Maconaquah Schools

Varsity vs Northwestern MS-HS (58 - 56) Win Coach Burrus Quotes: "We were able to survive this game. We had several starters who were sick in this game. Before the game I said lets play 32 minutes, and collapse after we are done with the game. After the game, I told the team one simple word... THANKS! We gutted out a tough win against a very good Northwestern team. They were 6-1 in the TRC coming into the game. They had convincing wins against Rochester, Peru, and Southwood. These types of games really help your team come together. An example, we lost the Tipton game. However, that game gave us more close-game experience. We are starting to become a better half-court defensive team. Fuddy Kile made some huge plays down the stretch. He got a big steal. He also got a block late in the game. He then got a tie up in the last few seconds to keep the lead. He ended with another double-double, 10 points, 11 rebounds. AJ Kelly refused to lose this game. He was the big voice in the huddle telling everyone to stay with it. I believe his positive energy was vital to us pulling this game out. AJ led us with 19 points. He made a lot of big plays. With 16 seconds we called timeout and again, the leadership was there. Josiah Ball had the opportunity and he drove hard, pulled up and drained a tough 15 footer. Josiah shouldered the responsibility to knock down that shot. This led to the Fuddy tie up. It feels good to beat Northwestern after the tough loss last year on the buzzer beater. We got down 5 points and were behind with seconds left. These guys came together to get the win. Devon Murry scored 17 points and hit a big shot after cramping. Landon Adams and Jack Gochenour put lots of pressure on the ball. To beat Northwestern, it takes everyone. They do a great job with taking away your strengths, and always have ways to make it tough on your defense. I have a ton of respect for Jim Gish, the Northwestern coach. We have had some great battles over the years. Him and his staff have made me a better coach just trying to deal with the way they can stretch you. The Northwestern staff is one of the best we deal with. I am proud of our team sustaining themselves during this game. Also, thanks to everyone who came out on a Thursday when we weren't in school, at school. We are in this conference race. We have some other big games coming. February will continue to be a big month." Kelly 19pts 4reb 2ast 4st Murry 17pts 2reb 2ast 1st Ball 12pts 4reb 3ast 1st Kile 10pts 11reb 2bl 3st Adams, L. 2reb 1ast Gochenour 2ast