April 5, 2015 at 8:36 a.m.
Boys basketball all-area team announced
Mineral Point, under coach Dan Burreson, went to the final game of the Division 4 State Tournament before losing, finishing 26-1. They also were SWAL, Regional and Sectional champions as well as state runners-up.
Dodgeville, under coach Ryan Bohnsack, won the SWC outright and got to the D3 regional finals before losing to River Valley. The team featured SWC player of the year Levi Nagel and honorable mention all-state Trent Jones.
River Valley, under Luke Thatcher, finished second in the SWC and advanced to the sectionals after winning the regional championship with a win over Dodgeville. River Valley featured D1 recruite 6'11" Brandon Gilbeck who has received a full scholarship to Western Michigan.
Pecatonica won the Six Rivers East under Matt Fink which was impressive because they lost two starters to injury prior to the season. Sophomore AJ Hendrickson has surpassed 1000 points in his second season with the Vikings
Barneveld, under Mike Whitish, ended up second to the Vikings in SRE play and gave Pecatonica its only league loss.
Iowa-Grant, under Toby Tripalin, finished in the upper division of the SWAL.
Highland, under Mitchell Dorhorst, did not finish high in the Six Rivers West standings but did have perhaps the two most electifying players in the conference in sophomore JR Linscheid and senior Austin Yager, who averaged 20 and 16 points per game.
There were many players who night in and night out gave the fans their money's worth. Here are the members of the 2014-15 All Area Boys Basketball Team.
Sy Staver, 6-0, sr, guard
Mineral Point Pointers
Four year varsity starter as point guard. Jamie Sporle is the only other four year starter in recent memory. He started every game on varsity during his high school career. It was the best four year stretch in Mineral Point boys basketball history: 15-9, 18-6, 24-1, 27-1. Finished with 1224 points, third in Mineral Point history behind Pat Murphy and Jamie Sporle. Finished with 423 assists which ranks him second in career behind Mike Murphy.
Mineral Point coach Dan Burreson describes Sy as " A great athlete and an even better basketball player. Sy not only had the ability to score, but to get others shots as well."
Three time first team all-conference, SWAL MVP this year, one time honorable mention all-conference. Sy was also named first team all-state in Division 4 this season.
Turner Poad, 5-10, sr, guard
Mineral Point Pointers
Two-time first team all-conference, one time honorable mention all-conference. If there is a defensive player of the year, Turner is it. In the man to man he was able to take away the other team's best player. In the 1-3-1 they were able to move him around to multiple positions. Set the school record for defensive charges, one record Coach Dan Burreson said he feels would never be touched. Set the single season record for defensive charges with 18 and career record with 38 (Eric James is number two with 29). Outstanding state tournament, 10 first half points vs. Auburndale.
"Turner is the best defensive player I have ever coached," said coach Dan Burreson.
Tarek Oellerich, 6-4, sr, forward
Mineral Point Pointers
First team all-conference in the SWAL. Outstanding senior season and tournament run. Averaged 13.9 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game. Number nine in single season rebounds. First player to break the top 10 since Bob Weier in 1986. Shot 66 percent from the field which puts him number one all-time in single season field goal percentage. Number one career field goal percentage leader shooting 64% shattering the old mark which was 58%. A match up nightmare for other teams. Had eight double doubles on the year, including 22 points and 23 rebounds vs. Dodgeville.
Alec Schmitz, 6-1, sr, guard
Mineral Point Pointers
Honorable mention all-conference last year, first team all conference this year. Hit big shots in big games. Could shoot it deep and had the best crossover move Coach Dan Burreson said "I have seen." Led the team in steals with 63 on the season.
"We found out the past couple years what Alec could do when healthy," said coach Dan Burreson. "I think back to the Deerfield football game when we thought we may have lost Alec."
Twelve second half points in the sectional final win over Melrose-Mindoro and a big offensive rebound to save to seal the victory. Twelve points in the state semi-final win over Auburndale.
Joey Gorgen, 5-11, sr, guard
Mineral Point Pointers
Honorable mention all-conference. "Really became a complete player for us this year," said coach Dan Burreson. "He could shoot the three, take the ball to the basket and became one of our better defenders." Great regional final vs. Cuba City, scoring 20 points (13 in the second half and 10 in the fourth quarter). He followed it up with 15 in the sectional semi-final vs. Deerfield and 10 in the sectional final vs. Melrose-Mindoro.
Matthew Myers, 5-10, soph, guard, Barneveld Golden Eagles
Matthew averaged 13 points per game and shot 40% from the field this season. His three point accuracy was 34%. His turnover to assist ratio was 2.25 to one.
"I believe Matthew is the best point guard in the conference," said coach Mike Whitish. "He constantly drew our opponent's best defender every game. We run our offense through him every possession."
"Matthew is a key component to our future success," Whitish continued. "Few players work harder than Matthew outside of practice to develop their individual skills. I couldn't be prouder."
Matthew was also a team captain.
Brycen Sorensen, 6-1, sr, guard
Barneveld Golden Eagles
Brycen led the Eagles with a 16 point per game average and also averaged eight rebounds.
"Brycen was one of the best players in the area when he believed in himself," said coach Mike Whitish. "He became more consistent as the season went on."
Brycen was also a team captain.
Isaac Anderson, 6-4, jr, guard
Iowa-Grant Panthers
"Isaac was relentless on defense and can beat you from deep or inside," says coach Toby Tripalin. "He lets the game come to him."
"He has great hands and instincts on defense," Tripalin added. "I believe Isaac is one of the best players in the area. He shot 70% from two point range this season and 55% overall. A great talent and should be a front runner for conference player of the year next year."
AJ Hendrickson, 6-4, soph, guard
Pecatonica Vikings
On track to be the leading scorer in Pecatonica history. AJ surpassed 1000 points as a sophomore. He played in 25 games, scored 578 points, a 23.1 per game average, 178 rebounds (7.1 per game), 80 assists, 50 steals and 22 blocked shots.
His two year point total is 1014.
"He was our leading scorer, rebounder, in steals and shots blocked," said coach Matt Fink. "He helped us to a 19-6 season and our first conference championship in 15 years. He also helped us get to the Regional Finals."
He was also first team all-Six Rivers East.
JR Linscheid, 5-9, soph, guard
Highland Cardinals
John Ross averaged 20.1 points per game and shot 40.9 percent from the field. He also made 72% of his free throws. He totaled 463 points with a high game of 34 which he scored twice. He led the Six Rivers West in scoring and in three point field goals made.
"He was a captain and one of the most dynamic players in the league," said Highland coach Mitchell Dorshorst.
Austin Yager, 6-0. sr, guard
Highland Cardinals
Austin was a captain for the Cardinals this season and was third in the Six Rivers West in scoring with 373 points. His high game was 40 and he averaged 16.2 per game.
Austin shot .512 percent from the field and 70% from the line. He reached double figures in 20 of his 23 games and had the second highest shooting percentage among players averaging over 10 points per game in conference play.
"He and John Ross teamed to be two of the most dynamic players in the conference," coach Mitchell Dorshorst said.
Brandon Gilbeck, 6-11, sr, center
River Valley Blackhawks
With plenty of defensive attention paid to him all season Brandon put in 452 points (17.4 per game) and pulled down an incredible 279 rebounds (10.7 per game). He also blocked 102 shots while altering many more, averaging almost four blocks a game.
"Brandon was first team all-conference in the SWC, honorable mention all-state and will play on the D3 all-star team this summer," said coach Luke Thatcher.
Brandon was also a finalist in Wisconsin for post player of the year.
It was announced Monday that Division 1 Western Illinois has offered him a full scholarship.
Luke Price, 6-1, sr, guard
River Valley Blackhawks
Luke had 233 points this season for River Valley, averaging 9 per game. He averaged 4.3 rebounds per game as he hauled in 112. He dished out 83 assists (3.2 per game) and came up with 52 steals (2.1 per game).
"Luke was a blue collar player who worked very had and was second team SWC," coach Luke Thatcher said.
Alex Shifflet, 6-0, sr, guard/wing
River Valley Blackhawks
Alex averaged 6.1 points per game. scoring 125. He had 57 rebounds (2.6 per game) and 48 assists (2.2 per game). "Alex had some big three pointers for us this season and was honorable mention all-SWC," said coach Luke Thatcher.
Levi Nagel, 5-11, sr, guard
Dodgeville Dodgers
SWC conference player of the year, first team all conference. All star for the division 3 south team.
"Excellent leader and playmaker for us this year," said coach Ryan Bohnsack.
Levi led the Dodgers in assists with 113. He scored 353 points (14.7 per game) and grabbed 86 rebounds. (4.3).
Trent Jones, 6-2, jr, guard
Dodgeville Dodgers
First team all conference and honorable mention all state.
"He has endless range and ability," said coach Ryan Bohnsack. "Also has the ability to take over a game."
Trent led the team in scoring and three point shooting percentage.
Scored 435 points (18.1), 62 for 145 for 43% three point, 72 rebounds.
Ryan Raess, 6-3, sr, forward
Dodgeville Dodgers
Second team all conference.
"Consistent field goal shooter and excellent rebounder for our team this season," said coach Ryan Bohnsack.
Ryan led the team in rebounds.
Caleb Grady. 6-0, sr, forward
Dodgeville Dodgers
Honorable mention. All conference.
"Great role player that excelled in his responsibility. Did the little things we needed," coach Ryan Bohnsack said.
Trent Milliken, 6-4, sr, forward
Iowa-Grant Panthers
Solid rebounder and tough defender for the Panthers.
Trent averaged 6.1 points per game, putting in 135 for the season.
Logan Green, 6-1, soph, forward
Pecatonica Vikings
Coach Matt Fink said he expected Logan to be the team's best defender this season.
Logan put in 247 points and averaged 12 a game.
Brooks Chandler, 5-11, jr, pg
Pecatonica Vikings
The expectations for Brooks this season was to stay on the court and be a leader for the Vikings. He helped them to the Six Rivers East championship and an 11-1 conference record.
Brooks also averaged 10 points a game, finishing with 198.
INDIVIDUAL HONORS
Point Guard of the Year
Sy Staver, Mineral Point
Forward of the Year
Tarek Oellerich, Mineral Point
AJ Hendrickson, Pecatonica
Post of the Year
Brandon Gilbeck, River Valley
COACH OF THE YEAR
Dan Burreson, Mineral Point
