It would have been hard for William Monroe to have played better defense. And with its leading scorer and rebounder unable to play on Thursday night, that’s exactly what the Dragons needed. Neither the Monroe nor its visiting arch rival Madison County looked particularly perky to start the game. But thanks to stellar effort on the defensive floor, the Dragons were able to stay out in front of a sloppy first half, and simply cruise once they found their way offensively in the third and forth quarters to pave the way to a 46-27 win.
“We followed the defensive game plan to perfection,” said Monroe coach Mike Maynard. “We did our best to make sure James Graves did not get an open look. Kam’ron McCain and Anthony Pritchett took turns on him and that was the first priority… You hold a team to 20-some points, that’s pretty good. I’m proud of them.”
The Dragons took a 9-8 lead into the second quarter, and did not allow Madison County another field goal until the very last minute before halftime. Behind O’Brien Morton, Keegan Woolford and Anthony Terry, Monroe was able to take a 17-10 lead before heading into break up 17-12.
By scoring on six of their first eight possession to open up the third quarter, the Dragons quickly found themselves up by double-digits with a 27-14 lead.
“We’ve been having a little trouble getting the ball to the rim,” Maynard said. “It’s always easier when you come out and make a few baskets. I thought Keegan Woolford was just phenomenal tonight — every loose ball, he got it. He was a man possessed.”
While Madison was able to find some offense from Dre Twyman and Dylan Breeden at the end of the third quarter and through the fourth, it was not enough to keep pace with Monroe as Woolford and Morton continued to pour it in. McCain and Prtichett also made sure Graves didn’t warm up from outside and kept him off the score book. As such, Monroe was able to melt away the clock and maintain a double-digit advantage until the final buzzer.
“I think we just wanted this one more,” Woolford said. “I am very fortunate and blessed that we (seniors) have not lost to Madison.”
Woolford led the way with 16 points and four steals. Morton finished with a double-double on his 12 points and 10 rebounds. Terry chipped in eight points. Mark Williamson pulled down eight rebounds.
For Madison, Twyman was the lone scorer in double figures with 12 points. Isaiah Smith had six points. Breeden had five.
“We had a difficult time adjusting to their defense,” said Mountaineers coach Ben Breeden. “They did a good job taking away (James Graves). We just need to do a better job of recognizing of what’s going on both as players and coaches.”
The loss ends the Mountaineers’ regular season and they begin Bull Run District play next week. Monroe host Central Woodstock Friday at 7:45 p.m. A win for the Dragons guarantees them the second seed when Conference 28 play begins the week following the Bull Run tourney.
