Fresh from getting the best of Carthage big man Alex Martini on Friday, Nixa's Luke Roemen feels justified agreeing with a growing sentiment that he belongs in any conversation centered on the best centers in the COC. 

"I definitely think so, at least I hope I'm in it," Roemen said. "I'm working my butt off so I can be in it."

Roemen reached the 20-point mark for the second time in as many COC games this week while leading the Eagles past the Tigers 67-47.

Martini got a dunk during the night, but put up a modest six points in the first half. Roemen had 10 points by halftime and Nixa (8-7 overall and 2-0 in the COC) broke away to 34-21 lead over Carthage (9-5 and 1-1).

The 6-foot-4 Roemen was able to find gaps around the 6-8 Martini.

"He's good, athletic and very tall," Roemen said. "I have resect for Martini. He's a good player. It's very difficult to get a rebound over him. I tried to use my quickness and athleticism against him. 

"Since I'm not the tallest power forward, I have to use quickness and athleticism to get my shot off."

"He has to utilize his quickness around size," coach Jay Osborne added. "When he goes through someone's shoulder and attacks the rim, he's finishing his shots. He did a good job attacking (Martini)."

Roemen collected 21 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots against Willard on Tuesday. 

As good as Roemen is playing, Osborne sees areas he can improve on to make himself even more dangerous.

"We need to get him to face the goal and recognize the double team," Osborne said. "He struggles (seeing) the double team. When he recognizes it, he can pass out of it. He gets going a little too fast offensively sometimes. When he slows down, he's getting good around the rim."

Martini and Nixa guard Kaleb Wofford are summer ball teammates for Yanders Law. But Roemen didn't receive a scouting report from Wofford on Martini.

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