Memorial rebounds with win over Verona

Madison Memorial was able to rebound from their first lose of the season, against Madison East, by defeating Verona 57-34 who was tied for second place in the conference at the time. Memorial still didn't play their best but, they really turned it on in the fourth quarter to take control of the game.

Early in the game Memorial came out very aggressive forcing Verona into numerous turnovers and jumped out to an early 18-9 lead. Verona looked a little shell shocked in the first quarter as the had difficulty just getting the ball to the three point line. When Verona did get to the inside it seemed that they were forced off of their spots and forced into taking wild fading away shots, runners, or even falling away. In the second quarter Verona was able to claw their way back into the game as the hit a couple threes and Memorial tried to get to fancy and turned the ball over along with a missed dunk. Verona was able to get within four points at halftime down 24-20.

In the second half it was Verona that came out hot knocking down their shots and were able to take a three point lead midway through the third quarter but, that was about it for Verona. Towards the beginning of fourth quarter the Verona fans started getting on Memorial star 6'7 senior Jeronne Maymon and that is about the time when things really turned around and Memorial took over. Maymon and 6'4 junior Vander Blue took over. Maymon wasn't scoring but, he took over the boards, had some steals, a couple blocks, and a couple outlet passes that result in baskets for Blue who scored the majority of his 22 points in the fourth quarter. With about two minutes left both coaches called it a game and pulled their starters.

Verona looked very much out of sink in this game, their stars just didn't come to play. 6'4 senior Jason Ziemer and 6'4 junior Sam Karls had very tough games specifically missing lots of easy bunny shots and just not being able to hold onto the ball. Their third star 6'4 junior Adam Wadzinski dissapeared and I forgot that he was even in the game. The one player that had a so so game was senior point guard 6'0 Travis Schaaf who was actually able to get to the hoop and score or get fouled but, Schaaf probably was pushing 10 turnovers for the game.

Memorial continued to struggle from the outside shooting and I believe Blue hit two or three, three point shots but, their were many many misses by the team as a whole. Jeronne Maymon didn't a lot of the little things and didn't really to score much because Blue was taking care of that side. I know people say that there is tension between the two stars but, in watching the two players on the court and also in the stands during the JV game and at the early season Madison Lafollette game, I see their relationship as two brothers. I know for me personally I always yell at my brother more when were playing sports because you know your brother can take it and you'll be cool after the game is over and that is how I see Maymon and Blue's relationship. Maybe I'm completely wrong but, that is how it appears to me. Once again Blue did not start apparently still do to the original disciplinary reasons that benched him a few games ago.

Top Players
Travis Schaaf 6'0 senior Verona- Like I said earlier one of the few guys for Verona that were able to get inside and make something happen.
Jeronne Maymon 6'7 senior Madison Memorial- Not a big scoring night but, he did do a lot of the little things like rebound, steals, assists, and blocks.
Vander Blue 6'4 junior Madison Memorial- Showed that he can be an outside threat knocking down a pair of three pointers. Great finisher in transition very tough to spot out in open space.

Box Score
Verona 34- Ziemer 11 Schaaf 10 Wadzinski 5 Karls 3 Sam Riebau 3 Matt Ropel 2 Scott Platto 0 Chris Mason 0 Kaden Nauman 0 Kevin Reinke 0 Brandon Banzhaf 0 Scott Christensen 0 Taylor Peterson 0
Madison Memorial 57- Blue 22 Junior Lomomba 9 Maymon 9 Tre Creamer 7 Russell Henderson 6 Ed Kluender 2 Fred Ringhand 2 Xavier Jones 0 Ace Davis 0 Erick Blue 0 Mathew Laubmeier 0 Eric Fruhling 0

Memorial was able to take the season tilt 2-0 over Verona and these two teams will not see each other again unless they both happen to make state which wouldn't be completely out of the question but, not something that is likely. More than likely Verona is now out of the conference title hunt but, Memorial still has Beloit and East on their schedule and they could slip up against a lower team. Didn't make it to the Border Battle this weekend but, will be heading down to watch Waunakee at Randolph tonight.