Madison shoots down Eagles (From the Standard Journal)

Published: Thursday, March 5, 2009 10:54 PM MST
Madison 56, Capital 48

Due to injuries early in the season the Madison Bobcats have played undersized for every crucial game of the year. The first-round game of the state tournament against the Capital High Eagles would be no different. The Eagles boast 6-foot-8 inch forward Paul Egwuonwu and All State Forward Dontese Towers, but the Bobcats didn't allow them to be difference makers.

Madison Coach Bill Hawkins said, "Brady Hastings was one of the unsung heroes of the game. He played great defense against Towers, who has been averaging 20 points per game."

Madison attacked the basket relentlessly and drew numerous fouls. Through the first three quarters, they shot poorly from the free throw line, but in the fourth the Bobcats were near perfect from the stripe. Madison brought the pressure defensively, and forced some key turnovers in the final minutes to turn the momentum in its favor. The Bobcats carried the momentum to final buzzer, finishing the game with a well earned 8-point victory.

Madison got off to a quick start from the tip off, hustling at both ends of the floor. Josh Fuller and Bo Dayton led the early offensive surge. The Bobcats were not intimidated by Eagles' big man Egwuonwu, who is a well-known shot blocker. Fuller opened the game with 8 points in the first quarter. The Bobcats were able to cause a few turnovers and play at a high tempo. Madison carried a 19-13 lead into the second quarter.

Both teams began the second quarter with 3-point field goals, and after a couple minutes the Eagles were able to tie the game back up. The offensive tempo slowed down which favored the interior size of the Eagles. Capital forward Dontese Tower was a key player for the Eagles in the second quarter, particularly on the offensive boards. Neither team was able to establish very much offensive rhythm in the quarter, and the teams headed into half time tied at 27-27. The Bobcats struggled from the free throw line in the first half; making only one of six attempts from the charity stripe.

Capital opened the third quarter with offensive energy and took a four point lead. The Eagles were on the verge of breaking the game wide open on a couple of occasIons, but the Bobcats were saved by two clutch 3-pointers from senior Rhett Sutton. The free-throw woes for the Bobcats continued in the third quarter, and the two teams headed to the fourth with Capital up 43-39.

But Madison stepped up its intensity in the fourth. A couple minutes into the quarter Bo Dayton nailed a three pointer, and followed it up with a steal and an easy bucket, and the Bobcats went up by one for the first time since the second quarter. The Bobcats continued their defensive intensity and allowed only one more meaningless basket the rest of the game. The Eagles were forced to start fouling in the latter stages of the final quarter and Madison made 10 of 12 free throws to finish out the game. The Bobcats defensive pressure, hustle and free throw shooting in the fourth quarter were important factors to the victory.

Hawkins added, "We played with great resiliency and heart all game, and did a terrific job from the free throw line there at the end."

Madison will play Friday night at 8 p.m. against the Post Falls Trojans, who barely beat Borah High 63-59, earlier today in their first round match. On the upcoming match-up, Hawkins said, "Post Falls is a lot like Capital. They're very scrappy and athletic, but if we play patiently and with energy, this is a game we can win."

The game will be held in Nampa at the Idaho Center.

KEVIN GULBRANSEN

sports@uvsj.com