Sun Prairie finally defeats Madison Memorial

In a game where Madison Memorial could of very well of clinched another Big Eight Conference championship they dropped the ball and Sun Prairie was able to defeat Memorial and maintain their conference title hopes for at least another week. Memorial hasn't looked anything close to the Memorial teams of old but, they have always seemed to find a way to win despite their lack of talent, at least by Memorial standards. Tonight though the talent of Sun Prairie was just too much for their hustle and athleticism to over come.

Memorial is really starting to feel the absence of Brendan Ortiz, who is still out with an injury, as they really lack a go to player at this point. Currently they are running their offense through Jester Weah who is a tremendous athlete but, I just don't feel that he is a guy you can run your offense through. Weah has always been great grabbing offensive boards and dunking the ball but, not being the focal point. Also at times it appeared that Memorial just looked plan lost on the offensive end. They appeared to be running a different offense then what I've seen earlier this year. They ran a lot of handoffs out top and their guards were just didn't have the ability to take the ball and get to the rim, which I believe Ortiz has that ability. Shareef Smith may get to that point and shows some great flashes but, is still very young. Reggie Roemer is a solid point guard but, his ability and size doesn't allow him to really be a big scorer and Julian Walters seems content pulling up for outside jumpers. Right now this Memorial team shows a lot of heart and athleticism but, I just do feel they have that go to player that can get his basket at any time and they are really going to struggle on the offensive end.

 For Sun Prairie the game is still two big time scorers with some nice role players around them. In the second half of this game it finally appeared that Nick Fuller has broke out of his little slump at least when I have seen him play this year. Fuller had two air balls in his first two three point attempts but, after that he really settled down  and found his shot from long range. Nick Noskowiak is the other big time scorer. Noskowiak can get his shot at any time he wants but, feels like he forces some difficult shots when he could just as easily drive all the way to the hoop or find a team mate. Noskowiak has a very nice step back jumper but, he seems to fall in love with it at times and takes some shots falling away that do fall when he's hot but, at times I'd rather seem him get to the rim. I'm very excited to watch Noskowiak play the next two years, particularly with this very talented sophomore and junior classes returning.  Next year Craig Evans will be the key with his tremendous size and strength. If Evans can play within himself and not try to do too much he could be a huge force on the inside but, with his lack a mobility and height will be a hindrance on the defensive end. When Evans is in the game all the focus goes to him because he is so big and takes up so much space on the court.

Top Players
Jester Weah 6'4 senior Memorial- Showed a nice little mid range jump shot tonight and of course did a great job of rebounding on both ends.
Reggie Roemer 5'9 junior Memorial- Despite his deficiencies had a nice game and showed some ability to get to the rim and score. At times may of took it to the hoop a little too much.
Shareef Smith 5'10 sophomore Memorial- Very similar to Roemer showing his ability to get to the rim and score against bigger defenders.
Nick Fuller 6'7 senior Sun Prairie- Was able to get his three point shooting going in this game. Really moved well without the ball in this game and did a nice job guarding Weah and limiting his second chance buckets.
Nick Noskowiak 6'3 junior Sun Prairie- Handled the ball and pressure extremely well. Continues to show the ability to get his shot at any time.

Box Score
Memorial 53- Weah 15 Smith 9 Roemer 8 Walters 7 Tyler Lindquist 5 Andrew Walls 5 Daurice Fountain 2 Darrlyn Willis 2 Sam Sutherland 0 Brett Tauber 0
Sun Prairie 64- Fuller 26 Noskowiak 22 Shane Waldon 6 JT Ruffin 5 Michael Marchese 3 Craig Evans 2 Donnel Thompson 0 Malik Robinson 0

This game was some what sloopy but, as always was a great game and these two teams should match up in Sectionals again at Sun Prairie and my money will be on Sun Prairie to come up with the win.