The WIAA boys basketball tournament tipped off with a bang yesterday and Northern Iowa bound Sr. F Chip Rank's 47 points for Cedarburg was one reason why.  Here's some thoughts after yesterday...

DIVISION 1

As mentioned, Chip Rank exploded for 47 points last night to lead Cedarburg past Homestead.  Make no mistake, Arrowhead has their hands full on Saturday as Cedarburg is exactly the type of team that can cause them problems.  The biggest reason is there is no one tougher and more physical in the paint than Rank across the state and he's exactly the type of player who can minimize the impact of Ben Mills if he gets it going.  Provided Rank stays out of foul trouble, Homestead will need to bring their "A" game if they expect to advance.  Arrowhead has depth but the best player on the floor belongs to Cedarburg. 

The Bay Port/Appleton East game could be a bit of the changing of the guard as Bay Port went on a roll last year and Appleton East is a dangerous young team with super soph Sam Mader leading the way.  East may be a year away from a deep run but this game has all the makings of an excellent second round matchup.

Sun Prairie has a lot of talent but Waunakee is always a well coached team and this year is no different.  Saturday's game at Waunakee will be very tough for Sun Prairie.  Should be a fun game to check out. 

Hamilton's game against Franklin is the first one out of the box for the top team in the state.  Not too much fun to jump out and take on one of the hottest interior prospects in the state in Nick Romanowski of Franklin.  Hamilton's depth and talent looks to be too much on paper against Franklin but Romanowski poses some matchup problems in the paint for Hamilton as well.

Why does Marquette strike me as being one of the most dangerous teams in Sectional #8.  Could it be they basically started a couple weeks later than others in terms of rhythym because of the state football championship?  Could it be that three of their losses were suffered during that time?  Could it be that their game against Riverside is a huge landmine for the #2 seeded Riverside?  Whatever the answer, a sectional final matchup against Milwaukee King is not out of the question for a team loaded with big expectations coming into the season.  If John Kopriva comes up big and provides a needed interior boost, Marquette is very dangerous.

DIVISION 2

As expected Catholic Memorial rolled.  Just a question - you think someone will figure out that Derek Schell can shoot the basketball?

Milwaukee Lutheran and New Berlin Eisenhower go head to head on Thursday.  That should be an excellent second round matchup.

Defending state champion Wisconsin Lutheran is the team to beat. 

DIVISION 3

Dominican exploded last night in their win.  A hungry Hope School looms ahead.  Hope game La Crosse Aquinas all they could handle earlier this year.

Cuba City continues to impress as does Evan Richard.  Richard has to be one of the favorites for player of the year, he's been spectacular all season long.

St. Cat's rolled.  Why is a St. Cat's/Dominican possible sectional semi-final matchup and another showdown between Indiana State bound Sr. PG Steve McWhorter and Fr. sensation Duane Wilson Jr. seem inevitable for the third time this season.  Each team is 1-1.

Don't sleep on Fall Creek or sharpshooting senior Jordan Reetz.  A trip to Madison is not out of the question if they get on a roll.

DIVISION 4
Can anyone match Randolph?

Is sophomore forward Matt Van Scyoc on the verge of a breakout tournament.  He dropped 20 and is considered by many as one of the top 2012 prospects in the state.

5 GAMES TO WATCH

Cedarburg @ Arrowhead - Saturday March 6, 2010
Marquette @ Mil. Riverside - Saturday March 6, 2010
Sun Prairie @ Waunakee - Saturday March 6, 2010
Milwaukee Lutheran @ New Berlin Eisenhower - Thursday March 4, 2010
Brown Deer @ Whitefish Bay - Thursday March 4, 2010