Being 7-0 early in the season is a good start and coach Dan Lampe wants to see the Lady Red Raiders improve every game.
“We have found it is harder to stop us when we get rolling,” he said. “If we get our momentum built and keep it, we will do ok.”
Last Friday, Madison County girls defeated Franklin County at home in a 49-43 battle and look to better that performance this week as Franklin County hosts the rematch Saturday at 6 p.m. with the boys to follow.
“Our ball handling is getting better all around and I feel we are improving,” said Lampe. “We are looking to repeat at the region championship. So far it bodes well going into region. We have played several close ones, but the girls pull it out. Franklin County is not going to back down and it is going to be who executes that night. We will give our best effort and will be all right.”
Franklin County has been a traditional opponent and with Friday’s game at the Lions’ den, the home court advantage for the Lady Lions will be an interesting battle for Madison County.
“We have a fighting spirit,” Lampe said. “Our three pointer has been consistent and we also have good inside action for a balanced attack.”
Friday’s game is the last game before Christmas and an eight day break for the Lady Red Raiders.
Madison County returns Dec. 27, competing in the Oconee County Holiday tournament. The girls face Jackson County in the first round of the tourney, followed by Central Gwinnett and Hebron Christan across the three-day tournament.
“We are still looking to scout the teams in the tourney, but the challenge will be good for us,” said Lampe.
After the return at the start of the year, Madison County will begin sub-region play.
Last week’s games put two more notches into the Lady Red Raiders’ belt as the girls defeated Franklin County and Elbert County.
A solid defense for Madison County was a key factor in the win as well as strong perimeter shooting from Elise Coberly and a “rock solid” consistency from Kayla Freeman getting inside.
Lady Red Raiders’ winning efforts carried through into Saturday as the girls headed to Elbert County to earn a 54-42 victory.
Madison County started slow, taking time to find their groove and working the game plan with a 4-3 lead halfway into the opening period.
By the end of the first period, Madison County had Elbert County in a five-point hole, 12-7. If the first period was slow, the second made up for it as the Lady Red Raiders started showing aggressiveness, leaving Elbert to scramble for the ball coming off the boards and attempting any shot they could.
In the final minutes as Elbert outscored the Lady Red Raiders 17-8, but it was too little, too late as Madison County brought home the victory, 54-42.
“We had a balanced attack, and I feel we made improvements,” Lampe said.
For individual scoring and more, see the Madison County Journal.
