Madison County Raiders completed their longest streak of the season with a win over Winder-Barrow last Friday night. The 58-42 win made it four in a row for the Red Raiders, who then had the run broken by Buford Saturday in a 50-41 loss.
The boys were disappointed again this week, as the the Red Raiders fell to Habersham Tuesday night, 49-35. Individual scoring was unavailable at press time from Tuesday’s game.
With the region tournament ahead next week, and seeding for the tourney dependent on the outcome of the final two regular season games this week, the Madison County boys are not focused on the past.
Coach Stephen Crouse said that there were some positive things to take away from the games, but the focus now is on what’s ahead.
Friday night Madison County hosts Clarke Central, 8:30 p.m. start. Clarke Central, according to the latest information available, is 4-3; 7-14 while the Red Raiders (6-2, 12-11) look to hold onto a top seed before the region tournament.
Madison County defeated Clarke Central a few weeks ago by an 11 point margin. A repeat victory would let the Red Raiders build some much needed momentum as they head into the final regular season game Saturday.
Taking on Apalachee (0-7, 1-19) for the the final game and senior night, Madison County carried a 60-42 win in the last meeting of the teams.
The game follows the varsity girls game at 4 p.m. with the senior recognition taking place between the games. Senior Red Raiders include Josh Crouse, J. Ben Hardman, Stan Maxwell, Domonique Parrish, Quinton Thomas and Justin Wood.
Splitting the weekend, Madison County first defeated Winder-Barrow, 58-42.
The Red Raiders led the game, starting with a slim 14-13 lead and then extending out to a 13-point lead after a run in the second quarter.
In the third quarter Winder-Barrow started to push back and scored 13 points. Madison County kept pace, also scoring 13 in the third quarter. The Red Raiders outscored Winder-Barrow again in the final quarter, 12-9, to earn the 58-42 win.
Maxwell led Madison County with 26 points including a slam in the second period as the Red Raiders started their run. Trae Burton downed 12 points, while Terrell McCrary added six, Trey Carruth added five and Parrish added four. J. Crouse scored three points and Thomas two.
Against Buford, Madison County only fell by nine to the Wolves, holding them to 50.
“Our defense is playing well,” said coach Crouse. “Buford is a good team, but we came out and played good defense and even though we turned the ball over too many times, the game was close.”
Madison County only trailed by six points with four minutes left in the game.
“Considering the difference in the score from the first game to the second we have some positive things to take away from that game,” he said.
Madison County lost 68-40 in the previous meeting with the Wolves and were only defeated 50-41 last week.
Maxwell led the offense again, scoring 25, pulling down 13 rebounds and hitting 11 of 12 from the line. Burton followed with eight points, Parrish scored six and McCrary added two points.
