2023-12-28 00:37:08
Madison Blue Streaks
Madison raced to a double-digit lead once morest West Geauga in a CVC inter-division matchup Dec. 27. The Wolverines battled and several times were within three points.
But the Blue Streaks responded every time with a run that pushed the lead back in their favor.
They went on to win 63-55 and moved to 5-3 on the season. West Geauga fell to 6-3.
The Blue Streaks ran out to an early 13-2 lead and had a five-point halftime lead without major contributions from lead scorer JP Dragas. He had six points in the first half.
His teammates picked it up, however, as they created open looks and won the rebounding advantage. Coach Nick Gustin saw the first half highlight how dangerous Dragas can be without the ball in his hands.
“It’s something we’ve seen a lot this year already,” Gustin said. “Our guys are starting to feel some comfort knowing that JP is going to get face-guarded and see some exotic defenses. It allows the rest of our team to step up and make some plays. It was good to see us take advantage of those situations and not have to put it all on JP’s back.”
Seth Negin picked up the early scoring role and was able to contribute both inside and out. He finished with 17 points, 10 in the first half and three threes.
Negin also was able to get to the boards when needed and finished with three rebounds.
“It was an interesting game all around, but we really competed,” Negin said. “In days like these where we’re on break, you need to come out with energy. My guys did their part with getting me those looks and I made those shots.”
Dragas went off in the second half and finished with a game-high 27 points.
While Negin was hitting his shots, the entire Blue Streaks team made it a point to work the boards and establish themselves inside. They aren’t the biggest in the interior, but everyone contributed.
Dragas and Noah Barnes finished with five rebounds, and Mac Steel had four.
Negin has seen that and playing selfless basketball, getting everyone involved as a big step for Madison. He said opponents can’t focus on one player.
“It’s the development over the years,” Negin said. “Last year we were a very young team and looking for any shot and we weren’t hitting them. Last year we would miss things but this year we’ve matured and been able to work as a group. Having these types of nights where things aren’t working for JP early it’s nice to be able to rely on all of us.”
West Geauga rallied from the early deficit and cut it to a three-point contest in the middle of the second quarter. The Wolverines did the same out of intermission.
But they were never able to get over the hump. After they cut it to a 33-30 deficit early in the third, Madison went on a 13-0 run that pushed the lead back to double digits.
Coach Micah Young said the Wolverines can’t have early lapses in contests. They need to be able to play strong in every phase from the opening tip.
“We talked regarding getting back to our principles defensively,” Young said. “Madison did whatever they wanted to from the offensive point. Our message was clear, we gave away the middle too much, we were helping off of guys who didn’t need help. We did a good job on Dragas but we needed to be better on everyone else.”
West Geauga was led by Landon Lear with 22 points, and Colin Whiting added 11. The Wolverines’ comeback bid was helped by Ryan Mobley, who had seven points and four rebounds following checking in late in the third quarter.
The Wolverines look to snap a three-game skid following an undefeated start when they host Jefferson on Jan. 3. Madison aims for its third straight victory when it travels to Cedar Point to take on Anthony Wayne on Dec. 29.
THE SCORE
Madison 63, West Geauga 55
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