Tom King's Blog

The Wausau West Warriors hockey team is the defending Wisconsin state champion and lost alot of excellent players in the last two years but here they are again heading to the sectional championship game after beating Mosinee last night. The Warriors jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead and won 4-2.

West plays arguably the toughest schedule in the state every year and Coach Pete Susens does it for a reason. There may be some stumbles in the regular season but it's all about forging a tournament team that can make a deep run. They face Northland Pines Saturday afternoon at 3pm at Greenheck with another trip to state on the line. Pines is a decent team but I don't think they have the depth of quality players that can stand up against the defending champs. get there early if you want a seat

The Central Wisconsin Storm girls team also moved on to the sectional title game with a 4-1 win over Marshfield. The Strom will face Northland Pines Friday night in Tomahawk with a trip to state on the line.

The Bucks limp into the All-Star break taking on the Bulls tonight in Chicago. Derrick Rose is back for the Bulls and the Bucks are still short-handed with injuries. Milwaukee has struggled at times but I still believe this team can find a way to make the playoffs in the second half. One of the problems is the immaturity of Brandon Jennings. He is just too callow to lead a good team on a consistent basis. He has flashes of brilliance but too many times he seems out of sync or the energy level is not there.

Songs of The Day   (from my I-pod)

In Liverpool-Suzanne Vega (1992) one of my favorite singer-songwriters...can paint a scene like few others

In My Own Mind-Lyle Lovett (2003) he got a Grammy nomination for this one. If you get a chance to see him live you should do it...great storyteller and songwriter.

For some the four most magical words in the English language are 'pitchers and catchers report". The Milwaukee Brewers pitchers and catchers had their first workouts yesterday and everybody seems to be healthy going into the season. For the first time in forever the Brewers have few, if any questions about their pitching staff. And it's a good thing because the loss of Prince Fielder and the possible suspension of Ryan Braun will certainly put a crimp in the offense. But maybe not as much as people think. Aramis Ramirez will not replace all of Fielder's offense but he did win a Silver Slugger award last year which goes to the top hitter at each position in the league and will certainly produce more than the Crew got out of Casey MeGehee last year. The infield defense should be much better as well which should mean lower scoring, close games. With K-Rod and Ax at the back of the bullpen, the team should win more than their share of those.

Every team is a pennant contender in February...but with the many changes to the Cardinals...the Cubs in complete rebuilding mode....the Pirates not their yet...and the Astros a complete disaster...that leaves the Reds as a possible contender with Milwaukee. With the Brewers pitching...I like their chances.

Manny is back! The Oakland A's...looking for chaep power, have signed the enigmatic slugger even though he has to sit out a 50 game suspension for PEDS. If nothing else, the addition of Ramirez and Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes should make the re-building A's somewhat interesting to watch.

It looks like the greatest relief pitcher in major league history may be hanging it up after this season. Mariano Rivera said yesterday that he has made a decision about his future and nothing that happens this season will change it. Sounds like retirement to me.

High school hockey sectional action tonight....Wausau West hosting Mosinee at Marathon Park...Lakeland at Northland Pines......Sparta at Wisconsin Rapids and Chequamegon at Eau Calire Memorial.

Girls hockey sectionals include the Central Wisconsin Storm hosting Marshfield at the Mosinee Rec Center and Point/Rapids hosting Northland Pines.

Songs Of the Day    (from my I-pod)

In Germany Before The War-Randy Newman (1977) I know Newman is an aquired taste and not everybody "gets" him but his haunting piano melodies and sardonic lyrics never fail to "get" to me. From his masterwork "Little Criminals"

In God's Country-U2 (1987) a single from "The Joshua Tree" that didnt fare well. I like it's juxtaposition of good and bad...depending on your perspective

Irsan Ilyasova has always had the reputation that alot of foreign players get in the NBA. A nice player but really not hard-edged enough to flourish in the big-time. Too soft if you will. But Irsan is changing a few minds with his play the last couple of weeks. With Bogut out and Drew Gooden also missing some games with an injury the Bucks have been desperate for somebody to give them both offense and rebounding toughness inside and the Turk has delivered. He has two the top rebounding games in the entire league this year including last night as he went off for 29 points and 25 boards in a win over New Jersey. He consistently is able to grab rebounds or at least keep the ball alive against bigger players and has given Bucks fans hopes that they can withstand all of the injuries and thr brutal schedule to make a run for a playoff spot after the all-star break.

Unfortunatly one of the teams the Bucks are chasing for a playoff spot is the New York Knicks. Jeremy Lin did it again yesterday on national tv with 25 points, 14 assists and 5 steals against the defending champs. The Knicks played fabulous defense in the 4th quarter and it's going to be a challenge for coach Mike'Dantoni  when Carmelo Anthony is ready to return...because a team with Anthony Amare Stoudamaire and newly aquired JR Smith is not nearly as good defensively as what they had on the floor yesterday.

The Pointer hockey team advanced in thrilling fashion on Saturday winning the regular game and then taking the mini-game in overtime after tying it up with only 36 seconds to play.

Congrats to Billy Brebrick of Wausau East and Olivis Wednt of DC Everest. Brebrick medaled twice at the state swim meet and Wendt won two events at the state Alpine meet in snowboarding.

The seeding are out for the boys basketball tournament and as expected DC Everest in the one seed in D-1. They will face either Wausau West or EC Memorial in their first game and MArshfield or Wausau East if they advance.

Milwaukee Brewer pitchers and catchers have reported and their first official workout is today.

Songs of The Day    (from my I-pod)

In a Big Country-Big Country (1983) making guitars sound like bagpipes....I liked these guys...although they didnt stay around too long

In France They Kiss On Main Street-Joni Mitchell (1976) Only Joni could get these guys to go on the road with her...what a band!

The WIAA Board of Control voted yesterday to move the boys and girls high school basketball state tournaments to the Resch Center in Green Bay, perhaps as soon as next season. The UW had said it could not guarantee accesss to the Kohl Center in some future years becuase of conflicts with Badger hockey and the WIAA had no interest in moving to the Alliant Energy Center or the UW-Field House. Let's face it...it also gave the the WIAA a way to negotiate a better deal on concessions, parking, hotel rooms and all of the other streams of revenue a state tournament can bring. I don't blame them...they are trying to fund all of the other state tournaments that the organization runs and the Resch Center is a nice facility. I have no doubt that in future years fans will come to embrace a new tradition...but for old time fans and some schools with strong basketball programs, a spring trip to Madison was always something to look forward to...a reward at the end of a long winter...that change will take some getting used to.

There are no givens at tournament time...it's win or go home. The DC Everest hockey team found that awful truth to be the case last night as they were upset by the Lakeland T-Birds 3-2. Despite the best regular season maybe ever...the Evergeens are left with the bitter taste of "what if" as they head into the offseason. Wausau East, Stevens Point , SP Pacelli and Marshfield also saw their hockey season come to an end last night.

There are some interesting games set up for next Tuesday. Wausau West faces Mosinee at Marathon Park (that should be a dandy) and two old rivals will square off up in the Dome as lakeland travels to Northland Pines.

Former New York Met and Montral Expo catcher Gary Carter passed away yesterday from a maligant brain tumor.  He was only 57. I got his autograph at the 1975 Major League all-star game in Milwaukee. Later he broke my heart with the game winning hit in Game Six of the 1986 World Series (the Buckner game) as his Mets beat my Red Sox.

 We talked about this on WIFC this morning...here is The Name Game by Shirley Ellis

Songs of The day  (from my I-pod)

The Immigrant Song-Led Zeppelin (1970) Robert Plant wrote it during their tour of Iceland...released on the their 3rd album...John Bonham crushes the skins again!

Immigration Man-David Crosby/Graham Nash (1972) a Nash tune from their first duo Lp and based on Nash's treatment at the Immigration center in New York. Here is a live version featuring most of "The Section" LA's best studio muscians of the 70's

You can't help but think about old-time hockey when you walk into the Eagle River Ice Arena. It's called "The Dome" because of its unique design. The fact that it's domed roof was made out of wood and put together decades ago add to it's charm. It's also the home of the Wisconsin Hockey Hall-of-Fame and there is alot of neat old time memorabilia and equipment on display. It doesnt hurt that the tradition of old time hard hitting physical hockey is still the norm from the local teams.

I'll be at the Dome tonight for a high school hockey regional tournament matchup between the Northland Pines Eagles and the Wausau East Lumberjacks. You can hear the game as part 1 of our hockey doubleheader on Foxsports1390 WRIG at 7pm...it will be followed by DC Everest hosting Lakeland.

The other games on the playoff schedule tonight include SP Pacelli at Wausau West, Mosinee at Stevens Point, Marshfield at Chequamegon and La Crosse Aquinas at Wisconsin Rapids.

The Badger mens' basketball team gets back to work tonight as they travel to Michigan State. The Spartans beat Bucky at Madison earlier this season. You can hear the game on WSAU at 5pm.

A tough night for the Pointer men's basketball team. TWO buzzer beaters! Stout hits a three to send the game to OT and then another three to win it at the end of the overtime.

The Pointer women's basketball team won their 8th in a row...beating Stout 65-44.

Songs of The Day   (from my I-pod)

Illinois-Dan Fogelberg (1974) a perfect example of the early 70's singer-songwriter genre.

Imagine-John Lennon (1971) a potent message wrapped in a beautiful package. Obviously he is "a dreamer" as our society has never had much interest in embracing his philosophy

Danny O'Brien was a freshman All-American two years ago at Maryland. Last year he was injured and struggled under a new coach. the school has decided to let him out of the final two years of his scholarship and allow him to transfer to another school where he could play right away. Wisconsin is one of the schools on his list although there is no evidence that the Badgers have expressed any interest.

With the success of Russell Wilson I would imagine you will see more of this happening every year. Right now the Badgers have four quarterbacks with little to no experience plus a freshman recruit coming in. If Bret Bielema thinks that the Badgers cant contend for  Big Ten title with his cuurent crop would he roll the dice again and accept O'Brien. The difference between him and Russell Wilson is that O'Brien would have two years of eligibility left...and allow the freshman to prepare to take over the job as a junior. Where that would leave the other guys....? Maybe they could transfer:-).

High school hockey regional winners last night included Wausau East, Mosinee, Pacelli and Lakeland. Thursday games now will feature Pacelli at Wausau West, East at Northland Pines, Mosinee at Stevens Point and Lakeland at DC Everest.

Congrats to Wausau West and Wisconsin Rapids as they advance to the State team Wrestling Tournament March 2-3 in Madison.

Tiger Woods is going to play in the next three PGA tour events including the Honda Classic which he hasnt played in since 1993 when he missed the cut has a teenager. Maybe he realizes that at his age he needs to become a grinder and play alot more than he used to...and also start making some three-footers.

The Kansas City Royals have picked up the option on manager Ned Yost for 2013. The Royals are a trendy pick for major improvement going into the season...but they still have Nedly running things...i'm not optimistic.

Iko Iko-Dixie Cups (1965) a Mardi Gras song learned from their grandmothers and originally written in 1953...try and not bang on your table or desk when you hear this

Illegal Smile-John Prine (1971) a cut from his classic first album... we all know what he's talking about...in 1971 it seemed like sometimes it was the only way to get through the day

The high school winter season is winding down fast. The swimming state tournament is this weekend. The wrestling team setionals are tonight and the hockey tournament begins as well. The basketball seasons have a couple of weeks yet but teams are vying for seeding spots this week.

In wrestling setional action tonight Wausau West takes on Hudson in Merrill while Wisconsin Rapids faces Pulaski in Ashwaubenon. Neillsville/Greenwood/Loyal will take on Rice Lake...Witt/Birn goes up against Little Chute and Edgar faces Shiocton.

The hockey first round matchups include Rhinelander at Wausau East which you can hear live tonight on Foxsports1390 at 7. Other games have Merrill at Mosinee, Antigo at Pacelli, Tomahawk at Lakeland and Medford at Altoona.

I would think that defending state champ Wausau West would be the favorite going into the local regional although DC Everest and Northland Pines are lurking...and Mosinee is a team to be reckoned with as well. If any of the other teams would advance to the sectional finals I would consider it an upset.

If you were a young athlete defecting to this country...didnt know anybody...didnt speak the language very well...would you choose to play in a place where you would be more comfortable or would you go where you would make the most money? Cuban baseball player Yoenis Cespedes has said he wanted to play in Miami where of course there is a large Cuban population and spanish is spoken regularly. Instead he signs with Oakland for more money than the Marlins were offering. Did his agent do him a dis-service for steering him to a place where he won't be as comfortable while adjusting to America just for the bucks? Of course the agents commission will be higher so maybe we shouldnt be surprised.

Randy Moss wants to make a comeback at the age of 35. Any takers?

Songs Of The Day   (from my I-pod)

If You Want Me To Stay-Sly Stone (1973) the end of the line for Sly as a hit-maker but what a way to go out. This is funk personified...just a great groove

If You're Ready-Staples Singers (1973) another slice of groovy soul from 73'. Mavis Staples could lay it down...and another fabulous bass line

You had to wonder what Jeremy Lin was thinking as he languished on the end of the New York Knick bench. The team was playing like crap and he wasnt getting a chance to play very much. With a Harvard degree in his pocket there wasnt any doubt that Lin's future was secured but he wanted to pursue his dream and play basketball at the highest level. As the only Chinese-American to ever make the NBA he was already breaking barriers. He'd been told before he was too short, too whatever...nobody from Harvard was ever going to make it in the pros...nobody drafted him...it seemed to far-fetched that he could even make a team much less do what he has done. Lin got his chance when injuries and losses started piling up for the Knicks last week. Coach Mike D'Antoni didnt have much choice but to throw Lin out there and see what he could do. What he has done is astounding. He scored 109 points in his first four starts...more than anyone since the NBA-ABA merger...more than Jordan, Iverson or Shaq...He has led New York to five straight victories and become an internet sensation. We'll have to wait and see if teams adjust and start making it a point to shut him down but for now, Jeremy Lin is the King of New York....and the button-down life of a Harvard grad will have to wait.

The Bucks host Miami again tonight. you know the Heat will be gunning for this one after losing twice already this season to Milwaukee.

Phil Mickelson had his greatest Sunday comeback yesterday as he came from six back to beat Charlie Wi at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Mickelson drained long putts all day and played it conservativly on the finishing holes to avoid a meltdown that might have plagued him in the past. Tiger Woods played well except with the short stick. he was in position to win but missed several short putts (almost gimmes) on the day and well to 15th. Phil thinks Tiger's game is almost back and we'll see if he can once again become a good enough putter to finish on Sundays.

Hard to believe that Pater Tork of the Monkees turns 70 today.

Songs of The Day   (from my I-pod)

If You Really Love Me-Stevie Wonder (1971) another Stevie classic...although in this clip he looks like Eddie Murphy impersonating Stevie Wonder

If You Wanna Get To Heaven-Ozark Mountain Daredevils (1974) Another purveyor of so-called 'southern rock' although they were more pop that some of the others. This video has them appearing on the classic British music show 'The Old Grey Whistle Test" and you wonder what the Brits thought of this stuff

I'll be heading to Madison today. I'm going to the Wisconsin High School Baseball Coaches convention. At their luncheon tomorrow I'm getting their State Amateur Coach of The Year award for my work with the Wausau Legion baseball. Thanks to Steve Heinrich of Wausau East for nominating me for this honor. This seems to be my year for winning awards. As I've said before...working with the kids and being in the dugout for the games each summer is reward enough for me.

As we coaches are always in fund-raising mode I can let you know that the Wausau Legion Baseball Cash Raffle is back and tickets are now available. They are $20 bucks and prizes include $1500 for first, $500 for second and many other prizes including Brewer tickets. This is our major fund-raiser for the year and we cant run a good program without your help. You can e-mail me at tom.king@mwcradio.com or call me at (715) 297-1893 if you would like a ticket. Good Luck and I hope you win. Your odds will be much better than the Powerball!

The Badgers escaped with a win last night in overtime at Minnesota...surving nearly an 8 minute scoring drought. We expect Jordan Taylor to be the guy and he had 27...but Ryan Evans has become a legitimate threat on the offensive end and I'm not sure how many people expected that. He had his first double-double.

Green Bay really wants the State high school tournaments. The city and county panel that operates Lambeau Field is putting up at least 25,000 to encourage the WIAA to move it's high school basketball & wrestling tournaments to the Resch Center. Their are scheduling conflicts in Madison and high costs for fans. The WIAA expects to make a decision for next year in the next few weeks.

Congrats to Wausau West for sewing up their fifth straight Wisconsin Valley Conference hockey title. They would have to be the team to beat in the tournament which begins next week although DC Everest, Northland Pines and Mosinee are also playing well

Songs of The Day   (from my I-pod)

If You Don't Know Me By Now-Harold Melvin & Blue-Notes (1972) featuring the soulful vocals of the late Teddy Pendergrass. This has that classic early seventies soul sound.

If You Don't Want My Love-JD Souther (1978) he co-wrote some of the Eagles biggest hits and was another purveyor of that classic Southern California sound in the 70's. This is from his very good LP 'Youre Only Lonely".

Bo Ryan's bunch has always played well at home...but this season they have played better on the road as well and tonight will head to Williams Arena to take on the Minnesota Gophers. The Badgers have been off since Saturday's loss to Ohio State and I'll bet Bo loves having some extended practice time at this point in the season to re-inforce concepts and remind the players to stay away from bad habits on the court. Josh Gasser says even when they don't shoot well they have to keep bringing it on the defensive end and Jordan Taylor says they are confident they can win anywhere.

It's an early tip tonight...6pm from the old barn in Minneapolis. With my schedule I love the early games...maybe I can stay awake for the end. You can hear the game on WSAU.

The Bucks broke a three game slide with a win in Toronto last night. Drew Gooden has really played well in the abcense of Bogut and Carlos Delfino had a huge game against his former team. The Bucks bench has also been very good. Mike Dunleavy had 18 and even Stephen Jackson was sighted last night...he had 17 points. They play at Cleveland on Friday.

Are you watching "Southland" on TNT? Best cop show on tv right now. That's of course if you don't count "Justified" as a cop show.  Check them both out.

Heading to Madison tomorrow to recieve another award. The Wisconsin High School Baseball Coaches Association is awarding me their "Amateur Coach of The Year" award for my summer work with the Wausau Legion team. Thanks to Steve Heinrich for nominating me. They have their annual coaches clinic on Friday and Saturday and I am looking forward to hanging out and talking a little baseball. Makes spring feel a little closer.

Songs of The Day  (from my I-pod)

If This Is Goodbye-Mark Knopfler & Emmy Lou Harris (2006) an excellent collaboration that led to a concert tour. These two are the king & queen of melancholy and this song about Flight 93 on Sept 11th certainly fits the bill

If You Could Read My Mind-Gordon Lightfoot (1970) his breakthrough song in America and it has been re-done by an incredibly large group of singers and bands. His is still the best

The WIAA has a decision to make. Will the state basketball and wrestling tournaments stay in Madison or  be moved starting next year. One hurdle was  cleared yesterday when the Big Ten announced that their new conference hockey tournament would be played at a neutral site beginning in 2013. Dave Anderson of the WIAA says there are other issues like parking and concessions fees. I would imagine they view this as a good time to shop around for a better deal. They expect to make a decision in the next few weeks.  Look, I understand it's  tradition for winter sports teams to try and finish their seasons in Madison...but new traditions can be started. The high school baseball state tournament was in Wausau for many years but I think only a few people would be left that don't agree the move to Fox Cities Stadium wasnt the right choice.

The Resch Center in Green Bay would be a fine venue for the state tournaments if it comes to that. My choice would be to work things out with Madison and keep that tradition alive...but people have short memories...and the dream of playing in a state tournament will be special no matter where it happens.

The Bucks fought back from a 21 point second half deficit but lost by two last night. #8 year old Steve Nash hit the game winner on his birthday. He also outplayed Brandon Jennings for most of the game. The Bucks had a chance to tie or win with five seconds left but couldnt get a shot off on their final possession. They play in Toronto tonight.

The Packers are thinking about Ben McAdoo as their new quarterbacks coach...but not so fast. Aaron Rodgers was quoted this week as saying he would like a former quarterback  as his new QB coach. Rodgers was asked about the possibility of Rich Gannon and he said he has a very good relationship with Gannon. Tampa Bay wanted to talk to McAdoo about their open offensive coordinator position but the Packers said no...suggesting they have other plans for him.

Songs Of The Day   (from my I-Pod)

If Not For You-Bob Dylan or George Harrison (1970) It's a Dylan song that both released on 1970 LPs...Dylan on "New Morning" and Harrison on "All Things Must Pass" . Here is a famous video of the two singing the song at a soundcheck for the Concert for Bangla Desh

If My Friends Could See Me Now-Shirley McLaine (1969) Gwen Verdon did the original on Broadway in 1966 but Shirley McLaine made the role her own in the 1969 film 'Sweet Charity". Check out Ricardo Montalban pre "fine corinthian leather"

Well, it appears the Stephen Jackson experiment hasnt worked out so well. Jackson, who had to serve a one game suspension last week for verbally abusing an official, hasnt played the last three games as a healthy scratch. Scott Skiles either is sending a loud and clear message or he's decided that the Bucks can go on without any contributions from the veteran. It would seem that Jon Leuer and Tobias Harris give the Bucks some youthful energy without all the emotional baggage from the mercurial Jackson. It remains to be seen if they can flip him for anything of value...or if he can be reintegrated to the roatation at some point.

The Bucks host Phoenix tonight.

The Packers have been installed by the on-line gambling site Bovada as a 6-1 favorite to win next years Super Bowl. New England is 7-1 and the Saints 8-1. No mention of the New York Giants. A team has never played a Super Bowl in it's home stadium...the Saints have a shot next year.

If you are a bobblehead collector...the Brewers have announced their bobblehead giveaway days for this season.

4/22- Jonathon Lucroy

5/13- Nyger Morgan

6/10- Italian Sausage

7/1- Bob Uecker

9/16- Aramis Ramirez

The high school winter season is winding down and we will have a doubleheader of action tonight on Foxsports1390...first up boys basketball as DC Everest travels to Antigo...then it's Wausau East hockey at Marshfield.

Songs of The Day   From My I-pod)

If It Makes You Happy-Sheryl Crow (1996) a big hit for the LA songstress...here is an acousti version that is very nice

If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right-Luther Ingram (1972) i guess you would classify him as a one hit wonder...but it was a soul classic