Prescott hoops hopes to turn fortunes around against Regis

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Eau Claire Regis has been a thorn in the side of many Prescott High School sports teams, not just boys' basketball. But if the Cardinals boys' basketball team can turn their season around to win a regional title, they can also turn around their school's fortunes against the Ramblers starting with the WIAA Division 3 Eau Claire North Sectional semifinal game Thursday at Somerset.

The Cardinals enter the game with 9-14 record against the 18-5 Ramblers of the Cloverbelt Conference. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. The winner will play the winner of the sectional semifinal contest between Ladysmith (17-5) and No. 10 ranked Fall Creek (19-4) at Eau Claire North Saturday, with a tip-off also at 7 p.m.

Regis finished second behind Fall Creek in the tough Cloverbelt Conference and won their third regional title in a row. They have four players in double figures led by guard Jack Eaton, averaging 15.2 points per game and forward Adam Ganske, averaging 14.6 points per game. Regis also has some size led by 6-4 center Nick Bowe, who averages 13.6 points per game along with 6-4 forward Spencer Bauer and 6-6 center Steve Hofacker.

PHS lost to Regis in the regional semifinals last season, and the regional finals in both the 2007 and 2006 seasons. Prescott head coach Corey Morning wants his team not dwell on who their opponent is for this sectional semifinal match-up.

"Out focus needs to be on how well we are playing and how we can continue to to do what we have been doing the past two weeks to get to the sectionals," Morning said.

One common thread in all those Ramber wins over the Cardinals has been stout defense on their part. Morning cites better rebounding and ball possession as the main reasons for the Cardinals' recent surge. If they continue limit turnovers and outrebound opponents, he feels the Cards will be able to crack Regis' defensive shell.

"It all connects," Morning said. "We take care of the ball we get good shots and keep them from running. We limit second shots when they are on offense and if we're able to get second chance points, then we'll be able to get the upper hand."

Prescott looks to counter Regis' line-up with another double figure scoring output from guard Tim Harris, having points in the paint from frontcourt players like David Jerrick and Chris Krech and having one particular player stand out with a double figure game the way Jake Olson did vs. Glenwood City or Zach Charette did against St. Croix Central during the regional tournament.