MADISON TOWNSHIP — The Madison basketball team looks long on size and potential based on its season opener Friday night with Shelby.
The Rams opened the campaign with an impressive, 61-49 victory over the Whippets that featured strong rebounding and a junior-laden lineup oozing with talent.
Junior Kyle Jackson showed the way, posting 22 points and 10 rebounds, while handling the ball and cleaning the glass.
“He’s definitely a mismatch,” Madison coach Tim Mergel said. “You can’t hide the fact he’s 6-5, and he’s an athletic kid. He does a nice job creating his own things.”
Jackson just might be the most improved player in the area, and hinted at the ability to dominate the action at both ends of the floor.
“It’s almost like they have six guys out there with him, because he can be a post or handle the ball,” Shelby coach Troy Schwemley said.
Shelby is coming off a football season that stretched deep into November with a run to the regional championship game. Schwemley said the Whippets had the option to delay the Madison game until later in the season, but chose to play as scheduled.
“I’m proud of our team’s effort, especially for being together less than two weeks,” Schwemley said. “It’s not an excuse, they had the same situation with us a couple of years ago and they played, too. With 22 games, there’s just not a lot of spots open in the schedule.”
The Whippets showed no effects of the quick changeover in the early going. Some hot shooting, particularly from 3-point range, propelled Shelby to a 17-11 first-quarter edge.
But Madison responded in the second period by outscoring Schwemley’s squad 19-12 to take a 30-29 margin into intermission.
“We pride ourself on our defense,” Mergel said. “They hit some shots early but we wanted to keep up the pressure and (hope) their legs are going to go.”
The Rams also assumed command on the glass. Madison forged a 36-21 rebounding advantage, and stretched the lead to 46-42 heading to the final eight minutes.
“It seems like we’ve been complaining about rebounding around here for years,” Mergel said. “Rebounding is a point of emphasis this year. It’s not about height, it’s about heart.”
The Whippets were unable to make a charge in the last period, and watched Madison steadily pull away.
Senior Tyrell Ajian supported Jackson with 14 points, while junior Shamir Brown chipped in 11. Senior Jacob Koehler added nine points.
Senior Davey Hipp spearheaded the Whippets’ offense with 19 points, while senior Brock Kehres added 13.
Shelby has its home opener tonight against Wynford, while Madison travels to Lewis Center Olentangy on Tuesday night.
The Rams won the junior varsity game 67-34.
