Takeaway’s From The Madison vs. Vermillion Game
In a game where Madison led by as many as 20 Vermillion had a chance late to cut the lead to less than eight points, but the Bulldogs managed to pull away for an 86-70 win. The Janke brothers may have committed to play football at South Dakota State, but they are still a force to be reckoned with on the hardwood as they combined for 37 points tonight.
First Half
Madison came ready to play and was hitting on all cylinders to start the game. They led 26-13 after one. The pace slowed down a bit in the second quarter as Vermillion picked up the defense and forced a couple of turnovers to climb back into the game. The Bulldogs led 45-34 at the half with Jaxon Janke and Aaron Fiegen each had 12, and A.J. Plitzuweit had 15.
Second Half
Madison jumped out to an early 58-39 lead after Jaxon had seven quick points early in the second half to force a Vermillion timeout. They would take a 70-49 lead into the final quarter of play. That’s when things got interesting. Both Jaxon Janke and Plitzuweit had four fouls early in the fourth quarter. Vermillion went on a run to cut the lead down to 75-66 and then on the other end, Plitzuweit picked up his fourth foul with 4 minutes left to play to finish with 34 points. Everyone thought it would be over but the Tanagers kept it interesting with full-court pressure that resulted in a couple of steals and buckets on the other end. But with about 1:30 seconds left Madison pushed the lead to 15 and both sides brought in the bench shortly after.
Takeaway’s
Even though it’s a one-man show with Plitzuweit, Vermillion still has some pretty good role players out there with him. Plizuweit would drive or get double teamed and would find the open guy and more times than not they would make a play for their team. Sophomore’s Sam Ward and Max Mayer knocked down a couple three’s and had some nice drives.
Madison would double team Plitzuweit and even sometimes triple team him, and sometimes he would still make a play that resulted in points for his team. Fiegen would hedge and at times trap Plitzuweit on a ball screen.
Madison also has some pretty good role players, but they have a couple more guys that could come in a get much-needed buckets or in Doyle Brown’s part much-needed defense. Senior Josh Giles may not be the tallest guy on the court but he always finds the opening for the rebounds, he had seven in tonight’s game.
@ajplitz_21 finishes with 34@aaronfiegen34 had 16@jaxonjanke had 18 and 10 rebounds https://t.co/MzX7DGeXrH
— Prep Hoops Dakotas (@PrepHoopsDakota) February 13, 2018