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Fast start propels Janesville Cougars

Kerry Storbakken feared that his Janesville Craig girls basketball team might overlook Madison Memorial with a game at home against first-place Middleton coming up Saturday.

His fears likely were eased when the Cougars scored the first 27 points of the game.

Craig went on to down the host Spartans, 66-25, to set up the big game against the first-place Cardinals.

“We came out with some intensity,” Storbakken said. “It’s still varsity basketball. Our kids came out and set the tone.”

The Cougars led, 12-0, after one quarter, and scored the first 15 points of the second quarter. Memorial didn’t score until it hit a free throw with just 1:30 left in the half to make it

27-1. Craig led, 34-2, at halftime.

“Our kids didn’t have a letdown,” Storbakken said.

Brooke Negus and Stephanie Perleberg each scored 11 points to lead Craig to its fifth straight victory.

Negus had three three-pointers, while Perleberg came off the bench to provide a spark. Emily O’Donnell also came off the bench to contribute eight points, including two three-pointers.

Craig, which has won four of its five straight games on the road, takes a 10-5 Big Eight mark and 12-6 overall record into the 7:30 p.m. game against Middleton (14-1, 15-4) on Saturday.

“I like the way we’re playing this time of year,” Storbakken said. “Our kids are up for the challenge. I’ll be real disappointed if it isn’t a great game.”

CRAIG 66, MEMORIAL 25

Craig (66)—Perleberg, 5-1-11; Holzhuter, 3-0-6; Negus, 4-0-11; Crandall, 3-0-7; March, 1-01-3; Kennedy, 2-0-4; O’Donnell, 2-2-8; Phillips, 0-1-1; Kelly, 3-0-6; Caulkins, 1-1-3; Villa, 2-2-6. Totals: 28-6-66.

Memorial (25)—Jost, 1-1-3; Livingston, 1-0-2; Lutz, 0-3-3; Wilson, 0-1-1; Hoyer, 0-2-2; Riese, 1-0-2; Thom, 5-0-10; Ford, 1-0-2. Totals: 9-7-25.

Craig 12 22 15 17—66

Memorial 0 2 11 12—25

Three-point goals—Craig 6 (Negus 3, Crandall, O’Donnell 2). Free throws missed—Craig 6, Memorial 5. Total fouls—Craig 10, Memorial 14.

Sophomores—Craig 38, Memorial 31. Craig record: 15-3.