Madison Memorial makes state

I took in sectionals this weekend watching Madison Memorial getting back to state. It's been a while but, Memorial has finally made it to state after missing out on the past four years. I'll have to admit I'm alittle surprised with this team but, with their defense anything is possible. If they can keep a game low scoring in the 60s or lower they have a good chance to win. 6'8 senior Chris Knight is the only guy that averages double digits in points and outside of him it's really a team effort.

The sectional semi final saw Memorial taking on Middleton. Memorial had beaten Middleton twice during the season but, I wouldn't be surprised to see Middleton to take this one. Both games had been relatively close and Middleton was my preseason pick to get to state. Middleton's two senior stars 5'11 Storm Murphy and 6'5 Tyree Eady really struggled from the outside. Memorial took a big lead and just couldn't put them away. 6'5 senior Jake Ferguson had a tremendous game doing all the little things as always while Knight struggled a bit. Some extremely poor free throw shooting late gave Middleton a chance and they nearly capitalized on it but, a pair of turnovers sealed the deal. Middleton didn't shoot the ball and Memorial was their normal self dominating on the glass.

In the sectional final Memorial took on the red hot Madison East that had already upset a pair of higher seeds. Ferguson once again did his thing having a great game while Knight struggled again until late when he took the game over. This was a very low scoring game that played completely to Memorial's game. East had the lead throughout the first two thirds behind the strong play of their 6'6 big men junior Keshawn Justice and Steve Wooten. Justice and Wooten did it all hitting threes and driving to the hoop but, I think in the end they just ran out o energy. Both Justice and Wooten played the entire game and just seemed a little drained late to make their shots. Knight finally did his thing late getting the fans to their feet with three monster dunks. They aren't the most entertaining team but, they were able to make it state.

Memorial is for sure not a favorite going into state but, don't be shocked to see them win a game or even push for a title. Their defense will keep them in all the games and if something strange or funny goes their win they could get a W or two. To be honest thought against Stevens Point I see Hauser shutting Knight down and no one on Memorial will be able to stop Hauser.