MPHS edges past Washington

By Chris Miles

Sports Editor

There’s quite a heated rivalry going on between the boys basketball teams at Madison-Plains and Washington high schools.

The bitterness nearly boiled over in a 65-62 Golden Eagles home victory Friday.

One Madison-Plains player was ejected, and a number of hard fouls were given, in what was a tension filled affair with plenty of drama.

“That was a wild one,” MPHS coach Jeff Spradlin said. “It certainly wasn’t unexpected.

“It’s been a rivalry, the last few games between these two teams has been a knock-out, drag out battle.”

The Golden Eagles (1-0) got a team-high 21 points from senior Ryne Smith, nine of those coming in the fourth quarter. Eli Williams reached double figures with 14, as did the pair of Hunter Butin (11) and Alex Williams (11).

The home team opened a 54-46 lead early in the fourth quarter, but the visiting Blue Lions came roaring back to take a 61-56 advantage with just under 2:00 to play.

The senior-dominated lineup of MPHS refused to give up and got even at 61-61 on a 3-point make by Smith.

The Eagles Nick Garrett closed out the scoring with a pair of free throws with 2.3 seconds to play.

A desperation heave by Washington’s Conner Eckles just missed at the buzzer.

“Our kids played hard,” Washington coach Shannon Bartruff said. “We knew it was going to be a tough game against a senior-led team.

“They just made more plays than we did. We had a five-point lead with a minute and half to go and let it get away.”

Senior Derek Shaw led Washington (0-3) with 27 points. Eckles added 13 and Tyler Slone chipped in 11.

“I’m just so proud of our guys,” Spradlin said. “They put their chinstraps on, put their heads down and played for one another.”

East Clinton 71,

London 63 2OT

The Red Raiders (0-4) battled throughout, but were unable to come up with the first win of the season.

Brok Bennett scored 21 points, while Zac Carey and Dustin Coffey each had 10.

“We’re getting close to putting it all together,” coach Darren Long said.