Today’s prep basketball playoff games
SUPERIOR (21-4) VS. STEVENS POINT (24-1)
What: Division 1, Sectional 1 boys final
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Wausau West High School
Outlook: A 47-34 win over Marshfield means Superior is a win away from its first state tournament since 1974. Jake Libal (12.6 points per game), Nick Mehlum (11.6) and Brandon Myer (10.2) lead the way offensively, with Connor Gray (9.4) and Brett Lozon (8.4) capable of scoring outbursts. Superior shoots well from behind the arc, while Libal has made 67 percent (76 of 114) of his 2-point tries. Myer had 15 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals vs. Marshfield. The Spartans are 21-game winners one season after stumbling through an 11-game losing streak en route to a 7-15 record. They are trying to follow in the footsteps of the Superior girls, who reached state last year. … Stevens Point is ranked second in the state. Its lone loss came against Cretin-Derham Hall of St. Paul. Trevor Anderson scores 22.8 points per game, and is followed by Sam Hauser (18) and Joey Hauser (10.2). The Panthers are capable of catching fire from the 3-point line - Sam Hauser is shooting 54 percent (64 of 119), Trevor Anderson is at 47 percent (46 of 97) and Jamison Kryshak 46 percent (35 of 76). Sam (a junior) and Joey Hauser (freshman) are brothers; their father, Dave Hauser, played at Minnesota Duluth from 1987-91. The school’s athletic director and Dave’s wife, Stephanie Hauser, played at Wisconsin-Superior. The winner of today’s game meets either Marquette or West Allis Central in a state semifinal March 20 at Kohl Center in Madison.
Radio: WNXR-FM 107.3
Internet: ifan.tv
ESKO (25-4) VS. INTERNATIONAL FALLS (23-6)
What: Section 7AA girls final
When: 7 p.m.
ADVERTISEMENT
Where: Romano Gym
Outlook: A familiar recipe - enviable depth and a disruptive defense that kickstarts the offense - has Esko within a game of returning to the state tournament. The Eskomos’ stifling defense, allowing an average of 27.3 points in three playoff games, has been on display this postseason. The high-water mark was the 32 points scored by Eveleth-Gilbert in Thursday’s semifinals. Apropos of a team that divvies out its scoring responsibilities, nine players scored Thursday. Ava Gonsorowski had 13 points, Molly Trapp added 11 and Bailey Mudek scored 10. That’s about par for the course for Esko, which is paced by Mudek at about 11.5 points per game. Perhaps the Eskomos’ most polished scorer, Judy Wagemaker, is working her way back into a more prominent role after missing most of the season because of concussion symptoms. She scored eight points in Esko’s 62-32 win over Eveleth-Gilbert. Wagemaker didn’t play in either of the two regular-season meetings. Esko and International Falls split those games. The Eskomos finished third at last year’s state tournament. … International Falls beat Esko 50-48 in the season opener for both teams, and Esko claimed the rematch 68-55. Teagan Anderson averages more than eight 3-point attempts per game while shooting at a 39-percent clip. Anderson (17.1 ppg) is the leading scorer, with support coming from Maddie Filipiak (12.7 ppg). Filipiak also averages 4.1 steals and 4 assists per night, and Jena Sullivan averages 7.4 rebounds for the Iron Range Conference champs.The Broncos beat Rush City 55-52 in the semifinals. International Falls is seeking its first state tournament berth since a three-peat of appearances from 1988-90.
Radio: WKLK-FM 96.5
Twitter: @Louiesg3
