What could have been one of the most recent storied games in a long rivalry was put on the shelf when the COVID-19 outbreak forced cancellation of sporting events worldwide.
A trip to state on the line, two east-side Madison rivals, and a rubber match on a neutral floor were all denied when the WIAA Tournament series in boys basketball was cancelled before sectional finals.
Madison East coach Matt Miota wasn't prepared for the notion of the entire state tournament getting called off ahead of the sectional final.
"We had talked about it from a school perspective," said Miota to 1070 The Game, "But I had no idea we were going to be cancelling Saturday's [Sectional Finals]. I thought if we got Thursday in, we'd be good to go Saturday under the same circumstances."
Those circumstances were both East and Madison La Follette playing their sectional semifinals in front of no crowds in neutral venues.
East got the better of La Follette in late February, a 90-85 win in overtime that ended the Lancers' undefeated streak. The game broadcast will be replayed at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 on 1070 The Game.
"What a game it would have been," lamented Miota. "I feel for all of the seniors."
Here's Coach Miota's full interview with 1070 The Game:
HSBB: East knocks off undefeated La Follette 90-85 in overtime
By Jimmie Kaska