Huibregtse leads local NSC choices

One year after finishing tied for last place in the North Shore Conference, the Port Washington and Grafton high school boys’ basketball teams showed marked improvement.

Grafton finished 11-7 for fourth place in the NSC and Port was 9-9 in fifth.

Some of their success can be attributed to their all-conference players, led by Black Hawk Alex Huibregtse being a unanimous selection to the first team.

The junior led the league in scoring at 20.9 points per game, beating out Nicolet junior Division 1 recruit Jamari Sibley (20.3) and nationally ranked Nicolet junior Jalen Johnson (19.7). He shot 45% on three-pointers (41-for-91), led Grafton in assists with 4.6 per game (second in the NSC) and steals at 1.4, per game, and he was second with 6.4 rebounds per game.

That he was a unanimous choice, coach Damon James said, “speaks to the amount of work he put in since last season that translates to this season.”

Huibregtse could shoot outside, beat the defense to get shorter jump shots and take the ball to the rim. But James said he brought something beyond physical skill.

“I really thought as the season progressed his level and desire to really lead a group grew. I think for players in high school, they get wrapped up in winning and statistics. His desire was to push guys and make guys want to compete,” he said.

Huibregtse got help from sophomore J.P. Benzschawel, a 6-feet-7-inch, 265-pound inside force who missed last season due to injury. He averaged 8.4 rebounds per game and was second on the Hawks in scoring with 10.5 points per game.

James said Benzschawel is getting in better shape, which has been a big help.

“At this level a guy that’s 6-7, 265, who’s smart, that has a good skill set who can move — not a lot of teams can match that,” he said.

Port senior point guard Adam Baierl made the second team. He led the Pirates with 15.1 points per game and set the single-season school record for steals with more than 70, breaking the mark of 65 set by Port legend and former University of Wisconsin and professional basketball player Josh Gasser.

“It’s a nice award to finish out a great career. He’s improved his numbers every single season,” coach Brian Hebein said.

Baierl received one vote for first team, and he was chosen most valuable player by his own team for the third straight season.

“He sets a really great example on the court and a better example off the court Just a class act and has done things the right way,” Hebein said.

Grafton sophomore Bryson Clague earned honorable mention. He was third on the Hawks in scoring at 9.8 points per game.

“Bryson grew this year in his ability to attack the basket. Last year, everybody pegged him as being a shooter,” James said.