Most Intriguing Conference Races: Big Eight
We’re at the halfway point of the 2018-19 season. Prep Hoops Wisconsin takes a closer look at some of the more intriguing conference title races, continuing with the Big Eight… CURRENT STANDINGS 1. Madison East 10-0 2. Madison Memorial …
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’re at the halfway point of the 2018-19 season. Prep Hoops Wisconsin takes a closer look at some of the more intriguing conference title races, continuing with the Big Eight…
CURRENT STANDINGS
1. Madison East 10-0
2. Madison Memorial 8-2
3. Madison La Follette 8-2
4. Sun Prairie 6-4
5. Middleton 5-5
6. Janesville Craig 4-6
7. Madison West 3-7
7. Verona 3-7
9. Beloit Memorial 2-8
10. Janesville Parker 1-9
BREAKING DOWN THE RACE
Madison East has a two-game lead over both Memorial and La Follette — the two preseason favorites. However, the middle of the conference is just as intriguing. Middleton, Sun Prairie, and Craig may be out of the title discussion but could play spoiler to the top three teams while also jockeying for position to finish in the top four.
SURPRISE TEAM
We had Madison East finishing in the top four, but they’ve without a doubt exceeded all expectations. The Purgolders are 14-0 overall and have already bested Memorial and La Follette in the first meetings. While East did win 19 games last season, the losses of Keshawn Justice and Earl Lewis, their top two scorers, were expected to hit them much harder.
OUR PICK
Having a two-game lead entering the stretch of the season will be huge for East. Knowing that Memorial and La Follette both have to play each other again gives the Purgolders even more breathing room. If they can just split key games with the Lancers and Spartans and avoid any slip ups, East will be in good shape.
HALFWAY POINT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Madison East junior wing Anthony Washington leads the Big Eight Conference in scoring at 18.0 ppg. Leading a team that wasn’t even expected to be in the top two of the league, Washington not only has the Purgolders inching towards a conference crown, but on the verge of landing a 1-seed in the WIAA State Tournament as well.
Other Candidates: Cade Ellingson (Madison Memorial), Donneil Gray (Madison La Follette), Jack Huml (Janesville Craig), Troy Reeves (Madison La Follette).