No 2. De Pere Redbirds made it back to the tournament since their 2023 Title Run, but they were beaten by the No. 3-seeded Madison Memorial Spartans.
The Spartans embarked on their 11th appearance and the first time since 2017. They held the state title three times in 2005, 2009 and 2011, with four runner-up finishes in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Before Madison
De Pere’s leading scorer this season was junior Will Krueger with 17.3 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game. He has a Division II offer from Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State. He is followed up behind seniors Jack Bookter and Noah Maniscalco, who both averaged 15 points.
The Spartans were led by senior Andrew Braun with 15.7 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game. His Senior teammate, Anthony Miller, is behind him with 14.1 points per game.
First Half – High Noon for the Spartans.
After the first four minutes, both teams kept it narrow with De Pere leading 11-8. Opting for a slower-paced offense, but making accurate shots as both teams shot 4/5 from the field.
Then a deep three for the Spartans took the lead 13-11. Then the Redbirds exchanged a three-pointer to take the lead. Once again, the Spartans fired back with another three to take the lead 16-14 in this sequence. At the midway point of the half, the Spartans held a tight 19-18 lead on the Redbirds.
Will Kruger took the lead back with a layup before Madison Memorial stole right back with a three. Afterwards, De Pere struck again with a three-pointer to take the lead 23-22. Both teams amplified their defenses, but the Spartans were unfazed as they remained consistent, shooting 10/14. Then Caleb Liggon of Madison Memorial shot a three to retake the lead 27-25. By the buzzer, Madison Memorial held its lead to 33-32.
Anthony Miller was the leading scorer with 13 points and Noah Maniscalco led the Firebirds with 10 points. De Pere’s defense has struggled with making Madison Memorial miss their shots. The Spartans are 13/23 (56%) from the field and 7/11 (64%) beyond the arc.
Second Half – Spartan Momentum
In the Spartans’ opening possession, the Spartans scored to extend the lead by three. In a Firebird layup attempt, the ball got stuck between the rim and the backboard. Marking this incident for the second time in this tournament. The Spartans went on a run to extend the score to 45-36.
After a three-pointer and two free throws from Krueger, the deficit was reduced to 45-40. With nine minutes to go, the Spartans maintain their lead of 52-40. De Pere couldn’t end the cold streak to keep pace with the Spartans’ offense.
Both teams amped their offense, opting to run into the paint to score points more quickly. However, Madison Memorial has been more accurate with its attempts. Making 12/17 beyond the arc, while De Pere has only made 7/22 beyond the arc.
The Spartans’ offense began to slow its pace to give the Redbirds fewer opportunities. Even with the opportunities De Pere had, they could never get it in the basket. The Firebirds have struggled for the entire second half to score from the line or in the paint. At the end of regulation, the Spartans moved on with an overbearing 75-62 performance.
Coming Up
Madison Memorial will take on the reigning champions, Wisconsin Lutheran, to secure its first title back to Madison since 2011. They are the underdogs coming into the match.