SEC prepares for second half stretch

In just one week Southeast Conference teams will be back in action, continuing to compete for a conference title and a trip to the state tournament.

Several SEC teams are heading in the right direction, while others are looking to get back on track.

Washington currently sits at second in the conference with a 3-1 conference record, 6-1 overall.

The Demons dominated for the first half of the season, picking up huge wins over conference foes Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield, and Burlington (4-5 overall, 3-1 in SEC). Washington also defeated last years state champions, Pella.

Washington's only loss came in the final game before winter against the Bloodhounds of Fort Madison, who currently sit a top the conference with a 4-0 record and 7-0 overall.

Before the loss to Fort Madison, Washington was rated as high as fifth in class 3A.

Junior Ethan Patterson currently leads the Demons averaging 19.8 points per game, while shooting a stellar 53.2% of the field, 45.1% from three and 92.3% from the line.

Senior Kasen Bailey follows Patterson with 13.2 points per game, on 43.1% shooting from the field and 40% from three.

Washington will look to get back its winning ways on Jan. 4 in a trip to Albia.

Fairfield began the season on the right foot, with a 19 point victory over Oskaloosa, but the Trojans have struggled since.

The Trojans currently hold a 1-3 conference record, 2-5 overall.

Following their season opening win, the Trojans went on to drop five straight, losing by five points or less in three of the five. The two biggest losses coming from Fort Madison, 61-50, and Pella 92-72.

Despite the slow start, Fairfield gained some momentum heading into winter break with a 55-42 win over conference foe Keokuk (2-4 overall, 0-4 in SEC).

Fairfield is led by junior Max Weaton, who is averaging a double-double with 21.4 points per game and 10.1 rebounds. Weaton is shooting a 59% clip from the field.

Fellow junior JJ Lane is averaging 11.9 points per game and 4.1 assists.

The Trojans will look to continue their momentum on the road against 1-8 Centerville on Jan 3.

Mt. Pleasant currently sits tied with Fairfield, sporting a 1-3 record in the SEC, 2-5 overall.

The Panthers have had an up and down year thus far. They fell in their first two games of the season against Cedar Rapids Xavier and conference leader Fort Madison.

The Panthers then picked up their two wins back-to-back over West Burlington and Keokuk.

Heading into winter break the Panthers struggled once more, falling in three straight games, which included losses to Washington and Burlington.

Senior Dewon Trent leads the Panthers with 14.9 points per game and 8.1 rebounds. Trent also shoots 45.6% from the field.

Sophomore Payton Hagans follows close behind averaging 12.7 points per game, while shooting 47.5% from the field.

Mt. Pleasant will look to bounce back away from home on Jan. 3 in a matchup against class 1A New London, who is currently 6-0.

SEC BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS

TEAM CONFERENCE OVERALL

1. Fort Madison 4-0, 7-0

T-2. Washington 3-1, 6-1

T-2. Burlington 3-1, 4-5

T-4. Fairfield 1-3, 2-5

T-4. Mt. Pleasant 1-3, 2-5

6. Keokuk 0-4, 2-4

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com