Madison East over Sun Prairie

The seedings may be set but, this was a huge game as far as the Big Eight Conference was concerned. A Sun Prairie win would of given them at least a share of the Big Eight crown and for East it was their senior night in front of a packed crowd. Both teams had a lot to play for and should of been playing hard but, it was East that came out of the gates flying high behind a starting lineup of their five seniors. 

I think the overall crowd and being at home with senior night gave East a huge adrenaline rush earlier on and they nearly ran Sun Prairie out of the gym in the first half. East star 6'4 senior Deang Deang really was aggressive early on and he seemed to want to guard whoever had the ball. Deang was the star but, fellow senior 6'5 Courtland Cuevas electrified the crowd throwing down a nice put back dunk and then hitting a three from the corner combined with a three from 6'2 senior Oliver Allison and East was up 16-4 before Sun Prairie knew what hit them. Sun Prairie did their best to climb back into this game but, their two senior stars of their own 6'1 Sam Kerr and 6'5 Rod Johnson really struggled in the first half. For Kerr nothing was falling for him as numerous shots went in and out and for Johnson he just couldn't find any open looks with Deang all over him. Deang did whatever he wanted in the first half and got just enough for his team mates to take the 29-16 first half lead. 

In the second half things just kind of slugged along for the first 12 minutes before things got exciting. East started missing shots and turning the ball over including Deang himself which is pretty rare. Johnson finally got himself going to help out Kerr, who had been carrying the team up until that point. Johnson hit one three after another, one where I think Deang was nearly hanging on him and then Johnson hit a very impressive step back three to bring Sun Prairie within six. Throughout Johnson's hot shooting East was missing their free throws. After Johnson hit the big three East turned the ball over and in transition Johnson pulled up for three and Deang tried to block him from behind which he did but, he also fouled him giving Johnson a chance to shoot three free throws. The normally smooth shooting Johnson went up and missed all three shots which is extremely rare which basically sealed the game with under a minute to go. The game was finalized by a powerful two handed dunk by 6'6 junior Steve Wooten on the break away and Sun Prairie score a bucket at the buzzer to lose by six. 

Top Players

Sam Kerr 6'1 senior Sun Prairie- Kerr struggled at times but, really got going from three point range from the corners in the second half. Really gotta give Kerr credited as he played all but, two minutes in this game and was suffering from cramps late in this one. 

Rod Johnson 6'5 senior Sun Prairie- Really not a factor in the first half but, was extremely impressive from the outside late in the game. Johnson hit a couple threes with Deang right in his face and that step back three just makes you say wow. 

Deang Deang 6'4 senior Madison East- Best player on the court all night long. His defense was impressive and he will always guard the best player on the court no matter what type of player he is and his size. Offensively Sun Prairie couldn't stay in front of him and when he drives and stops and pops the only thing stopping him is himself. 

Steve Wooten 6'6 junior Madison East- Wooten hit a pair of huge three points and had two very big fast break baskets late including the monster dunk. 

Box Score

SP 50- Johnson 20 Kerr 18 Ben Hauser 5 Marlon Ruffin 4 Deshawn Black 2 Marty Strey 1 DJ Jones 0 Nate Verstegen 0 Sean Suchomel 0 Bryce Moore 0 

ME 56- Deang 19 Wooten 12 Kenny Jones 7 Cuevas 5 Keshawn Justice 5 Allison 3 Davion Washington 3 Cameron Cractic 2 Donovan Tomony 0 Tre'vone Irby 0 

Unfortunately Sun Prairie lost this game but, fortunately Middleton lost this night as well causing a three way tie between Sun Prairie, Middleton, and Madison Memorial. Biggest winner of the night might be Madison Memorial who won a share of their 13 straight conference title. Sun Prairie is a team that could be dangerous come tournament time with Kerr and Johnson, and they are the #1 seed but, they just don't have enough scoring outside of the big two in my mind. On the other side I can really see Madison East making a repeat run at state. East was my pick to win the conference all year long and they just didn't play up to their potential but, I think they are peaking at the right time. Mark it down Madison East will win the sectional and find themselves back at the Kohl Center come the end of March.