Welch Scores 29 Carrying Moline to Road Win at Rock Island

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a><em>***Use Code “ScottyB30” for 30% off your annual subscription***</em></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a big game in central Illinois as Moline (5-1) traveled to Rock Island (4-0) in a rivalry game.&nbsp; Two of the best programs in central Illinois clashed in this one.&nbsp; It was close throughout the game into the half.&nbsp; In the 3^rd quarter they traded a 9-0 run for a 8-0 run.&nbsp; Moline made key plays down the stretch in regulation to get the game to overtime.&nbsp; They pushed the lead to near double figures, but Rocky came back to make it a one possession game missing the final shot to fall 54-51.&nbsp; We examine the contest in <strong>Friday Night Takeaways: Moline vs Rock Island</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Welch Carries Moline to Win</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moline is a program under head coach Sean Taylor that wins year after year.&nbsp; Most thought they would take a step back this year.&nbsp; Nope.&nbsp; They move to 6-1 continuing to show they are a force in central Illinois.&nbsp; Their star [player_tooltip player_id='2455383' first='Brady' last='Welch'] showed out in the victory.&nbsp; The 2027 point guard brings swagger to his squad with his super deep shot making pouring in four triples both pulling up and off the bounce.&nbsp; He is quick and crafty getting in the paint for floaters and sweepers.&nbsp; Also made trips to the foul line at a high rate.&nbsp; True leader that you can see the others following!&nbsp; He had 29 points in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Importance of Moline Supporting Cast in Victory</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They do not win this game without three important players.&nbsp; First is 6'4” junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2963269' first='Josh' last='Hendrickx'] who knocked in a three and was gritty on the glass for 6 points.&nbsp; Next up is sophomore 6'0” strong bodied guard Alante Anderson.&nbsp; He was fantastic with his passing as a secondary playmaker off live dribbles.&nbsp; Hit cutters and guys on the move for scores.&nbsp; Rebounded well in addition to finishing with physicality on drives, transition takes, and in the post.&nbsp; Went for 10 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2725184' first='Zaire' last='Blamah'] is a long and rangy 6'3” shooting guard in the 2027 class that came alive in the fourth quarter and OT with his activity level on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; His offensive rebounding and free throw shooting were huge in a 5 point outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rock Island Guard Quartet</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quartet for Rock Island in the backcourt spread the wealth.&nbsp; Top 15 2027 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2712818' first='Deven' last='Marshall'] had flashes in this one.&nbsp; Played off his defense recording multiple steals going the other way for transition dunks.&nbsp; Really like how he cuts off the ball.&nbsp; Burst and athleticism play well off the bounce.&nbsp; Also hit a three for 16 points.&nbsp; Explosive and slithery senior lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='2823476' first='Lawson' last='Zulu'] was a standout early in the game with his ability to attack the gaps getting skinny and scoring in paint with jump stops and acrobatic layups.&nbsp; Also had a big poster dunk that got the crowd out of their seats en route to 10 points.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='2823489' first='Avian' last='Thomas'] is another senior that dropped 13 points.&nbsp; Best getting in the paint to score off the bounce, play off his defense, and get to the charity stripe.&nbsp; Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2455389' first='Arthur' last='Abbey'] was going against his former school where he played the last two years.&nbsp; Passed it well especially early in the game setting up his weapons and getting them running.&nbsp; Mixed in a three along with a couple nice drives for 10 points.&nbsp; Would really like to see them get power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2876529' first='Aris' last='Morgan'] more involved out of the dunker spot, on spot up threes, and in transition especially when he had a clear size advantage as he didn't have the ball in his hands much other than a lob dunk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winning at Rock Island is a Big Deal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes this win even more impressive is going on the road to pick up the victory.&nbsp; In this conference it is very difficult to win on the opposing top teams home court.&nbsp; Last year Rock Island didn't lose a home regular season game all year and this year's team is better.&nbsp; Massive Win for Moline!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->