This was a battle of two top 10 teams but, you really wouldn't know it if this was the only game you had ever seen. Neither team could get anything going and maybe it was the defense but, neither team could make the shots and both teams were turning the ball over. Thankfully the house was packed and the game was close which made for some excitement.
The first half saw Sun Prairie's stars struggling and being non factors. 6'8 sophomore Jalen Johnson picked up two early fouls and sat most of the first half while fellow star 6'4 senior Marlon Ruffin couldn't even get a look at the basket. Thankfully no one could get things going as the half time score was only 13-13. The highlight of the first half had to of been when 6'6 Memorial sophomore Yacouba Traore Jr entered the game. Traore went to Sun Prairie a year ago so when he entered the game Johnson started the trash talking instantly and every time Traore touched the ball the traitor chant started up.
Second half the scoring picked up a bit. Sun Prairie absolutely dominated the glass getting offensive rebound after offensive rebound. Typically Memorial dominates the glass but, tonight it was Sun Prairie that was all over the glass. The second chance points allowed Sun Prairie to have long extended possessions which did limit the scoring a bit. The real momentum swing was when Ruffin took the ball on the break away and threw down the one handed dunk and he got the and one foul on Traore who had tried to block the shot. Then the talking started between Johnson and Traore which resulted in double technical being called on both players. This upset Memorial coach Collins who ended up getting a technical as well. Ruffin ended up hitting all three free throws and then Sun Prairie got the ball back which led to another bucket and essentially a 7-0 play. In the end Sun Prairie won 41 to 32. I didn't mention much about Memorial but, their wasn't much to say most of their buckets came off of second chance garbage baskets.
Top Players
Marlon Ruffin 6'4 senior Sun Prairie- The only guy that really got going scoring 13 second half points. Hit a couple big threes and had the monster dunk and free throws that changed the game.
Marty Strey 6'3 senior Sun Prairie- Obviously didn't score much but, you have to love the energy he plays with on the defensive end and rebounding the ball.
Taylor Jansen 6'2 senior Sun Prairie- This kid is kind of an annoyance to the other team but, who doesn't love that. Played tough defense, rebounded well, and had a pair of big dunks of his own.
Nick Caropreso 6'5 junior Madison Memorial- Really seems to be coming into his own as far as an offensive player. Moves really well for a big guy and battles on the glass. Hit a huge three late in the game to bring Memorial close.
Cade Ellingson 6'2 junior Madison Memorial- Another guy that's coming into his own offensively. Really looks to score and get his shot off. Took couple questionable threes late but, I think this team needs his aggression.
Box Score
Sun Prairie 41- Ruffin 13 Johnson 7 Taylor Jansen 6 Colin Schaefer 6 Marty Strey 5 Caden White 2 Delware Hale 2 Rajai Williams 0 Alec Schaefer 0 Cooper Nelson 0
Memorial 33- Caropreso 13 Ellingson 10 Ian Brown 5 Elliot Grays 2 Jack Krumbaach 2 Dryden Schaefer 0 Traore 0 Amaree Howard 0
I really think that Sun Prairie is a state team and if Johnson plays to his full potential no one is going to stop him. Memorial on the other hand will probably see an end to their conference title runs.
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