When Sussex Hamilton's sensational sophomore guard Kameron Cerroni (I can't write his name without sensational sophomore in front of it) drained a 3-point shot at the buzzer last Friday to beat Bookfield Central, it took some of the drama out of the Lancers game with Wauwatosa East Thursday night.
Some of the drama.
Instead of playing for the title outright, the Lancers need a victory to share the title. Since the Red Raiders already own a share of the title, they probably like the idea of keeping the whole thing to themselves for first-year coach Tim Arndorfer.
Central won the first game, 53-51, taking a 47-39 lead into the fourth quarter, only to see the Red Raiders press and trap in the fourth quarter and work themselves back into the game, tying the score with two minutes left.
The disciplined Lancers then ran about a minute and one half off the clock looking for a layup and got it when Mitch Aprahamian, standing on the top of the key, turned and drilled a pass to Luke Duckett, who scored on an easy layup for the win.
One of the things that have changed since the last meeting is the improved play of point guard Tony Walls for Tosa East. Coming off a severe knee injury, Walls was all over the floor in win a over West Allis Hale last Friday, getting key rebounds, making key passes and scoring 11 points.
In the first meeting this year Central star Cory Degner scored 17 points and left Walls behind with his quick moves to the basket.
On Central's side, the improved play of Mitch Aprahamian and Aaron Hurley will be a key for the Lancers, not only in this game but in the post-season.
For a detailed analysis of both teams check out the BrookfieldNOW and WauwatosaNOW newspapers where I compare frontcourts, backcourts, benches, coaches and intangibles.
The other battle to watch should be fun and it will happen off the court as the Lancer fans will be bringing their game to Tosatown to take on the energetic Red Raider backers.
Folks, it doesn't get better than this.
Agree with me or not, don't be shy, leave a comment.
And remember to always be a hit and have a ball.
