Algoma at 2 Green Bay NEW Lutheran Game Preview

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Tonight at 7:30pm, the Algoma Wolves 11-6 (6-4) visit the Blazerdome to take on the 2 Green Bay NEW Lutheran Blazers 18-0 (10-0). Algoma comes into this game after a 61-43 home win against Manawa on Monday. They have four conference losses, with a pair being to Sturgeon Bay, one at Southern Door, and another at home to NEW. The Wolves were trounced by the Blazers on December 11 back at Algoma, an 86-46 defeat. The Blazers had a commanding 36 point lead going into the fourth quarter after being tied at the end of one. Travis Kostichka leads the team with an average of 14.9 points per game for coach Bob Graf. The Blazers come into this game riding an 18 game win streak to start the season, their latest being a 69-64 win against Reedsville at home on Tuesday night. They play very good man to man defense and should continue to run their offense very well. Travis Voigt leads the Blazers with an average of 14.2 points per game. I expect this game to be much like the first meeting as NEW is much better than the Wolves at this point in the season.

North Carolina at 18 NC State Game Preview

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Tonight at 6pm on ESPN, the North Carolina Tar Heels 13-5 (3-2) travel to PNC Arena to take on instate rival 18 NC State 15-4 (4-2). The Tar Heels come into this game on a three game ACC winning streak after losing their first two, the lastest win being a 79-63 home win against Georgia Tech on Wednesday night. James Michale McAdoo leads North Carolina with an average of 14.7 points per game. He is a dynamic forward who can put the ball in many different ways, but is mostly effective when he faces up to the basket and his mid range jumpshot is silky smooth. The Wolfpack come into this game after a disappointing upset loss at Wake Forest on Wednesday night by a final of 86-84. C.J. Leslie continues to lead the team in points with an average of 15.3 a game. State needs a big game from their point guard position if they are going to com away with a win. Lorenzo Brown runs the show for the Wolfpack. He is averaging 12.8 points a game and 132 assists on the season. The key to this one is turnovers. Whoever does not give easy points in transition by turnovers will win this game. I think NC State will come away with a big home win.

12 Minnesota at Wisconsin Game Preview

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Today at 1pm on the Big Ten Network, the 12 Minnesota Golden Gophers 15-4 (3-3) travel to Madison to take on the Wisconsin Badgers 13-6 (4-2). Minnesota enters the Kohl Center with a three game losing streak in the conference after opening up to a 3-0 conference start. Their latest loss was a 55-48 defeat at Northwestern on Wednesday night. They are led by Andre Hollins, who is leading the team in points with 13.8 points per game. They have gone cold shooting so far in the last three conference games and hope to retain the shooting ability that Trevor Mbakwe and Andre Holllins possess. Wisconsin started last week with a win at then number 2 Indiana, but lost on the road at Iowa last Saturday and then dropped a 49-47 defeat at the hands of 13 Michigan State on Tuesday night. Jared Berggren leads the Badgers in points with a 12.5 per game clip. Ben Brust is the leader of the team and he has some big range from downtown and if the Gophers extend their defense, it could lead to a big game for Berggren. Look for this heated rivalry to get physical and close, but I think that the homecourt of the Badgers will get them back on track.

2 Green Bay NEW Lutheran at Shiocton Game Preview

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Tonight at 7pm, the number 2 team in Division 5, the Green Bay NEW Lutheran Blazers 15-0 (9-0 Packerland), take on the Shiocton Chiefs 12-1 (8-0 CWC 8). NEW has won their first 15 games to open up this season, their latest being a 73-52 home win against Gibraltar on Tuesday night. They play very solid man to man defense and are led by Travis Voigt, the reigning conference player of the year, who is averaging a team best 12.5 points per game for coach Mark Meerstein. They are without a key piece of the puzzle though, as junior Kristian Zimmerman has been out two weeks with a torn meniscus. He should be back for their road game at Sturgeon Bay next Friday. Shiocton comes into this one after a close game on Thursday night, a 60-58 squeaker at home against Pacelli. They were down by three going into the fourth quarter but rallied to stay undefeated in the conference. Shane Kanaman, one of the best 3 point shooters in the CWC 8, leads the team with an average of 15.1 points per game for coach Chad Schmidt. Their only loss came against number 8 in Division 3 Brillion. This should be a very good game, but the Blazers are just too good to lose on the road and should come out with a close win.

17 Missouri at 10 Florida Game Preview

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Today at 1pm on ESPN, the 17 Missouri Tigers 13-3 (2-1) visit the O'Connell Center to take on the 10 Florida Gators 13-2 (3-0). Mizzou comes into this one having won their last conference game after losing their second. They won their first ever SEC game. The Tigers defeated Georgia 79-62 at home on Wednesday night. Their leading scorer, Jabari Brown, has an average of 13.9 points per game. Phil Pressey is a dynamic point guard that makes this Tigers team go for coach Frank Haith. They also brought in a transfer from Connecticut, Alex Oriakhi. He is eligible to play this season because of the Huskies' postseason ban. Florida comes into this game having won their first three conference games, the most recent being a 68-47 win at Texas A&M on Thursday night. Kenny Boyton, one of the best point guards in the nation, leads the Gators with an average of 13.2 points per game for coach Billy Donovan. This is the first meeting between these teams. Look for this to be very close, but the homecourt of Florida should get them the win in this one.

Maryland at North Carolina Game Preview

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Today at 11am on ESPN, the Maryland Terrapins 14-3 (2-2) will travel to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels 11-5 (1-2). Maryland comes into this game on a high note, after beating number 14 NC State at home on Wednesday night 51-50. That was their second ACC win after having lost their middle two after winning the first one. Their leading scorer, Alex Len, scored the winning tip-in with 00.9 seconds left in the waning second on Wednesday night against the Wolfpack. He is averaging 13.5 points per game. North Carolina has not played in a week after going to Florida State on Saturday and winning 77-72. That was their first conference win after losing the first two, very uncharacteristic of a Roy Williams team. Their are led by James Michael McAdoo, who is their leading scorer averaging 14.4 points per game. The Tar Heels are very young and McAdoo is only a sophmore, so that shows the future is bright for Roy Williams. This should be close, but I think Maryland is motivated to get another big win and I think they will.

Amherst at Bonduel Game Preview

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Tonight at 7pm, the Amherst Falcons 9-3 (6-1) will travel to Bonduel to face the Bonduel Bears 5-6 (3-4). Amherst is coming into this game after a home loss Monday night against Lourdes Academy, 59-51. They had dug themselves into a 13 point deficit going into halftime, and a 12 point deficit going into the fourth quarter and could not come back. They are led by Marcus Jensen, the son of head coach Gregg Jensen, who is averaging a team best 14.8 points per game. Caleb Glennon, the quarterback who won a state football championship for Amherst this fall, is second with 11.7 points per game. The Bears are on a two game losing streak, after dropping a 74-52 decision at Pacelli last Tuesday night. They followed that up with a 60-56 home loss on Friday against Iola-Scandinavia. They had an eight point lead going into the fourth quarter and was outscored 21-9 en route to a disappointing home loss. Jacob DeBauch is the Bears' leading scorer with an average of 15.9 points per game. Connor Rosin is second with 10.9 points per game. The last time these teams met in Amherst on December 4 was a 65-38 win for the Falcons. Expect much of the same as Bonduel does not have as much offense and defense as the Falcons.

Top 5 Division 5

My top 5 teams in Wisconsin from Division 5

1. Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran Blazers (14-0) The Blazers are loaded as they have the conference player of the year in Travis Voigt, who is the point guard running the show for N.E.W. Forward Nathan Toenjes leads the balanced attack with an average of 12.6 points per game. Dakota Zinser is second with an average of 12.4 points a game for coach Mark Meerstein, who is looking to get to the Kohl Center for the third time in four years. They are expected to get there and I definitely expect they will.

2. Randolph (11-1) The Rockets have crushed everybody so far, with the exception of a 65-40 loss at the hands of Danville (IA) yesterday. Point guard Duke Vande Galien is the catalyst for the offense, but Aaron Retzlaff leads the team with an average of 13.8 points per game for coach Bob Haffele. Jay Peters is second on the team with 12.2 points per game. Randolph should get to Madison after a one year hiatus and will be in the hunt for the gold ball once again.

3. Cassville (11-0) The Comets are 11-0 thanks to the stellar play of Ty Kartman, who leads the team with an average of 24.9 points per game. They are leading the Six Rivers-Western Conference by a half a game over Potosi and have already beaten Potosi this season. This upstart team expects to make a strong push for a trip to Madison with a strong finish to the season and a flawless postseason.

4. Clayton (11-0) The Bears are undefeated so far in the fairly weak Lakeland-Central Conference but have the biggest game of the year against conferenc unbeaten Turtle Lake at Clayton on Thursday night. Nick Schradle once again has a strong group led by Zach Schradle, who leads the team by averaging 23.5 points per game. The Bears have a strong chance to make it to Madison and contend for a state championship.

5. Monticello (12-1) The Ponies field a strong squad this season, led by Bryce Klitzke, who is averaging a team high 19.7 points per game for coach Mark Olson. The Ponies trail the Six Rivers-Eastern leader Black Hawk by a half a game, but look to make that up with a win on January 31 and a win on February 5 against conference co leader with Black Hawk Barneveld, who already has beaten Monticello. They have a strong team and look to be in the hunt for a trip to the Kohl Center this March.

Top 5 Division 4

My top 5 teams from Wisconsin in Division 4

1. Dominican (9-3) Although the Knights record may not look appealing at 9-3, they are still the frontrunner to win their second consecutive state championship. They are led by Marquette recruit Duane Wilson, who is averaging 25.2 points per game. Super sophmore Diamond Stone is second on the team with 17.6 points per game and first with 11.4 rebounds a game for first year coach Derek Berger. They have lost to unbelievable competition and look for them to be around come March.

2. Elk Mound (12-0) The Mounders play in the Dunn-St.Croix and are perfect so far. Their leader, Nick Heit, is averaging a team best 11.6 points per game for coach Chris Hahn. It will be a track meet for them to stay undefeated, but look for them to be a threat when the playoffs roll around thanks to their depth and size.

3. Laconia (12-0) The Spartans are coming off of a very impressive win, a 62-41 win at home against Flyway Conference rival St. Mary's Springs. Tyler Semenas is the unquestionable leader of the team, and everything in their offense revolves around him. He is leading the team with an average of 17.2 points per game. This team is playing with loads of confidence and don't be surprised if they end up in Madison come March.

4. Southwestern (13-1) The team most people expected to challenge Cuba City for Southwest Wisconsin Activities supremacy this season is definitely playing well, as their only loss on the season was to Cuba City. Josh Smith is leading the team with 16.5 points per game and is playing at a very high level. The Wildcats move up to Division 4 this season with hopes of making it to the Kohl Center.

5. Cuba City (13-0) The defending state runner-ups have hopes of getting back to Madison, as they are led by Jason Derby, who is averaging 14.4 points per game for the winningest coach in Wisconsin state history Jerry Petigogue. The Cubans have already knocked off Southwestern, and look for them to have plenty more wins come tournament time as they look for the gold ball.

Top 5 Division 3

My top 5 teams from Wisconsin in Division 3

1. Wisconsin Dells (13-0) The Chiefs have a very talented roster led by guard M.J. Delmore. The senior is averaging a team best 23.2 points a game for coach Brad Rohling. The Dells play in the South Central Conference, and have one of the most anticipated games of the season on Tuesday when they host Mauston. Look for the Chiefs to be in the thick of things in late February in the quest for a state championship.

2. Lodi (12-0) The Blue Devils made it to the state semifinals last season and are primed for a repeat behind the talents of Jordan Shea, who is leading the team with 15.7 points per game. They have played a mild conference schedule, but are as consistent as they get. Look for Lodi to be in contention for the gold ball in March.

3. Little Chute (12-1) The Mustangs are led by two big-time Green Bay recruits in Turner Botz and Kenneth Lowe. Botz is averaging a team best 16.3 points per game for coach Mickey Martin, while the high flying Lowe is averaging 13.8 a game. The Mustangs made it to state two years ago, and are primed to reach Madison again thanks to the leadership of their two best players and a down Eastern Valley Conference this season.

4. East Troy (10-2) The Trojans are undefeated in Rock Valley-North play, but have nonconference stumbles against Germantown and Little Chute. Second year coach Darryl Reyfield has the luxery of having three Division 1 recruits in Army commit Nate Dodge, who is leading the team with an average of 17.4 points per game and twin towers Alex and Brett Prahl. Brett Prahl is second on the team in points with 16.8 points per game. The Trojans are loaded and look for them to make a run at Madison this winter.

5. Durand (12-0) The Panthers are one of the biggest sleepers in Wisconsin, as they are undefeated this season and have gone perfect in the Middle Border so far this basketball season. Coach Justin Redetzke is led by Jake Weber, who is scoring at an average of 13.6 points per game. Durand has tough games against Somerset remaining this season, but look for them to run the table as they enter the playoffs.

Top 5 Teams Division 2

My top 5 teams from Wisconsin in Division 2

1. Seymour (11-1) The Thunder are 11-1 thanks to the outstanding play of junior Sandy Cohen. He is averaging 15.7 points per game. The teams leading scorer, Dakota Oskey, is averaging 17.5 points per game. This team has already beaten Bay Port and with terrific depth Jon Murphy's team is in the hunt for yet another state championship.

2. Onalaska (9-2) The defending state champions are led by the terrific shooting ability of Iowa State recruit Matt Thomas. The senior wing is averaging a team best 29.8 points per game, which is also second best in the state only to Christopher Gough of Mountaintop Christian. The Hiltoppers only two losses of the season were to Division 1 Milwaukee Hamilton and Mississippi Valley Conference rival La Crosse Aquinas. Look for Craig Kowal's squad to make another run to a state title.

3. Slinger (11-2) The upstart Owls are off to a near perfect start thanks to the stellar play of Derek Merkes. He is leading the team with an average of 12.3 points per game. The tough conference schedule helps the Owls, as they have lost to Wisconsin Lutheran and Pewaukee. Coach Al Schieve has played a tough nonconference schedule, and look for Slinger to make a run at Madison.

4. Pulaski (10-2) The Red Raiders are coming off of their best game of the season, a 59-51 over a ranked Division 1 team in De Pere, Cody Wichmann, a Milwaukee recruit, is leadingt the team with a clip of 13.9 points per game. The Raiders play terrific defense and have a deep bench, which will help them in the tough FRCC and into tournament time.

5. Whitefish Bay (11-4) The Blue Dukes play in the North Shore Conference agaisnt Germantown and Homestead, but have a very good player in Joe Sherburne. He is leading the team with an average of 15.1 points per game. The Dukes won the state championship two years ago, and look for them to be in the hunt again thanks to the depth and talent that coach Kevin Lazovik possesses.

Illinois Chicago at Green Bay Game Preview

Today at 3pm on the Horizon League Network, the Illinois Chicago Flames 10-6 (1-2) will travel to Green Bay to take on the Green Bay Phoenix 7-9 (1-2). UIC comes into this game having won their first conference game at home against Youngstown State, lost at Cleveland State, and then preceeded to lose at home against Valparaiso. Their leading scorer, Gary Talton, is averaging 13.3 points per game. Coach Howard Moore has the luxery of having four of their five starters averaging in double figures. Green Bay enters this contest after losing their first two conference games on the road at Wright State and Detroit. They came home to play Loyola at the Resch Center on Wednesday with the best defensive game of the year, a 58-44 win against the Ramblers. They have won four straight games in the friendly confines of the Resch Center. They are led by Keifer Sykes, who is leading the team with an average of 16.2 points per game. The Phoenix also have good depth, with reserve Brennan Cougill averaging 11.8 points per game. Look for this one to be close, as each team needs a Horizon League win. Expect the home court of the Phoenix to ride them to victory in this one.

12 Illinois at Wisconsin Game Preview

Today at 1:15pm on the Big Ten Network, the 12 ranked Illinois Fighting Illini 14-3 (1-2) visit the Kohl Center to take on the Wisconsin Badgers 11-4 (2-0). Illinois comes into this game having lost 2 of their first 3 Big Ten games after going 13-1 in nonconference play. Their only Big Ten win so far was a 74-55 win at home against a ranked Ohio State team. They opened conference play with a loss at unranked Purdue, and lost on Wednesday at home against number 9 Minnesota. Their leading scorer is Brandon Paul, who is averaging  18.6 points per game. He has scored in double figures in every game this season, including seven 20 point games this season. Wisconsin comes into this game having won their first two conference game this season, with a home win against Penn State on January 3 and a road win at Nebraska on Sunday. They are led by Jared Berggren, who is leading the team with 13.3 points per game. The Badgers have three players averaging in double figures. Wisconsin is very good at home against Bo Ryan, and I think they will go to 3-0 in the tough Big Ten with a huge confidence boosting win today.

1 Duke at 20 NC State Game Preview

Today at 11am on ESPN, the number 1 team in the country, the Duke Blue Devils 15-0 (2-0) visit Raleigh to take on the number 20 team in the country, NC State Wolfpack 13-2 (2-0). Duke has won its first 15 games behind the stellar play of forward Mason Plumlee, who is averaging 17.7 points per game and 11.4 rebounds per game, both team highs. The Blue Devils are looking to go 16-0 to start the season for the fourth time under the winningest coach in Division 1 history, Mike Krzyzewski. Duke is also 8-1 against the Wolfpack when ranked number 1. The Cameron Crazies are coming off of a 68-40 win against Clemson on Tuesday night. NC State is coming off of a closer than expected win at home against Georgia Tech by a final of 83-70 on Wednesday night. They are led by their leading scorer, C.J. Leslie, who is averaging 15.6 points per game. The Wolfpack are quite balanced as they have five players averaging in double figures. This should be a good one as inticipated, but look for the experience, depth, and coaching to propel the Blue Devils to victory.

Top 5 Bottom 3 NBA Teams

Top 5
1.  Los Angeles Clippers
2.  Miami Heat
3.  New York Knicks
4.  Oklahoma City Thunder
5.  San Antonio Spurs

Bottom 3
3.  Orlando Magic
2.  Charlotte Bobcats
1.  Washington Wizards

While the NBA standings are taken into consideration, they are just a reference.  My rankings are based on how I feel about each team at this point in the season.

Wisconsin at Nebraska Game Preview

Today at 3:30pm on the Big Ten Network, the  Wisconsin Badgers 10-4 (1-0) visit the Bob Devaney Center to take on the  Nebraska Cornhuskers 9-5 (0-1). Wisconsin is riding a 4 game win streak entering this game, as they opened up Big Ten play with a 60-51 win at the Kohl Center against Penn State. Wisconsin has used numerous starting lineups this season, as they try to fill the void at the point guard position left by graduating senior Jordan Taylor and junior Josh Gasser, who tore his ACL earlier at practice this year and will miss the entire season. Traevon Jackson seems to have filled that spot for now, but George Marshall and Sam Dekker also are getting minutes at the point guard position. Jared Berggren is leading the team with 13.4 points per game. Nebraska opened their Big Ten slate with a 70-47 loss at home against Ohio State. They are a very talented but young team, with just 2 seniors on their squad and 1 senior starter. Their leading scorer, Dylan Talley, is averaging 13.6 points per game. The Huskers are very balanced, as they have 3 starters averaging in double figures. Look for this one to be close, but expect the talent and experience of the Badgers to take over and win this game.

20 NC State at Boston College Game Preview

Today at 3pm on ESPN2, the 11-2 and 23 ranked NC State Wolfpack visit Chestnut Hill to take on the 8-5 and unranked Boston College Eagles. TheWolfpack come into this game fresh off of an 89-68 win at home against UNC-Greensboro on Monday. They shot 53 percent from the floor and 44 percent from behind the arc in the win. Their 2 losses came in the championship of the Puerto Rico tipoff against Oklahoma State and a road loss to 2 Michigan. They are led by C.J. Leslie, who is averaging 15.8 points per game and 7.5 rebounds a game. Boston College is coming off of a 79-58 win against Dartmouth on Monday. The last time these teams met was on February 1 as NC State came into the Conte Forum and left with a 56-51 win. When they met in Raleigh, State also won by a score of 76-62. BC is led by their leading scorer, Ryan Anderson, who is averaging 15.9 points per game, and 9.5 rebounds per contest. This should be a highly entertaining game, and I thinkl NC State will keep rolling with their 8th straight win.