MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[sac]

Ryan Patton 6-1 Guard  Rochester Christian, Rochester, Michigan says on twitter he's chosen Elmhurst to play college ball.

Interested schools:   Elmhurst College, Albion College, Alma College, Kalamazoo College, Arcadia University, Madonna College, Grand Valley State, Ferris State State, Philadelphia University of Science and Concordia College-Ann Arbor

Recent article:  http://northoaklandsports.com/2016/02/26/boys-basketball-scoring-king-patton-keeps-putting-up-numbers-despite-little-notoriety-for-rochester-hills-christian/#.VvIEYXpG5-w

[Mr. Ypsi]

UST unanimously #1; Benedictine unanimously #2.  Duh and duh.   Augie barely held off Chris Newport for #3.  Elmhurst held steady at #18.  NCC barely hangs in the Top 25, falling from #17 to #25.  As expected, no other CCIW teams received any votes.

I really looked forward to the battle for Illinois (and CCIW ) supremacy between Benedictine and Augie, but, alas, it was not to be.

Barring disaster, I expect NCC and NPU to be fixtures in the Top 25 next season (and perhaps Top 10).  The question is whether IWU, Augie, and Carroll can also break into the Top 25 (I'll predict IWU, yes; Augie and Carroll, maybe.)

[iwu70]

Ypsi, I agree NPU and NCC are the top teams going into next year.  For IWU to get back to challenging for the CCIW crown, they will have to somehow re-commit to defense.  The Titans could score enough this past year, but they just couldn't really stop anybody on a consistent basis.  I have my doubts that they will make it back into the top 25 initially as now they have to prove in the pre-CCIW portion they can compete well and beat some top teams. 

Likely starters next season -- Seibring, Bausch, Stempel, Rose and Falatico?  Beasley and the other freshman guard surely in the rotation, in the mix.  This line-up doesn't strike me as a top 25 group, at least to start out the season.  IMHO.

IWU70

[markerickson]

As much as I'd like to see NPU be a "fixture" up high next year, I do not envision that happening with such a woeful bench.  As I mentioned in the first half of the season, the over-reliance on the starters could have led to tired legs at the end of the season.  As we all know, NPU was positioned to finish fourth, but the team did not shoot well in three of its final four losses.

[robertgoulet]

I expect NCC to be competing for a National Title next year. Don't think I'm being too optimistic on that front. Need to replace Moten, but otherwise they're pretty stacked.

[AndOne]

I expect NCC to be competing for a National Title next year. Don't think I'm being too optimistic on that front. Need to replace Moten, but otherwise they're pretty stacked.

Jayme Moten will indeed leave large shoes to be filled for NCC next season. In 2014-2015 he set the all time NCC single season record for 3 pointers, led the conference in 3 pointers made, and finished 5th in scoring. As a result, it was anticipated that he would likely be one of the conference leaders in scoring again this season. However, when the need arose for someone to step into the position of being the man to most often defend the opponent's most dangerous guard, Jayme willingly epitomized the T in team, and stepped up to this position at the expense of some of his scoring capabilities. An often explosive scorer who also developed into a top notch on the ball defender.

However, Jayme's loss is only half the story as far as what NCC needs to find a replacement for next season. They also lose Kevin Honn, 3rd on the team in both scoring and rebounding while coming off the bench as the team's 6th man. Playing an average of only 21 minutes a game, Kevin finished 20th in league scoring, 13th in rebounds, and 6th in FG percentage. Down the stretch, he averaged 13.6 while shooting 63.6% from the floor over the last 10 games. Another big pair of shoes to fill.

[AndOne]

Greg,

Since you say you often answer questions that were meant for others perhaps you'll take a shot at this one.

* Lucas Johnson (who I have always said was a very good D3 player) was named the D3 POY.
* In head-to-head competition this year North Central's Alex Sorenson had 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block vs. Johnson's 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
* Sorenson was a unanimous 1st team All CCIW selection as was Augie's Ben Ryan.
* Sorenson was a D3Hoops 2nd team All Central Region selection as was Ryan.
* Sorenson averaged 15.3 PPG, and 7.7 RPG.
* Ryan averaged 14.0 PPG, and 7.1 RPG
* Ryan was D3Hoops 2nd team All American.
* Sorenson not only wasn't selected D3Hoops 2nd team All American, he wasn't selected to the 3rd or 4th team, or even named Honorable Mention.

Doesn't something seem amiss here?

There were a lot of forwards considered this year. There is only so much room. Ryan Saarela didn't make the All-American team either.

As for your comparison with Johnson, stats isn't the only key. He did help lead a team to a championship game appearance and only suffered one loss and any coach I have talked to who has seen him play, played against him, or knows him stats that Johnson could easily go for 20-30 points a game if that is what the team needed. He actually does an amazing job getting the rest of the team involved (over 100 assists this season - over 3 per game) and when needed steps up with big nights (21 points, 11 rebounds in title game). Head to head can be tough to make decisions based on versus the entire resume of the player and the team.

Sorenson is certainly a good player, but there really were a lot of good forwards this season.

Dave,

The core of my argument didn't really concern Mr. Johnson who certainly had a fabulous season individually and team wise. I was merely making the point that Sorenson outplayed the POY in the single opportunity that he had to do so, and that said effort was merely one point in favor of his inclusion on the D3Hoops All-American team. The one game stats not being meant as a knock on Johnson in any way, shape, or form.

The primary point I was trying to make is that Alex Sorenson was unanimously recognized by the coaches of this season's number one conference in the country as a first team all-conference player, as was Augie's Ben Ryan. Furthermore, he was recognized by D3Hoops as being a 2nd team All-Region player as was Augie's Ben Ryan. Then, to top things off, Sorenson both out-scored and out-rebounded Ryan this season. Given these comparative facts, it would appear that if Ben Ryan was deserving of 2nd team All-American status, and I am NOT saying he wasn't, then it seems logical that Alex Sorenson was too. And, if the above is not sufficient for overall comparison and consideration, then throw in the fact that Sorenson could well be even a more complete player as substantiated by the fact that he led the CCIW in the widely varying and highly unusual categories of both blocks and 3 point shooting percentage, evidencing his prowess on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. If nothing else, it is difficult to comprehend how an argument could be advanced that, given the above facts, if Sorenson was somehow not worthy of recognition equal to that of Ben Ryan (2nd team), how in the world was he not worthy of inclusion on at least the 3rd or 4th team, or the Honorable Mention team at minimum? Are his accomplishments to be negated because NCC did not rank as high as Augie? If so, what is an equitable level of punishment? Is it more than 3 teams below a 2nd team member whose noteworthy accomplishments Alex at least matched if not exceeded? The defense rests. 

[robertgoulet]

I expect NCC to be competing for a National Title next year. Don't think I'm being too optimistic on that front. Need to replace Moten, but otherwise they're pretty stacked.

Jayme Moten will indeed leave large shoes to be filled for NCC next season. In 2014-2015 he set the all time NCC single season record for 3 pointers, led the conference in 3 pointers made, and finished 5th in scoring. As a result, it was anticipated that he would likely be one of the conference leaders in scoring again this season. However, when the need arose for someone to step into the position of being the man to most often defend the opponent's most dangerous guard, Jayme willingly epitomized the T in team, and stepped up to this position at the expense of some of his scoring capabilities. An often explosive scorer who also developed into a top notch on the ball defender.

However, Jayme's loss is only half the story as far as what NCC needs to find a replacement for next season. They also lose Kevin Honn, 3rd on the team in both scoring and rebounding while coming off the bench as the team's 6th man. Playing an average of only 21 minutes a game, Kevin finished 20th in league scoring, 13th in rebounds, and 6th in FG percentage. Down the stretch, he averaged 13.6 while shooting 63.6% from the floor over the last 10 games. Another big pair of shoes to fill.

I agree that Honn is a loss, but I think that will be more than made up for by the improvement of the kids. I'm more worried about Moten's departure.

[AndOne]

Michael Hoekstra, heavily recruited before choosing Augie, has played the equivalent of about seven games (291 minutes) in three years. I doubt that he expected to be used so sparingly and, accordingly, whether he is passing out many exuberant endorsements of the AC program. 😐

Michael Hoekstra committed to Augustana knowing that posts Ben Ryan, Tayvian Johnson, and Brandon Motzel were in the class ahead of him -- 6-5 Ryan and 6-6 Johnson started as freshmen.  I don't think it's fair to blindly suggest (without any knowledge of the situation) that 3 years later Hoekstra is upset that he's been behind those same 3 guys, and that he is not happy with the Augie basketball program. 

From a common sense standpoint, why would Daniel Hoekstra have considered Augustana so strongly if his brother was unhappy there? (And I know he did strongly consider Augie.)  So your theory doesn't seem to add up.

I'll put it more succinctly.  The comment by AO is simply a load of crap.

Yes, Augie6, it could be a load of crap unless you consider that people from the AAU circuit, who know Hoekstra very well, have said that while he indeed may have considered Augie, it was not much more than casually. Also, why would Daniel not be going to Augie if his brother's experience was that outstanding? Being an Augie fan isn't there any possibility whatsoever that you are at least a little biased here? Or, is there not any possibility that you may either be overlooking something or don't have all the facts?
Also, is the situation really much of a knock to Augie or is it more of a plus for Wesleyan?

[AndOne]

Ypsi, I agree NPU and NCC are the top teams going into next year.  For IWU to get back to challenging for the CCIW crown, they will have to somehow re-commit to defense.  The Titans could score enough this past year, but they just couldn't really stop anybody on a consistent basis.  I have my doubts that they will make it back into the top 25 initially as now they have to prove in the pre-CCIW portion they can compete well and beat some top teams. 

Likely starters next season -- Seibring, Bausch, Stempel, Rose and Falatico?  Beasley and the other freshman guard surely in the rotation, in the mix.  This line-up doesn't strike me as a top 25 group, at least to start out the season.  IMHO.

IWU70

70-

Falotico? Do you really think he'll start? What about Bonnett? He seemed to be pretty prominent this year.
From an opposition standpoint, I kind of hope Falotico does start. He only shot 34% this year, and he was a horrible, especially for a guard, 42% from the line. To top it off, he plays matador defense and fouls on an average of once every six minutes!

[AndOne]

It's a fact...........

POY Luke Johnson hoopin' at The Hangar in Naperville this PM.

[AppletonRocks]

Are any of the illustrious coaches in the preeminent D-3 conference in the country a candidate for the UW-Milwaukee head coach position?   After all, if WIAC coaches are under consideration, a CCIW coach should be an easy choice. 

[Titan Q]

Falotico? Do you really think he'll start? What about Bonnett? He seemed to be pretty prominent this year.
From an opposition standpoint, I kind of hope Falotico does start. He only shot 34% this year, and he was a horrible, especially for a guard, 42% from the line. To top it off, he plays matador defense and fouls on an average of once every six minutes!

You are such a pleasant guy.

[Gregory Sager]

Greg,

Since you say you often answer questions that were meant for others perhaps you'll take a shot at this one.

* Lucas Johnson (who I have always said was a very good D3 player) was named the D3 POY.
* In head-to-head competition this year North Central's Alex Sorenson had 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block vs. Johnson's 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
* Sorenson was a unanimous 1st team All CCIW selection as was Augie's Ben Ryan.
* Sorenson was a D3Hoops 2nd team All Central Region selection as was Ryan.
* Sorenson averaged 15.3 PPG, and 7.7 RPG.
* Ryan averaged 14.0 PPG, and 7.1 RPG
* Ryan was D3Hoops 2nd team All American.
* Sorenson not only wasn't selected D3Hoops 2nd team All American, he wasn't selected to the 3rd or 4th team, or even named Honorable Mention.

Doesn't something seem amiss here?

A few weeks ago I posted here about the 20 & 10 Club. In basketball, a 20 and 10 season is universally perceived to be the ultimate statistical standard of excellence among forwards, particularly power forwards and centers, which means that what Jordan Robinson was accomplishing this season for North Park was something pretty huge.

In the NCAA's penultimate statistical rankings for 2015-16, only seven players in all of D3 averaged 20 and 10. Of the five among the seven who are seniors, two made All-American (Andre Norris, Dubuque, 1st team, and Will Fonseca, Staten Island, 3rd team) and two others made All-Region first team in their respective regions (Egzon Gjonbalaj, Brooklyn and Mitch Ford, Nazareth). All four played in the Reese's All-Star game in Salem on Championship Saturday. The fifth senior, Michael Murray of Rockford, missed a quarter of the season (presumably due to injury), which likely explains why he wasn't named to the Central Region's All-Region team at all, let alone All-American, or made the Reese's All-Star roster (although he was an All-NACC first-teamer).

The sixth 20 & 10 player and lone junior, Evan Greening of Pitt-Bradford, is an anomaly. He was only named to the All-AMCC third team, which is truly bizarre since he led the AMCC in both scoring and rebounding (to add further insult to injury, he was listed on the AMCC awards page under the wrong school). Since I strongly suspect that the SIDs of the various regions vote for players whom they haven't seen based upon league awards, it's no wonder that Greening got lost in the shuffle and didn't make the Great Lakes Region All-Region team. It looks to me that Greening was seriously jobbed.

Which brings us to the lone sophomore among the seven who made this season's D3 20 & 10 club, Jordan Robinson. He was stiffed by the CCIW coaches and only named to the league's second team, in spite of being the league's second-leading scorer and leading rebounder (by a full rebound and a half per game, and that's both CCIW-only stats and overall stats). Because, again, I strongly suspect that many (if not most) SIDs base their All-Region ballots upon league awards rather than upon statistics or archived online game footage when it comes to players whom they haven't seen in their own gyms, Robinson didn't make the All-Region team ... and was thus probably never in the conversation for All-American, either.

In other words, Mark, get in line at the complaint department counter.

[AndOne]

Falotico? Do you really think he'll start? What about Bonnett? He seemed to be pretty prominent this year.
From an opposition standpoint, I kind of hope Falotico does start. He only shot 34% this year, and he was a horrible, especially for a guard, 42% from the line. To top it off, he plays matador defense and fouls on an average of once every six minutes!

You are such a pleasant guy.

Thank you Titan Q.
Many people would agree. But, like everyone else, not everyone whose acquaintance I have made would agree. 
I wanted to be accurate so I took my information directly from the Illinois Wesleyan web site so I would be assured of working with infallible data.

14   Falotico, Mark   21   2   263   12.5   23   66   .348   8   22   .364   11   26   .423   8   17   25   1.2   42   28   1.3   22   7   0   65   3.1

If I misinterpreted any of the information, I apologize.