RHS BBB STATE

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

March 29, 2017 Page 1

Journey to state for Ripon was

Gr-R-R-Reat!

Ripon High School Tigers put the Win in Wis.

Inside Coach’s comments Ripon rallies Season was a thrill New scoring record

✮

Madison Ripon Commonwealth Press

Scenes from state

Players’ memories Season statistics

A ment le supp to:

Ripon Commonwealth Press

Season featured Pictionary, passion and goose bumps

Page 2 March 29, 2017

There aren’t enough words to describe the feelings this season has provided to me with this team.

Dean Vander Plas I am grateful for these kids and my fellow coaches. I felt a chemistry and a focus that brought us together in such a neat way. It allowed us to focus and get better but also to savor each moment along

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

the way. I have always asked our teams to focus on daily improvement; this group did just that. Watching them succeed and doing something special together is something that I will forever be proud of and grateful to have been a part of.

I shared with the kids that the season, for me, was like a game of Pictionary. That game uses an hour glass to time it.

In that game you know what the outcome you want is and you need to convey it to your team and the timer brings great urgency to your quest and every time you look at it drains and you know you only have precious few moments left.

That was this year for this team — a team with a lot of seniors — a precious season to savor and take advantage of. I knew they were capable and I know that together we could do this. I didn’t want the sand

to run out before our goal was accomplished and even though we didn’t win a championship I can look with pride at my team and know that they consistently and constantly improved everyday. That they gave all they had to each other — that in itself is a treasure for a coach, to see his team members serve each other.

On the wall of Ripon High School’s gym will be 201617 Conference Champs, Regional Champs & Sectional Champs. That dash represents the season and what a season it was. I will forever be proud of that dash. Included in that dash is a group of young men that put their teammates before themselves. That the WE was greater than the me. A group that represented Ripon with great class, great energy and great passion.

Whenever I walked out of the locker room this

year, watching the way our city greeted these kids was precious. I know it will bring goose bumps to my neck for many years to come.

This year was also very emotional for me since it included coaching my son, Ben. So many of Ben’s best friends, kids who are at our house all the time, are on this team and this group had my heart strings. I don’t know if I made it through many pregame speeches without tearing up.

Oh how much I love these kids. Oh how grateful I am for the way they cared for each other and for me. The emotions so heightened.

On Saturday, March 11, 2017 I experienced a euphoria with my team and the town they play for. I have never wanted to touch any of the plaques or trophies our teams have captured. I don’t believe it is a coach’s role; we are to

RIPON HEAD COACH Dean Vander Plas hoists the sectional championship plaque as Ripon players and fans celebrate.

You’ve “filled” a spot in Ripon’s record book!

Way To Go!

serve and help these young men grow and get better and watching them hoist those plaques has always been the way I prefer so I can just watch and relish their achievement.

This year Mr. Kinziger made me take the plaque and oh what a feeling it was to stand with our team, our students and our town. That feeling I will never forget.

Thank you for allowing me to feel the togetherness of a town and it’s team. I believe at that very moment I knew what it felt like to BE RIPON. Thank you to all of you for that.

I will never forget that and to all of my team, our parents, our friends, our family and our community: a sincere and heartfelt thank you for that.

Oh, the goose bumps you gave me and us ...what a precious moment.

Jonathan Bailey photo

You have built a great season...

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March 29, 2017 Page 3

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

Go Tigers Go!

City of Ripon stood behind state-bound Tiger basketball team

The Tiger boys’ basketball team charged into Madison Thursday, March 16 with a perfect 26-0 record.

Unfortunately, they didn’t leave the capital city with an unblemished record, as Xavier handed Ripon its first loss in the semifinal game.

Nevertheless, local fans made it clear that the community and the team “R One” with a stupendous send-off celebration last week.

First, a big pep rally was held in the high school gymnasium, where high school and middle school kids could honor their team.

Then, players paraded around town, visiting each of the elementary schools, where they were greeted by adoring (and adorable) little fans.

AT BARLOW PARK/Journey Elementary School, students and staff remind Ripon High School boys’ basketball players where they’re headed. Standing with her students is kindergarten teacher Kaitlyn Wiese, right.

Jonathan Bailey photo SHAKING THE HANDS of Barlow Park/Journey Elementary School students are, from left, Hunter Merrill, Andrew Radloff Jonathan Bailey photo and Cody Sandleback.

A BARLOW Park/Journey Elementary School student holds a sign with the Tigers’ Jonathan Bailey photo motto.

MURRAY PARK/QUEST Elementary School students line the sidewalk as they await the boys’ basketball team. Ian Stepleton photo

EDDIE MUENCH, LEFT, and Ben Vander Plas grin as they head off to Madison. Also in the car are head coach Dean Vander Plas Jonathan Bailey photo and Melvin Lee.

You scored BIG in our hearts!

Congratulations on a terrific season!

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having the power to command attention. Making a marked impression Synonym: @riponbasketball

]

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Page 4 March 29, 2017

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

While full of ups and downs, ride was a thrill

When I took the job here at the Commonwealth in 2011, one of the first things I heard was how good the seventhgrade boys’ basketball team was.

Jonathan Bailey I remember receiving a call a year and a half later from a parent of one of the players, telling me that the team had just won its fourth-straight state title.

And all I could think about was how sweet it would be at the Kohl Center in Madison, covering the talented team at the high school state tournament.

While it took four years to happen, the experience of being courtside at the home of the Badgers was worth the wait.

The atmosphere and energy in the building last week Thursday was unlike anything I have been a part of while working.

Despite the result — an 81-74 loss to Xavier — it was an experience I will never forget.

Being a reporter at a small town newspaper, I developed relationships with coaches and players on individual levels — something I cherish greatly.

So to be a small fish in a large pond of media at the state tournament was a new experience.

I am not used to sitting in on the baseline of such a large arena with so many other photographers and videographers, or asking questions after the game during a press conference.

While I prefer individual interaction with coaches and athletes, it was fun to run with the media pack.

The experience of being at the state tournament wasn’t

Ripon Commonwealth Press reporter Jonathan Bailey, third from right, glances up at the Tim Lyke photo jumbotron as he Tweets out a scoring update at the Kohl Center. in the sectional semifinals and overtime over Oostburg the only enjoyable part for lost to a senior-laden Poynette thanks to big shots from me; the ride the Tigers took Loewe and clutch free throws team 56-33. me on the last four years was The following season

by James Vander Galien to just as memorable. transpired much the same move a game away from After hearing so much way as an ankle injury to state. about the talented class of I thought to myself, “Could Loewe sidelined him for 2017, I finally got to see the about a month and then a they make it to state this players for the first time in controversy divided the team fast?”

2012. They wasted no time — causing it to go 15-7 in the Unfortunately, showing just what they were regular season. inexperience and a lack of capable of.

Despite that, I still held out height caught up to the Tigers They, along with a trio hope that this could be the as they fell to eventual state of talented seniors and a year it qualified for the state champion Brown Deer in the sophomore, helped the team tournament. sectional title game 63-53. win 12 of its first 14 games.

A win over previouslyBut the future remained Despite a little bit of a rough undefeated and No. 1-ranked bright. Certainly a trip to the stretch after that, in which Waupun in the regular season state tournament was not too it went 5-3, it bounced back finale only furthered the far away. when it mattered most. optimism.

The following season, It defeated Lomira and But after winning their Ripon gained another Columbus in convincing third-straight regional title, fashion in the first two games talented member to join the the Tigers once again went now-sophomore class in of the postseason, before cold from the field in the facing the top-seeded Laconia Eddie Muench. A transfer sectional semifinals and fell from Oshkosh Lourdes, he Spartans for the regional to eventual Division 3 state developed a reputation as a championship. champion Waupun 59-49.

3-point shooter.

That was when the magic At that point, doubts With Muench now in the began. started to creep in my mind lineup, the Tigers started the Playing the underdog if Ripon was ever going to season 15-2 and were eight role despite beating Laconia make it to Madison. minutes from another win earlier in the season, Ripon Those fears were only when disaster struck. trailed the Spartans 42-40 furthered when Loewe — one Ben Vander Plas went up with 3.6 seconds left. of the best players in the state I was certain its season was for basket against Wautoma going to be over, but kept my with the game already in hand — decided to transfer to Fond Lac. awkwardly mid-range (video) lens on the and came down Your dream is out there. Goduget it. We’ll protect it.

I knew the Tigers were and broke a bone in his foot camera. still going to be talented, but What happened next was a — causing him to miss the didn’t know how they were moment that I’ll never forget. rest of the season. going to make While Ripon still was a The Tigers inbounded the 120 Watson St up for a D1 recruit who was averaging 20 talented team and won its ball and Luke Loewe found Ripon, WIper 54971 points game. second-straight regional fellow freshman Ben Vander Then came notthethe same Plas in the corner, who turned title, it was just May (920) 748-5031 season be filled with Dreams come true! time for this season. without him. around a sunk a fade away Your dream is out there. Go get it. We’ll protect it. ning@amfam.com It 3-pointer for the win.

The video of the shot went experienced 120 Watson St one of viral overnight. It began to Ripon, WI 54971 (920) 748-5031 feel like Ripon was a team of its worst ning@amfam.com shooting destiny.

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WARM WISHES & GOOD CHEER! May the season be filled with Dreams come true!

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I heard the Tigers welcomed a transfer from Milwaukee Riverside named “Melvin Lee,” but still didn’t know how the team would overcome the loss of Loewe.

I soon found out that the answer to my question was Muench.

The senior, who had made a name for himself behind the 3-point line, became an allaround scorer and a force to reckon with.

Behind the improvement Muench made, along with the play of Ben Vander Plas, Lee and a cast of others, Ripon cruised through the regular season to finish 22-0.

It only had a couple close games in that stretch, which included its regular-season finale against defending champ Waupun.

Despite that, I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much that it would finally qualify for state.

I knew the Tigers likely would have another date with the Warriors in the sectional semifinals.

And that was just the case after they won their fourthstraight regional title in convincing fashion.

For much of the game against Waupun, I had a sinking feeling Ripon was going to suffer the same fate as the past two years.

It trailed by eight around the midway point of the second half and was struggling to make shots.

But this team wasn’t going to be denied again as it stormed back to make it a game and won it on a 3-pointer at the buzzer by Lee. Once they defeated the Warriors, I was confident the Tigers would make it to state and they did just that, defeating Martin Luther 6853 in the sectional title game.

The ride to the Kohl Center for the state tournament, while bumpy and heartbreaking at times, ultimately was thrilling.

For that, I say thanks for the memories.

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Great Scott! Ben Vander Plas breaks Gillespie’s all-time scoring record 2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

finals and state semifinals to finish with 1,649 points.

“It’s feels pretty good,” Ben Growing up, Ripon High said of breaking Scott’s record.

School senior Ben Vander Plas “I remember coming to practice spent plenty of time in the with my dad and seeing Scott gymnasium watching Scott just go to work; I think he was a big part of the player I am Gillespie. today.”

The son of Ben noted head coach he didn’t Dean Vander know if Scott’s P l a s , B e n No. Name Points looked up to the 1. Ben Vander Plas 1,649 record, which prolific scorer 2. Scott Gillespie 1,603 was set in the 2006-07 season and passer.

3. Eddie Muench 1,230 was attainable He can now 1,192 w h e n he look back at 4. Ryan Werch 5.

Tyler Witkowski 1,178 entered high him.

1,168 school, and the The senior 6. Luke Loewe 7.

Bryce Bauman 1,042 mark has just broke Scott’s 8.

Mike Bock 1,029 as much to do a l l - t i m e with the team scoring record as it does him.

(1,603 points) “The sign was up there and Thursday, March 9 in Ripon’s sectional semifinal win over I saw the number,” he said.

“It was a big number. I didn’t Waupun.

He finished the contest with really know if it was possible, 1,606 career points and added 21 but just with the help of my points each in both the sectional teammates all four years — I’ve had great teams to play on — it happened.”

Ben added that Scott reached out to him after the game via text message to congratulate him on breaking his record.

“He was just really proud of me,” he said. “Scott’s a great guy and it was just fun talking to him after that game.”

The Ripon High School forward is averaging 17 points per game for his career. He scored 307 points as a freshman, 300 as a sophomore in a year cut short by a foot injury, 515 as a junior and 506 so far this season.

Ben also eclipsed 1,000 BEN VANDER Plas pulls rebounds in the win over down a rebound against Waupun and finishes his high Waupun. He recorded the school career with 1,033 boards.

1,000th board of his career in He is the only player in the game. Jonathan Bailey photo school history to reach the mark.

March 29, 2017 Page 5

by Jonathan Bailey jonathanb@riponprinters.com

All-time scorers

LEFT, BEN Vander Plas releases his record-breaking 3-pointer midway through the second half March 9. With the shot, he passed Scott Gillespie as Ripon’s all-time leading scorer. Above, a young Vander Plas hugs Gillespie after a game about 10 years ago.

Ric Damm and submitted photos

Congratulations Tigers!

You’ve “insured” a spot in history.

Great Job!

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Page 6 March 29, 2017

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

WAITING IN THE tunnel to take the Kohl Center floor for warm-ups are, in the foreground from left, Austen Wallenfang, assistant coach Steve Brooks, Cody Merrill, Marshall Morrin, Hunter Merrill, Andrew Radloff, Tom Bergthold, Hunter Auchtung, Cody Sandleback and Andy Saul.

t. He and sho h r e d n u ASES an H RELE C N E U EDDIE M ith 26 points. w finished

THE RIPO N him implo TIGER applauds res the re fs to a call a call as a fan behin d a technic al on Xavie r.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY of the players and coaches cheer on Ripon as it attempts to make a comeback in the second half.

RIPON H students IGH SCHOOL Pe take a b reak fro p Band directo m perfo rming to r Sandy Polcy na cheer o n the te nd her am.

Jonatha and Tim L

an Bailey Lyke photos

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

March 29, 2017 Page 7

MEL a lay VIN LE up a E SO fter A stea RS to th ling a pa e bask et fo ss. r

BEN VAN of his tw DER PLAS hang o s 21 points slam dunks. Van onto the rim after d o , nine re bounds er Plas finished ne and six s with teals.

THE R of Ben IPON STUD E Vande r Plas NT section ’ slam c dunks elebrates a fter on . e

ROOTING FORTHE Tigers are Ripon youngsters, from left, Mackenzie Whitrock, Madeline Tobin, Isaac Whitrock and Carver Julian.

HUNTER contested M E R R I L L R E L E shot in the A second ha S E S a lf.

CHEERING RIPON ON are, from left, Jordan Finley, Alex Krug and Ryan Jones.

GLANCING UP AT the jumbotron and smiling during player introductions are, from left, Austen Wallenfang, Hunter Auchtung, Cody Merrill and Cody Sandleback.

Page 8 March 29, 2017

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

Memories of a magical season Melvin Lee — Senior “The best thing of this team was how united we were and we never turned on each other and always stuck together.

The Kohl Center was amazing and the energy and emotion in there from our fans will always be with me.”

Ben Vander Plas — Senior “I will always remember being able to be with my second family everyday, being able to play the sport I love with a team full of my best friends and great coaches with one goal together. Playing on the Kohl Center floor was a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to be able to do that and it was everything I dreamed it would be. Running out to our Ripon fans was crazy.”

Eddie Muench— Senior “This season, I will remember running out in big games to packed stands and amazing fans. Playing on the Kohl Center floor was a dream come true.”

Marshall Morrin — Junior “I will never forget the feeling of running out every game and hearing our crowd go crazy and getting to play on the Kohl Center floor meant the world because my childhood dream finally came true.”

Trey Auchtung — Senior “The thing I will remember most is the amazing run we went on and how we always played as a team.

Playing at the Kohl Center was the best basketball experience of my life.”

Austen Wallenfang — Senior “I will remember how much fun we had even though we didn’t finish how we wanted. Playing at the Kohl Center was awesome because the energy was unlike anything we ran out to.”

LEFT, RIPON HEAD coach Dean Vander Plas talks to his team during a timeout. He tied Jim Seidl, pictured right, as the school’s all-time-winningest coach Saturday, March 11 with Tim Lyke and RCP file photos a 78-63 victory over Martin Luther that sent his team to state.

Dean Vander Plas ties Jim Seidl for most wins all time

by Jonathan Bailey jonathanb@riponprinters.com The Ripon High School boys’ basketball team’s win Saturday, March 11 did more than just clinch a state tournament berth for the Tigers.

It tied Ripon head coach Dean Vander Plas with Jim Seidl as Ripon’s winningest coach.

Vander Plas won his record-tying 291st game with the Tigers’ 78-63 sectional final win over Martin Luther in Whitefish Bay. He noted he is honored to

be in the same conservation as Seidl, who coached for 30 years (1947 to 1961 and 1963 to 1979) and won six conference titles.

“When I moved to town, Jim was the man,” Vander Plas said, noting it means a lot for him to be able to share the record. “And when I started coaching I got to coach his grandson ... He started what we’re now doing.”

He also added the record is special because of just how many people were a part of it.

“It was 100-some kids at one time who have played for you through their senior year,” Vander Plas said. “It’s

incredible that every single one of them has a piece of that. So that’s what is really cool about it: As a coach, you get to share those wins with all of those kids. I am really proud of this group and all of the kids who came before them.”

In his 21 years as the Tigers’ head coach, Vander Plas has compiled a record of 291-202 for a winning percentage of .590.

His teams have won five conference titles, posted a postseason record of 36-21 and now have qualified for the state tournament two times (2003 and 2017).

Cody Merrill — Junior “I will remember that even though I may not have played much I still had a big impact on our team by pushing them at practice and making them better and playing on the Kohl Center floor was something like no other and something I can say that I did that most don’t get to do.”

Cody Sandleback — Senior “Warming up on the Kohl Center floor was definitely my highlight for the season. Other than that, it was beating Waupun three times. I hate Waupun.”

Tom Bergthold — Senior “This season was off the rails and playing at the Kohl Center was wild.”

PROUD OF OUR TIGERS. Congrats on an epic season.

s

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

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BEN VANDER PLAS, right, hoists the regional championship plaque in the air as teammates and fans celebrate around him. ‰ 5 to 9 Lee ignites Ripon ‰ 2to to 4fourth-straight regional title “I’m proud of the kids, especial- ing us with two on Ben [Vander ‰ Once Andrew Rodriguez ly the four kids who were on all four Plas] and face guarding Eddie of those [regional championship [Muench], there’s some driving The Ripon Community When the Ripon Tiger boys’ basteams],” Ripon head coach Dean lanes, and Melvin took advantage Swim Club member won all ‰ ketball team played Berlin the first Plas said, referring to Ben of those early for us.”

I six events he competed in ha ven’t seen it Vander two times this season, it led by just The drives by Lee opened up Vander Plas, Hunter Merrill, Tyler last weekend at the 13 & five at halftime and trailed by one.

Pick and Andrew Radloff. “It’s some shots around the perimeter Over Short Course State ‰ I have los Last week Saturday’s regional great for our school; the community for Muench, who finished with a Championships and posted championship game appeared to tonight was incredible … team-high 15 points in the first half three personal-best times. be headed in the same direction Obviously, it’s not where we want — which included three 3-pointers.

To vote, log ont count support As a result, he won the early on as neither team could get Muench finished with 20 points. to be, but it’s one of the great stops high-point championship anything going offensively.

“He kept working and he was along the way.” (individual with most compress.com and to www.ripo n-the Tigers reach this pit patient But then, the Tigers’ Energizer and unselfish as the game Helping bined points) for the secondBunny, Melvin Lee, took over. stop on their journey to the state went on,” Dean Vander Plas said. consecutive year and third orts. in Madison was their “He knew they were face-guarding The poll is loc click on Sptournament The senior broke a scoreless time in the last five years. tie four minutes into the game and him and doubling him and then as ability to drive to the hoop. ate Rodriguez also won the d on the scored eight of his team’s first 10 they had to start to occupy the lane a They scored four of their first rig award in 2013 at the 12 & side of the pag ht points, while assisting on the other five baskets against Berlin inside little more to keep Melvin from the Under Short Course State e. basket with a behind-the-back pass.

— three of which came from Lee. rim, he started to find his groove.”

Championships and was on Polla basket That was all the spark Ripon MELVIN LEE MAKES It wasn’t just Muench that capi“We worked hard all week this pace to win the title in 2015, resdespite early in the ults being wilfouled needed as it jumped out a 40-12 week to talk about our penetration talized on Lee being able to get before breathing issues forced beassisted game. He scored eight of Ripon’s first 10 pointsland pubon- lanes lead at halftime and stretched the lishoned and getting [Lee] with a full to the paint early. Hunter Merrill him to withdraw from his last the other basket a behind-the-back pass. in the fol advantage to as many as 37 points ek head of steam to the rim,” Dean knocked down a trio of 3-pointers event. He still placed fifth. low in Westwe we tured their fourth-straight t win. en route to an 84-49 home at 7 p.m.ing Bend ek’ Vander Plas said. “Because we Among the events RoCommregional ro las s the way people are guardWith the victory, the Tigers cap- oto in a sectional semifinal match-up. thought onwThursday See IGNITES/ page 17 driguez won last weekend eal over Om ph title. They now will face Waupun th. n iley wi were the 100and 200-yard Ba al n fin tha RIPON

RECAP

Last week’s sports question on RiponPress.com asked readers what team will be the Tigers boys’ basketball team’s toughest challenge on its road to the state tournament.

Here are the results: ‰ Lomira 1% ‰ Columbus 2% ‰ Waupun 62% ‰ Martin Luther 25% ‰ Other 8%

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March 29, 2017 Page 9

‘Big Shot’ B

RIPON

Page 14 - Thursday, March 9, 2017

Sports

run tle tournament SPOTLIG HT ionalRedtiHawks’ g e r t h g i a tr INSIDE

SPORTS

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‰ Rodriguez wins state title; Hones and Duffy also shine see page 15 at swim meet

by Jonathan Bailey

jonathanb@riponprinters.com

LOwoes shooting CAend L

It out-rebounded Washington University in St. Louis, held the Bears to just 30-percent shooting (10 of 33) from the field and shot a high percentage (50 percent) itself.

As a result, the Red Hawks led the No. 9-ranked team in the coun-

ium e gymnas g time th in e m n Final ga mbered for a lo me will be re

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T fellH short in the ultimate OTheLIG Ptely, Rasmussen started down at the

onalbackstroke,and100200andand200400 Jona -52 regi butterfly, individual medley.

Second-half Tigers’ 66 He will compete in Spees in the do Sectionals this weekend.

3-pointer

‰ RC baseball team seeks to

learn from past, return to conference tourney see page 15 ‰ Practice begins for Ripon High School track and field see page 16 team (photos) ‰ Red Hawk softball team aims to lay foundation for see page 16 success ‰ Ripon College enters uniform deal with local apparel company see page 18

The Ripon College men’s basketball team did just what it wanted to in the first half of its NCAA Tournament game last week Friday.

Best in the state (again)

try 42-27 entering halftime.

“It was just a matter of, ‘Let’s continue to do that. Let’s play them even for the first 10 minutes of the second half and then let’s get some deep possessions and try to grind them a little bit,’” Ripon head coach Ryan Kane said of his message to his players between halves.

Unfortunately, the Red Hawks were unable to do that.

Washington University slowly chipped away at the lead and went ahead for good with less than four minutes left en route to an 87-72 win.

“At the end of the day, a lot of credit goes to them,” Kane said.

“They had some really good players make some really big plays for them and we just ran out of gas.”

The loss eliminated Ripon from the tournament and ended a season in which it went 20-6 and made it to the “dance” for the first time in 15 years. Its 20 wins ties its sixthhighest total in history.

“It certainly doesn’t diminish what we did,” Kane said of the loss to the Bears. “We just had one bad half and it can happen.”

The Red Hawks’ inability to convert from the field contributed to that “bad half.” Ripon shot just 38 percent (12 of 32) and 15 percent (2 of 13) behind the 3-point line.

r th e Eddie. nity with wa s pa tie nt fo , J.J.

BY THE “E dd ie Hunter Merrill ler NUMBERS d Ty and an ns in] ree orr sc ped to win the state title. athanb@rip 7 ll [M the n’s The number of points jon ck, Marsha etty special on Edlf of Ripo Ripon High School senior pr at second ha me against obson couldn’t accomplish his h has a knack for Za re wh the we Ben Vander Plas needs to In did ck Pi al ga . break Scott Gillespie’s record Eddie al semifin die Muenc games. for most career points (1,603). ns. And Friday, I them down ng a championship, he didEdrecord Vander Plas will have a do regioneconne last week find out ior scree es: He knocked in big jun up him ol chance to move past him ing ho see do pp

by Jonatha Thursday, when the Tigers face in Winn ecking Twitter to ro game. for us to n High Sc Sat- die nish (second) of a Riponstewrestler Waupun in West Bend in a n Bailey RIPON COMMUNITY SWIM Club member Andrew Rodriguez Om The Ripo again last week all It was great us some distance kept ch jonAl ath sectional semifinal match-up. stands next to his head coach, Brink, anb after winning the hight winning the @r eventsnpr He also needs just three turned the tab point championship for the third time in five years and sixipo at inte Roemer won the state sh competiowed tha Tiger boys’ basketb ro that. It gave who was rebounds to become the first rs.com ht the Wisconsin 13 & Over Short Course State Championships last les aig s.” the Om the str player in school history to TY SABIN RELEASES an underhand weekend. For more information on Rodriguez and the other Ripon urday in -52 home win over both halveh scored eightplayedshotinagainst Washington With 3.6 sec in dramatic fashion. eclipse 1,000 career boards. st me University in St. Louis.

He finished with 43 points. oto Th swimmers who competed at the meet, see page 15. fir ga e See END/ page 18 Ripon the ph on and the region hool Muenc team’s 66 ional finZACH n Bailey al game. r-high points inatedhis off fourthal high sc LOOKS down ball team had High School boys’ basket in their regional ds left on the clock al Jonatha ne of two Tigers to reach the scored a careeBECK of the fin ed crowd. final lf, capp alr in the reg With the wi title. ha EW ead VI ga y ck suf C me -ba podium fer heartbreakin pack n, Ripon (20 RAMI uench ck-tothe place medal while standing by baon g loss earlier ed one major conia wi th ho st La shows a lf, ro” weekend as Zach Beck M(113) A PANO ts on The 3- po in te rs toow in Om thinking to mysethe mnasium in up .

It sh all ) ad va nc -5 overthe gy 42 wa ial n sea -40 26 po in otinglast week Saturday. ec sn’ po son , sp t pt the Ri about to ma 19 Flip Cody photo back es to the ho For a video of th.

I just ke must be losing if .” ddie was week Saturday g ke it two las . pulled of a miracle y en up a 8-of-10-s fie ld , time, in the ch “The Shot,” sectional semifinals t muris t freshm re guardin op lead for the Foxes as e the same nted Omro to nig tha we Ma th he ht. g At ey “T m nin th sa y , fro lai an 10 o had three other wrestlers comare moving direction.

Wet the now Three weeks wh ere it wi wa in the right Bunge visit www.Ripo Ben Vander y have comp had luded d an 80 mind, I wa ood old” Ripon we are inc ale tha s my ew se rs ago fan ll fac e ich n Pla nP of kn ge po wh ress.com. Oostburg s sunk a fal to the date nt buzzer-beatin , we to be at the Ti Thnee, IRi h. want wepo ke uisand after Ri econ m be that the “g asium could Lu t eet, but they all lost in their first athletes that want big event inq d fro l-a so of Bu n rel 8 an wa n, a g Th Hi .” n sho y n’t wi of gh urs 6 t by Xavier tha 3-pointer fro did day in Sc ho ol und er Winnsopite ol gymn farewell. major damper th Eddie oint Be ior ho d fo ov n ho wi Be u 3-p mo n an j Sc ty ave m wi re’ h t ni e the gh pu r the h s Da bs 55 d nc t Hi rtutop of the co ntr ibu tio corner. m. re eliminated.

They were Bradley toi- beanat the podium. TThe teathletes we hin ue oppo A’s we ed The basket, cou final fitting Omro prev a conference on their pursuit of winnin a ns ld-6 for 7 p.m. Tip is set Eddie M be3.overlo nder Plas to the WIAdid wi n, 72 have one the proximity of s’ en ex ndag e which line. His wa an Va g h thfor School and Tucker championshi “I s s goingoked following coacway 06), Ryan Cody have nowDeare pavingallthe thent future of Sh n High (132) waMc p, the Tigers expired and caused went in as time hea can’t explain the feelin Due to well as the Foxe dayon that Omro the ne xtann ou s hi ghin last The Ripo up in a big th e ad vae with ’ basketb d coach Dean ponNeil’s heroics. as the fans to g,” the court, gav I knew ouse Bu pon boys at the RiWrestling.” . junior stepped to Ripon, , I knew that game wd.

Ripon storm halftim t, Ri Vander Plas Ripon 24 points gi on in ing e boys’ al Tu dh it. r the acter r esd cro ma ge ord m fo en r a He Ti ay it said. “As a 43-42 vic nig ht’s ABOVE, A ters.

Tign’terwa 28-19 21-3 rec w a much large Omro to be ye ar ’s re . in weektwo studentgirls’ lledket tory way for the pleased that we lasthad I could SCREENSH third- to other pair of 3-poin team’s final team ball team’s al and I pubas See BUZZER gym and e ca would dra on Twitter was refs: Pla me 46 his title game n marks the Tigers’ ship JACOBSON an OT -44 s’ of basketballin its regional fin . fro bu 14 do m tim zzer-beating ub le- overt im a video tak -BEATER/ The All I saw ning about the in the the state tournaro The wi ional champion al counted for the half. day four at Om 16 en e gio 3-p th t mo r pa Saturtop the rewi by ge fo na lai ge 16 oin ho in bb l quart the ter ed by teamm -up / pa th ewinning ints ofthe nt hoping s fans comp playing 5 on 8 al semifin advanced matchJared aight reg a The str in ue d by careerNASIUM erfinal win head coach “We sectionsenior home ates, who incgoes through the ba Commonwealth show ay 17 poueto as nd, I was co finals wa scored aEsala said. an “Omro is BlindRefs” See GYMCampbellsport, Bung over sket n Thursd s the On one ha ther Prep, who .

M nc h rly in the second a d sets up luded, from Muench s on 8-of-10 Wauputwo his th first e gave Ripon a lift wi d half #3 tching the #refwn Lu left, Brock last week Saturday nig reaction of the Ripon int g ea s after ol. matches. the No up on rto po t tin int ho tch se sec ate oo po 26 Sc t up ld, W ma h sh wa wh gh to fie u Moldenhau igh hig e , .

Hi pinned be an five-stra needed it the en the squad from the 8 from “... Are yo Oconto Falls Dan Ausloos er, Luke Lo ht. The shot gave Rip and Laconia players, Plas to giv in 2 No. 6 seed red West Bend He gin at 7 p.m er it would shooting lud most. ewe and Ril on a 43-42 ed 6 of me will beec ial ,” Ri po n scosket by Ben Vand advantage. He theseeded Foxes as the Tigers. as well as COBSON TRIES to lift athis The gaminutes, Wi th the ey Haas. the fans, as victory and quarterfinals and3- r match-up for -24 s sp 55 seconds which inc 3-point line. d. ba in the 35 December 1, 2016 - Page 13 the regional Thursday, Be “E dd ie wa an Vander Plas sai n the Tigers a 13-5 in the Tig ers tra ilin g was 24 of the easie the championship behind the ious high match 17 Be title. Inset, n Vander De h ge ing sec ac scored a late takedown to win a 3-1 decision over t pa ev / co on ard las pr d quarter, Ben, left, is head His Bu ng e spa rke OOTS set in y were gu [Loewe], SH wason the e y Se ment.poHe lost 3-2 an ultimate ich wa . wh d the off en “The ints, and Luke opportuwi title game pon s] th se al thr Pla r ion ee 3-p Ri s reg [Vande that we had an photo o finishyear’ second.

See BATTLE/ page 17 ial,” Cody the deficit to ointers, cutting s specFlip we knew “Eddie wa an Vander Plas 17 ub h De She also add -14.

Swim Cl phead coac way they were mmunity throws to giv ed clutch free Ripon Co ew Rodriguez ca nsaid. “TheBen [Vander Plas] e McNeil the pio Andr portunities for opguarding [Loewe], we knew member second state chamend at RIPON Thursday, March 16, 2017 - Page 15 as well as a her dramatics, and Luke d an opportunity tured his ur years last week State

by Jonatha n Bailey that we ha .” late in the secthree-point play ship in fo Over Short Course jonath 2016-17 RIPON HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW anb@riponprBOYS’ die on & on Ed n d 13 th ov tio ertime to wi the inters.com give Ripon s. ld informa hip r-o ns ea -y pio a 16 44 For more rmance, as well -42 lead.

RiponPress.com Cham (15- to te rfo sta ez pe Bu a Ne ’s ro, igu ng n ch ith dr e Om er Be n Pu fin ish ed wi Ro Muen Sports Poll o also wo ett Mc- gam ’ win over ge. wh lve , ers th p) or rm Tig a ou e-h Brady Jac ac he r igh 19 po pa d Benn Club as the age gr Last week’s sports ry on this 13, edge s stand on the obson were able to Fo r mo re on ints. see the sto question on RiponPress. title in 20 Badger Aquatic ys.

Bu nge an d the state wrestpodium at the end of com asked readers how the rth few da first the Tigers, see SMILING Dade of the RIPON d ck-and-fo ling tourname AS THEY the story on E Ripon College men’s basafter a ba pon swimmer place ond this page. we wa eke nt 46 INSID lk last nd -44 off . doub oke, sec ketball willthe fare in cothe The Ri urt time,team That did ard backstrand second Campbellsp le-overMidwest regional qu Tuesday following Conference. in the 100-y rfly a High Scho not stop the two Ripon ar terfinal, Last week’s sports quesm lef Ruth Schro ort are, froHere 100 butte dual medley last aret,the results: IN ol vic the all team s Sa sen SI tor in seb va ow ior D y ba tion on RiponPress.com nnah Wilso eder and Ma E IGUEZ sh wk points 0 indivi n, Katya Du over Madison with a las s from leaving ere it left ‰ Conference champs! 12% ‰ Red Ha rissa Bu in the 40 y, but was tied in day. asked readers how far the EW RODR ng king up wh dzinki, ting memory. pi on sh ip Pu lve rm ac Badgers will make it in the aims at pic turnover see page 15 Jonathan Ba week Fridaade after the first fir st- ANDRs st at e ch am . ‰ It will qualify for thee. touriley photo als f hi NCAA Tournament? match at the he r wo n his fir st nament, but not win it 50% off despite with McD im me rs ad de d Ro ‰-Reof d six medbmitted photo an unity Swim d Ha y sw — mm wk Here are the results: ph th er Co me su tro lat n Bo n can’t class before 152-pound weight ‰ It will miss the tournaa day ‰ Ripo Speedo and rcome ove es to e r ish dro ok fin fou pp ‰ Final 4 or further 10% str ing 3-pointers in ck his final two place ment 37% while Jacobson Club sends hips see page 15 at the the 200 ba e — torname , ‰ Elite 8 11% ns took placeCenter nt loss whsee driguez in the 500 freestyl altou ichpag and only ma lost his first match Champio day. in softball e 14 uatic ‰ Sweet 16 28% tch at 195 po the meet, hroede r Aq This week’s question: McDade d entering the fin ‰ r-less RC ed mm m hool track ckCo unds.

“Not many peo ‰ Senio istic about ty Sc swimer, alter ‰ Round of 32 31% Wuni Where will the Ripon High N High Scn practice remain tie o sta ye d de ad loev clu Wbis.

PO 16 eti tim ts sen RI ple op De en ge mp E ds n ma pa m co fouin ga far, so I am TH ke it this owme part in the tea r sw Brim Th e tw pective first School boys’ basketball team ‰ Round of 64 17% son see team be t day jus ingto 13 & (15-16 age ming sea d se takrs ove ir res r cby and field — the earlies with sta there two yea t proud to make it Joinna finish thetha East ffy after the Rodriguez place d M etso see s been one upco n Central c- te meAl d-up Ba Quyn Du IAA — e 14 This week’s question: What jonath Monday Conference? nes (17-an tion were arcpag said of his exprs in a row,” Jacobson anb@riponpr iley E Sunday as 200 butterfly an ‰ Fo in you and by the W M el Ho Ryf (13-14 age inters.com is the biggest reason why the

BY TH on College ),im the erience at sta thup nner-up ur sw allowed nditioning drills in ru d gro ‰ First place — conferm me on the y. l Rip Sa rs a as d da “It te. da rept res ed me on High Scho Tiger boys’ basketball team upent come group) an was a some co d th em Tu es tic e ined toget ence champs!

Dade finish estyle. That se uatio Conference n ag mu).nity macher add lot of fun,” Pulverqualified for its first state s on Shannon ol girls’ swco bas immb ents.

They ketball coach fre clu ed. co nt in ue du rin g pr ac is e, McNeil for the 100 isher-takes-all sitbyatansta ‰ Second or third placeJason Wi ) in five ev He tournament since 2003? d te group igh ish seet fin best weekend “I had one of the BEN PULVER pag sho cks fin wo dle e oti sttro 17 n’t p-e me ng he m Pi ct ur ed ar e, cl oc kw tt, any (to al hal alw hig MA more after‰Tu s of my life f-c 0 : ays there. ‰ Chemistry Fourth or fifth place ay y lio awBY 0 individu Mc20Ne esday night. ourt shots at practice. down Casey Persike CHER HAS his hand rai Results arePlaced fifth in the It was jus il too Tu es da le ft, Ja ke El tice the competiin the 20 was able to comecDad ls e TH ‰ Coaching in a first-roun ‰ pas In the bottom three E ffy: sed after de p trailing by thr k an inbound overall. It cou t a great experience er of meda ‰ Du fro m to Cauy Beck pracates d match. s wi feating Lodi’s Rodriguezst-place finish. M place. ‰ Talent ee. Sh The numb n Community To vote, logth on 4.9 to www.

Thursday, wh o Carroll last ld hav seconds left Kelley Cham ge 15 led up the and en he defeated / patop left, and ping as teamm em; with a fir race in second four berlin-Timm of the key to e dribb ESthe and her team better wrestling, but e gone a little Persi riponpress.com click on n by Ripo mbers at the ‰ All of the above UR wo cou the PT of th Casey bef photo rt e jum ed ke for and t the buzzer, of Lodi on an it is good no ce ov te ub me finish See CA to dwell on their She later add behind ugh ertimThe was on eti ng at ore Sports. poll is located on hit a 3-pointer z , ills e. ‰ Other ue Swim Cl Short Course Sta d t dr 18 ig thi sio ro -11 ed from ngs, I guess.” n in his first-ro the game-w deci- my kn especially this year Rodr sho perform ltran soars th rs co mp theinn right side of the page. t To vote, log on to www.riponme wi Rip , th with im 13 & Over hips last weeken m un ing ee on 13 d sw slowing me .2 seconds lef Poll results will be pubhead coach match.

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Je dow wa ov Jar t am in ert s Marshall Morrin wa 9-9 ed Ben Vander Plas Eddie Muench Melvin Lee Merrill Tyler Pick n. a Ch is. do im s lot rm It Esala mache going proud of the ub the following d e to hel wa of The number rfo rgotten last Deer, W ht The poll is located on the right lished inle Forweek’s the air; an ley Gatzke pe ring r said. “I wa fun,” Pulver- that is into the third period ands a video of Sh the regional p send the Tig in Brown Rodriguez broug “B oth Be n ir performances. ers to best times rec of personals talking to on side of the page. jus an xt sp and Ri m sem Commonwealth. t no t, ne kin of Sa n ifin e lef my d an ile Andrew ord als of Th d Br ad cousins ed by Rip . e over.” when I took McNeil’s two e is real nice job They had Poll results will be pubans.”

Community tof them, wh “Superm to begin practic ene keeping their y did a it perfect. He this year and he put big shots, Swim Club on home six yn Duffy accoun , the Red lished in the following week’s Campbellsp defeated No. 10 seeLOCAL le sur nv com sai ab vis Th e Qu me co t d, at d it e po ll mb or Tig ww ‘H d the an - felt a gre wi ort ers at the sp benchayafter w.RiponPress.c sta Ryf Commonwealth.

CELEBRATING ON THE drew a big Pl ers Marshall Morrin ater feeling thae has never start the er senior, who elected to other five. tournament,” te With the wi 46-44 in Ripon. west Conom.

Wisconsin Sh 12 & Under softball. March 14. third period ed for the re information, see n winning a he in the dow face the No. n, Ripon, a No. 7 see day, over Waupun are, from LOCAL charge late win left, Austen position

by Jonathan sai Bailey game a year ago, every day to try to get 19.4 points perwr For mocall d. “It is They Championsh ort Course State Mon ge. in Ripon’s s they deestlin d, will travel 2-seeded Wa the come mafor ips last weeke on this pa tch a 10-9 , fought to his feet to tak n haddoing Fond dugLac better.

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RECAP

FINAL RUN

RECAP

SPORTS

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BY THE

The number of points scored by Eddie Muench this year, which is believed to be a new Ripon High School boys’ basketball record.

As far as Ripon head coach Dean Vander Plas can remember, the previous record was 579 points, which was set by Scott Gillespie during the 2006-07 season.

Muench now has 1,204 points during his Tiger career, which ranks him as the program’s third-leading scorer.

was 51, set last year Deermark and were eliminated the in win over Cornell. past an twoovertime years at sectional semifinals. In the second half, the se“I’m so happy this nior made 12 of for his 13 shots, group,” Ripon head coach which included 5 ofDean 5 from Vander said.line, “They the Plas 3-point andmade also sunk believers of their commu16 ofout 20 free-throw attempts. nity and believers out of me.

“What I loved about this Where we are right now, with particular individual perforsome of the stuff that we went mance to even, through, it’scompared just incredible.” say,Vander last year’s Ben Plas, 51-point who was record was came after arguon all three of it those past Tiger ably the poorer halves teams thatone fellofshort of state,

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by Jonathan Bailey ers.com R ip jonathanb@riponprinters.com strange on ’s M el vi r to be n ing in Le e is Last senior year, the the spotlightno The Ripon High School wresguard 5-foot by Bailey MorJonathan dunk , 5-in .Gillespie’s all-time school scorse ed tling team graduated several of jonathanb@riponprinters.com playin -Marshall de over two 5- ching record of 1,871 points. g fo 10 its top wrestlers from a season fe “Obviously from a historic The du r Milwauke nders while ago, but that hasn’t lowered e nk senior Ri up morCollege Ripon rside. perspective, it’s incredible,” Rit viral,TyveSae than wen expectations within the program. rackso axPronly bin Mcan 8,000 down ing pon head coach Ryan Kane said. ep be60held Lee ha post on YouT views on a “What I loved about this particuEDDIE MUENCH RELEASES a 3-pointer. He made the shot, which began an 18-4 Ripon run long. d anothe ube. la st weeCollege found rm Jonathan Bailey photo that put the game away. Muench finished with a career-high 36 points. that out lar individual performance comaLoras game- k Thursday agic momen winnilast the hard way weekasSaturday pared to even say last year’s buzz he su t ng 3and [we] kind of had our hearts take a loss. Words can’t describe it.” state tournament. er night. send Rito defeat Wau pointer at thnk 51-point record was it came ripped out at sectional final [at Muench isn’t the only player The Tigers reached the sectional pun 53 pon e -50 and that he had played,” Ripon T a er se d ct Wh after arguably one of the Lourdes],” Muench said. “This on Ripon’s roster that had to over- finals themselves in 2014 before hiele Legtou th io be head Ryanpage Kane b ovi u ew n ced e d e’bs sh a cotklikel nal finals. year, we weren’t really going to come adversity on their road to the losing to eventual champion Brown poorer halves that he had Seecoach STATE/ 19said. as dunk, he “Our team goals haven’t mfirst any tim y will not For more on Sabin, which from a pu rough played. So he showed a ts es it at the to “I thin as changed much from the previous includes information on lot of mental toughp of hi the this is 45 whalf e’re intok score couple of years,” Ripon head coach another record he is on the e c o nthde- hplaayl fhigher becas list. ness that he could gost to ke Jared Esala said. “I have no doubt e verge of breaking, see the p ,”o iLe n ep t s goainngdsooffs and we’us state flush a poor half ve our team can win their third-con- RIPON HEAD COACH Jared Esala demonstrates a technique e saRed id of we can ge story on this page. lead Th and come back e shthe ot cam the 3-poin t to secutive regional title. Conference pon Hawks toe fo ter. tim in the second Jonathan Bailey photo with the help of Zach Beck. second eout and in llowing a Ri titles have been just out of reach a s105-100 bounds half and show INSIDE le in with 8 th “We ra ftwin in the previous couple of years, crown this season as well.” nagel, Nick Retzlaff, Cody Munsome toughn a set e game. we gehome and I believe we will definitely be t a sid Lo-we run ev Part of the reason for the optiness mentally eline-ou Ripon over ery tim in contention for the conference mism, despite losing Ian Schraufhead co e t-of-b See MAINTAIN/ page 15 to get it done.” ‰ Red Hawk women drop Plas saras. id. “W ach Dean ounds,” The secondpair of games at UW-La ththing to goHin e juest tweakeVander MELVI to at N half performance e [M a triangle lo d one winning LEE, RIG Crosse Classic see page 14Plas Eddifinished ok so An HT,came ] andw i t huenc sh h] 5 3 after Sabin ot , is Be at dy Sa surroun n [V same sid Melvin w ‰ RC’s Sabin named RIPO ul, Tyle the buscored dedeight o di n t s ,ere all ander N allowin epan by team r Pick zzer. Pictjust walk of PLAYERS ured Division III National Player g thwemh ithcenhjust ba on the th “[Marcus and Ra m points inch the first ar half AN f the co Dom to pi an m sical “T nd him ates and el Brewou urt in D fans mby see page th 14e hey babck of the Week about fa was3-of-9 shooting , with r ed e aofkfcks their poiso ly after I she, so I couldnask]on Bailey obJonathan and disbel er po Melvin two m . faces ns after kn n. it ot it,” Le ’t really taller we ief. d took inutes Lee as flash cast patss toh Be an vi oc B e jonathanb@riponprinters.com an si turned the ball over five en kn ki aw see it ble, fro d I ju e sa ng ow the ay Waupu n, deni

BY THE wide tch stocEd only th Va nd er Pl left to go.”

“So I sh m left, down th up anto other ki ed the saw it go st looked to id.times n play o e,o le l compared three open an h di d as ree po e gam carry us are Ed ot ds had ing in ers the sid Tim Ly d he kn offt Melvi ints in , w ho ha d seconds e- minutes, go di Lee ad record to .

“A Fr th e e ste e om ke photo nd an After coming out sluggish M oc assists. re rim p w d di Jonatha ue ked it do n there it ded he t the co the first do n bo maining in the for Ri .” time as th d. He hiGod bless M “I w n Baile nch, didn he wn m was 29 halfwof itsthlast d Riof game,anthe the t ga y photo an d hapon. He sunk eback stasecond about t o t h51 severa ei r de fe ns He hithalf, ve muc .” dent se as right in fro a blur.In the second ps. He elvin; he su i n k that’t ha rted up Lee’s ga his free thro knocked the shotset m l e op re ction, ea h it go a m as nt en m sy 3last year t pon High School girls’ basketball er w w senior eto the rim of pointe ith a lit ed do so . the stuguard Dconverted “W “We kn baskets of th ey go t ever yb espite shots.” r the Dean Vander winning shots to set w tle . n od y ju as soon 12 f le re ew a Le of ine an overaroundhen I cam ou ss team didn’t make the same mistake in maini his 13 hishots from du nk resilie we ha e doin r ba th s wer st ta ck as Iof shot th ncy th Plas was prou. d pres steals. g ever 42-39. ng to cut an six minutTuesday “W The number of pointsI Ripon to ye ck pocket game, po For a vid to e Kewaskum. knew e corntime victosu d mfield, yt which er or against Lee sa lethe es I night the de e,” an itincluded w can’t deTigers show d of trailed keep Ripon hing sure t and I just that we coul re in eo of Le haveon ds ficit to It went High School senior BenhaVander d ei gh e only ed in the ry against 24-2 a 12-1 run after halfeveryt id, no d go ba Then, afte we had a tin perfect ofce5 from w winn e’s ga g ar d5 fa ef rt in just the pe scribe the pr . t se crW enou anted to to onbreak sk ound 7 d a 42-34 2 at halftim ds, Plas needs this season to pun, vis ing shot agains me- crazy. hing w rsev Cornell. ent tofo takethaat34-24 lead and neveride 3-point range. e fo get to the fin gh gas in th make five et, Ripon re aupun scor time flo deficit minutes it www. to makso we had or ever our kids erance and t W ul ish po ed “G co e au s,” w ta in the school’s all-time scoring le rd lin iv a ith nk VS. D brina 64-55 ts Ri Le ft yen e themit to in the e ea Hegaalso ni route to in the ga ed the ne trailed ponPre e’s im he saagain throw said. “S e [a] quick S a b i n me plmade id. “You ght, not just g to the game. started to n Vander Pl and enough cr in ss lin pa xt m ed .co e record of 1,603, which was set e th ct it: de an o at on m. e as sa ge victory over ex home that th they ha to free-throw line th six al the Indians. sion,” then th I passedalsocimoves die ey not just game wasthe Ed d a really get in tend the defe id. “We fre Hunter Mer attempts e free- ju t to see every l got to see night,” ey

by Scott Gillespie in I2007. to lim jitutos Ed t di 2 5he st learned from “We pa 20go timesanind Be then’half,wanted da the pastw with e ns was ju both colla ril st wid psed on e and po He scored his heroic ited to an t some look s effectiven to limit to He also addessing lanes.” e and ket throws with l followedtie it. ute thtake advantagy: that these hat I Vander Plas, whokiscored s. ess. W away e points cked to our WLA th to give d then16. s that w limit th making in ki a steal e [Winnebago the regards ey e I think back open, so whe him. and ts to help ke e Tigers’ fir e nu d they at e played ’ve got to ge of every m ds le th an Benisanoffit to 515 points last season, from ep the st 11 just a“Ihathink inn he finishe e starte didn’t hit pun’s leadin mber of tim tempted fir ad since m e Tigers th d bas- Lutheran thAcademy] tgame,” d I just , I was is one better. Ripon ir bit; wone Keep up on the Tigers during the lookbreakan ga ei g d id d second th sli 26 d st m es sc r to to w e w in They ha p e w ha a good start on his way to the fir th or po W ay thro ith a ba pr g fo the fin said. close throug greatest e need lf. ints coach Tom McNeill decisio d toing makRiponstate tournament on Facebook, am ex al zz“We h our hae ball starte ess with ll. The sopher, Domask, auugh thst head DeanofVahis e a last-r The ad all halftime n.”

“The on 9-of-1 career-hig tre el ed e di record as he scored 19Hpoints just 15 er ha 36 min buof e came om nds a lit d to after nder Plis assets his Twitter (@RiponSports) & we’ve]outmflat y pr shootin dn’t know native Scott points ore finish d however vantage was going y had deci 2 shooting. h utes. Ithat tle ou “W W as d bi hi go rig sa e , of ed to t,” de on for the Tigers Tuesday ingait69t wwe id. short-l ht away though and next fo as the War orkplayed em, [bbetter that it that D really tried 11 shots. year — lestrength die aw try to take d they wer O ut siand ived, game, left to thmuch ts af rio ur ut w of te om de ay as rs po w to r e de Ben an ,” Dea 48 road victory over Lomira. do TY ask sc goingSABIN“The in of Le 26 ja vu lead w mak thispotime in Warrio hen the Ti n Va d in. e’s ga .” ints around.” ith less ts to reclaim ored the po gers lo to last yo his hands, andidn’t have e sure *Start times depend on previous games m e- hiconferWith the 19 points Tuesday, than a 48 releases auchey were going nder Plas saEd- final gars 69-59 in a See poTigers to ints ea , Ri Be the ba (1-1 u can n re d on th sect st to the id s and th ch the m ll lead n Vander two minutes -46 and While to do ived ni gh m Be ce he needs just 52 points to surPlas eir effe limit thei . have sta e in WLIFTS/ Ed 2-2 fro shot against in lef est Be ional semi- you deny hi that a littlee full-court ence, overall) jumped out to a rte r ctivenes nd as he half at the then cut th t. from Mdie Muench n Vander Pl ne m and br it. pass Ryan Werch for second s and of the play d to cr m free-thwin over and fiv eep in15— coul as Loras College. other gubettera—layup e w arshal ade on 64-55 They thATTEMPTS d a litingLEWIS OLIVIA in Ripon’s Le ers, thpage ro th hi l w ys e e e ch M fo re A m out of line tle orrin e points llowed w the ba got to of came all-time in school history. inds big reas ey battled Dennis Cotton photo — all page 17 two, anphoto in thSee ore,” D finished by TOP/ said. “Ibit mLewis Jonathan Bailey Kewaskum. with 19 points. ll It fo on for ba ar m ur e sh ou ck ak of fir to give ot 40 d fro ea . the co percen st half. many don’t know n Vander Pl nd Ripon ing three ou m Bu mebac th t W e of t t a as an k ba swer asaupun once 50-48 lead. lowest pe field, which (18 of 44) ck-dootheir shots ot that he took ag rc is D he r layup ai en on om throw that th r than that line hi ask got to n had an 51 Waupun, m tages of the e of its ey got mself

by Jo with ar the free- bu percent (2 eanwhile, co season. with nathan jonath 2 of 43 ound 30 nverte Ba t was anb@ riponpr iley from be just 15 pe ) of its shot d inters.c rcent (2 s, hind th om Growin “It’s fe e el g 3s pretty up, Ripo School point lin of 13) said of e. spent pl senior Ben n High “I rem breaking Sc good,” Ben Zero Va ember ott’s re sium w enty of tim nder Plas Tu w co co ith my ming to rn La rd. e in atch da wn M The so ing Scott G the gymna- go to wor d and seeing practice ower W illespie. s Sc Vander n of head part of k; I think all breanfix he was ott just the play looked Plas, Ben coach Dean a big er I Whi ds!

LAWN prolific up to the Scott’s le Ben is ho am today.” & GA • Lawn RDEN no mark, and pa scorer which red to break • Blow Mowers sser. was se ers • Chain He 2006-0 t in the sa 7 ws look bacan now • Trim it is no season, HENN mers No. ck at hi t what & Brus INGS N m.

The is worrie he h Cutte 127 1. Be ame HOMET broke senior rs d n 920-3 Jefferson Sc OWN 2. Sc Vander PlasPoints most abou the 46-23 St all-tim ott’s 11 • 92 ot 0-346 • Brand “Right t.

Mon.-F 3. Ed t Gillespie 1,628 -5744-hom on record e scoring ri. 8:3 no die M 0 a.m e (Sa re w, 1, al (1 60 I .-4:00 ly t. & Sun ue 4. Ry p.m. points) ,603 .) an Wer nch 1,20 3 to focuam trying la 5. Tyle 4 ch Thursd st week team ans on the r Witk 1, ay 19 in 6.

2 w owski d Ripon’ Luke 1194 W e’re try what s 1, Lo se 17 . ew ct 7.

Fo 8 io semifina ing to e nd du nal Bryc do Lac St 8. Mik e Bauman 1,168 sa as a team,” over W l win ., Ripon e Bock he id, refe aupun.

1,042 rri He Bold ind 748-28 1,029 winning sta ng to For mor icates the contfinished active te.

“I’m try player 800-23 65 out our e details on th points est with 1,60 to look ing not 6-3602 website e homes at that days la and added 21 6 career to an o te in m m d ore tw uch, bu th click on Martin r in a 78-6 Ben o pret t it’s 3w Luther the OPe open houses if Scot noted he didnty cool.” to go to in over , check EN HO state.

USE TA when het’s record was ’t know B! the mar entered hi attainable gh with th k has just as school, an e te d m “The sigam as it doesuch to do n We ha hi the nu ve bu mber,” was up there m. yers numbe and I sa he said th CALL US TO SOLD m at are look was po r. I didn’t re . “It was a biw ost DAY IF in of my ssible, but ju ally know if g YOU’RE of our listig but we have ng THIN I’ve ha teammates al st with the he it KING s!

ABOU SIPC . happend great teams l four years lp Member T SELL — ed.” to play on ING! Ben — it out to added that Sc hi message m after the ott reached breaki to congratugame via tex N5869 ng his t la record te him on “He deeded acHillside Dr., Gr me,” he was just real. living roo cess to Big Green een Lake. Meti and it said. “Scott’ly proud of cu BEN w lower lev m, master suite wiLake! The home lous raised ran VA after th as just fun s a great gu ch el too! offers midway NDER PL th a walktalking y at gam W A th e.” to 37 in closet an open conc home with S roug The 76 Be MLS #17855 him he pa re ssed Sc h the seco leases hi ward is Ripon High that leads yers Cove Rd 60 ............... and jetted tub ept, spacious s reco nd ha ott Gille ., Prince . ......... to Big Gr lf rd game fo averaging 17School forla -b sp sto st ......... A walk-out to re ee ve and ba week ie as Ri n. Amazi n Lake! Up ..... $149 Thursd aking 3-po 307 po r his career points per r. pon’s ng Th da ran ere M T . tes ,000 in in ay LS ch ho all-tim is a RUC galor #1760997 sophom ts as a fresh He scored e lead . With the sh ter BEN VA ................new long pier with e and a family me on a channe K & TRA ing sc a foot ore in a year man, 300 as room with l ................

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52 ................the spacious lot! er level with a famupdates, a (30) dr of price in D, WI flatbed clu pi

2016-17 Season Preview

GAME 2

Thursday, 1:35 p.m.

Thursday, 3:15 p.m.*

SPORTS

When it comes to Join us 3 your to-do list, put for our Grand Opening your future first.

Tigers girls top Kewaskum 64-55

Ripon (26-0)

NUMBERS 482

Winner Game 1

Winner Game 2

Saturday, 2:30 p.m.*

Lake Mills (24-2)

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Xavier (26-0)

You’ve “Preserved” a spot in our history

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GAME 1

Plasrecorded breaks Scott Gillespie’s all-for a second half timethe scoring pageSaturday 18 agesrecord,” last week in thesemifinal Red Hawk men’s bas‰ “State preview: ketball team’s 105-100 Ripon vs. Xavier,” page 19 home victory over Loras College. ‰ “Dean Vander Plasjust ties eight After scoring legendary pointscoach in theSeidl first for half, Sabin for 45page points mostexploded wins all time,” 19 in the second to break his own ‰ “Sectional Frenzy: Photos school record for points in a fromgame the past week,” page 20 with 53. The previous

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Wisconsin Pride

Lourdes team as a freshman that found itself in the same situation.

He wasn’t about to let his new teammates experience the feeling.

Muench, who transferred to Ripon prior to his sophomore year, scored a career-high 36 points last week Saturday to help the Tigers remain undefeated and qualify for state for the first time since 2003.

They defeated Martin Luther 78-63 in Whitefish Bay to set up a semifinal match-up Thursday with the only other undefeated team in Division 3, Xavier, at the Kohl Center in Madison. That game, which will be aired live on CW14 is slated to tip off at 3:15 p.m.

The Hawks, meanwhile, defeated Valders 63-57 in their sectional final game to clinch their third-straight state tournament berth.

“Freshman year, undefeated

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You’ve “processed” a great season.

Muench shoots Ripon to season-opening victory

Tigers qualify for state for 1st time since 2003, will play Xavier Thursday

Prescott (23-3)

NUMBERS 599

“I

to Tip off is sch of his final The club fin st lead and e t wa ausehisit family e you can start best is just tak season after then to dream big.” the eduled for 7 Waupun to of the ve nu ate something nted to get the ball to week edown and quickly added a of 34 Level 2 ished 11th out you and this year, andThere is plenty p.m ds for Sh . Vander Plas doesn’t Dean bought a house ofen reason youpast of my nearfall to ma are basketball rig , and I tell you what, annon and see if shelike theywins life out there down competing at (small) teams ke it contr talk about orolloptimism couto as the the re.

Tigers’ roster summer. there.’ And 15-9. we have a ho ht now,” Wi ld ed cre the meet.

It wa bea s ckstrom sai rseshoe wi just a “Luke’s ter three He added an losses or making the it toirthe state features all but three seniors that Representin great abeisignificant ng able toloss,” th Rip expe s done on an d em oti on othby riencof do short erJonathan at it ... [and] days earlier. “It happen d, referring to the boys’ e ov tournament. nearfallBailey noting plenty winning. erall.” Dean VanderthaPlas Alaina Vollm g Ripon was ne rv es . have t[No.] s so fast, bu insaid, she makes the buzze fro I “We haveBe er, Anya Duffy nt of to 18 time later tojonathanb@riponprinters.com increase his a But the rRiponbel High 4 ranked high expectations Loewe is “the t Thand se e sho ievSchool n Pu Hadleychampionship a wh RIPON HEAD COACH Dean Vander Plas hoists the sectional as, Ripon players fans celebrate.

Jonathan ecoach the prebecause t epi good head ctice.”Bailey photo she had a boys’ ole Neper and Leplaque tomized the in pra slook basketball crowd on -9 and avoided being lead achesenior in the state of Wisconsin. these kids, thelve kidsrm who r beh xi sur ind Tig Teb Ri to tur team was far from firing on all e ers’ fight Tu nearly the ent pothe of not on.

For more on n Hi peoreplace bacTiger can’t deny that there of arethe highstate what are playing lion’s share of One kid will ple gh k Thehis Ripon boys’ basketballned aft at Sc esd er the the ire ho ay his ir ol con as they plahopes perforopponen tournament the minutes, this is their third sen sco Among their tes red a lat mances, see ior did, so Koit’s and a buzz Luke incumbent hl Ce t road game against Lomira. cylinders Tuesday in its season-opening yed fro e revers helped them nter wason vic deficits were t. page 17. m up theentering al totosec bothatam this season. be able to fill that or fourth run thisp thing and our team to ure tor a 15-8 hole But it was good enough come away rea y. ir the with a convincing 69-48 win. lly lev el am

by Jonathan Bailey azing.”

The wi early in the intensity “Just listening to the team, ofthey’re n, wh void ...”ich gu thinking about that,” “Iten wasn’t pretty, but we were definitely in control the whole .”

“B second qu jonathanb@riponprinters.com For more about the has the arantecoach arttheir least twoThe ed him abi I think are Dean Vander Plas said.at“And er expectations Tiger head does the lity way,” Ripon head coach Dean Vander “It was a methodical to mo get PU re flow the maTigers LVERthe into Plas. tches,have basketball team, see: of lead MAsenior high,” he said.

“I think his ...ma the CHER year brings awith sureitthibelieve wasplayers build of I wasn’t pleased with our defense, not add Eddie Muench knows what See ADVANC very tches,particularly ng Pu lve ” and rm Esala ed. ach er’ st ofoffset that they feel like they can ‰ “Unbe-LEE-vable: Lee hits whofor canmo help thetch loss of but urgency ... there’s a finality we“H juste kept lead Eddie [Muench] was lights out.” the ma E/ pa wasbuilding it’s like to be on a team that is s hig hli able toaant ge 15withthe . a scoMuench, ghoft you.” touin a few takedo of but“He gotLoewe. rna ici compete anyone Divifront rin ment that’s pat undefeated, only to lose in the indeed, had the hot hand as he finished with a careerg e shot at buzzer to send Ripon to op wn cameinlas po s on meMarrtunity, and his I did notAmong t week , reshigh sion 3. With that expectation, are junior While Ripon has a seniorgame to qualify for the state panic,”them 13-of-19 shooting pond32edpoints bodyfrom the field, which included Pulve sectional final,”Ty page 18 to colon rmachMelvin d. “I hav lectthe tournament.

Sabin though, you’ve got to go do laden team, it will be sai er big3-point missing shall Morrin and senior 5 of 8 from behind e bee points.line. n in tha He a 37-22 lead over Lomira (0-1 ‰ “Great Scott! Ben Vander t situatiup The Ripon High School the work and the best part one of its key players from last Lee. Morrin stepped last He helped Ripon (1-0 overall) take on The Ripon College senior Page senior started on an Oshkosh

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RD/ page 18

3

Senior-laden Tigers have high hopes

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ints scored 64-65.

50 points in broke the 31 a day 5 points. point80 for his Brad Alberts’ cord of 277. ver thought d this long. at [I expectpecially when in,” Wurtz

put in,” Dean Vander Plas said. “I’m really proud of them. They did the little things well to believe in each Lee Twenty-two down. Six to go. other tonight. Big-timeMelvin accomplishThe Ripon High School The Ripon High School boys’ ment for them.” senior is a big reason the Tiger boys’ basketball team is basketball team capped off its firstFor much of the game, Ripon making its first state tournaever undefeated regular season last had to overcomement since 2003. itsappearance fair share of He picked up the slack week Thursday with a 70-64 win challenges as it trailed theVander Warriors, when Ben Plas and Eddie Muench couldn’t get over Waupun. Now, it will turn its who had won 25-straight home much going last week Thursattention to winning a state title. day against contests dating back to Waupun.

February Lee scored Ripon’s first It begins WIAA Tournament 2015. Waupun even led by as many 11 points and finished with a career-high 26 on half.

9-ofplay Friday, when it hosts Lomira as seven points late in the first 12 shooting from the field, at 7 p.m. in the regional semifinals. which included a game-win“I thought we just kept grinding,” ning 3-pointer at the buzzer.

“Our energy Dean “TheyVander had decidedPlas they were going to try to take needs to be trying said.

“There was Ben and Eddie away,” Ripon to go 1-0,” Ripon head coach a Dean Vander Plas a will, drive toWhat: Regional semifinal said.

“They were going to head coach Dean night, a fire in limit their touches and their game vs. Lomira effectiveness and we know Vander Plas said. When: Friday at 7 p.m. our bellies.

Wauthe other kids had to step up “We’re trying and carryshot us. AndlightsGod bless pun Melvin; he sure did.” to prepare well; Where: Ripon High School out.

For more[Mason] on Lee and his heroics againstwas Waupun, see we’re putting all Domask hitthe story on page 18. our effort into the next game ... I ting from all over the place. They INSIDE think our team buys into that ... were getting some bounces and our It’s about effort, it’s about energy kids just wouldn’t take no for an SPORTS ‰ New era begins for Tiger and that’s really what we’re trying answer and kept coming.” softball team as practice to do.”

One reason thegets Tigers were able16 see page underway ‰ Red Hawkpresented softball team While the Tigers’ focus shifts to answer the challenge notches first win of trip, to the postseason, finishing off the by Waupun was Ben Vander Plas. page 16 improves to 1-3 see ‰ Rodriguezthe shines Warat Speedo undefeated regular season wasn’t an The senior matched sectional meet, places top 20 easy task last week Thursday. riors’ Domask point-for-point 17 in all six events see pageas RC’s Ty Sabin selected “We had to face immense adver- he finished with a‰ season-high 30to play in the Division III allsity and our kids just kept coming. points on an efficient 9-of-14seeshootpage 17 star game ‰ Ripon College baseball That speaks to their character, their team remains in search of unity and the hard work that they’ve See UNDEFEATED/ see page 17 first win of trippage 20

3

SPOTLIGHT

IRT-2046H-A-AD

Lud thud

by Jonathan Bailey

jonathanb@riponprinters.com

photos

MKT-9812-A

/ page 18

NUMBERS 11

Muench flies under the radar en route to scoring 1,000 points

Page 10 March 29, 2017

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

1,000 points.

It is a milestone every high school basketball player wants to achieve before they graduate.

Typically, when one reaches it, an announcement is made at the next break in the game to recognize the accomplishment.

Jonathan Bailey But that wasn’t the case for Ripon High School’s Eddie Muench Thursday, Jan. 19.

In fact, even the senior wasn’t aware about what happened until after the game was well over.

“I think I had a sense I was pretty close,” Eddie said of 1,000 points. “I didn’t know I would have gotten it that night.”

Of course, for a guy like Eddie, that’s only appropriate.

He’s been in the shadows of others his entire basketball career Part of the reason for Eddie not knowing is a result of him

EDDIE MUENCH DRIVES to the basket against Kewaskum.

Attacking the rim is one of the areas where he has improved Jonathan Bailey photo the most throughout his career. transferring to Ripon from Oshkosh Lourdes after his freshman season.

His results from WisSports. net, which is used by coaches and media across the state, were never carried over to his Tiger profile.

As far as the website was concerned, he had scored 824 career points entering last week’s game.

Knowing that he was closing in on 1,000 points in a Ripon uniform, I became curious how many points he had altogether if you factor in those from Lourdes.

I sent a text to head coach Dean Vander Plas after the game asking if he knew how many points Eddie had his freshman year.

He said he would get back to me shortly, but the curiosity was getting the best of me.

So I went on WisSports and pulled up the team page for Lourdes from the 2012-13 season and went game-by-game through the box scores and added up Eddie’s point totals.

While I later found out that I could have just clicked on “Player Stats” and saved myself a lot of time and math (which we

reporters aren’t always the best at), I came up with 171 points.

I then added that, using the calculator on my phone, to the 824 points he scored during his Tiger career entering last week Thursday’s game and got 995.

That is when it hit me: With his game-high 25 points against Kewaskum, Eddie had just joined the 1,000-point club.

While initially shocked that the feat went unnoticed, the more I got to thinking about Eddie, the more sense it made.

In addition to the lack of compilation of his stats on WisSports, the senior has flown under the radar for most of his career.

His freshman year, he started all 26 games as a freshman on a senior-laden Lourdes’ squad.

Then, the last two years for Ripon, he has played in the shadow of Division I recruits Ben Vander Plas and Luke Loewe.

Known more as a 3-point shooter, Eddie scored his points — but, except for in regional final games, in which he had his best games, it never seemed he was that close to 1,000 points.

The lack of attention to Muench was shared by college and universities across the country as he was being recruited by just a couple Division III schools in the state of Wisconsin.

It wasn’t until this offseason, when Loewe transferred to Fond du Lac and Eddie worked hard on improving his body and game to become a more all-around player, that people began to take notice of the senior.

Eddie averaged a team-high 23.1 points per game. The point total is 29th best in the state.

He finished his career with 1,401 points, 1,230 of which came with Ripon — which ranks him second in school history.

With the points have come more attention as he has captured the attention of Division I and II schools.

Despite the new-found glory, Eddie has not let the success go to his head.

“Coach always talks about ‘15 as one’ because we have 15 guys on our team,” Eddie said.

“We didn’t really want to take the time to call out one player [for scoring 1,000 points] …

It was more individual and not about the team.”

So it should be no surprise that when he scored his 1,000th point, neither Eddie nor anybody had any idea of what just happened.

Fortunately, that’s not the case anymore — and it’s a good thing.

The credit and attention Eddie is finally receiving is long overdue.

A basket of thanks to the Ripon Tigers!

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March 29, 2017 Page 11

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

School Facts

2016-17 Ripon Tigers

MEMBERS OF THE 2016-17 team are, front row, from left, Melvin Lee, Hunter Merrill, Tom Bergthold, Trey Auchtung, Andrew Radloff, Marshall Morrin; second row, Cody Sandleback, Cody Merrill, Tyler Pick, Austin Lopez, Austen Wallenfang; back row, Luke Rogers, Hunter Auchtung, Eddie Muench, Ben Vander Plas, Andy Saul and Max Beuthin.

------- Roster ------Number Name 1 Bennett Vander Plas 2 Marshall Morrin 3 Eddie Muench 4 Trey Auchtung 5 Austin Lopez 10 Melvin Lee 15 Tom Bergthold 20 Max Beuthin 21 Hunter Merrill 22 Andrew Radloff 23 Austen Wallenfang 24 Hunter Auchtung 25 Cody Merrill 30 Luke Rogers 32 Cody Sandleback 33 Tyler Pick

Pos. Height Grad Year SF|PF 6’8” 2017 PG 5’10 2018 SG 6’4” 2017 G|SG 5’10” 2017 F 6’3 2018 PG 5’5” 2017 F 5’10” 2017 SF 6’3 2020 G 5’10” 2017 G 6’ 2017 SF 6’1 2017 SG 6’1 2019 F 6’1 2018 SG|PG 6’ 2019 PF 6’1 2017 F 6’2” 2017

Head Coach: Dean Vander Plas (UW-Green Bay, 1991)

School Record/Years: 291-202/21 yrs

----- Schedule & Results ----Opponent W/L Score Lomira W 69-48 Winneconne W 83-55 Plymouth W 68-43 WLA W 81-44 Berlin W 75-44 Wauwatosa East W 72-53 Dominican W 72-56 Campbellsport W 70-55 Lakeside Lutheran W 70-53

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Opponent W/L Score Kewaskum W 76-33 Kettle Moraine Lutheran W 64-42 Kettle Moraine Lutheran W 69-59 Waupun W 70-64 Lomira (regionals) W 85-53 Berlin (regionals) W 84-49 Waupun (sectionals) W 53-50 Martin Luther (sectionals) W 78-63 Xavier (state) L 81-74

# Name GP PPG FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% 3PM 3PA 3P% PTS High REB REB/G A STL BLK 3 Eddie Muench 27 23.1 222 443 .501 101 132 .765 80 197 .406 625 36 102 3.8 68 34 7 1 Bennett Vander Plas 27 19.5 210 368 .571 78 119 .655 29 82 .354 527 30 330 12.2 112 64 30 10 Melvin Lee 25 12.4 126 218 .578 45 66 .682 14 28 .500 311 26 106 4.2 89 54 13 21 Hunter Merrill 27 5.0 54 105 .514 11 20 .550 16 41 .390 136 14 56 2.1 30 21 0 33 Tyler Pick 24 3.6 37 72 .514 11 19 .579 1 4 .250 86 8 46 1.9 21 8 2 5 Austin Lopez 26 3.5 37 65 .569 15 22 .682 1 5 .200 90 10 44 1.6 12 10 4 2 Marshall Morrin 27 3.3 29 54 .537 24 40 .600 7 18 .389 89 10 45 1.7 44 26 0 20 Andy Saul 5 1.0 1 6 .167 3 8 .375 0 0 .000 5 3 8 1.6 0 1 0 22 Andrew Radloff 24 0.9 11 31 .355 1 2 .500 1 15 .067 22 5 14 0.6 3 4 0 4 Trey Auchtung 23 0.9 7 17 .412 4 7 .571 3 10 .300 21 6 10 0.4 4 3 1 25 Cody Merrill 19 0.7 5 10 .500 4 11 .364 0 0 .000 14 4 13 0.7 1 0 0 24 Hunter Auchtung 10 0.6 2 9 .222 1 3 .333 1 4 .250 6 3 6 0.6 1 0 1 32 Cody Sandleback 23 0.3 2 12 .167 3 6 .500 0 1 .000 7 4 10 0.4 2 0 0 20 Max Beuthin 7 0.3 1 2 .500 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 2 2 1 0.1 0 0 0 23 Austen Wallenfang 23 0.2 1 4 .250 2 9 .222 0 2 .000 4 3 11 0.5 0 0 0 15 Tom Bergthold 20 0.1 0 6 .000 2 7 .286 0 0 .000 2 1 8 0.4 0 1 1 30 Luke Rogers 10 0.0 0 3 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 0 2 0.2 1 0 0

Ripon’s got a sack-full of wins!

Open 5 am til Midnight - 7 Days a Week

Opponent W/L Score Kewaskum W 71-31 Spring Grove(MN) W 79-50 Waupun W 63-46 Winneconne W 80-58 Laconia W 69-51 Plymouth W 71-48 Berlin W 56-37 Campbellsport W 71-51 Onalaska W 77-51

------ Season Statistics ------

Bag ’em up.

Highway 23 West, Ripon

District Administrator: Mary Whitrock Principal: Randy Hatlen Athletic Director: Bill Kinziger Assistant Coach(es): Steve Brooks Jerry Witkowski Kyle Wiggs Tom Riek Mihai Schnell-Harrison Ted Bremer Pep Band Director: Sandy Polcyn School Colors: Orange & Black School Enrollment: 535 Captain(s): Seniors Manager(s): Carter Elliott Athletic Trainer(s): Chris Schattschneider School Twitter: @riponschools Sports Twitter: @riponsports @riponbasketball

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Road Page 12 March 29, 2017

Tuesday, Nov. 29 Ripon (69) at Lomira (48)

to to

2017 Ripon Tiger Boys’ Basketball Commemorative Section

Tuesday, Dec. 6 Ripon (83) vs. Winneconne (55)

state Friday, Dec. 9 Ripon (68) at Plymouth (43)

Tuesday, Dec. 27 Ripon (72) vs. Wauwatosa East (53) ­­­– WBY Shootout

Tuesday, Dec. 13 Ripon (81) at WLA (44)

Thursday, Dec. 15 Ripon (75) vs. Berlin (44)

Wednesday, Dec. 28 Ripon (72) vs. Dominican (56) –­­­ WBY Shootout

Friday, Jan. 6 Ripon (70) at Campbellsport (55)

Saturday, Jan. 7 Ripon (70) vs. Lakeside Lutheran (53) - Wis. Dells Thursday, Jan. 12 Ripon (71) vs. Kewaskum (31) Saturday, Jan. 14 Ripon (79) vs. Spring Grove (50) – Wis. Dells Friday, Jan. 20 Ripon (63) vs. Waupun (46) Thursday, Jan. 26 Ripon (80) at Winneconne (58) Saturday, Jan. 28 Ripon (69) vs. Laconia (51) Tuesday, Jan. 31 Ripon (71) vs. Plymouth (48) Friday, Feb. 3 Ripon (56) at Berlin (37) Thursday, Feb. 9 Ripon (71) vs. Campbellsport (51) Saturday, Feb. 11 Ripon (77) vs. Onalaska (51) Tuesday, Feb. 14 Ripon (76) at Kewaskum (33) Friday, Feb. 17 Ripon (64) vs. KML (42) Monday, Feb. 20 Ripon (69) at KML (59) Thursday, Feb. 23 Ripon (70) vs. Waupun (64)

Friday, March 3 Ripon (85) vs. Lomira (53) Regional semifinal

Saturday, March 4 Ripon (84) vs. Berlin (49) Regional final

Thursday, March 9 Ripon (53) vs. Waupun (50) Sectional semifinal

Saturday, March 11 Ripon (78) vs. Martin Luther (63) Sectional final

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