Madison Memorial over Beloit

In a packed gym last night I took in the Madison Memorial verse Beloit game. Both teams were undefeated, tied for first in the Big Eight Conference, and ranked in the top 10 in the state for division one, with Memorial #1 and Beloit sitting at 7. Before the game I thought that Beloit had the athleticism and height to battle with Memorial but, guard play was the question mark and this proved to be the case in the game.

Three of Memorial's starters didn't start this game, which I later learned that it was because of team violations. 6'6 senior Jeronne Maymon, 6'3 junior Vander Blue, and 6'1 senior Fried Ringhand all started the game on the bench, they each sat the first three or four minutes before stepping on the court. Beloit took the early lead in the first quarter behind the solid play of their big man 6'6 senior Terrell Parks who had a couple of blocks and did a very good job of rebounding. Throughout the entire first half Memorial missed lots of easy shots that just weren't falling and it appeared that Blue coming off the bench he never could really get himself going early on. Luckily Memorial was able to force Beloit into numerous turnovers and went into the half time tied at 21 all. For Beloit 6'2 junior K.J. Evans led the first half charge scoring nine of the teams 21 first half points.

The third quarter was very similar to the first half as Beloit continued to turn the ball over while Memorial missed a lot of easy shots. Toward the end of the third the tempo began to pick up and Memorial cut the Beloit lead for four to one on a buzzer shot by 6'3 junior Tre Creamer. In the fourth quarter Vander Blue took over and showed why he's the best player that I've seen play this year as he had 10 fourth quarter points highlighted by a pair of three pointers and a thunderous and one dunk. Maymon sealed the game by hitting free throws at the end.

Madison Memorial really struggled offensively throughout this game but, their defense was as solid as ever and forced numerous turnovers. I've been very critical of in the decision for Memorial to start 5'10 senior Xavier Jones at the point guard but, the more I've seen him the more that I can see why he's starting. Jones knocks down the three, doesn't a great job of running the offense, is a pretty solid ball handler, and does get frazzled in tense situations. Tre Creamer played great in the game, it was really nice to see Creamer going to the basket and scoring and looking to score when he was in their with the first unit. I wouldn't be surprised to see Creamer replace Ringhand in the starting lineup in the near future. Maymon was his usual self with a pair of dunks, while I already commented on Blue above.

For Beloit I really like how they don't rely on one player and really put forth a complete team effort. I already mentioned Evans and Parks earlier but, other then those two no one really stood out which is an attribute to their team play. This team with supposedly no true stars or big time recruits took the number one team in the state right down to the fourth quarter. 6'5 senior Marshall Davis who had the huge game against Madison Lafollette only had 10 points in this game with the majority of those coming late in the game when Memorial had some defensive break downs.

Top Players
Vander Blue 6'3 junior Madison Memorial- After this game Blue is easily the top player that I've seen this year. Rebounds great, can guard anyone on the floor, handles the ball and penetrates, and can now shoot the three pointer.
Jeronne Maymon 6'6 senior Madison Memorial- I haven't been blown away by Maymon this year but, maybe that is because I'm expecting too much and forget how much Blue has grown which has taken away some scoring opportunities for Maymon. Even so at the end of every night Maymon has 15+ points and double digit rebounds.
Tre Creamer 6'3 junior Madison Memorial- Best game that I've seen him play between this year and last year. Look to get the ball to the hoop and crashed the boards which led to some easy buckets.
K.J. Evans 6'2 junior Beloit- Really looked to take the ball inside and score. You could tell by the look in his face he was really pumped for this game and wanted to play big and he did.
Terrell Parks 6'6 senior Beloit- Is the athletic height I've been talking about. Had some big shot blocks in this one and also did a great job rebounding and limiting Memorial's second chance points.

Box Score (starters in bold and italics or typical starters in Memorial's case)
Madison Memorial- Blue 18 Maymon 18 Creamer 18 Jones 5 Junior Lomomba 3 Ringhand 2 Russel Henderson 0 Ace Davis 0 Mathew Laubmeier 0
Beloit- Evans 16 Davis 10 Parks 8 Dakota Lindsey 6 Jordan Young 5 Jahlil Smith 5 Sharod Stone 0 Eric Sims 0

The next time these two teams meet, I probably won't be there but, if your in the Beloit area this is a can't miss game. The game has a good chance of being for the conference title but, the Big Eight is pretty tough this year and wouldn't be surprised to see someone knock off Beloit. I don't see Memorial losing a game in conference until they see Beloit again late in the season and wouldn't be shocked to see Beloit come out with the W.