Red Raiders will get a chance to measure up
Tosa East to host first-place Falls on Friday
Wauwatosa East's Matt Patton against West Allis Central at home on Tuesday, Jan 5. Photo By C.T. Kruger
With the first-place Menomonee Falls Indians coming to town Friday and the Wauwatosa East Red Raiders coming off a three-game winning streak, now is the time for coach Tim Arndorfer's squad to see how far they have come after their slow start.
Tosa East began the year by losing seven of nine starts and two of three Greater Metro Conference contests. But the Red Raiders now find themselves tied for third in league play with Sussex Hamilton, each with 3-2 records, while climbing closer to the .500 mark overall (5-7).
The Indians, 5-0 in league play and 8-3 overall, are led by the multi-talented J.P. Tokoto, one of the most widely recruited players in Wisconsin. The 6-foot-5 sophomore is averaging 17.7 points per game, and he is a hands-down favorite for the GMC Player of the Year Award.
But Tokoto is not a one-man show, as senior guards Adam Rubatt (9.8 PPG), Conor Cassidy (8.0) and John Cording (7.5) give the Indians good balance.
"Falls is obviously the premier team in our league this year," Arndorfer said."They have a superstar talent in J.P. Tokoto, but what is most impressive is their depth. They are really loaded at just about every position on the floor."
A crucial stetch
The Red Raiders, who started their winning streak with a dramatic 57-56 victory over state-ranked Milwaukee Washington in the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook Shootout on Dec. 28, continued it with wins over West Allis Central (45-37) on Jan. 5 and West Allis Hale (65-37) on Friday.
"I think it's very important; it showed our character," said senior captain Danny Sayles of the Red Raiders' turnaround. "We shook off our struggles and came out and forgot about them. Now we're changing things around. We're looking good."
Arndorfer also is aware of the crucial stretch.
"We really needed to build on the win we had over the break against Washington. It's a new season for us," he said.
Contributors abound
Sayles is averaging 12.7 points per game to lead the Red Raiders, while Darrell Bowie (8.3) and Matt Patton (6.4) are the other players who average more than 3.1 points per game.
"Darrell is working hard in practice," Sayles said of the 6-6 sophomore forward, who is perhaps the key player on this year's team. "Everyone, even the guys that don't get in as much, is working hard. It really shows that they make us work hard in practice and it shows in the game."
Arndorfer also praised Bowie's progress and contributions.
"He really came along when we needed him," he said. "We need to find guys that put the ball in the basket. He is so active on the offensive glass. He gives us a stronger post game. He also hit two big free throws at the end of the West Allis Central game."
Another player who has contributed since he started against the Purgolders last month is 6-3 senior Ethan Harris, who was one of the top area quarterbacks on the gridiron the past two years.
"He does a lot of little things," Arndorfer said. "Unless you are a real basketball fan, you don't really notice. He sets good screens; he boxes out. He does a lot of things that help other get other people open."
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Wauwatosa East 45, West Allis Central 37 - With Tosa East leading 38-34, senior guard Matt Patton hit a 3-pointer and Darrell Bowie put in a rebound shot for a 43-34 lead keying the Greater Metro Conference victory. Danny Sayles led the way with 17 points and Bowie had 12.
Wauwatosa East 65, at West Allis Hale 37 - The Red Raiders coasted to a win over the last-place Huskies, leading 26-13 at halftime and 47-19 after three quarters. Sayles and Bowie once again led the way with 15 and 11 points, respectively. The Red Raiders had 11 players get on the scoreboard.
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