Indians top Eagles in season opener.
It was opening night for basketball in Kentucky and Madison County. It was one of the biggest games of the year, the Indians traveled to Berea to play the Eagles in the annual opener for both teams. Coming off a school record 26 wins and the 1st district title in over two decades Madison Southern lost roughly 85% of their scoring from last season, also they were short handed with an injury to Dalton Gregory and three players still playing football. On the other side Central comes into the season with a chip on their shoulders, they want that district title back, and they return roughly 85% of their scoring from a season ago.
This game opened as a close one with Central leading 11-6 after a quarter of play. Indians used a 22-7 2nd quarter to take a 33-13 halftime lead. At halftime Senior Dustin Geralds of Madison Central had 17 points and 14 rebounds and was on his way to a career night. The first half had it’s moments of chippiness as both teams talked smacked and it was physical.
In the opening minutes of the game star player Isaiah Cozart went down hard after a foul while going for an offensive rebound. Southern shot a horrible 4-25 in the half for only 16%, all four baskets were three’s as they were 4-16 from behind the arc. Madison Central shot 34% in the opening half but was only 1-12 from three land.
The second half started the way the first half had ended, a lot of talking and this time the officials stepped in and cleaned it up. Shawn Short of Madison Southern and Isaiah Minter both picked up technical fouls. The Eagle’s cut the lead down to 15 points but couldn’t get any closer. The depleted bench and foul problems were too much to overcome. Madison Central wins the game in demanding fashion 78-50. Dustin Geralds with a career night with 36 points on 15-24 shooting and 20 rebounds. Isaiah Cozart added a double double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, the leading shot blocker in the state also had 5 blocks. Isaiah Minter chips in 12 points and 9 rebounds.
Madison Southern got great play from sophomore Michael Moberly, he finished the night with 13 points and 7 rebounds. He knocked down a team best 3 three pointers tying that mark with Shawn Short. Short finished the night with 11 points. Central returns to action Friday night at home against regional rival Lafayette.
Madison Southern has moved their schedule home game Friday night to Saturday afternoon against Estill County at 12:30. The game between Southern and Estill County can be seen live on WBONTV.com and heard on 103.5 FM and 99.3 FM.
