Takeaways: Metamora vs Morton
In a big time Tuesday night matchup between Metamora and Morton, the Redbirds pulled away late to win 67-48. These two teams are now tied atop of the Mid-Illini conference with just a handful of games remaining. Here are some…
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Continue ReadingIn a big time Tuesday night matchup between Metamora and Morton, the Redbirds pulled away late to win 67-48. These two teams are now tied atop of the Mid-Illini conference with just a handful of games remaining. Here are some takeaways from tonight’s matchup!
Game Recap
This was a fast paced boxing match throughout and Metamora (19-4), fueled by Iowa commit Cooper Koch Cooper Koch 6'8" | PF Metamora | 2024 State #81 Nation IL , threw the first punch with an 8-0 run to begin the game. Morton (20-3) was quick to respond with a run of their own thanks to a pair of threes from Senior wing Evan Barlow Evan Barlow 6'4" | SG Morton | 2024 IL , who is committed to Florida Gulf Coast as a preferred walk-on. The Potters stuck around in the first half and fought their way back to just a four point deficit at halftime, trailing 29-25. The second half was a different story as Metamora’s physicality and depth outlasted Morton who battled foul trouble the majority of the game.
Metamora Star Power Prevails
Winona State commit Tyler Mason Tyler Mason 6'2" | SG Metamora | 2024 State IL led all scorers with 23 points, finding his rhythm late in the first half scoring from all levels and getting to the free throw line often. Mason guards and rebounds well for his size and is a plus athlete who threw down a high flying slam in transition to ice the game. Iowa commit Cooper Koch Cooper Koch 6'8" | PF Metamora | 2024 State #81 Nation IL was busy filling up the stat sheet all night as well, finishing with 21 points. Koch has such a smooth game and makes it look easy, comfortable rising up and scoring at any level. Unsigned senior big man Luke Hopp Luke Hopp 6'8" | C Metamora | 2024 State IL got going in the second half and finished with 12 points and several rebounds. Hopp is active on the glass and puts himself in the right spots for high percentage shots around the rim. Breakout junior Matthew Zobrist Matthew Zobrist 6'5" | SG Metamora | 2025 State IL also added 8 points for the Redbirds and did a nice job facilitating- including a nifty behind the back assist in the lane.
Gudeman and Rugaard Lead Effort for Morton
For Morton, Junior forward Wes Gudeman Wes Gudeman 6'3" | SF Morton | 2025 State IL finished with 14 points and provided the early offensive punch the Potters needed to stay within striking distance most of the first half. Gudeman does a great job playing off 2 feet in the lane and uses his footwork and physicality to finish around the rim vs taller defenders. Unsigned senior guard Gus Rugaard Gus Rugaard 6'0" | PG Morton | 2024 State IL started to find his groove in the second half, finishing with 10 points. While he had an off shooting night, Rugaard provides great versatility at the guard position with his ability as secondary ball handler and navigating off ball to find open looks.