Some quick thoughts on Brookfield and Wauwatosa basketball going into the New Year.
One of the most surprising revelations this year is Brookfield Central coach Mark Adams playing variations of a 1-3-1 zone. Adams is a strict believer of man-to-man defense, but with six of his eighth-man base rotation 6-foot-2 or bigger, it seemed like a natural move with the height and length of his team.
Seth Mortag has blossomed into a top player as a junior, while 6-0 guards - senior Alex Olson and sensational freshman Riley LaChance - are the Lancers top three players. If they can keep up this defense, the Lancers are definite contenders in the GMC.
Coach Andy Farley, looking for a third scorer to go with Darius Barnes and C.J. Gregg, his two talented big man, got 27 points from Andy Raymonds against Westosha Central on Thursday. The Spartans have improved their depth and will be a thorn in teams' sides this year.
Wauwatosa East played the best game I've seen them play in three years while destroyig Marquette (70-41). But then they lost a heartbreaker to Wisco, beat Milwaukee Lutheran and Pius, but got blown out by Arrowhead. Anthony Carroll and Darrell Bowie give them a good 1-2 punch, but the Red Raiders need to be more consistent.
Wauwatosa West has won four of five games as they have gone back to their fast-breaking ways of last year. Ricky Landers is a nice-looking freshman and Jarvis Ashley and Tyler Krause have been carrying their offense. They are fun to watch, but I don't think they are a threat to win the Woodland Black Division.
More on the girls later this week.