Craig powers past Westosha Central
Podcast Episode
Westosha Central at Jvl Craig boys basketball regional semi-final Tue 3-3 Part 1 Click here for part 2.
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Craig Cougar head coach Bob Suter beams as he acknowledges a trick shot by JoJo Pregont that drew a foul and went in for a 3-point play against Westosha Central on Tuesday.
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Craig's A.J. Fredricks fights Westosha Central's Joel Zietsma for a rebound on Tuesday.
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Craig's Will Clanfield battles Westosha Central's Erik Richter for a rebound on Tuesday.
JANESVILLE — If Tuesday night was Bob Suter’s last home game at Janesville Craig High School, the Cougars made it a memorable one.
Craig jumped out to a 10-0 lead and coasted to an 84-58 victory over Westosha Central in a WIAA Division 1 boys basketball regional semifinal game.
The Cougars (10-11) play at Kenosha Tremper (13-7) at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the winner advancing to the Janesville Craig Sectional.
The visiting Falcons (3-18) were no match for the Cougars in the tournament opener. Westosha fell behind 10-0 the first two minutes of the game and was down 18-6 with 1:46 left in the opening period after A.J. Fredricks made a pair of free throws. The Falcons got no closer than nine the rest of the way.
Suter, who will retire at the end of the season, said the quick start was crucial.
“We’re much more effective on the offensive end when we take the ball to the basket instead of settling for jump shots, and that’s what we did early on,” Suter said. “I talked about how important it was to not let them hang around, and we didn’t.
“We live to see another day. That’s the most important thing.”
Fredricks led a balanced attack for the Cougars with 18 points, including 10 in the first quarter. Brad Cagney added 14, and Kyle Goike had in 10, as 11 players scored for Craig.
The Cougars led 20-11 after one quarter, then outscored the Falcons 25-14 in the second to open up a 20-point halftime lead.
After the Falcons got within 30-19 with 4:30 left in the first half, the Cougars responded with a 10-0 run to dash any comeback hopes. Cagney started the outburst with a three-pointer from the left wing, and Fredricks’ nifty reverse layup with 1:30 left in the half capped off the run.
About the only complaint Suter had all game was with the defense of his second-stringers. Westosha made 12 three-point baskets, including six in a 23-point fourth quarter.
With an athletic Tremper up next,, Suter knows his team has to pick up the intensity on defense if it hopes to earn a spot in the Craig Sectional.
“They’re going to come after us with a full-court press, but it’s not going to be anything we haven’t seen before,” Suter said. “They won’t be as quick as a (Madison) Memorial or (Madison) La Follette, but they’re athletic, and the game is on their home court.
“I really like the way we came out tonight and set the tempo. That’s the kind of effort we’re going to need on Saturday, as well. We’re one game away from getting back here to play, and we’ll see how we respond in a tough environment.”
n Ticket sale—Tickets for the regional final game at Kenosha Tremper will be on sale in the assistant principal’s office at Craig on today and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. until noon.
CRAIG 84, WESTOSHA 58
Westosha (58)—Wilson, 1-0-2; Myers, 1-0-3; Schaum, 2-0-6; Micheleau, 2-0-6; Lehner, 2-0-6; Koeshall, 5-4-16; Milz, 5-1-14; Zietsma, 0-1-1; Feivor, 1-0-2; Thoss, 1-0-2. Totals: 20-6-58.
Craig (84)—Wright, 2-0-4; Cagney, 5-1-14; Fredricks, 7-4-18; Goike, 4-0-10; J. Pregont, 2-4-8; Lowe, 2-0-5; Bates, 2-0-5; M. Pregont, 3-0-6; Condon, 3-3-9; Loasching, 2-0-4; Holznecht, 0-1-1. Totals: 32-13-84.
Westosha Central 11 14 10 23—58
Janesville Craig 20 25 19 20—84
Three-point goals—Westosha 12 (Milz 3, Schaum 2, Micheleau 2, Koeshall 2, Lehner 2, Myers), Craig 7 (Cagney 3, Goike 2, Lowe, Bates). Free throws missed—Westosha 4, Craig 9. Total fouls—Westosha 18, Craig 14.
Mar 5, 2009 at 7:49 a.m.
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frusion-That's what we're all trying to figure out. I was at the game and Fredricks being a ball hog was the farthest thing. Sounds like a case of my son never gets the ball. Well if your son can't score, he's not going to get it.
Mar 4, 2009 at 5:06 p.m.
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TEAMTOGETHER! (As Coach John Chekouras used to say.) Great job gaining another victory, guys. Keep the string going come Saturday. We're all behind you. (On another note, can anyone tell me which Bob Suter in the phone book is the coach? One of my brothers wants to send him a retirement card. Thanks!)
Mar 4, 2009 at 5 p.m.
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Can someone tell me what the Fredricks bashing is about? Is he being accused of being a ball-hog? (I'm from the west side so I'm impartial) I like my Vikings regardless of their record this year....
Mar 4, 2009 at 4:43 p.m.
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localmatters-seems like you have a little basketball envy. You could be a little more encouraging so the whole team morale is up and not just dogging on Suter and Fredricks. If Fredricks can score the points so be it. Goike isn't perfect either. If you think so you need your eyes checked.
Mar 4, 2009 at 4:12 p.m.
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Pass it to the guy that makes the points. Like I said, look at the others and what they scored. Everyone contributed very well.
Mar 4, 2009 at 3:51 p.m.
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It's not quite so hard to bash when you look at the record this year. Of course one player isn't the only issue. Still it's hard to pass the ball when you know it's likely not to come back your way.
Mar 4, 2009 at 3:01 p.m.
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Fredricks is a very good player and if he's putting the ball in the hoop, that's all that matters. Kind of hard to bash someone that is high scoring in games. He's obviously doing it right.
Mar 4, 2009 at 2:05 p.m.
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Is there a jealousy issue going on here? If Fredricks scores well, so be it! I'm all for the Cougars winning as a team. Don't be so worried about an individual's performance. They advance as a team, not an individual.
Mar 4, 2009 at 1:16 p.m.
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WOW! everyones's topic is always about Fredricks. He must be doing something right. We have other issues about the team that are more important. Keep on scoring Fredricks!!!!!!!!!!
Mar 4, 2009 at 9:21 a.m.
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Fredricks scores points and everyone else contributed.
Mar 4, 2009 at 8:55 a.m.
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As long as Suter keeps the ropes on Fredricks Saturday they have a chance. Let's make Saturday a TEAM win.
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