MADISON, Wis. – Top-seeded Brookfield Central (23-5) gained position of the Division 1 title with a 69-52 victory over Sun Prairie in the 2019 State Boys Basketball Tournament Saturday night at the Kohl Center.

The Lancers trailed 3-2 a minute into the contest, but that’s the last time the would be behind the rest of the game. They took control with a 12-0 run over the next four minutes. The Cardinals fought back to within six points at the 11:51 mark of the first period, but the Lancers built their largest lead of the half with a 30-14 advantage and took a 36-25 lead into the locker room.

The closest the Cardinals would get in the second half is to within 10 points at the 17:20 mark. The Lancers led by as many as 18 points at numerous points of the second half. Any chance of a Sun Prairie comeback was snuffed out by the Lancers’ torrid marksmanship. They shot 64 percent from the field in the game, including 64 percent from the three-point arc on 9-of-14 attempts. The Lancers were also on target from the charity stripe, sinking 14-of-16 free throws.

David Joplin posted a double-double to lead the Lancers. He scored 23 points with 13 rebounds in the game. He also recorded a game-high three blocked shots. Ben Nau contributed with 17 points, and brother, Cole Nau, added 13 points and a game-high six assists.

Brock Voigt led the Cardinals with 17 points, and both Colin Schaefer and Delaware Hale chipped in with 11 points. Cooper Nelson led Sun Prairie on the boards with seven rebounds and a game-high three steals.

The Lancers win their first State championship in their 11th tournament appearance, and Sun Prairie (21-7) finishes runner-up in its second tournament experience.

Championship Game: Saturday, March 16
#1 Brookfield Central (23-5) 69, #3 Sun Prairie (21-7) 52 - stats