Madison East over West

Last night got to see Madison West play for the first time and for the first time in a while I think West doesn't have as much talent but, they play a lot harder then they have in the past. Time and time again I've thought West couldn't have a very good team but, they just haven't come to play. This year I didn't think West was going to be that great of a team but, after watching them they play really hard. On the other side Madison East should be one of the top teams in the conference and they are a middle of the pack team that struggles at times. I've only watched East's bigger games but, I just can't figure out why they are struggling with the talent they have.

Throughout the entire game it felt like Madison East was going to run away with it but, West kept fighting back making a game of it. Early on it seemed that West really wanted to run which cause East to come back pushing the tempo as well. With West pushing the tempo they were getting some easy looks in transition they were just struggling to make some very easy buckets. In transition the West players just weren't gathering themselves and finishing through contact and when they looked to the post they were just throwing the ball off the rim and I mean throwing and the ball would bounce out. The lone bright spot early on was the play of 6'4 Isaiah McFadden who used his length and athleticism to score around the paint. For Madison East it was the calming influence of 6'4 senior Deang Deang who was the big factor all game long and also the play of 5'11 junior Cameron Cratic. This was the first game that I've seen Cratic start and he scored five early points to set the tempo. East was able to take a 10 point lead at half after leading by 14 points at one time.

In the second half Madison West came out gunning forcing turnovers and getting out and running. 6'3 junior Terrell Carey had a monster second half scoring all 16 of his points in the second half. Carey used his quick hands to pick passes and then his strength to finish around the rim through contact. Despite Carey's best efforts and West trimming the lead to four it was Deang who sealed the deal. Deang matched Carey basket for basket. Deang was able to get to the rim at will where he finished at the rim or went to the foul line where he made his free throws. In the end East won 82-76.

Top Players 
Deang Deang 6'4 senior Madison East- I've said most of it but, just to reiterate. Deang got to the rim at will, hit his free throws, and has a tremendous stop and pop shot from about 15 foot.

Cameron Cratic 5'11 junior Madison East- Really attacked the rim strong going to his left and showed the ability to knock down the three.,

Terrell Carey 6'3 junior Madison West- Played the passing lane really well stealing passes and was so strong finishing around the rim through the contact.

Isaiah Mc Fadden 6'4 senior Madison West- Used his length and athleticism to finish around the rim. Fouled out early in the second half which hurt his impact.

Box Score
East 82- Deang 26 Cratic 15 Steven Wooten 12 Keshawn Justice 11 Tre'vone Irby 8 Kenny Jones 4 Chris Warren 3 Davion Washington 2 Nevonte Hilliard 0 Israel Oby 0 Demarco Douglas 0 Courtland Cuevas 0 Donovan Tomony 0 Ali Saffold 0
West 76- Carey 16 Simeon Parker 14 Sam Meyer 10 Isaiah McFadden 10 Greg Wright 10 Larry Hawkins 9 Nassir Vick 4 Ari Davis 2 Chris Jones 0

Watching this game it looks like East may have finally turned the corner and West could very easily upset anyone they play and could cause some problems come tournament time.