Bradley's clock about to chime

A varsity reserve game on a Saturday morning is typically no big deal.

But such a contest between Wauwatosa East and Brookfield East on Dec. 20 had a little bit more importance.

On this day, highly touted sophomore transfer Larry Bradley Jr. was allowed to play with the Red Raiders, getting one step closer to his varsity debut.

Regarded as one of the best sophomore players in the state, Bradley transferred from Milwaukee Vincent after coach Tom Diener left. He moved in with his uncle, Marshall Williams, a Wauwatosa resident, but his eligibility at East was initially denied by the WIAA Board of Control in November. The ruling was appealed by the school, and after a hearing Dec. 5, the WIAA announced Bradley would become varsity-eligible as soon as Williams' legal guardianship papers are submitted to and approved by the WIAA.

The procedure was expected to be completed earlier this week, and if it was, Bradley could play with East's varsity at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, as the Red Raiders face Christian Humble Life in the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Shootout at the Al McGuire Center.

Merry Christmas, Raiders.

At the varsity reserve game, Bradley played about half the game, and here are some observations. At 6-foot-4 inches, Bradley can see the floor well from his point guard position. His first assist was a no-look pass through the Spartans' defense that resulted in a layup. A few minutes later, standing on top of the key, he drilled a pass to a breaking teammate for a layup and assist number two.

He didn't take his first shot until 21 seconds were left in the half, an air-balled jumper from the left side.

His final assist was a beauty. After a steal, Bradley took the ball into the corner and flipped a pass to the trailer who scored an easy layup.

He added five rebounds, turned the ball over twice and missed all five of his shots.

Tosa East co-captain Keondre Gholston added, "His game was about distributing the ball today. When he makes those passes to us in practice, we finish them off. And don't worry about his shooting, because he can fill it up also."

Tom "Sky" Skibosh can be reached at (262) 446-6620.