Make it three wins in a row for the Lady Red Raiders with a three point win over Elbert County.
It was a close battle Tuesday night as Madison County defeated Elbert County 48-45. The Lady Red Raiders started off with a 12-0 lead, but Elbert County cut into that lead to trail 28-22 at the half. Describing the second half as a back and fourth battle, coach Dan Lampe said that the Lady Red Raiders’ defense wasn’t bad, but could use a little more work offensively as the girls struggled to find their stride.
“We weren’t consistent,” he said. “I thought we had a big improvement between game one and two, but I’m not sure we improved Tuesday night. I’m thinking that we are looking at taking one step back and two steps forward as the girls gel as a team.”
Elbert County was expected to bring a lot pressure to the court and the Lady Blue Devils delievered. Madison County has historically played close games with Elbert County, with several being decided by less than 10 points. The win Tuesday night gives the Lady Red Raiders five consecutive wins out of the past six games.
Scoring 18 in the first period, Madison County set the stage with an 18-8 lead. Elbert County put up 14 in the second period to outscore Madison County but still fall short of the lead, 28-22. Both teams pushed hard after retuning in the second half, the Lady Red Raiders added 11 and Elbert County nine. In the final period, a timely three-pointer from Elise Coberly helped push the girls to the final 48-45 victory.
According to Lampe both Coberly and Kayla Freeman had great nights as the two ladies led the Madison County scoring. Freeman scored 22 points and won 16 off the boards, while Coberly scored 14 points including the clutch three-pointer late in the game. Other scorers were Elizabeth Whieldon 6 points, Haley Peeples 4 points and Molly Glaze 2 points.
“We will need to improve before facing them again this month,” said Lampe. “We are 3-0 right now and have to keep working hard. We have the pieces, now it’s just getting them to fit together. I’m confident in this group of girls.”
Madison County will face Elbert County again, this time on the road Dec. 11. Before that match up, the Lady Red Raiders have more pressing matters as the team takes on Cedar Shoals this Saturday in the first away game of the season.
Cedar Shoals hosts Madison County at 4 p.m. Dec. 4, in the first test against a team from the same region. The cross-over against the south sided Cedar Shoals will not count towards region totals, but will provide a challenge nonetheless.
According to Lampe, the two teams will both be trying to find the their team “persona” as the young, athletic Jaguars look to break a Madison County win streak in the run between the schools. Madison County has won the past three consecutive games for a total of six wins across the past nine games.
After the weekend on the road, Madison County heads in the other direction to face Hart County next Tuesday in Hartwell. The Lady Bulldogs welcome the Lady Red Raiders for a 6 p.m. tip-off.
Lampe said that since all the region games are after Christmas break these early games give the team a chance to gel and unify as the younger players build up experience.
