Stepping to the head of the class
Mukwonago takes command in Classic 8
MUKWONAGO – Clarity. That is what Mukwonago’s boys basketball team has helped provide in the crazy Classic 8. Four weeks ago, the league had five teams tied for first.
Today the Indians are alone in first place and have created a couple of layers of separation between themselves and almost every team in the league.
The latest to fall was Waukesha North on Friday. The Northstars
came into play a half-game behind Mukwonago but fell victim to a secondhalf assault from three-point range and lost, 64-54.
The win gives Mukwonago (13-3, 9-2) at least a two-game lead in the loss column over every team in the league except Arrowhead, which it leads by one game.
Here are five takeaways from the game.
Behind the arc: Mukwonago finished with at least 10 three-pointers for the second time in three contests. Friday the Indians buried seven in the second half. Six players had at least one three-pointer during that stretch.
“We let it rip with confidence,” Mukwonago coach Jim Haasser said. “They have a short memory. That’ s a good thing.”
Balance paying off: The team’s balance from long range was symbolic of the offensive balance it has exhibited all season.
North coach Sam Katula praised Mukwonago for the improvement it has made during the season. Part of that growth has come from adjusting to being a team that relied on a go-to player last season (Brandon Hau) to one that doesn’t have anyone who fits that bill.
Senior guard-forward Bryce Konitzer entered play leading the team in scoring with 12.1 points per game, but eight players were averaging at least five points.
Friday was another balanced effort. Konitzer finished with 12, followed by senior guard Connor Tess (nine) and three players with eight each.
“The first game we realized that because we don’t have a set scorer,” Konitzer said. “It was all spread out. I think there was one game we put up 85 points and no one scored in double digits.”
Wearing ’em down: Part of that balance is the result of the team’s depth. Haasser played 12 players in both halves.
Perhaps it is not an accident that Mukwonago has been finishing its games strong. Friday the second-half margin was plus-11 for the Indians.
“We’re playing 11, 12 guys for a reason,” Haasser said. “This has to be the difference in the game. Just keep the throttle down.”
King of the boards: Will McDonald finished with 17 points to lead North. Mukwonago did a nice job of doubling the 6-foot- 5 senior, so he didn’t get much from his touches in the post. Where he helped was on the boards. The official tally for the Iowa State football recruit wasn’t available, but his quickness off the floor and ability to keep the ball alive by tipping it helped North get 20 offensive rebounds.
“Will’s a double-double guy every night. He’s going to get you double-digit points and rebounds every game,” Katula said. “Mukwonago did a phenomenal job of taking touches away from him. That was a challenge for us.,.”
Next up: If Mukwonago goes on to win its first league title since 2013, it must do the job away from home. Its next four games – Muskego, Kettle Moraine, Arrowhead and Oconomowoc – are on the road. It closes the regular season at home against Waukesha North on Feb. 22.