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In its short time on the basketball scene in Wisconsin, the Just A Game Fieldhouse in downtown Wisconsin Dells has hosted many outstanding events, including the prestigious NCAA-certified Wisconsin Dells Exposure Classic in July.
 
Look for more big-time events, including the possibility of NCAA Division III games as well as WIAA regional and sectional contests, to move to Just A Game in the future thanks to an ambitious building expansion recently announced by owner Dave Royston.
 
Beginning July 5, the Just A Game facility will embark on an expansion that will include a college-sized court, seating for up to 1,700 fans, four locker rooms and a balcony that will run the width of the new college court.
 
The college court can be split in half to add two additional high school courts for travel-team events, bringing the total number of courts at the facility to six.
 
Royston believes the expansion will help reduce his need to constantly find additional courts at area high school and grade schools to accommodate the growing number of teams entering his events.
 
“We hosted over 60 events last season, but we had to rent outside facilities for 40 of them,” Royston said. “We had to use the high school and grade school in Wisconsin Dells, Camp Chi in the Dells, UW-Baraboo and Portage High School, among others, in the past. I believe our addition will alleviate some of that need.”
 
In addition to hosting youth and travel-team events, Royston hopes the revamped Just A Game Fieldhouse can host future WIAA tournament games as well as possible holiday tournaments.
 
“We obviously would need a host school for the WIAA regionals and sectionals, but I think Wisconsin Dells High School might be open to doing just that,” Royston said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had a regional final in Wisconsin Dells.”
 
Royston said the possibility of hosting in-season Division III tournaments and showcases is also being discussed.
 
“We would like to help enhance the Division III programs in our state,” Royston said. “They can come to Wisconsin Dells, stay in a great hotel, play some great competition and showcase their programs.”
 
The expansion will be built onto the front entrance side of the current Just A Game facility. Parking will be located in the previously owned private lot near the front of the Just A Game facility.
 
“We will break ground on July 5 and have a target date of finishing by December 25,” Royston said.
 
Royston said the Wisconsin Dells Visitors Bureau, the city of Wisconsin Dells and the City of Lake Delton are all extremely supportive of the addition and provided financial support to get the project off the ground.
 
“The facility will be privately owned, but it wouldn’t happen without the cooperation of a lot of people,” Royston said. “It’s definitely a cooperative effort. We will be selling naming rights to each of the new courts as well. It’s going to be a great facility.”
 
Royston said he might be interested in adding another NCAA-certified travel-team event during the evaluation period for NCAA Division I coaches in July once the expansion is complete.
 
“I think we can attract more AAU events,” he said. “Once we get this built, it will be as nice as any facility out there. I’m hoping we can attract top quality teams and tournaments. We might be able to add another NCAA-certified event in July.”
 
Marquette extends offer to former Milwaukee Vincent standout
 
Marquette University coach Buzz Williams extended a scholarship offer to former Milwaukee Vincent standout Deonte Burton this week.
 
Burton, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound class of 2013 wing player, spent his freshman year at Vincent before transferring and playing at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, this past year.
 
Ranked No. 28 among players nationally in the class of 2013 by Rivals.com, Burton is a physically strong, quick and athletic wing player who can get to the basket and score. He is developing his perimeter ball handling, shooting and passing skills while also trying to improve his decision making.
 
Burton competes with great passion and energy and has been an integral force for the TP Elite 17U squad that has enjoyed tremendous success this spring on the travel-team circuit.
 
In addition to Marquette, Rivals.com reports Clemson, Illinois and Maryland have also extended offers to Burton.
 
Quick Hitters … New coaching hires include Alan Ligocki at Menasha, Dave Sjong at Westosha Central, Brad Rutta at Stevens Point Pacelli and Adam Murphy at Kewaunee … Former Milwaukee Vincent and Wauwatosa East guard Larry Bradley plans to join Milwaukee Riverside’s Trinson White in the incoming freshmen recruiting class at Indian Hills Community College … Former Milwaukee Hamilton forward Darnell Harris, who played this past year at Christian Life School in Humble, Texas, took a visit to Saint Louis University last weekend. Harris, a skilled 6-7 forward, had given Florida International a verbal commitment last year, but appears to be re-opening his recruitment.