Wisconsin Lutheran is perfect once again to finish three-peat quest

MADISON — Wisconsin Lutheran boys basketball is perfect for the second time in three years, and a WIAA state champion for the third consecutive year. "Each team we've had has been different and unique in its own way, and so I'm just thankful that we've had the opportunity to work with great kids who work really, really hard, and who love basketball, and who listen, and who love each other," coach Ryan Walz said. "God has really blessed us, so we just want to make sure that we're telling the kids 'Hey, He blesses you for reasons that you can bless other people.

' We've got it made, Jesus has taken care of everything for these kids. He's got 'em, so they can just go out and enjoy and play basketball. " The Vikings defeated Madison Memorial, 57-37, at the Kohl Center in the latest display of dominance for a team that has met few equals over the past three years.

Senior Zavier Zens showed why he was chosen as the Mr. Basketball Award winner with a nearly perfect night from the field, scoring 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting with six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal to lead Wisconsin Lutheran. Trailing 22-20 at halftime after the first half was largely drained by Madison Memorial, the Vikings saw Zens step up with a coast-to-coast layup to expand a slim second half advantage to 36-30.

Madison Memorial coach Steve Collins admitted that moment was a dam-breaker as his Spartans sought to keep the Vikings contained. Box score | Tournament blog recap "Do I believe we should have a shot clock in the state of Wisconsin ? Yes, but we don't, so I'm going to use all the tools that are given to me, and they listened to that, and it kind of got their spark moving a bit," Collins said.