Wisconsin Sports Network is proud to showcase the WSN High School Basketball Awards.
The pre-season watch list was trimmed down to 15 semi-finalists, and five finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state tournament. Finalists are eligible for just one of the five awards. There will be a total of 25 finalists for the five awards, five different players for each award.
WSN Senior Boys Basketball Awards -- Defense Finalists:
Deiondre Cunningham, Wisconsin Lutheran – One of several players who can put extreme pressure on the ball with his quickness and toughness, Cunningham has played a big role in helping the Vikings capture the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference title the past three seasons.
Montrell Hobbs, Milwaukee King – One of the biggest reasons Milwaukee King tied Milwaukee Washington for the City Conference title was the defensive toughness displayed night in and night out by Montrell Hobbs. King coach Jim Gosz called upon Hobbs to guard both perimeter and post players and the 6-foot-2 senior was more than up to the challenge, helping King to a 20-4 record heading into the Generals’ anticipated sectional semifinal game against Milwaukee Vincent. In a program noted for playing outstanding defense, Hobbs is the Generals’ defensive stopper.
Bronson Koenig, Aquinas – Up to the challenge of guarding outstanding perimeter players such as Onalaska’s Matt Thomas and Dominican’s Duane Wilson, Koenig proved his immense ability to slow down opponents with his athleticism, length and desire. Also a truly outstanding point guard, Koenig impressed people throughout the state this winter with his ability to become a lock-down defender for coach Rick Schneider and the Blugolds. The ability to defend certainly bodes well for Koenig’s chances of getting on the floor early in his collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin.
Sam Murphy, Royall – Murphy is a more than capable scorer as he is averaging 13.8 ppg, but his biggest impact on a game often comes on the other end of the floor, where he can use his 6-4 height and long frame to block and alter shots, snare rebounds and get into passing lanes. A four-year varsity performer for coach Mark Gustafson, Murphy is averaging 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.5 blocked shots per game for the Panthers. The Lakeland College recruit led Royall to the Scenic Bluffs Conference and a 22-3 record heading into its WIAA Division 5 sectional semifinal game against Cassville.
Erick Tunell, Superior – An aggressive 6-2 wing guard who is averaging 14.5 ppg for a Superior squad that takes a 21-2 record into its Division 1 sectional semifinal game against D.C. Everest, Tunell is a relentless ball hound who competes with an edge on both sides of the court. His overall play is a big reason why Superior won the title in the Lake Superior Conference this winter.
To view the Semi-Finalists, click here.
To view the Watch List, click here.
Lists are compiled from statistical information available to WSN, coach nominations, player evaluations, and other resources.
Tag(s): News Archive BBB News Senior Awards
