DARLINGTON - The Darlington boys basketball team has a date with Destiny today.
Darlington (27-0), ranked second in the Associated Press Division 4 state poll, will look to win its second state title when the Redbirds take on top-ranked Destiny (24-1) in a WIAA Division 4 state championship game at 12:45 p.m. today at the Kohl Center in Madison.
"I'm excited for our kids to have the opportunity to play for a state championship," Darlington coach Tom Uppena said. "It's everyone's dream growing up to play for the state championship. It's something everyone always strives for."
It's the matchup Uppena and many basketball fans predicted earlier in the season.
"I knew if we were going to make it to state we would probably play Destiny," he said.
Destiny is the Independent Conference champion. The Milwaukee area school's only loss came to Milwaukee Pius on Dec. 3. Destiny has won 20 straight games to reach the state title game.
Uppena has seen Destiny play twice this season in person. The first time, he saw Destiny edge Milwaukee Vincent 69-67. He also was on hand when Destiny rolled to a 71-54 win over Roncalli in a state semifinal game Thursday.
"The biggest thing about Destiny is their athleticism," he said. "They have some really high flyers. They are a very balanced team. They have some really good shooters. They are the real deal."
Destiny has four players averaging in double figures led by 6-foot-6 senior Terrence Banyard (15.7 ppg). The other reliable scorers are Sarion McGee (13.3 ppg), Romaine Robinson (10.5 ppg) and Cameron Posey (10.2 ppg). Pierre Johnson (9.4 ppg) and Diovonte Caldwell (9.2 ppg) also contribute.
Destiny has a similar style to Darlington. Both teams like to press and push the ball in transition.
"They will play a fullcourt press and pressure you," Uppena said. "We just can't be awestruck."
Uppena said the Redbirds won't change their playing style.
"We have to remember what got us here and still play our game," he said. "We may have to run a few more longer possessions, move it around and make them guard us."
Darlington is looking to win a gold ball to cap off an unbeaten season.
"I don't think our kids will be intimidated," Uppena said. "I think our kids will be ready. We may not be as athletic as Destiny. We have some athletic guys too. We will not be intimidated."
Darlington is led by senior Will Schwartz (15.5 ppg), senior Trevor Johnson (13.4 ppg) and senior Ryan Glendenning (11.3 ppg).
In Uppena's first season as the head varsity coach he's looking forward to closing the season at the Kohl Center.
"I know we have an amazing group of athletes and basketball players," he said. "I'm just happy the seniors get to go out playing on the state tournament floor."
Darlington (27-0), ranked second in the Associated Press Division 4 state poll, will look to win its second state title when the Redbirds take on top-ranked Destiny (24-1) in a WIAA Division 4 state championship game at 12:45 p.m. today at the Kohl Center in Madison.
"I'm excited for our kids to have the opportunity to play for a state championship," Darlington coach Tom Uppena said. "It's everyone's dream growing up to play for the state championship. It's something everyone always strives for."
It's the matchup Uppena and many basketball fans predicted earlier in the season.
"I knew if we were going to make it to state we would probably play Destiny," he said.
Destiny is the Independent Conference champion. The Milwaukee area school's only loss came to Milwaukee Pius on Dec. 3. Destiny has won 20 straight games to reach the state title game.
Uppena has seen Destiny play twice this season in person. The first time, he saw Destiny edge Milwaukee Vincent 69-67. He also was on hand when Destiny rolled to a 71-54 win over Roncalli in a state semifinal game Thursday.
"The biggest thing about Destiny is their athleticism," he said. "They have some really high flyers. They are a very balanced team. They have some really good shooters. They are the real deal."
Destiny has four players averaging in double figures led by 6-foot-6 senior Terrence Banyard (15.7 ppg). The other reliable scorers are Sarion McGee (13.3 ppg), Romaine Robinson (10.5 ppg) and Cameron Posey (10.2 ppg). Pierre Johnson (9.4 ppg) and Diovonte Caldwell (9.2 ppg) also contribute.
Destiny has a similar style to Darlington. Both teams like to press and push the ball in transition.
"They will play a fullcourt press and pressure you," Uppena said. "We just can't be awestruck."
Uppena said the Redbirds won't change their playing style.
"We have to remember what got us here and still play our game," he said. "We may have to run a few more longer possessions, move it around and make them guard us."
Darlington is looking to win a gold ball to cap off an unbeaten season.
"I don't think our kids will be intimidated," Uppena said. "I think our kids will be ready. We may not be as athletic as Destiny. We have some athletic guys too. We will not be intimidated."
Darlington is led by senior Will Schwartz (15.5 ppg), senior Trevor Johnson (13.4 ppg) and senior Ryan Glendenning (11.3 ppg).
In Uppena's first season as the head varsity coach he's looking forward to closing the season at the Kohl Center.
"I know we have an amazing group of athletes and basketball players," he said. "I'm just happy the seniors get to go out playing on the state tournament floor."
