years and are looking for the upset. Lourdes 35, Randolph 16.
5. Manawa at Weyauwega-Fremont: Injuries have hurt Weyauwega-Fremont this year but they still are among the best in the conference. Manawa also continues to improve. Weyauwega-Fremont 30, Manawa 24.

Good games featured

2006-09-22T12:53:00.000-05:00

The area conference races are shaping up as the regular season reaches its midpoint this week. So far it's been a rough go for this prognosticator, but that shows just how good football is in eastern and central Wisconsin. Here are this week's top games. My record this season stands at 7-8.
1. Little Chute at Oconto Falls: Both teams are in the thick of the Valley 8 race. Whoever loses this game won't have much of a shot at winning the conference title. Little Chute 28, Oconto Falls 14.

2. Menasha at Fond du Lac: The defending Fox Valley Association champion Bluejays are already behind Kimberly in the standings. Another loss could end hopes of any back-to-back title talk. Menasha 20, Fond du Lac 12.

3. Oshkosh West at Neenah: Neenah put itself back in the mix with an upset win over Menasha last week. The Wildcats need a victory to keep pace with Kimberly. Oshkosh West 24, Neenah 21.

4. Xavier at Fox Valley Lutheran: The Hawks are clearly favored in this one but anytime these former Fox Valley Christian Conference foes meet, anything can happen. Xavier, however, looks unstoppable in the Valley 8. Xavier 42, Fox Valley Lutheran 21.

5. Montello at Oshkosh Lourdes: The Knights came back strong last week in a 35-0 win over Markesan after losing a non-conference heartbreaker to Omro the week before. Montello is also in the thick of the Trailways-Large race and will offer a stiff test this week. Lourdes 21, Montello 16.

Top games featured tonight

2006-09-15T13:03:00.000-05:00

Prep football in northeastern Wisconsin continues to be among the best in the state. Tonight will be no exception.

After two weeks of predictions, I've improved to 4-6. Here are the top five area games to watch with predictions.

1. Oshkosh North at Kimberly: At the beginning of the season, not much was expected from North. But the Spartans have started off 2-1 and face the first-place Papermakers in a key Fox Valley Association matchup. Last year North beat Kimberly to deny the Papermakers a playoff spot. Kimberly had done the same to North the year before. Look for Kimberly to get its revenge. This one will be close. Kimberly 27, Oshkosh North 21.

2. Appleton North at Oshkosh West: Both teams stumbled last week but remain in the thick of the Fox Valley Association race. A loss, however, will severely damage someone's title hopes. Oshkosh West 17, Appleton North 7.

3. Oconto Falls at Xavier: Oconto Falls is vastly improved and could give the Hawks a run tonight. Xavier, however, has too much firepower and should begin to take control of the Valley 8. Xavier 35, Oconto Falls 21.

4. Valders at Hilbert: The Wolves need a win to stay in the Olympian title chase. Valders is one of only two unbeatens in the conference. Tradition may favor Hilbert, but Valders has the horses this year. Valders 16, Hilbert 14.

5. Neenah at Menasha: The Bluejays are the defending Fox Valley Association champions and need a win desperately. Neenah is talented, but struggling. But when these two teams meet, throw out the records. But records can only go so far. Menasha is just too talented not to come away with a victory this time around. Menasha 23, Neenah 16.

These aren't the only good games this weekend, so check out the rest of the high school action. If you can't go to the game, log on to: www.postcrescent.com

Soccer teams ranked

2006-09-11T13:19:00.000-05:00

A pair of area soccer teams are ranked in this week's Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association state poll.

Fond du Lac (7-0) is ranked 10th in Division 1 while Xavier (4-2) is fourth in Division 2.

Area cross country runners among state's best

2006-09-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

Four area high school cross country runners made the first Wisconsin High School Cross Country Honor Roll compiled by Eric Lehmann and Shawn Busteed of Waukesha.

Kelly Bogard of Kimberly tops the girls list with a time of 14:25 at the season-opening Appleton West Terror Invite.

Marie Hoffman of Appleton East is 10th with a time of 15:14.1 at the West Allis Hale Invitation on Sept. 1

Kimberly's Tyler Morey leads area boys at No. 4 in a time of 16:02 at the Appleton West Terror Invite, while Neenah's Christianson (no first name listed) is seventh in 16:09 at the Neenah Invite.

Another solid night of football ahead

2006-09-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

Week 3 of the prep football season is once again filled with intriguing matchups. Here are my top five games of the week with predictions.

1. Oshkosh North at Oshkosh West: West just has too many weapons. Prediction: Oshkosh West 23, Oshkosh North 14.

2. Fond du Lac Springs at Winnebago Lutheran Academy: WLA has dominated the series in recent years but the Ledgers won't start the season 0-3. Prediction: Springs 28, WLA 21.

3. Kimberly at Appleton North: In a battle of FVA unbeatens, the Papermakers get the slight edge although they are on the road. Prediction: Kimberly 28, Appleton North 27.

4. Little Chute at Xavier: Xavier still is the top team to be in the Valley 8. Prediction: Xavier 27, Little Chute 7.

5. Waupaca at Hortonville: The Comets have history behind them but the Polar Bears are much improved. This one could go down to the wire. Prediction: Waupaca 17, Hortonville 14.

Last week: 1-4. Not a good start to a great season.

Behm out indefinitely

2006-09-04T11:56:00.000-05:00

Dion Behm, the standout quarterback and defensive back for Weyauwega-Fremont, could miss the rest of the football season. Behm broke his collarbone this past weekend in the Indians' 27-7 loss to Xavier.

Weyauwega-Fremont, the defending CWC-Large champions, open conference play Friday when it hosts Tri-County.

Busy day ahead

2006-09-01T12:58:00.000-05:00

It's a shame the NFL ends it's preseason tonight. Years past, teams would be allowed to play up until Sunday during the final week of the exhibition season.

Sadly, now all teams must complete play by Friday. By scheduling the Packers on Monday night, the NFL did not allow Green Bay to play its final preseason game Thursday like most teams were able to do.

Even though the Packers game was moved to 3 p.m. to avoid a conflict with high school football, it wasn't enough to prevent conflicts. Many parents are forced to make a choice between watching the Packers or watching their sons or daughters compete. Not only is there high school football tonight but there are also cross country meets and soccer and volleyball matches.

The NFL should rethink it's policy, especially when its preseason overlaps with the start of the high school fall sports season.

AP rankings are out to soon

2006-08-30T02:50:00.000-05:00

The Associated Press football rankings are out, but isn't it a bit too soon for those? It's hard enough to figure out who the best teams are after three weeks much less one.

For several years I was a voting member as sports editor of the Oshkosh Northwestern and had a hard time with them since I wasn't able to see all of the teams I was voting on. I tried to be as fair as possible but to do so, you have to talk to coaches and other media members to get a feel for who the best teams are.

I think the state rankings are important, but coming out at the end of August is a bit premature.

Top prep football games of the week

2006-08-28T15:14:00.000-05:00

If you can get out and watch some prep football this week, do so. There are a number of potentially great games out there this week. Here are my top five picks of games to watch:

1. Xavier at Weyauwega-Fremont: These are two of the best teams in the area and this one should go right down to the wire. Dion Behm is the quarterback for Weyauwega-Fremont and he is fun to watch. He is a three-year starter on defense and a two-year starter at quarterback. Last week he led the Indians to a 33-27 win over a very good Wautoma team. Behm scored three touchdowns on runs of one, 14 and five yards. Xavier is led by explosive running back Tony Van Asten, who rushed eight times for 150 yards and two touchdowns, including a 67-yarder with 24 seconds left in the first half of a 21-0 win over Winneconne. Xavier is the defending Valley 8 champion, while Weyauwega-Fremont won the Central Wisconsin Conference-Large Division in 2005. Prediction: Weyauwega-Fremont 21, Xavier 20.

2. Menasha at Appleton North: This game could go a long way in determining whether Menasha can repeat as Fox Valley Association champions. The Bluejays are led by Trevor Kinney. In his first varsity start a week ago against Appleton West, he rushed 21 times for 243 yards and three touchdowns. His scores included touchsown runs of four, 74 and 53 yards. Cory Reiland led a ball-controlled Appleton North attack last week with 159 yards on 30 carries in a 21-13 win over Appleton East. North beat Menasha 28-27 last year and expect a similar game this time around. Prediction: Menasha 17, Appleton North 14.

3. Clintonville at Wittenberg-Birnamwood: Clintonville had defending Division 4 champion Ripon on the ropes last week before falling in the last two minutes, 28-24. Kody Kuss led the Truckers with 136 yards rushing on 17 carries. Wittenberg-Birnamwood defeated Northland Pines 21-6 last week. Two years ago, Wittenberg-Birnamwood won the CWC-Large and is a contender almost every year. last year the Chargers were 5-4 before losing to Kewaunee in the first round of the WIAA playoffs. Prediction: Clintonville 27, Wittenberg-Birnamwood 21.

4. Green Bay Preble at Waupaca: Preble is a Division 1 school, while Waupaca brings a rich tradition to the fray. Preble is coming off of a 7-0 loss to New Berlin Eisenhower, while the Comets are coming off a 21-7 loss to Verona. Someone is going to get into the win column in thrilling fashion. Prediction: Green Bay Preble 13, Waupaca 12.

5. Sheboygan Falls at Ripon: Sheboygan Falls opened its season with a 21-6 win over Luxemburg-Casco, while Ripon rallied past Clintonville 28-24. Justin Baker rushed 13 times for 111 yards for Ripon in its win. Both schools are fueled by a rich tradition and this game should go down to the wire. Prediction: Ripon 28, Sheboygan Falls 25.

Times are a changing

2006-08-27T16:27:00.000-05:00

I'm all for fair play and trying to get things right. But why is the WIAA going through yet another faze of conference realignment? I thought the last faze from roughly 1997-2000 was just fine. Sure, there is always room for fine tuning - like when Oshkosh Lourdes moved from the Midwest Classic Conference (primarily southern Wisconsin schools) to the Trailways Conference this season.

But let's get real. Someone want to tell me why Winnebago Lutheran switches from the Wisconsin Flyway (formerly known as the ECFC-Rivers) to the East Central Flyway (formerly the ECFC-Lakes) for one year? And then will be promptly moved out of that conference next year.

Menasha originally was going to be moved out of the Fox Valley Association but thankfully cooler heads prevailed and they will be staying. It's not like these schools are asking to get moved. Normally a school that does want to move out of a league can do so anyway, so why realign?

I know the Green Bay schools are whining because they must make the trek to Sheboygan and Manitowoc, but where are those schools to go otherwise? The only real option would be to move the two Sheboygan schools to the Fox Valley Association and swap them with Kimberly and Kaukauna. But if that were done, some very good rivalries would be severed causing more grief.

My vote would be to leave things pretty much as they are, but that certainly won't happen.

Harriers get started

2006-08-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

Neenah opened the cross country season in fine fashion Saturday as the Rockets' boys and girls teams both took first in the West Bend Challenge.

On the boys side, Oshkosh North took 10th. Peter Tolly of Neenah finished in 15 minutes, 31 seconds, while Jordan Jacobson was North's top runner, also in 15:31.

In the girls race, North was also 10th. Bronwyn Mutchler of Neenah was the top finisher in 15:56, while North was led by Katie Lutgen in 16:54.

Opening week did not disappoint

2006-08-26T13:19:00.000-05:00

What a great opening week of the high school football season. It featured just about everything - upsets, fantastic play and fun.

In the Fox Valley Association, Menasha proved why it is the defending conference champs. Senior running back Trevor Kinney rushed for 243 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries, including scores of 74 and 53 yards in a 25-14 win over Appleton West.

Oshkosh North, under second-year coach Chris Kujawa took Fond du Lac to overtime before falling 27-21. Juston Wara completed 14 of 19 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown for North.

In one of many battles of Appleton to be staged this season, North outlasted East 21-13 behind senior running back Cory Reiland who gained 159 yards on 30 carries.

Behind the running of Michael Sewall, Kimberly got off to a fast start in a 35-7 win over Neenah. He carried 21 times for 165 yards in the Papermakers' win.

Chris Agrell rushed 17 times for 146 yards to help lead Oshkosh West to a 31-6 win over Kaukauna. Eric Wall completed 10 of 20 passes for 199 yards to lead Kaukauna.

It wasn't a very good start for Valley 8 teams as only three of the eight teams picked up non-conference wins. Xavier, Oconto Falls and Little Chute were impressive in their wins, however. Xavier blanked Winneconne 21-0, Oconto Falls stunned Green Bay West 21-0 and Little Chute beat Sturgeon Bay 34-0 on Thursday.

Clintonville was the most impressive in defeat, dropping a heartbreaking 28-24 decision to defending WIAA Division 4 champion Ripon on Friday. Kody Kuss led Clintonville with 136 yards rushing on 17 carries.

For complete coverage, check out the Post-Crescent.

Tonight's the big night

2006-08-25T15:36:00.000-05:00

Although the prep football season kicked off last night with Little Chute's 34-0 storm-shortened victory over Sturgeon Bay, most all of our area teams will be in action tonight.

When Oshkosh North kicks off at Fond du Lac tonight, the Spartans will have a new look. They will sport new uniforms. It will be quite a drastic change from the Notre Dame style digs to the black and gold and white ones they will wear tonight.

The game of the night in the Fox Valley Association should be the matchup between Appleton North and Appleton East. North is coming off of a deep playoff run, while East is looking to make strides after finishing 2-7 in 2005.

The other game to watch will be between Kaukauna and Oshkosh West at Titan Stadium. Both teams made the playoffs last season and are expected even more success this year.
Waupaca at Verona is another matchup fans shouldn't miss.

Ranking the Division 1 conferences

2006-08-24T00:39:00.000-05:00

The high school football season kicks off today, Friday and Saturday. Here is a brief preseason power ranking of state Division 1 conferences:
1. Wisconsin Valley Conference (The conference has had a team in the state championship game in each of the last five years and nine of the past 10)
2. Fox Valley Association (Had six teams make the playoffs in 2005 and five of them advanced past the first round)
3. Southeast Conference (Racine Park won the state championship last season)
4. Big Eight (Always has teams among the state's elite)
5. Big Rivers (Menomonie is a Division 2 school but is always tough, as is Division 1 Chippewa Falls)
- Dan Kohn

Don't miss preps sections

2006-08-24T00:33:00.000-05:00

The high school prep football editions will hit the streets this week. Don't miss the sections from The Post-Crescent, Oshkosh Northwestern and Fond du Lac Reporter.

The Post-Crescent section will preview all of the Fox Cities teams with stories, rosters and a look at coaches and key players.

The Northwestern section will be a little lean this year, but will focus heavily on the Oshkosh schools.

The Reporter section will be one to get as well. John Casper Jr. does a super job previewing all of the Fond du Lac area high schools. Casper was the catalyst for the Northwestern's section last year.

Welcome to my blog

2006-08-23T23:57:00.000-05:00

This blog is being created to encourage discussion on local and state sports teams. My goal is to post to this blog at least four times a week and hopefully much more than that.