Raiders needing holiday victories

Raiders (5-5) face Hart County, Stephens County and Elbert County in the Dairy Queen Classic in Hartwell Dec. 27, 29-30.
Madison County hasn’t played since Dec. 16 when it lost 78-63 to Loganville.

Coach Steve Crouse was frustrated with the loss, noting preparation specifically.

“We quit working as hard as we needed to work,” Crouse said last week after the loss.

The coach said he’d again ask for better practice habits out of his players going into the tournament.

“We’ll be working some to prepare for them (the teams in the tournament), but primarily to work on what we need to do to get better,” Crouse said last week.

Following the tournament, Madison County opens its subregion slate Jan. 6 at Habersham Central.

The Madison County basketball team had reeled off five-straight wins before hitting their four-game losing skid.

Four of the Raiders’ five losses this year have come by nine points or less.

The team has already eclipsed last year’s win total.