They say all good things must end, and it was quite a shocking end for the Madison County Lady Red Raiders’ winning streak Tuesday night as Buford defeated the girls 53-16.
Madison County enter into sub-region play this week holding an 11-1 overall record, which means little as the girls prepare to take on the first sub-region challenger, Flowery Branch, this week.
“If a loss has to happen, let it happen before sub-region,” coach Dan Lampe said about the loss to Buford. “I’m sure this is a wake-up call to the girls and they will be ready to go at practice.”
While the final score was a definite shock for Madison County, the lowest point total of the season, Lampe said that there were some positives from the game.
“Defensively we were good, holding them to 20 points in the first half,” he said. “But we missed some early layups and some threes to only score four points in the first half. We are going to see more teams like Buford and we have to keep a level head.”
With 0-0 record to start with heading into the sub-region. Madison County will have it’s first opponent, Flowery Branch, be the team’s seventh on the road game.
“Madison County has to be the aggressor and bring it to the other team,” said Lampe. “Flowery Branch is completely different from Buford, and we have to put in an honest day’s work at practice and then work during the game.”
Friday's game starts at 7 p.m. for the Lady Red Raiders with the boys to follow.
Over the holidays, Madison County competed in the Oconee County Holiday Classic where the Lady Red Raiders went undefeated over Jackson County, Central Gwinnett and Hebron.
Madison County started out slow against Jackson County, but fought back to earn a 51-43 win.
“The way we fought back against Jackson County, shows me that we have a fighting spirit,” Lampe said.
Against Central Gwinnett, Madison County basically had the run of the court as the Lady Red Raiders handily won 59-38.
In the final game of the tourney, Madison County waylaid Hebron 51-19 after jumping on them early in the game.