There's not much more to do before the Packers officially pick up their 13th victory of the season. As a team, the Packers have topped the 200-yard mark rushing. Ryan Grant left early with a stinger and didn't get back in to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the season, but Brandon Jackson has had a respectable performance. He's rushed 20 times for 113 yards -- the first 100-yard game of the rookie's career.
Jackson, a second-round draft pick out of Nebraska who entered the season looking to be the Packers' No. 1 running back, seems to be running with a sense of urgency -- like a guy who realizes someone else has stepped up and solidified the starting spot. The Lions haven't exactly been dominant this afternoon either, but I'm sure Jackson will take whatever he can get at this point.
The Lions never made it to the 10-win mark predicted by QB Jon Kitna, and judging by how the Packers' backups took it to them today, the Lions might have some serious personnel evaluting to do this offseason.
Newsflash: Kitna just overthrew another open receiver in the end zone. By my count, that's at least three times he's missed a touchdown opportunity.
If you stuck it out through the entirity of this regular-season finale, I appreciate your dedication. Check out Monday's Leader-Telegram for some more insight and notes from today's game. I'm all hopped up on Vault soda, so hopefully, I won't fall asleep on the drive home. Best wishes in 2008, everyone.
-Justin Harings
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Packers 31, Lions 13 (End Q3)
The pass-happy Lions managed to stretch an uneventful third quarter to the maximum, giving Craig Nall a decent number of snaps under center. So far, the reviews are mixed. Nall looked poised at times, stepping up in the pocket and hitting WR Ruvell Martin for a 32-yard scoring pass. He also looked rattled at times, fumbling two routine exchanges from C Scott Wells.
Many of the defensive substitutes are in, but regular players are missing opportunities for the Packers. FS Aaron Rouse dropped a Jon Kitna pass that was severely underthrown and absolutely gift-wrapped for him. Later in the third, SS Atari Bigby whiffed on a tipped pass in the Packers' end zone. While this game means little, those are potential game-changing plays that could make a big difference in the playoffs.
OL Junius Coston (calf) is questionable to retun.
Well, the Packers are well on their way in this one. Some fans have even hit the doors already. It seems the Lions did so quite some time ago.
-Justin Harings
Many of the defensive substitutes are in, but regular players are missing opportunities for the Packers. FS Aaron Rouse dropped a Jon Kitna pass that was severely underthrown and absolutely gift-wrapped for him. Later in the third, SS Atari Bigby whiffed on a tipped pass in the Packers' end zone. While this game means little, those are potential game-changing plays that could make a big difference in the playoffs.
OL Junius Coston (calf) is questionable to retun.
Well, the Packers are well on their way in this one. Some fans have even hit the doors already. It seems the Lions did so quite some time ago.
-Justin Harings
Packers 21, Lions 10 (Halftime)
After Brett Favre hit TE Bubba Franks, who was standing still at the front of the end zone, for a 3-yard touchdown pass less than a minute into the second quarter, there wasn't a whole lot of other activity. Many of the Packers regular starters that suited up and played early are now out of the game, including Favre. He didn't get out before throwing for 99 yards and two TDs, though. Craig Nall has taken over under center.
On the injury front, RG Jason Spitz (quadriceps) is questionable to return, and CB Will Blackmon (foot) is doubtful.
Otherwise, the halftime entertainment today is a speed painter, performing to a random assortment of '90s music. Really. He's actually quite good, and he seems to be a big hit with the fans -- and those in the press box not fully focused on their bratwurst. Turns out he's painting Packers WR Donald Driver. It's quite good, too.
If anything notable happens on the field in the second half, I'll check back.
-Justin Harings
On the injury front, RG Jason Spitz (quadriceps) is questionable to return, and CB Will Blackmon (foot) is doubtful.
Otherwise, the halftime entertainment today is a speed painter, performing to a random assortment of '90s music. Really. He's actually quite good, and he seems to be a big hit with the fans -- and those in the press box not fully focused on their bratwurst. Turns out he's painting Packers WR Donald Driver. It's quite good, too.
If anything notable happens on the field in the second half, I'll check back.
-Justin Harings
Packers 14, Lions 3 (End Q1)
For those of you still holding your breath after Packers RB Ryan Grant left the game with 6 minutes, 11 seconds to go in the quarter, go ahead and exhale.
We were told he suffered a stinger, and his return will be up to coach Mike McCarthy. He's drawing closer to the 1,000-yard mark for the season, but McCarthy has to decide if that milestone is worth risking an injury to the Packers' featured rusher. I know that 1,000 is important, but can McCarthy really take that risk at this point?
Quick hits:
*K Mason Crosby set the Packers' single-season scoring record for kickers only with his first extra point of the day, which gave him 132 points this season.
*As I type, we've had a Bubba Franks siting. He just caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre. Make it 21-3.
*Speaking of Favre, his 21-yard scamper in the first quarter was his longest run from scrimmage since 1998.
*Koren Robinson's touchdown reception was his first with the Packers.
-Justin Harings
We were told he suffered a stinger, and his return will be up to coach Mike McCarthy. He's drawing closer to the 1,000-yard mark for the season, but McCarthy has to decide if that milestone is worth risking an injury to the Packers' featured rusher. I know that 1,000 is important, but can McCarthy really take that risk at this point?
Quick hits:
*K Mason Crosby set the Packers' single-season scoring record for kickers only with his first extra point of the day, which gave him 132 points this season.
*As I type, we've had a Bubba Franks siting. He just caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre. Make it 21-3.
*Speaking of Favre, his 21-yard scamper in the first quarter was his longest run from scrimmage since 1998.
*Koren Robinson's touchdown reception was his first with the Packers.
-Justin Harings
Many Packers resting
The No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs secure, the Green Bay Packers team you see on your TV set today won't look quite like the one you've grown used to watching this season. The list of inactives for the Packers includes CB Charles Woodson, FB Korey Hall, DE Aaron Kampman, DT Ryan Pickett, WR Donald Driver, WR Greg Jennings and TE Donald Lee. So where does that leave the Packers for today's game, you ask?
James Jones and Ruvell Martin will be the Nos. 1 and 2 WRs. Daryn Colledge is starting at LG. Bubba Franks, now healthy, will start at TE. With Kampman out, Cullen Jenkins will be the left defensive end and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila will slide in on the right end. Rookie first-round draft pick Justin Harrell will start at DT in place of Pickett, and Will Blackmon will get a start at CB.
Aaron Rodgers, who has been hampered by a groin injury lately, is the Packers' third QB. That means once Brett Favre extends his consecutive games-played steak, expect to get a heavy dose of Craig Nall.
For the Lions, notable inactives include RBs Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones as well as DE Kalimba Edwards.
Here are some more pregame notes to hold you over until kickoff, which is in about an hour:
*The Lions haven't won in the state of Wisconsin since beating the Packers 21-17 in 1991. They've had 16 straight losses in the state since then.
*After their dismal offensive performance last week against Chicago, the Packers likely are happy to see the Lions roll into Lambeau Field. The Packers have scored more points (3,182) against the Lions than any other franchise.
*A win today would give the Packers 13 for the season, tying a franchise record. The Packers have a 12-1 record in regular-season finales since 1994.
*Driver is inactive today, meaning his streak of 95 consecutive games with a reception will come to an end.
*RB Ryan Grant is 101 yards away from 1,000 for the season, but who knows how much work he'll see today.
*By the way, Monday marks the 40th anniversary of the Ice Bowl.
That's enough for now. I'll check back in after kickoff.
-Justin Harings
James Jones and Ruvell Martin will be the Nos. 1 and 2 WRs. Daryn Colledge is starting at LG. Bubba Franks, now healthy, will start at TE. With Kampman out, Cullen Jenkins will be the left defensive end and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila will slide in on the right end. Rookie first-round draft pick Justin Harrell will start at DT in place of Pickett, and Will Blackmon will get a start at CB.
Aaron Rodgers, who has been hampered by a groin injury lately, is the Packers' third QB. That means once Brett Favre extends his consecutive games-played steak, expect to get a heavy dose of Craig Nall.
For the Lions, notable inactives include RBs Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones as well as DE Kalimba Edwards.
Here are some more pregame notes to hold you over until kickoff, which is in about an hour:
*The Lions haven't won in the state of Wisconsin since beating the Packers 21-17 in 1991. They've had 16 straight losses in the state since then.
*After their dismal offensive performance last week against Chicago, the Packers likely are happy to see the Lions roll into Lambeau Field. The Packers have scored more points (3,182) against the Lions than any other franchise.
*A win today would give the Packers 13 for the season, tying a franchise record. The Packers have a 12-1 record in regular-season finales since 1994.
*Driver is inactive today, meaning his streak of 95 consecutive games with a reception will come to an end.
*RB Ryan Grant is 101 yards away from 1,000 for the season, but who knows how much work he'll see today.
*By the way, Monday marks the 40th anniversary of the Ice Bowl.
That's enough for now. I'll check back in after kickoff.
-Justin Harings
Greetings from Green Bay
It must be December in Green Bay. The wind is blowing, the roads are wet, the tundra is frozen and, nevertheless, the parking lot is packed. I, on the other hand, am safely tucked away in the warm press box at Lambeau Field, ready to bring you live updates from the Green Bay Packers' regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions. Kickoff is about an hour and a half away, so until we get a little closer, I'm going to dig into the pregame buffet.
-Justin Harings
-Justin Harings
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Blugolds trail at half
Let's see, the UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team has hit six 3-pointers, gotten to the foul line 12 times ... and trails by seven at halftime.
Jamestown College (N.D.) is putting on a ridiculous shooting display. The Jimmies shot 73.1 percent in the first half and lead 46-39 in the championship game of the UW-Eau Claire Holiday Classic.
Jamestown, an NAIA Division II school out of the Dakota Athletic Conference, is an impressive squad. They've got good size and some quality athletes. And they seemingly don't miss.
Jake Holen has 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting for the Jimmies. Ryan Shea has 14 to lead the Blugolds.
- Joe Ziemer
Jamestown College (N.D.) is putting on a ridiculous shooting display. The Jimmies shot 73.1 percent in the first half and lead 46-39 in the championship game of the UW-Eau Claire Holiday Classic.
Jamestown, an NAIA Division II school out of the Dakota Athletic Conference, is an impressive squad. They've got good size and some quality athletes. And they seemingly don't miss.
Jake Holen has 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting for the Jimmies. Ryan Shea has 14 to lead the Blugolds.
- Joe Ziemer
Friday, December 28, 2007
More on Mark Hallberg
There are quite a few signs out there pointing to the fact that Barron grad Mark Hallberg, who is in the Arizona Diamondbacks' minor-league system, has a legitimate shot to make it the big leagues. Mike Bell, his manager with the short-season, Class A Yakima (Wash.) Bears, had nothing but good things to say about his shortstop. His statistics place him among the best in the Northwest League, and come spring training, he should get a shot to test his abilities with a higher-level Class A club. Here is some more from the coversations I had with Mark and his dad, Monti, on Sunday that didn't make Friday's edition of the Leader-Telegram. If you missed the story, you can check it out here.
Mark Hallberg
On his experience playing at the professional level:
"It was a great experience. It's what I wanted to be doing. It was my dream, and I enjoyed myself this summer in my first season of professional baseball."
On how it felt to be chose in the MLB Draft:
"Obviously, I want to make it to the major leagues, so it's just a step, but it was a day that gave me an opportunity to show the people in professional baseball what I could do."
On how much the level of play increased from playing Division I college baseball:
"It went up a little bit. There's things that in professional baseball ... The pitching goes up a little bit, and also the adjustment with wood bats."
On whether he expected his quick rise from Illinois-Chicago to Florida State and now to the Diamondbacks' organization:
"I don't think you ever think that way. You just kind of take things as they come, so inside, deep, when I went to school at UIC, getting drafted my junior year was one of my goals. But the thing is, you got to prove to everyone what you can do on a daily basis."
On why he strikes out very few times, even at the professional level:
"I've pretty much been doing the same things I've always been doing. That's one of the things for me as a baseball player: I play good defense and do the little things right to help our team win baseball games. By not striking out, it helps our team by making the pitcher work."
Monti Hallberg
On the experience of watching his son rise to the professional level:
"For the last three or four years, it's been kind of like a dream. You wake up in the morning and think, 'Is it really a dream?'"
On the amount of work Mark has put into playing baseball:
"Mark's been focused. It's been his dream for a long time. He's worked at it. People think, 'Oh, he's just born to be a good baseball player,' but they don't see the hundreds of hours of work he's put into it behind the scenes."
So far, Mark Hallberg hasn't reached a level he hasn't been able to succeed at. Bell, his manager with Yakima, thinks it's only a matter of time until Mark gets his shot in the big leagues. Only time will tell, but as of now, there's no reason to think that he can't make his dream a reality.
-Justin Harings
Mark Hallberg
On his experience playing at the professional level:
"It was a great experience. It's what I wanted to be doing. It was my dream, and I enjoyed myself this summer in my first season of professional baseball."
On how it felt to be chose in the MLB Draft:
"Obviously, I want to make it to the major leagues, so it's just a step, but it was a day that gave me an opportunity to show the people in professional baseball what I could do."
On how much the level of play increased from playing Division I college baseball:
"It went up a little bit. There's things that in professional baseball ... The pitching goes up a little bit, and also the adjustment with wood bats."
On whether he expected his quick rise from Illinois-Chicago to Florida State and now to the Diamondbacks' organization:
"I don't think you ever think that way. You just kind of take things as they come, so inside, deep, when I went to school at UIC, getting drafted my junior year was one of my goals. But the thing is, you got to prove to everyone what you can do on a daily basis."
On why he strikes out very few times, even at the professional level:
"I've pretty much been doing the same things I've always been doing. That's one of the things for me as a baseball player: I play good defense and do the little things right to help our team win baseball games. By not striking out, it helps our team by making the pitcher work."
Monti Hallberg
On the experience of watching his son rise to the professional level:
"For the last three or four years, it's been kind of like a dream. You wake up in the morning and think, 'Is it really a dream?'"
On the amount of work Mark has put into playing baseball:
"Mark's been focused. It's been his dream for a long time. He's worked at it. People think, 'Oh, he's just born to be a good baseball player,' but they don't see the hundreds of hours of work he's put into it behind the scenes."
So far, Mark Hallberg hasn't reached a level he hasn't been able to succeed at. Bell, his manager with Yakima, thinks it's only a matter of time until Mark gets his shot in the big leagues. Only time will tell, but as of now, there's no reason to think that he can't make his dream a reality.
-Justin Harings
Blugolds up at half
The UW-Eau Claire men's basketball team hasn't played in 13 days, but the Blugolds look pretty sharp so far. At halftime they're leading Marian College 27-20 here at Zorn Arena.
The 'Golds having been moving the ball well and getting some good inside-outside looks. Dan Beyer has eight points, while Ryan Shea and Geoff Probst each have seven. I think Rashann Goodwinn has given them some nice energy off the bench. He's not exactly lighting up the stat sheet -- zero points, one rebound, one assist, one steal -- but I think he's had a nice impact on the game.
Jordan Van Ess has seven points for Marian.
This game looked well in hand when Probst hit a 3-pointer to put the Eau C. up 23-9 with 6 minutes, 10 seconds left in the half, but Marian put together a little run after that. If my math is correct -- I haven't taken a math class since high school -- that would be a 11-4 surge. Score one for the public school system.
Anyway, if anything noteworthy happens in the second half, I'll check back with y'all. Otherwise, be sure to check out Saturday's Leader-Telegram for game details. And if anyone has control of the weather, make it stop snowing.
- Joe Ziemer
The 'Golds having been moving the ball well and getting some good inside-outside looks. Dan Beyer has eight points, while Ryan Shea and Geoff Probst each have seven. I think Rashann Goodwinn has given them some nice energy off the bench. He's not exactly lighting up the stat sheet -- zero points, one rebound, one assist, one steal -- but I think he's had a nice impact on the game.
Jordan Van Ess has seven points for Marian.
This game looked well in hand when Probst hit a 3-pointer to put the Eau C. up 23-9 with 6 minutes, 10 seconds left in the half, but Marian put together a little run after that. If my math is correct -- I haven't taken a math class since high school -- that would be a 11-4 surge. Score one for the public school system.
Anyway, if anything noteworthy happens in the second half, I'll check back with y'all. Otherwise, be sure to check out Saturday's Leader-Telegram for game details. And if anyone has control of the weather, make it stop snowing.
- Joe Ziemer
Friday, December 21, 2007
North/Hayward Hockey notes
Here's a few notes from Eau Claire North's victory over Hayward on Thursday that didn't make the paper.
-- With forward Derrik Dillon (7 goals-3 assists-10 points) moving to defense for the next couple of weeks, coach Tom Bernhardt has placed junior Joe Sigurdson on the Huskies second line with Keilor Eggen and Derek Lund. Sigurdson missed the early part of the season with a sprained ankle and has been slowly working his way back into the lineup.
-- After struggling to keep up with a deep Eau Claire Memorial squad Tuesday, Bernhardt made a concerted effort to rotate in his third forward line of Jake Kamenick, Cody Matthes and Tim Shea into the game early. Bernhardt used his third line twice in the first three shifts before penalties in the second and third periods made keeping the line together difficult. Shea found himself rotating in with the second line during the latter periods.
-- Hayward coach Steve Kirley admits his team is still looking for a solid rotation on the power play. Kirley said he currently has three players who are solid on the power play, while two others are trying to learn the system.
- Adam Parks
-- With forward Derrik Dillon (7 goals-3 assists-10 points) moving to defense for the next couple of weeks, coach Tom Bernhardt has placed junior Joe Sigurdson on the Huskies second line with Keilor Eggen and Derek Lund. Sigurdson missed the early part of the season with a sprained ankle and has been slowly working his way back into the lineup.
-- After struggling to keep up with a deep Eau Claire Memorial squad Tuesday, Bernhardt made a concerted effort to rotate in his third forward line of Jake Kamenick, Cody Matthes and Tim Shea into the game early. Bernhardt used his third line twice in the first three shifts before penalties in the second and third periods made keeping the line together difficult. Shea found himself rotating in with the second line during the latter periods.
-- Hayward coach Steve Kirley admits his team is still looking for a solid rotation on the power play. Kirley said he currently has three players who are solid on the power play, while two others are trying to learn the system.
- Adam Parks
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Recruiting updates for Osseo-Fairchild, Regis girls
A few recruiting tidbits to pass along regarding local girls basketball.
UW-Eau Claire women's basketball coach Tonja Englund was in the house as was a coach from St. Mary's in Minnesota.
Englund was talking to Osseo-Fairchild point guard Laura Olson after the game, while the St. Mary's coach was lingering around the Regis bench and talked to post player Krista Flynn and I thought I heard her talking about Tessa Warner.
Osseo-Fairchild is also loaded with potential college players. Coach Matt Korger said several schools, including mid-major D1 programs, have inquired about junior Katey Wrobel while Princeton is after junior Laura Petersen. Sophomore Letaya Mulhern should also draw some interest.
UW-Eau Claire women's basketball coach Tonja Englund was in the house as was a coach from St. Mary's in Minnesota.
Englund was talking to Osseo-Fairchild point guard Laura Olson after the game, while the St. Mary's coach was lingering around the Regis bench and talked to post player Krista Flynn and I thought I heard her talking about Tessa Warner.
Osseo-Fairchild is also loaded with potential college players. Coach Matt Korger said several schools, including mid-major D1 programs, have inquired about junior Katey Wrobel while Princeton is after junior Laura Petersen. Sophomore Letaya Mulhern should also draw some interest.
Korger looking to his players
One of the more interesting things to come out of my postgame chat with Osseo-Fairchild coach Matt Korger was his comment when asked how he'd handle being in control of the Western Cloverbelt Conference.
The Chieftains beat Eau Claire Regis, 50-36, on Thursday night to improve to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in conference, one game ahead of Altoona and two ahead of Regis. While it isn't an insurmountable lead by any stretch of the imagination, you'd have to figure either Altoona or Regis will have to play flawless ball down the stretch to unseat Osseo-Fairchild.
"I’ve never really been in this spot before," said Korger, who was the Osseo-Fairchild boys JV coach last year and replaced Tony Calo as the girls varsity coach this season. "The girls have in the past two years. I’ll let them lead the way for me. You always worry about being complacent, but there’s no doubt that Altoona is going to be gunning for us and we still have to go to Regis, too, and Augusta gave us a good game. So it’s definitely not over."
Katey Wrobel, a 6-foot junior who scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Regis, seemed confident the team wasn't acting like it was over.
"We’ll see," she said. "We could lose tomorrow or we could lose next week. We’ll just have to keep playing hard."
Osseo-Fairchild should get a nice test at the La Crosse Logan tournament next week before returning to conference play after the new year.
— John Casper Jr.
The Chieftains beat Eau Claire Regis, 50-36, on Thursday night to improve to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in conference, one game ahead of Altoona and two ahead of Regis. While it isn't an insurmountable lead by any stretch of the imagination, you'd have to figure either Altoona or Regis will have to play flawless ball down the stretch to unseat Osseo-Fairchild.
"I’ve never really been in this spot before," said Korger, who was the Osseo-Fairchild boys JV coach last year and replaced Tony Calo as the girls varsity coach this season. "The girls have in the past two years. I’ll let them lead the way for me. You always worry about being complacent, but there’s no doubt that Altoona is going to be gunning for us and we still have to go to Regis, too, and Augusta gave us a good game. So it’s definitely not over."
Katey Wrobel, a 6-foot junior who scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Regis, seemed confident the team wasn't acting like it was over.
"We’ll see," she said. "We could lose tomorrow or we could lose next week. We’ll just have to keep playing hard."
Osseo-Fairchild should get a nice test at the La Crosse Logan tournament next week before returning to conference play after the new year.
— John Casper Jr.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Heavy is the head ...
The start of conference play hasn't been kind to last season's conference champions in the Big Rivers and Western Cloverbelt conferences. Rice Lake (1-4 overall) is off to a somewhat surprising 0-3 start in BRC play, while Gilman (0-6 overall) is 0-4 in the WCC.
The Warriors were expected by many, including yours truly, to be a contender for the Big Rivers title. But they've run into three other contenders right off the bat, falling to Eau Claire North, Chippewa Falls and Hudson. Even though Rice Lake does return two of the league's best players in Alex Culy and Andrew Lochmann, it's important to remember the Warriors also lost a lot of talent to graduation. Not only are all-Northwest performers Dan Culy and Sam Elliott gone, but so are valuable contributors like Rob Berger and Greg Lancette. That means a lot of players who don't have much varsity experience are being thrown into the fire. Once they get the hang of varsity ball and increased minutes, Rice Lake will be just fine.
Gilman, on the other hand, isn't likely to jump back into the conference race any time soon. The Pirates just lost too much. First Jacob Doro, Michael Mudgett, Joel Kulesa and Derk Hauser graduated. Then Trevor Rosemeyer tore up his knee playing football. That's the unfortunate nature of small-school athletics. It goes in cycles.
Both teams can earn their first conference wins tonight, which features a good slate of games. Rice Lake hosts Eau Claire Memorial and Gilman hosts Osseo-Fairchild.
- Joe Ziemer
The Warriors were expected by many, including yours truly, to be a contender for the Big Rivers title. But they've run into three other contenders right off the bat, falling to Eau Claire North, Chippewa Falls and Hudson. Even though Rice Lake does return two of the league's best players in Alex Culy and Andrew Lochmann, it's important to remember the Warriors also lost a lot of talent to graduation. Not only are all-Northwest performers Dan Culy and Sam Elliott gone, but so are valuable contributors like Rob Berger and Greg Lancette. That means a lot of players who don't have much varsity experience are being thrown into the fire. Once they get the hang of varsity ball and increased minutes, Rice Lake will be just fine.
Gilman, on the other hand, isn't likely to jump back into the conference race any time soon. The Pirates just lost too much. First Jacob Doro, Michael Mudgett, Joel Kulesa and Derk Hauser graduated. Then Trevor Rosemeyer tore up his knee playing football. That's the unfortunate nature of small-school athletics. It goes in cycles.
Both teams can earn their first conference wins tonight, which features a good slate of games. Rice Lake hosts Eau Claire Memorial and Gilman hosts Osseo-Fairchild.
- Joe Ziemer
Friday, December 14, 2007
More on Chi-Hi and North
Well, the paper’s on its way to the printer, so there should be a Leader-Telegram tomorrow. Here’s a few extra thoughts from Friday night’s Eau Claire North-Chippewa Falls boys basketball game:
* First off, it was an ugly game. A halftime score of 12-9 pretty much speaks for itself. But, with that said, it also was very entertaining. Two of the league’s best teams with a tournament-like atmosphere will wipe away a few offensive deficiencies.
* Chippewa Falls is legit. They certainly don’t have the bulk inside that North does, but what the Cardinals do have is a lot of tall, long and athletic players who can be relentless on defense. It’s not all that unlike what Eleva-Strum can do to teams.
* Evan Anderson certainly is a work in progress offensively – he was held scoreless Friday – but he is a game-changer on defense. He blocked numerous shots and altered probably half a dozen others. With him down low, kids will drive the lane and either put up an awkward layup attempt or kick the ball out.
“Who sees that at the high school level?” said Cardinals coach Luke Madsen when asked about Anderson’s defensive impact. “I think everybody just needs to take a step back and remember the kid just turned 16. He’s got all these expectations, all these scholarship offers. He’s got a lot to learn but he’s going to be fine. Defensively, he completely changes the game. I thought we still attacked pretty well, but he speeds up your shot. Kids are going in and letting go a little early. He’s going to be a beast for the next few years.”
It might have resulted in a turnover, but it was encouraging to see Anderson commit an offensive foul in the second half. He just needs to get comfortable offensively and get that little nasty streak all good big guys have. Let’s withhold judgement on Anderson for a few years and let him be a 16-year-old kid.
* UW-River Falls coach Jeff Berkhof was in attendance and chatted with Chi-Hi's Josh Prince afterwards. Prince, who could be a real nice Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference player, has been on coach Terry Gibbons and UW-Eau Claire's radar big-time. Prince has been spotted at a Blugolds game and Gibbons was an interested onlooker for at least one of Prince's soccer games in the fall.
-Joe Ziemer
* First off, it was an ugly game. A halftime score of 12-9 pretty much speaks for itself. But, with that said, it also was very entertaining. Two of the league’s best teams with a tournament-like atmosphere will wipe away a few offensive deficiencies.
* Chippewa Falls is legit. They certainly don’t have the bulk inside that North does, but what the Cardinals do have is a lot of tall, long and athletic players who can be relentless on defense. It’s not all that unlike what Eleva-Strum can do to teams.
* Evan Anderson certainly is a work in progress offensively – he was held scoreless Friday – but he is a game-changer on defense. He blocked numerous shots and altered probably half a dozen others. With him down low, kids will drive the lane and either put up an awkward layup attempt or kick the ball out.
“Who sees that at the high school level?” said Cardinals coach Luke Madsen when asked about Anderson’s defensive impact. “I think everybody just needs to take a step back and remember the kid just turned 16. He’s got all these expectations, all these scholarship offers. He’s got a lot to learn but he’s going to be fine. Defensively, he completely changes the game. I thought we still attacked pretty well, but he speeds up your shot. Kids are going in and letting go a little early. He’s going to be a beast for the next few years.”
It might have resulted in a turnover, but it was encouraging to see Anderson commit an offensive foul in the second half. He just needs to get comfortable offensively and get that little nasty streak all good big guys have. Let’s withhold judgement on Anderson for a few years and let him be a 16-year-old kid.
* UW-River Falls coach Jeff Berkhof was in attendance and chatted with Chi-Hi's Josh Prince afterwards. Prince, who could be a real nice Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference player, has been on coach Terry Gibbons and UW-Eau Claire's radar big-time. Prince has been spotted at a Blugolds game and Gibbons was an interested onlooker for at least one of Prince's soccer games in the fall.
-Joe Ziemer
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Packers find a way to hold on
The blog title is pure sarcasm, by the way.
The fourth quarter of this game was so uneventful, many media members took more interest in the Cowboys-Lions contest which ended in the Cowboys stealing a 28-27 victory over the Lions and all but guaranteeing home-field advantage in the playoffs.
The Packers, on the other hand, beat the Raiders 38-7. It was pretty much the game most expected — ugly, a bit chippy and entirely one-sided.
The Packers clinced the NFC North and a playoff spot for the first time in three seasons. Brett Favre, who appeared to take some fashion tips from Dane Cook for his post-game press conference attire, threw for 266 yards and Ryan Grant, dressed in a moderate sweater and jeans, rushed for 156. Grant is on pace to reach 1,000 yards for the season.
That's all from here. As my much more hip co-worker Joe Ziemer likes to say, see you in the 715.
- John Casper Jr.
The fourth quarter of this game was so uneventful, many media members took more interest in the Cowboys-Lions contest which ended in the Cowboys stealing a 28-27 victory over the Lions and all but guaranteeing home-field advantage in the playoffs.
The Packers, on the other hand, beat the Raiders 38-7. It was pretty much the game most expected — ugly, a bit chippy and entirely one-sided.
The Packers clinced the NFC North and a playoff spot for the first time in three seasons. Brett Favre, who appeared to take some fashion tips from Dane Cook for his post-game press conference attire, threw for 266 yards and Ryan Grant, dressed in a moderate sweater and jeans, rushed for 156. Grant is on pace to reach 1,000 yards for the season.
That's all from here. As my much more hip co-worker Joe Ziemer likes to say, see you in the 715.
- John Casper Jr.
Packers strike twice
It looks like Oakland's late first-half score was an abberration.
The Packers now have a 24-7 lead over the Raiders after a 44-yard field goal by Mason Crosby and an 80-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings.
The game is getting rather chippy on the field. The Raiders were called for roughing the passer on Favre's touchdown strike to Jennings and the Packers were flagged for a facemask on the extra point try.
- John Casper Jr.
The Packers now have a 24-7 lead over the Raiders after a 44-yard field goal by Mason Crosby and an 80-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings.
The game is getting rather chippy on the field. The Raiders were called for roughing the passer on Favre's touchdown strike to Jennings and the Packers were flagged for a facemask on the extra point try.
- John Casper Jr.
Raiders show some life before half
Just as I was putting the finishing touches on a blog entry about how this isn't the Raiders' day, Josh McCown leads Oakland on a four-play, 67-yard drive culminating in a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Porter. Porter took the ball away from Al Harris, who was in position to make the interception.
Before that drive, things couldn't get much worse for Oakland. Its previous two possessions netted a total of minus-2 yards and one ended in an interception. The Packers returned a punt for a touchdown in that span, even though replays clearly showed that Will Blackmon stepped out of bounds at the 4-yard line.
But Brett Favre overthrew a wide-open Greg Jennings and Mason Crosby missed — rather badly — on a 42-yard field goal to give Oakland one last shot in the first half, and the Raiders made the most of it.
The Packers lead 14-7 at the half.
In other news, Nick Barnett was poked in the eye and taken to the locker room for examination. We haven't received any update on his condition. It appeared to occur during a post-play altercation with a Raiders linemen. After the incident, some Packers and Raiders mixed it up a little bit, but nothing serious developed. It may be worth keeping an eye on in the second half.
Also, did anyone catch the synchronized officiating? During the Packers' last drive of the half, four officials gathered to discuss an illegal man downfield call against the Packers. After they made the deicision, all four threw their flags in the air at the same exact time. It was very odd, but alluring.
- John Casper Jr.
Before that drive, things couldn't get much worse for Oakland. Its previous two possessions netted a total of minus-2 yards and one ended in an interception. The Packers returned a punt for a touchdown in that span, even though replays clearly showed that Will Blackmon stepped out of bounds at the 4-yard line.
But Brett Favre overthrew a wide-open Greg Jennings and Mason Crosby missed — rather badly — on a 42-yard field goal to give Oakland one last shot in the first half, and the Raiders made the most of it.
The Packers lead 14-7 at the half.
In other news, Nick Barnett was poked in the eye and taken to the locker room for examination. We haven't received any update on his condition. It appeared to occur during a post-play altercation with a Raiders linemen. After the incident, some Packers and Raiders mixed it up a little bit, but nothing serious developed. It may be worth keeping an eye on in the second half.
Also, did anyone catch the synchronized officiating? During the Packers' last drive of the half, four officials gathered to discuss an illegal man downfield call against the Packers. After they made the deicision, all four threw their flags in the air at the same exact time. It was very odd, but alluring.
- John Casper Jr.
Just like that, another score
The Packers' Will Blackmon just had an electric 57-yard punt return to help the Packers take a 14-0 lead with 5:44 left in the first half. It was his first career touchdown.
The punt return came after Oakland shot itself in the foot twice. An offensive pass interference call on Joey Porter and a holding call negated two first-down passes and pushed Oakland back inside its own 10-yard line.
- John Casper Jr.
The punt return came after Oakland shot itself in the foot twice. An offensive pass interference call on Joey Porter and a holding call negated two first-down passes and pushed Oakland back inside its own 10-yard line.
- John Casper Jr.
Packers hit pay dirt
In their third trip inside the Raiders' 30-yard line, the Packers finally put some points on the board.
Ryan Grant scored from six yards out and the extra point gave the Packers a 7-0 lead with 8:51 left in the first half. Grant had six carries for 24 yards on the drive, and has 66 yards on 13 carries for the game.
I think we're going to see a lot more of Grant as the game goes on.
On the defensive side, the Packers' Nick Barnett already has seven tackles.
- John Casper Jr.
Ryan Grant scored from six yards out and the extra point gave the Packers a 7-0 lead with 8:51 left in the first half. Grant had six carries for 24 yards on the drive, and has 66 yards on 13 carries for the game.
I think we're going to see a lot more of Grant as the game goes on.
On the defensive side, the Packers' Nick Barnett already has seven tackles.
- John Casper Jr.
Neither team doing much of anything
As expected, we've got a pretty ugly game here at Lambeau Field.
The Packers had early success running the ball with Ryan Grant but have been stymied a bit recently. Whether or not it's because of his elbow injury, Brett Favre's throws are high, and one was intercepted deep in Raiders territory.
Oakland's biggest problem is a lack of playmakers on offense. Aside from Justin Fargas, there's really not much there. Josh McCown overthrew a wide-open Jerry Porter on third-and-11. Of course, the Packers' Atari Bigby celebrated the play even though he was the one that got beat and the only reason it didn't result in a first down is because McCown didn't make the pass.
The Packers are starting their third drive of the game at the Raiders' 47.
- John Casper Jr.
The Packers had early success running the ball with Ryan Grant but have been stymied a bit recently. Whether or not it's because of his elbow injury, Brett Favre's throws are high, and one was intercepted deep in Raiders territory.
Oakland's biggest problem is a lack of playmakers on offense. Aside from Justin Fargas, there's really not much there. Josh McCown overthrew a wide-open Jerry Porter on third-and-11. Of course, the Packers' Atari Bigby celebrated the play even though he was the one that got beat and the only reason it didn't result in a first down is because McCown didn't make the pass.
The Packers are starting their third drive of the game at the Raiders' 47.
- John Casper Jr.
We're live at Lambeau
Greetings from Lambeau Field, where Mason Crosby is about to kick off today's game between the Packers and Oakland Raiders.
A few quick notes to get you set for today's game:
Brett Favre will play and make his 250th straight start. Josh McCown will get the start at QB for the Raiders. No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell is the Raiders' third quarterback today, meaning that both McCown and Daunte Culpepper would have to get hurt in order for him to play.
The last time the Raiders and Packers met at Lambeau was 1999. Prior to that, the previous Lambeau meeting came in 1993 when LeRoy Butler returned an interception for a touchdown and celebrated by leaping into the stands. Thus the Lambeau Leap was born. If you want to know more about the Lambeau Leap, I'm sure Butler is appearing at some sort of Packers-related extravaganza near you sometime this week. If not, he'll be here next week.
Packers running back Ryan Grant has the second-most rushing yards since week 8 (561). The only back that has run for more yards is the Raiders' Justin Fargas, son of Huggy Bear.
- John Casper Jr.
A few quick notes to get you set for today's game:
Brett Favre will play and make his 250th straight start. Josh McCown will get the start at QB for the Raiders. No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell is the Raiders' third quarterback today, meaning that both McCown and Daunte Culpepper would have to get hurt in order for him to play.
The last time the Raiders and Packers met at Lambeau was 1999. Prior to that, the previous Lambeau meeting came in 1993 when LeRoy Butler returned an interception for a touchdown and celebrated by leaping into the stands. Thus the Lambeau Leap was born. If you want to know more about the Lambeau Leap, I'm sure Butler is appearing at some sort of Packers-related extravaganza near you sometime this week. If not, he'll be here next week.
Packers running back Ryan Grant has the second-most rushing yards since week 8 (561). The only back that has run for more yards is the Raiders' Justin Fargas, son of Huggy Bear.
- John Casper Jr.
How we select the all-Northwest team
Many of you have patiently been waiting for our all-Northwest football team. Well, the wait is finally over. Our team was announced in today's newspaper, and can be seen here.
In case you were wondering how we selected the team, the process actually began before the season started. Like many of you, we had our eye on several players we thought would emerge as potential all-Northwest candidates. Obviously, we would widen our search as the year progressed. Any time we covered a game, we'd try to pay special attention to certain indviduals, looking for something that may distinguish them from others at their position.
Midway through the playoffs, we sent out questionnaires to all area coaches. We started asking others opinions and narrowed our focus.
Then, last week, Ron Buckli and I sat down and went through all the nominations and debated which individuals deserved the recognition. We'd use a combination of individual statistics, team success and other intangibles in selecting the team.
There were some tough choices that had to be made, as is the case with any all-area team. Because we believe in selecting a true team, we only took 11 guys on offense, 11 on defense and a kicker and punter. We are open to adjusting the rosters somewhat. For example, this year we had a plethora of talented defensive linemen. Instead of slighting one of those guys and only taking four linemen, we decided to go with five linemen, three linebackers and three defensive backs.
We feel that we've picked a pretty good team. But what about you? What do you think? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
- John Casper Jr.
In case you were wondering how we selected the team, the process actually began before the season started. Like many of you, we had our eye on several players we thought would emerge as potential all-Northwest candidates. Obviously, we would widen our search as the year progressed. Any time we covered a game, we'd try to pay special attention to certain indviduals, looking for something that may distinguish them from others at their position.
Midway through the playoffs, we sent out questionnaires to all area coaches. We started asking others opinions and narrowed our focus.
Then, last week, Ron Buckli and I sat down and went through all the nominations and debated which individuals deserved the recognition. We'd use a combination of individual statistics, team success and other intangibles in selecting the team.
There were some tough choices that had to be made, as is the case with any all-area team. Because we believe in selecting a true team, we only took 11 guys on offense, 11 on defense and a kicker and punter. We are open to adjusting the rosters somewhat. For example, this year we had a plethora of talented defensive linemen. Instead of slighting one of those guys and only taking four linemen, we decided to go with five linemen, three linebackers and three defensive backs.
We feel that we've picked a pretty good team. But what about you? What do you think? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
- John Casper Jr.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Kohl Center word of the day: maturity
There was definitely a common theme eminating from the Marquette contingent in the post-game press conference.
Both the players and coach Tom Crean spoke how their experience in big games — especially ones against Wisconsin — helped them in Saturday's victory, which ended the Badgers' 28-game home winning streak.
Other tidbits:
*Bo Ryan said that Brian Butch didn't play in the final three minutes because he wanted to go with a smaller, quicker lineup to help erase what was at the time a five-point deficit.
*Ryan also credited MU's advantage on the boards to the fact that center Greg Stiemsma didn't play much. Marquette outrebounded the Badgers 41-34 and grabbed 21 offensive rebounds.
*Crean used the beginning of his post-game statement to share his amazement at how the rivalry has grown. While it was always a big deal to those in Wisconsin, this was the second straight year the game received a national TV audience on either ESPN or ESPN2. Here's what he said:
"I said to Bo when we first greeted each other before the game, who would have thought that over this period of time that both teams would be where they’re ranked and where it’s such a big deal to play this game. I know it’s always been a big deal with Marquette and Wisconsin but over the last few years, it’s just gone up."
- John Casper Jr.
Both the players and coach Tom Crean spoke how their experience in big games — especially ones against Wisconsin — helped them in Saturday's victory, which ended the Badgers' 28-game home winning streak.
Other tidbits:
*Bo Ryan said that Brian Butch didn't play in the final three minutes because he wanted to go with a smaller, quicker lineup to help erase what was at the time a five-point deficit.
*Ryan also credited MU's advantage on the boards to the fact that center Greg Stiemsma didn't play much. Marquette outrebounded the Badgers 41-34 and grabbed 21 offensive rebounds.
*Crean used the beginning of his post-game statement to share his amazement at how the rivalry has grown. While it was always a big deal to those in Wisconsin, this was the second straight year the game received a national TV audience on either ESPN or ESPN2. Here's what he said:
"I said to Bo when we first greeted each other before the game, who would have thought that over this period of time that both teams would be where they’re ranked and where it’s such a big deal to play this game. I know it’s always been a big deal with Marquette and Wisconsin but over the last few years, it’s just gone up."
- John Casper Jr.
It's James and Marquette
For the second straight season, the visiting team won in the Marquette-Wisconsin rivalry.
Junior guard Dominic James poured in 20 points while Wes Matthews and Dwight Burke came through with some key rebounds down the stretch as the Eagles held on for a 81-76 victory. James put an exclamation point on the victory with an emphatic block of an attempted layup by Trevon Hughes.
The victory is the first for Marquette in the Kohl Center. The Eagles last won in Madison in November of 1997.
I'll have some postgame reaction later tonight and look for more coverage in tomorrow's Leader-Telegram.
- John Casper Jr.
Junior guard Dominic James poured in 20 points while Wes Matthews and Dwight Burke came through with some key rebounds down the stretch as the Eagles held on for a 81-76 victory. James put an exclamation point on the victory with an emphatic block of an attempted layup by Trevon Hughes.
The victory is the first for Marquette in the Kohl Center. The Eagles last won in Madison in November of 1997.
I'll have some postgame reaction later tonight and look for more coverage in tomorrow's Leader-Telegram.
- John Casper Jr.
Who is going to step up?
Forgive the horrible sports cliche for the blog title, but this rivalry has been defined in the last few years by clutch performances. Whether it was Dwyane Wade in 2002 or Travis Diener in 2004 for Marquette, or Devin Harris in 2003 and Alando Tucker in 2006 for Wisconsin, someone has put the team on the back and delivered at the end of the game.
Marquette has a 66-64 lead with 3:44 left, and its top candidate appears to be Dominic James. He's got 19 points and is not giving up the ball without a fight. On the other end, Brian Butch is asserting himself down low and Trevon Hughes is handling Marquette's pressure rather admirably on the outside.
Should be a fun last 3:44.
- John Casper Jr.
Marquette has a 66-64 lead with 3:44 left, and its top candidate appears to be Dominic James. He's got 19 points and is not giving up the ball without a fight. On the other end, Brian Butch is asserting himself down low and Trevon Hughes is handling Marquette's pressure rather admirably on the outside.
Should be a fun last 3:44.
- John Casper Jr.
We're still tied
The flow of the game is still pretty ugly, but neither team has been able to build much of an advantage over the other. The Badgers' Jon Leuer and Marquette's Maurice Aker just swapped 3-pointers, and we're tied at 59 with 7:52 left.
Marquette's Jerel McNeal is starting to play a little wild for the Eagles. He's tried to force a few layups and has made a couple of bad passes as of late. Dominic James, on the other hand, is trying to take over the game. McNeal would be best-advised if he deferred to James on some of these next possessions to see if that doesn't ignite Marquette.
- John Casper Jr.
Marquette's Jerel McNeal is starting to play a little wild for the Eagles. He's tried to force a few layups and has made a couple of bad passes as of late. Dominic James, on the other hand, is trying to take over the game. McNeal would be best-advised if he deferred to James on some of these next possessions to see if that doesn't ignite Marquette.
- John Casper Jr.
Momentum changing hands in the second half
As the game takes a turn for the ugly in the second half, it's also taking a turn in the favor of the Badgers.
Marquette now has two of its top defenders in foul trouble — Lazar Hayward still has three and Jerel McNeal just picked up his third defending a Trevon Hughes jump shot 18 feet from the basket.
The Badgers still have the advantage on the offensive boards and are starting to turn Marquette more. Five of Marquette's first nine possessions in the second half resulted in turnovers.
The good news for Marquette fans is that Wisconsin only has a 48-46 lead at this point (14:39 left in the game). But the Badgers seem to be on the verge of a big run.
- John Casper Jr.
Marquette now has two of its top defenders in foul trouble — Lazar Hayward still has three and Jerel McNeal just picked up his third defending a Trevon Hughes jump shot 18 feet from the basket.
The Badgers still have the advantage on the offensive boards and are starting to turn Marquette more. Five of Marquette's first nine possessions in the second half resulted in turnovers.
The good news for Marquette fans is that Wisconsin only has a 48-46 lead at this point (14:39 left in the game). But the Badgers seem to be on the verge of a big run.
- John Casper Jr.
Badgers should look to Landry
Marquette forward Lazar Hayward just picked up his second and third fouls in a 32-second span, meaning that someone else will have to match up with Marcus Landry.
Right now, that job is falling on the hands of swingman Wes Matthews, who had to do something similar last year against Alando Tucker when Jerel McNeal got into foul trouble. Matthews struggled, Tucker went off for 28 points, and the Badgers won the game.
Now, Landry isn't the same player Tucker was, but it's still an advantage the Badgers may want to explore over the next few possessions.
Marquette leads 33-32 with 3:59 left in the first after a Brian Butch 3-pointer.
- John Casper Jr.
Right now, that job is falling on the hands of swingman Wes Matthews, who had to do something similar last year against Alando Tucker when Jerel McNeal got into foul trouble. Matthews struggled, Tucker went off for 28 points, and the Badgers won the game.
Now, Landry isn't the same player Tucker was, but it's still an advantage the Badgers may want to explore over the next few possessions.
Marquette leads 33-32 with 3:59 left in the first after a Brian Butch 3-pointer.
- John Casper Jr.
This game actually has some flow
As someone who has seen every Marquette-Wisconsin game since 1985, I like to think I know a thing or two about this game. And this is by far the most fluid game I've seen in recent years.
Part of that has to do with Marquette's up-tempo style. Part of that has to do with the fact both teams are making their shots. And part of that is because Ed Hightower isn't here calling a foul every 20 seconds.
There's not a whole lot of banging going on underneath, but that doesn't mean this game isn't physical. Marquette is using its seemingly never-ending supply of guards to provide ball pressure on UW's wing players, while the Badgers are hitting the boards hard.
A good sign for Marquette is the emergence of Dwight Burke. A seldom-used bench player over the past few seasons, Burke is the starting center for Marquette and while nobody is going to confuse him for an all-American, he's giving the Eagles exactly what they need. He's scored six points and recently kept alive an offensive possession which resulted in a 3-pointer by Maurice Aker that pushed the Eagles' lead to 31-25 with 7 minutes left.
- John Casper Jr.
Part of that has to do with Marquette's up-tempo style. Part of that has to do with the fact both teams are making their shots. And part of that is because Ed Hightower isn't here calling a foul every 20 seconds.
There's not a whole lot of banging going on underneath, but that doesn't mean this game isn't physical. Marquette is using its seemingly never-ending supply of guards to provide ball pressure on UW's wing players, while the Badgers are hitting the boards hard.
A good sign for Marquette is the emergence of Dwight Burke. A seldom-used bench player over the past few seasons, Burke is the starting center for Marquette and while nobody is going to confuse him for an all-American, he's giving the Eagles exactly what they need. He's scored six points and recently kept alive an offensive possession which resulted in a 3-pointer by Maurice Aker that pushed the Eagles' lead to 31-25 with 7 minutes left.
- John Casper Jr.
Badgers owning the boards
If there's one advantage the Badgers have in this game, it's definitely the size down low. Marquette has a 10-8 lead with 14:51 left to play, but Wisconsin is hanging around because of its ability to grab offensive rebounds.
The Badgers last three baskets have come on second-chance opportunities, something Marquette can ill-afford to do if it wants to win this game.
On another note, the crowd is more pro-Wisconsin than in recent years. Usually it's about 90/10 for this game, but I'd guess that there's only about 5 percent Marquette fans, if that.
Dominic James has chosen to go with white high socks rather than choosing a color that would match the jersey. He's also ditched the shooting sleeve. I think it's a bad move. You aren't cool unless you have a shooting sleeve.
Marquette hasn't pressured in the full court yet, but I suspect that's coming. Wisconsin had trouble handling the press against Duke.
- John Casper Jr.
The Badgers last three baskets have come on second-chance opportunities, something Marquette can ill-afford to do if it wants to win this game.
On another note, the crowd is more pro-Wisconsin than in recent years. Usually it's about 90/10 for this game, but I'd guess that there's only about 5 percent Marquette fans, if that.
Dominic James has chosen to go with white high socks rather than choosing a color that would match the jersey. He's also ditched the shooting sleeve. I think it's a bad move. You aren't cool unless you have a shooting sleeve.
Marquette hasn't pressured in the full court yet, but I suspect that's coming. Wisconsin had trouble handling the press against Duke.
- John Casper Jr.
We're live at the Kohl Center
You are looking live at a blog from the Kohl Center on the campus of the University of Wisconsin, where in a few minutes the Wisconsin Badgers will tip it off against the Marquette Golden Eagles.
Keep coming back here for updates and insight into today's game, which can be seen on ESPN2, which is available on cable. The Big Ten Network still is not.
- John Casper Jr.
Keep coming back here for updates and insight into today's game, which can be seen on ESPN2, which is available on cable. The Big Ten Network still is not.
- John Casper Jr.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
More on the Macks
When we were talking about the Western Cloverbelt Conference before the season, Altoona boys basketball coach Andy Riechers told me he thought a lot of people were overlooking what could be a pretty good Chippewa Falls McDonell team.
He probably wishes he wasn't so dead on.
The Macks' 65-60 victory over the Railroaders on Thursday made them a legitimate contender in the WCC. They're now one of four teams -- along with Altoona, Augusta and Fall Creek -- at 2-1 in league play. So anyone who had didn't think McDonell was going to be a player in the WCC race better think again.
“They’re just so athletic and quick," Riechers said of the Macks. "They’re running to the corners fast. Their post players are physical and they’ve got four of them that can rotate in and out. They all step out and shoot the 3 and they know when to kick the ball out to 3-point shooters. Their 3-point shooters knock them down. It’s an impressive team.”
A few more thoughts and observations from the game:
* McDonell is for real. They have a lot of depth, some solid frontcourt players and they're athletic. They were very much an unknown coming into the season but as the Macks get better -- which they should -- they're going to be very tough. Their up-tempo game also is pretty fun to watch.
“We had a decent JV team and this summer we played together," said junior guard Jarrod Martell. "We played really well. We played just like we play now — really pushing the ball and beating on teams with our fastbreak. We’re sticking to that.”
* Martell, who played only limited varsity minutes last season, had 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists. There were times when coach Archie Sherbinow wanted him to slow down a bit, but Sherbinow knows that Martell's at his best when he's playing at a frantic pace.
* “It’s one of those coaching dilemmas," Sherbinow said. "You’ve got to let him go but at times you kind of want to rein him in. But if you start doing that, you probably get in his head and he’s not sure what he should and shouldn’t do. He did a lot of things. He’s definitely somebody who’s fun to watch out there on the floor. He can get up and down the floor and he gets to the hoop.”
* Junior Alex Rau has a chance to be a very good player for Altoona. He's 6-foot-6, has solid post moves and a nice outside touch. He was very effective in stretches Thursday, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the second quarter. As the Rails continue to feel out their new-look offense, they're going to need to get Rau involved more often.
“It’s just a matter of finding Alex where Alex is comfortable," Riechers said. "He’s a good shooter from the outside and when we penetrate, we’re drawing his guy and we’re able to kick it out to him. The guys are still getting used to where everybody is in the offense and they’re doing a better job of finding each other.”
- Joe Ziemer
He probably wishes he wasn't so dead on.
The Macks' 65-60 victory over the Railroaders on Thursday made them a legitimate contender in the WCC. They're now one of four teams -- along with Altoona, Augusta and Fall Creek -- at 2-1 in league play. So anyone who had didn't think McDonell was going to be a player in the WCC race better think again.
“They’re just so athletic and quick," Riechers said of the Macks. "They’re running to the corners fast. Their post players are physical and they’ve got four of them that can rotate in and out. They all step out and shoot the 3 and they know when to kick the ball out to 3-point shooters. Their 3-point shooters knock them down. It’s an impressive team.”
A few more thoughts and observations from the game:
* McDonell is for real. They have a lot of depth, some solid frontcourt players and they're athletic. They were very much an unknown coming into the season but as the Macks get better -- which they should -- they're going to be very tough. Their up-tempo game also is pretty fun to watch.
“We had a decent JV team and this summer we played together," said junior guard Jarrod Martell. "We played really well. We played just like we play now — really pushing the ball and beating on teams with our fastbreak. We’re sticking to that.”
* Martell, who played only limited varsity minutes last season, had 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists. There were times when coach Archie Sherbinow wanted him to slow down a bit, but Sherbinow knows that Martell's at his best when he's playing at a frantic pace.
* “It’s one of those coaching dilemmas," Sherbinow said. "You’ve got to let him go but at times you kind of want to rein him in. But if you start doing that, you probably get in his head and he’s not sure what he should and shouldn’t do. He did a lot of things. He’s definitely somebody who’s fun to watch out there on the floor. He can get up and down the floor and he gets to the hoop.”
* Junior Alex Rau has a chance to be a very good player for Altoona. He's 6-foot-6, has solid post moves and a nice outside touch. He was very effective in stretches Thursday, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the second quarter. As the Rails continue to feel out their new-look offense, they're going to need to get Rau involved more often.
“It’s just a matter of finding Alex where Alex is comfortable," Riechers said. "He’s a good shooter from the outside and when we penetrate, we’re drawing his guy and we’re able to kick it out to him. The guys are still getting used to where everybody is in the offense and they’re doing a better job of finding each other.”
- Joe Ziemer
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Blugolds men in control
Sorry for the lack of updates from the men's game. I'm trying to get the women's game story done early enough just in case the snow storm forces us to send the paper to the printer a bit earlier.
It looks as though the Blugolds are going to make it a clean sweep here at Johnson Fieldhouse. UW-Stout tied the game at 39 on a 3-pointer by Alex Mason with 13:10 left, but the Blugolds have cruised since, and now have a 54-47 lead with a little more than 6 minutes to play.
- John Casper Jr.
It looks as though the Blugolds are going to make it a clean sweep here at Johnson Fieldhouse. UW-Stout tied the game at 39 on a 3-pointer by Alex Mason with 13:10 left, but the Blugolds have cruised since, and now have a 54-47 lead with a little more than 6 minutes to play.
- John Casper Jr.
Blugolds women win, 70-59
The men's game has started, but I wanted to chime in with some observations on the Blugolds 70-59 victory over UW-Stout.
*UW-Eau Claire became the first WIAC team to win at Johnson Fieldhouse since December of 2005 and only the seventh since the 2000-'01 season. After the game, Michelle Burns gathered her teammates on the court and emphatically reminded them of the accomplishment.
*Both coach Tonja Englund and Burns spoke of the contribution from senior Kali Houselog, who scored all nine of her points in a five-minute stretch in the second half in which the Blugolds took control of the game. Englund said that's what she loves to see from a senior. UW-Eau Claire didn't have any on its roster last season.
*Blue Devils coach Mark Thomas said his team lost the game when it failed to push the ball in transition. Point guard Lindsey Geissler said the same. The Blue Devils only had three turnovers in the second half, compared to 16 in the first half, but never could get a good run going.
I'll have more later tonight and be sure to check the coverage in tomorrow's Leader-Telegram.
- John Casper Jr.
*UW-Eau Claire became the first WIAC team to win at Johnson Fieldhouse since December of 2005 and only the seventh since the 2000-'01 season. After the game, Michelle Burns gathered her teammates on the court and emphatically reminded them of the accomplishment.
*Both coach Tonja Englund and Burns spoke of the contribution from senior Kali Houselog, who scored all nine of her points in a five-minute stretch in the second half in which the Blugolds took control of the game. Englund said that's what she loves to see from a senior. UW-Eau Claire didn't have any on its roster last season.
*Blue Devils coach Mark Thomas said his team lost the game when it failed to push the ball in transition. Point guard Lindsey Geissler said the same. The Blue Devils only had three turnovers in the second half, compared to 16 in the first half, but never could get a good run going.
I'll have more later tonight and be sure to check the coverage in tomorrow's Leader-Telegram.
- John Casper Jr.
It's a game of runs
Basketball is a game of runs, and this one is certainly no exception.
After going 1-for-11 from the floor and watching its lead shrink to four points, UW-Eau Claire made five of its next six shots and was 7-for-8 from the free-throw line to grab a 53-37 lead with 9:18 left.
The Blugolds have been able to regain control of the game in large part because of the play from senior Kali Houselog. She has nine points during the Blugolds' latest spurt, including one basket on a post move that would make Hakeem Olajuwoun and Kevin McHale proud.
UW-Eau Claire leads 56-41 with 7:10 left.
(By the way, I know it's a dated reference, but I'm rather impressed I spelled Olajuwon correctly. At least I think I did. That's how Wikipedia spells it and as everyone knows, Wikipedia is always correct.)
- John Casper Jr.
After going 1-for-11 from the floor and watching its lead shrink to four points, UW-Eau Claire made five of its next six shots and was 7-for-8 from the free-throw line to grab a 53-37 lead with 9:18 left.
The Blugolds have been able to regain control of the game in large part because of the play from senior Kali Houselog. She has nine points during the Blugolds' latest spurt, including one basket on a post move that would make Hakeem Olajuwoun and Kevin McHale proud.
UW-Eau Claire leads 56-41 with 7:10 left.
(By the way, I know it's a dated reference, but I'm rather impressed I spelled Olajuwon correctly. At least I think I did. That's how Wikipedia spells it and as everyone knows, Wikipedia is always correct.)
- John Casper Jr.
We may have a game here
So much for the Blugolds pulling away early in the second half.
UW-Eau Claire has missed its first eight shots of the second half, while UW-Stout is starting to get better looks at the hoop. A jumper by Tricia Van Vreede just cut the lead to 34-30, and Blugolds coach Tonja Englund couldn't wait until the 16-minute media timeout before she needed to settle her squad.
UW-Eau Claire has missed its first eight shots of the second half, while UW-Stout is starting to get better looks at the hoop. A jumper by Tricia Van Vreede just cut the lead to 34-30, and Blugolds coach Tonja Englund couldn't wait until the 16-minute media timeout before she needed to settle her squad.
Blugolds just deeper than Stout
UW-Eau Claire has a 34-22 halftime lead here at Johnson Fieldhouse, an advantage it built on the strength of a 22-4 run midway through the first half. The lead was as much as 15 at one point, but the Blue Devils were able to get to the hoop with some consistency over the last few minutes to stay close.
Some initial first-half observations:
*A big reason why UW-Eau Claire was picked to win the WIAC was because of its depth. Whereas the Blue Devils' starting five matches up well with the Blugolds' starting five, UW-Eau Claire definitely has the advantage on the bench. Case in point, 6-foot-2 center Ashley Anderson. Although she's only averaged 6.2 minutes per game in UW-Eau Claire's first five five contests, she's already given the Blugolds several quality minutes in the first half and has four points and one block to show for her efforts. The Blugolds can also use Missy Fremstad to spell point guard Heather Witt and not lose much intensity.
*UW-Stout needs better shot selection. The Blue Devils are shooting 26 percent from the floor, including 3-of-14 on 3-pointers. Since making 2-of-5 in the first three minutes of the game, they are 1-for-9. Unless those shots magically start falling, Stout would be best advised to make the extra pass or attack the basket.
*The Blue Devils' Charlee Edwards is a fun player to watch. She reminds me a lot of Marquette's Jerel McNeal in that she's all over the court on defense, yet can make some mistakes by being too aggressive on offense. She already has five steals, but she also has four turnovers — several on traveling violations when she's trying to make a fake. Coach Mark Thomas has pulled her off the court after a few of these turnovers, but I wouldn't be surprised if she's on the floor more in the second half as Stout tries to make a comeback.
*The Blugolds' MVP so far? Heather Witt. The point guard has a game-high 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, inclduing 2-for-3 on 3-pointers. She also has four steals. While the Blue Devils are collapsing on Michelle Burns and company in the post, Witt is taking advantage of open lanes and open jumpers. Look for the Blue Devils to make a small adjustment to try to take Witt out of the game.
*It's a sloppy game to a point. Both teams have 16 turnovers in the first half alone, which is way too many for either coaches' liking.
- John Casper Jr.
Some initial first-half observations:
*A big reason why UW-Eau Claire was picked to win the WIAC was because of its depth. Whereas the Blue Devils' starting five matches up well with the Blugolds' starting five, UW-Eau Claire definitely has the advantage on the bench. Case in point, 6-foot-2 center Ashley Anderson. Although she's only averaged 6.2 minutes per game in UW-Eau Claire's first five five contests, she's already given the Blugolds several quality minutes in the first half and has four points and one block to show for her efforts. The Blugolds can also use Missy Fremstad to spell point guard Heather Witt and not lose much intensity.
*UW-Stout needs better shot selection. The Blue Devils are shooting 26 percent from the floor, including 3-of-14 on 3-pointers. Since making 2-of-5 in the first three minutes of the game, they are 1-for-9. Unless those shots magically start falling, Stout would be best advised to make the extra pass or attack the basket.
*The Blue Devils' Charlee Edwards is a fun player to watch. She reminds me a lot of Marquette's Jerel McNeal in that she's all over the court on defense, yet can make some mistakes by being too aggressive on offense. She already has five steals, but she also has four turnovers — several on traveling violations when she's trying to make a fake. Coach Mark Thomas has pulled her off the court after a few of these turnovers, but I wouldn't be surprised if she's on the floor more in the second half as Stout tries to make a comeback.
*The Blugolds' MVP so far? Heather Witt. The point guard has a game-high 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, inclduing 2-for-3 on 3-pointers. She also has four steals. While the Blue Devils are collapsing on Michelle Burns and company in the post, Witt is taking advantage of open lanes and open jumpers. Look for the Blue Devils to make a small adjustment to try to take Witt out of the game.
*It's a sloppy game to a point. Both teams have 16 turnovers in the first half alone, which is way too many for either coaches' liking.
- John Casper Jr.
Blugolds weather early storm
As is usually the case when you're the underdog, UW-Stout has come out thus far as though it has nothing to lose.
The Blue Devils are letting it fly on the offensive end, and made a couple of early 3-pointers to take an 8-2 lead.
But UW-Eau Claire has since settled down on the offensive end and has run more of its offense through post player Michelle Burns. Point guard Heather Witt has scored the Blugolds last seven points, and UW-Eau Claire has a 24-14 lead with 6:36 left in the first half.
- John Casper Jr.
The Blue Devils are letting it fly on the offensive end, and made a couple of early 3-pointers to take an 8-2 lead.
But UW-Eau Claire has since settled down on the offensive end and has run more of its offense through post player Michelle Burns. Point guard Heather Witt has scored the Blugolds last seven points, and UW-Eau Claire has a 24-14 lead with 6:36 left in the first half.
- John Casper Jr.
We're live from the Johnson Fieldhouse
Greetings from the Johnson Fieldhouse on the campus of UW-Stout. We're going to be bringing you a few live updates from today's WIAC basketball doubleheader between UW-Stout and UW-Eau Claire.
The women's game tips off in less than 20 minutes, while the men are slated to tip off at 5 p.m.
Here's a few insights into the women's game:
*The last time these two teams met, it was for the WIAC title. UW-Stout won that matchup, 73-61, to advance to its third straight NCAA tournament. But things have changed since then. The Blugolds are now the top dog in the WIAC — at least according to the league's sports information directors — and the Blue Devils hope that a victory today will be a springboard to a surprising season.
*Both teams have played a strong nonconference schedule up to this point. UW-Stout (3-3) has only lost to Division II teams, while UW-Eau Claire (4-1) has a victory over a Division II opponent to its credit — St. Cloud State. UW-Stout lost to the Huskies 87-72 back on Nov. 17, while the Blugolds won their game, 86-78, on Wednesday.
*Not sure what kind of crowd we're going to have for today's game. The weather was pretty bad on my trek from Eau Claire, which I made in about 45 minutes. In case you are sitting at home with nothing to do, there's plenty of room here at this point.
I'd also like to give special thanks to Layne Pitt and the UW-Stout sports information department. If you can give a sportswriter an outlet and a wireless connection, you'll be forever in his good graces. And, as a bonus, he provided complete pregame notes. All you young SIDs out there, you can learn a few things from Layne.
Also, if you are so inclined, today's games are available to watch or listen to on the Internet. Go to the UW-Stout athletics Web site to learn more.
- John Casper Jr.
The women's game tips off in less than 20 minutes, while the men are slated to tip off at 5 p.m.
Here's a few insights into the women's game:
*The last time these two teams met, it was for the WIAC title. UW-Stout won that matchup, 73-61, to advance to its third straight NCAA tournament. But things have changed since then. The Blugolds are now the top dog in the WIAC — at least according to the league's sports information directors — and the Blue Devils hope that a victory today will be a springboard to a surprising season.
*Both teams have played a strong nonconference schedule up to this point. UW-Stout (3-3) has only lost to Division II teams, while UW-Eau Claire (4-1) has a victory over a Division II opponent to its credit — St. Cloud State. UW-Stout lost to the Huskies 87-72 back on Nov. 17, while the Blugolds won their game, 86-78, on Wednesday.
*Not sure what kind of crowd we're going to have for today's game. The weather was pretty bad on my trek from Eau Claire, which I made in about 45 minutes. In case you are sitting at home with nothing to do, there's plenty of room here at this point.
I'd also like to give special thanks to Layne Pitt and the UW-Stout sports information department. If you can give a sportswriter an outlet and a wireless connection, you'll be forever in his good graces. And, as a bonus, he provided complete pregame notes. All you young SIDs out there, you can learn a few things from Layne.
Also, if you are so inclined, today's games are available to watch or listen to on the Internet. Go to the UW-Stout athletics Web site to learn more.
- John Casper Jr.
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