Recap: La Follette Wins Double OT Thriller at Sun Prairie
SUN PRAIRIE — With both teams needing a win to stay within striking distance of first place Madison East in the Big Eight Conference, La Follette (6-2) hung on for a 105-104 double overtime victory over Sun Prairie (5-3) Friday…
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Continue ReadingSUN PRAIRIE — With both teams needing a win to stay within striking distance of first place Madison East in the Big Eight Conference, La Follette (6-2) hung on for a 105-104 double overtime victory over Sun Prairie (5-3) Friday night. Despite letting a 17-point lead get away from them in the second half, the Lancers were able to survive in the extra session without three starters…
TWO STARS
Donneil Gray – 2019 – G – La Follette
He had some late mistakes and was removed from the game due to injury, but for most of the contest Gray could not be contained. One of the top unsigned seniors in the state, Gray scored 27 points to pace the Lancers. A shifty, elusive guard, Gray is one of the most difficult players to contain. Gray’s shake and bake ability allows him to get to the hole or create space off the dribble for his jumper. Gray didn’t need to turn to his jumper much on Friday, blowing by defenders at living at the rim. Also a quality defender with good hands, Gray puts a lot of pressure on ball handlers and harasses them without fouling. La Follette may be without their star guard for a while, however, as Gray’s injury appeared mildly serious at the very least.
Delaware Hale – 2020 – PF – Sun Praririe
Hale isn’t putting up big numbers this season, but you can see him taking steps in the right direction. Against a smaller La Follette squad, Hale was able to take advantage, scoring a game-high 31 points, including a very strong second half to ignite the comeback. Hale is much more comfortable with his back to the basket and handling double teams. He can score over either shoulder or pass out to open shooters. Starting to stretch the floor a little more, Hale had some nice mid-range jumpers off the dribble. A high-upside forward that’s attracting Division 1 programs, Hale is likely a late bloomer that could potentially play his way to the top level.
TWO STANDOUTS
Anfernee Austin – 2019 – G – Sun Prairie
Austin came in averaging 6.6 points per game. In a performance that nobody saw coming, Austin dropped 23 points, 21 of which came in the second half an the two overtimes. A big, strong guard who can shoot the rock, Austin connected on some huge shots down the stretch to help send the game into the extra session. As his confidence grew, so did Austin’s ability to get to the rack. Using his strong frame, Austin bullied his way to some tough finishes around the rim that were huge momentum shifts for Sun Prairie.
Troy Reeves – 2019 – G – Madison La Follette
Reeves continues to prove that he’s one of the most underrated players in the state. Sometimes overshadowed by Gray, Reeves could very easily be the go-to player on a lot of quality teams. Before fouling out, Reeves scored 24 points, including 13 in the second half. Reeves has a strong build to absorb contact around the rim and an excellent in-between game, mixing it up with drives to the rim and pull-up jumpers from 12-15 feet. While he’s a little undersized, Reeves is a better athlete than he gets credit for.
X-FACTOR
Derek Gray – 2020 – G – La Follette
La Follette lost Gray, Reeves, and Isaiah Stewart at different points in the game on Friday. In double overtime, it was up to Gray to step up. The senior guard did just that, hitting the game-winning shot with about 20 seconds remaining and a few key buckets in the extra sessions to help the Lancers overcome some small deficits. Gray was fantastic in isolation settings, sizing his man up and breaking them down off the dribble. The Lancers showcased some depth we didn’t know they had and Gray’s play was a big reason for that and a very big bright spot as the second half of the season approaches. Gray would finish with 19 points.
NOTES
– Junior guard Dawson Hughes hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for Sun Prairie to send the game into overtime.