Middleton over Madison East

Was originally going to go to the Deforest vs Evansville game but, then realized that Middleton and East were playing and figured that would be a better game. I was right as Deforest beat Evansville by 20 and Middleton defeated Madison East 62-57 in a pretty good game. East jumped out early and had a lead of four points after the first quarter but, by half time Middleton had a lead of 10 points and never looked back. There really wasn't one thing that could be pointed to for the reason that Middleton won. Throughout the majority of the game East was able to control the boards for much of the game but, in the end Middleton's depth wore East down and Middleton was able to control the boards towards the end of the game. Despite East getting two or three shots every time down the court they just couldn't get the shots to fall and still continue to lack the depth necessary to make a charge towards the top half of the conference or make a run in the playoffs. Middleton once again went 12 men deep and had nine different players score.

Marquis Mason seems to be getting some more help in the scoring column but, East still only got two points off their bench. One player for Madison East that I really like is 6'2 senior forward Al Mayne. Mayne plays at an extremely high energy level and does all the little things. Mayne is probably the Purgolders best defender, outside of Mason's shot blocking ability, and typically guards the opposing teams best player, whether it be a guard or a post player. I have seen East play three times and Mayne has guarded Eau Claire Memorials high energy 6'3 forward Collin Cooper, Madison Lafollete sharpshooter 6'1 guard Cashton Craig, and then tonight guarded 6'4 forward Jon Stubbe and then switched to 6'0 point guard Brooks Braga, when he started to heat up. Tonight really showed off Mayne's game as he filled the stat sheet. Mayne had 14 points, probably 10 plus rebounds, at least 3 blocks, and a couple assists. Not to mention Stubbe only score four first half points when Mayne was on him, when the switch was made to Braga, Braga was held scoreless for the rest of the game and Stubbe score 11 points in the second half. Mason has his typical game as he was able to score inside with ease, when he wasn't triple teamed. If the East guards can feed Mason the ball, he should easily score 20 points a game. If Mayne can continue to score in double digits East will continue to improve and if they can get some bench scoring or another legit scoring option they will be able to make a move up to the top half of the conference.

Middleton was their usual balanced self as they had nine different players score. Jon Stubbe once again he should he is a great shooter as he was able to knock down some threes in leading the Cardinals in scoring. Junior point guard Brooks Braga, who disappointed me a bit the last time I saw him, really came to play tonight did a great job of handling the East pressure and be able to get inside and score. Dan Lochner who was big off the bench once again used his strength to get inside, get fouled and finish. Despite the fact the Middleton does not have a star to watch, I have found myself really liking this team. Its nice to see that if one player struggles there is always another player that can pick up the scoring. I also really like the fact that coach Bavery gives all his players a chance and really plays everyone evenly and whoever has the hot hand will be playing in the fourth quarter.

Scoring
Madison East 57- Mason 24 Mayne 14 Augustine Avelleyra 7 Wade Smith 5 Yamil Bacallao 5 James Bartelt 2 Jonathan Wilson 0 Walt Hetzel 0 Devin Murray 0
Middleton 62- Stubbe 15 Lochner 14 Braga 10 Brett Semenas 5 Justin Mertes-Mistretta 5 Taylor Diem 4 Kevin Kruckenberg 3 Joe Dean 3 Keegan Nesvacil 3 Dan Trautman 0 Jay Nunnery 0 Andrew Hudson 0

Not sure whats to come the next few days if I'll be having much to post about the next few days. Not many games to watch and since I've only seen one knew team so not much for changes in the ranking of teams or rankings.