Waunakee over Stoughton

Took in act two of Waunakee verse Stoughton in a match up of top five ranked teams in division two. This was the second time these teams played each other as Waunakee took down Stoughton in OT at the Badger Challenge. This game could be a look into the future as this will more then likely be a game played to go to state. Being that the game was played at Waunakee I figured that they may have the slight edge but, tonight they had more then that.

Early on both teams were extremely balanced as it seemed all five starters on both teams made at least one basket before anyone made a second basket. The one exception to this was Stoughton star 6'0 senior Troy Slaby who settled for the deep threes most of the night and I believe that he didn't score any points in the first half before scoring 12 in the second half. Stoughton would score and then Waunakee would score this would go back and forth until Waunakee leading scorer 6'3 junior Mitch Listau got things going about midway through the first half. Listau started a little slow forcing some things but, then a three fell a couple mid range jumpers and then he was off leading to 21 points in the first half. For Stoughton they seemed to be sleep walker through this game late in the first half and early in the second. The one exception to that was the play of 6'1 junior point guard Jordan DiBenedetto who played ultra aggressive. DiBenedetto was able to use his quickness and athletiscm to get to the rim and score or get fouled. That same play led to DiBenedetto getting numerous offensive rebounds over much taller players. At the half Waunakee led 40-30.

In the second half Stoughton came out as flat as ever as Waunakee extended the lead to 20 before Stoughton made any sort of move. Listau only scored eight points in the second half but, it was his fellow junior teammate 6'2 Mason Steffen that took over. Steffen went on his own run in the second half driving to the hoop, scoring on fast breaks, and through in a three for good measure. Steffen scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half. A switch was flipped for Stoughton with about eight minutes left in the game and they actually closed the lead to 10 before Waunakee salted it away with free throws. DiBenedetto still played his game but, sharp shooter 6'1 junior Max Fernholz started hitting some threes and Slaby began to look to drive the ball to the rim. Waunakee kind of slacked off leading to some turnovers for easy Stoughton buckets including a very nice dunk by Stoughton senior 6'2 Darvell Peeples. In the end Steffen and Listau hit their free throws to win.

Top Players 
Mitch Listau 6'3 junior Waunkee- Did it all offensively hitting the threes from the corner and the top of the key. Hit the mid range jumpers in the lane which he loves and in the second half he was able to drive the lane a few times and get some very easy buckets at the rim. Highlight of the night as well as he had a between the legs cross over step back jumper as time expired at the end of the first half.

Mason Steffen 6'2 junior Waunkee- Second half was all his. Was really able to finish at the rim in a variety of ways. Had some nice up and unders and had a pair of very nice 15 footers which seem to be a strength of his.

Jordan DiBenedetto 6'1 junior Stoughton- Pretty much said it all already. His energy was most impressive as well as the job he did on the offensive glass. Was just quicker then everyone but, he did struggle from the free throw line at times.

Box Score
Waunakee 84- Listau 29 Steffen 21 Tyler Ronk 10 Dylan Haack 9 Josh Cash 7 Matt Broadway 6 Nate Carter 4 Max Fischer 0
Stoughton 70- DiBenedetto 22 Fernholz 15 Slaby 12 Peeples 7 Tommy McClain 6 Nicholas Hutcherson 3 Brady Schipper 0 Kyle Goodman 0 Nathan Krueger 0 2 unknown that I missed who made the shot.

I would venture to guess that these two teams would play each other a third time to go to state and even though Waunakee won both of these games I would be nervous if I was them. They always say that its tough to beat a team three times.