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Lucey makes 19-of-22 foul shots as Cuba City edges Wisconsin Rapids in OT

11/26/2022, 12:15pm CST
By Mark Miller

Max Lucey

Playing on a sprained ankle sustained just days earlier, Max Lucey shrugged off his ailment and proved to be the player of the game in a non-league thriller between Cuba City and Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln at the Just A Game Fieldhouse Friday.

Lucey, a 6-foot-5 senior ranked No. 28 among class of 2023 prospects in Wisconsin in the WisSports.net Player Rankings, made a remarkable 19-of-22 attempts from the free-throw line, scored a career-high 34 points and helped Cuba City to a 74-68 double overtime victory over a hustling bunch of Raiders from Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln.

Cuba City, which entered the season ranked No. 1 among WIAA Division 4 teams in the state by the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook, needed every one of Lucey's points against Wisconsin Rapids, a Division 1 school and member of the Wisconsin Valley Conference.

Wisconsin Rapids won just five games and lost to Cuba City by 26 points at the JAG last season, but coach Dan Witter's team is vastly improved and played with plenty of grit and determination despite four starters fouling out during the contest.  

"Our kids will play hard," Witter said. "I like our kids. This team will fight more than last season and we shoot the ball better."

Lucey, who has not yet committed to a collegiate program, got some big-time help from a talented classmate as forward Cody Houtakker contributed 24 points.

Cubans boast 33-10 edge in free throws


Cody Houtakker

If not for the free-throw line, Cuba City would have began the season with a loss.

The Cubans of coach Jerry Petitgoue outscored Wisconsin Rapids, 33-10, from the foul stripe. In addition to Lucey making 19 free shots, Houtakker connected on five-of-nine tries.

While Lucey was highly impressive from the line, he struggled a bit from the field, making just six-of-21 field-goal attempts, including three-of-12 from outside the arc. His explosiveness and overall mobility certaintly was hampered some by his ailing ankle.

"Max was playing at about 30 percent," Petitgoue said. "We didn't expect him to play after he sprained his ankle in our scrimmage at Sun Prairie. But he's a gamer. If we didn't have him today, we wouldn't have won."

Petitgoue also was pleased with the showing of Houtakker, a physical 6-foot-5 player who can score inside and outside while also being a strong presence on defense in the lane.

"Houtakker was solid and we went to him," Petitgoue said. "He's a really good player. I like his ability to score inside and outside."

Senior twins Riley (6-3) and Reese Rosenkrantz (6-4) started and combined to score nine points.

Newcomer leads Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln


Cade Jungwirth

Seniors Evan Mathews, Cade Jungwirth and Chase Fox started a year ago for Wisconsin Rapids and are the unquestioned leaders for the Raiders.

But it was a newcomer who led the Raiders with an exceptionally strong showing against a quality opponent.

Senior Caleb Lemieux (5-8), a soccer player who did not play basketball the past two seasons, started and scored a team-high 18 points.

The highly energized Lemieux also caused havoc throughout the game with his quickness, aggressiveness and ability to put pressure on opposing ball handlers.

"Caleb gives us a presence on the floor," Witter said. "He's in everybody's grill on defense, and he can shoot it. 

"He played with our guys in middle school and ninth grade, so he's got some familiarity with our system. But it's nice to have him back playing again."

Wisconsin Rapids led 24-16 at intermission and grew its lead to as many as 15 in the second half before Cuba City mounted its comeback.

Turnovers and rushed shots contributed to the Raiders' decline, but it was mostly the ability of Cuba City to get to the foul line that eventually led to the defeat.

"We haven't been up 15 in the second half very often," Witter said. "Turnovers and lack of rebounding hurt us down the stretch. But our guys are going to fight you. We aren't going to quit because we have leaders on our team."

Sophomore Sean Roenius (6-1) played a strong game for the Raiders and finished with 14 points while Jungwirth added 12 prior to exiting to fouls late in the second half. 

For the latest and most up to date boys' basketball news and recruiting information, follow Mark on Twitter @wisbbyearbook. Email story ideas, recruiting info, etc. to Mark by clicking here.

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