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Craig falls to Middleton

JANESVILLE — Janesville Craig’s big comeback fell short in Big Eight girls basketball here Saturday night.

Craig High erased a 16-point deficit to get within two with three minutes left, but sixth-ranked Middleton held on for a 41-33 victory that protected the first-place Cardinals’ two-game lead in the conference race.

The Cougars (6-9, 508) had Middleton (14-1, 12-1) on the run, but they were forced to foul in the closing minutes, and the Cardinals sank seven of eight free throws to pull out the win.

It was a far cry, however, from a December matchup in which Middleton buried Craig, 71-44.

“I told our kids this would be different down here,” said Middleton coach Jeff Kind. “Craig is always well prepared, and this is a very tough place for a visiting team to play.”

Kind thought his pregame talk had the desired effect when he saw his Cardinals roll up a 20-8 first-quarter lead. Emily Larson, Kerry Gardner and Rachael Eklund each scored six points for Middleton in the quarter, but it was the Cardinal defense that made the difference.

Craig committed nine first-quarter turnovers as Middleton poured on a full-court press from the opening tipoff.

“Their press gave us some trouble initially, but we adjusted well and were able to give them a little of their own medicine,” said Craig coach Mark Marsden.

Craig caught the Cardinals off-guard with a half-court trap defense and gained a 19-12 advantage in the two middle quarters. The Cougars played errorless ball in the third quarter while causing three critical Middleton turnovers that resulted in six points, and Craig could have gained the lead if it hadn’t missed three consecutive layups.

Larson led all scorers with 15 points, including a 5-of-6 performance at the free-throw line when Craig was forced to foul. She was the only player in double figures.

Despite the loss, Marsden saw marked improvement as his team prepares for cross-town rival Janesville Parker on Tuesday.

“It will be our fourth game in seven days, and for them as well, but it’s a rivalry game and everyone will be up for it,’ Marsden said of the gamed at Parker. “I like our chances the rest of the year. This team, by tournament time, will have to be reckoned with.”

MIDDLETON 41, CRAIG 33

Middleton (41)—Newman, 2-2-7; Acker,. 1-0-3; Gardner, 2-0-6; Larson, 4-7-15; Flynn, 2-0-4; Eklund, 2-2-6. Totals: 13-11-41.

Craig (41)—Morgan, 2-3-7; W. Storbakken, 1-1-4; Marshick, 1-0-2; Hinman,. 2-1-5; T. Storbakken, 2-0-6; Oliver, 1-0-3; Hamilton, 1-0-3; Legreid, 1-0-3. Totals: 11-5-33.

Middleton 20 7 5 9—41

Janesville Craig 8 10 9 6—33

Three-point goals—Middleton 4 (Gardner 2, Acker, Newman), Craig 6 (T. Storbakken 2, W. Storbakken, Oliver, Hamilton, Legried). Free throws missed—Middleton 1, Craig 7. Totals fouls—Middleton 12, Craig 14.

Sophomores—Middleton 40, Craig 36. Craig leading scorer: Ciarra Sroda, 8.