Get the popcorn ready for a top five anticipated showdown tonight in Washington when the No. 4 Demon boys welcome No. 1 Fort Madison with the Southeast Conference title on the line. 

The winner of tonight’s slugfest will clinch at least a share of the SEC crown with the loser needing help to receive a piece of the pie. Burlington was Washington’s best friend on Monday by knocking off the Bloodhounds 59-46 to even things up at the top of the standings. Both teams sit at 7-1 in the league with Fort Madison at 15-1 overall compared to the Demons’ 14-2 mark. The Bloodhounds upended the Demons in the December meeting 56-46 on the strength of a 34 point combined effort from Miles Dear and Dayton Davis. Demon Head Coach Collin Stark tells KCII Sports his team will have to bring their lunch pale tonight. “They are going to be very physical especially on Ethan (Patterson) and Kasen (Bailey). We have to make sure to set really hard and proper screens. Back screens and ball screens are going to be huge where we have to take advantage of them flying out on our two leading scorers. We have to be able to finish strong at the rim.” Davis averages 19.6 points a game for the Bloodhounds and Dear is at 16.6. Washington is seeking their third straight conference championship and Fort Madison aims for their first since 2015. 

The Demon girls are 3-14 overall, 2-7 in the league and make a trip to face the Bloodhounds (10-4, 4-3). Fort Madison won the first bout 49-18. 

Listen to the boys’ game on FM 106.1 KCII with the madness set to tip at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Washington. 

Photo Courtesy of THE Lance Sobaski