5 Takeaways: Bryan Station vs. Madison Central
(Photo Credit: Josh Moore / Lexington Herald-Leader)
Prep Hoops Kentucky made our way into Lexington last night to check out Bryan Station vs. Madision Central. In a closely contested match-up, Bryan Station pulled out the win late, besting the Indians 68-62. We give you our 5 takeaways from the game.
1.) Bryan Station is really fun to watch – With no true big man, the Defenders spread the floor and keep their opponent on their toes the entirety of a game. With Eric Boone always attacking the rim and drawing help to set up shooters, Terrance Clayton-Murphy using his versatility, and a host of role players capable of getting stops and hitting open shots, Bryan Station has found itself at 14-1 and sitting atop the 11th Region through this point. Teams with a quick team and no size need to take note.
2.) Speaking of Eric Boone – He dominated when it mattered most last night. Madison Central was down at the half 32-29, but crept back up to take a 37-34 lead early in the 3rd quarter. That quarter would be a chess match between the two. Enter the 4th quarter, and the pop corn was poppin’ for Boone. Two quick lay-ups and an “and-1” sparked a Station run. In the first minute and a half of the last stanza, Boone had already scored 7 points and put Bryan Station in the lead (for good). More impressive, Boone was able to finish on 6’8 2019 prospect and shot blocks leader Isaiah Cozart.
3.) Mighty Mouse – Truthfully, I was not expecting Bryan Station’s #11 to see minutes win I first saw the Defenders warming up before the game. Boy, was I wrong. Junior guard Keaton Simpson helped ignite and Station run, getting stops, hitting a big three, and scoring a huge outlet lay-up off a Defenders steal. Simpson (from the bleachers) can’t be all of 5’7 at the most. It was fun watching him play. He’s a ball of lightning and works his tale off.
4.) If and when – Isaiah Cozart develops a more consistent face up game, watch out. Cozart is known for being a shot blocker and making opponents think twice about attacking inside, but on the offensive end Bryan Station was able to take away shots around the rim by just going at him. He did have some nice hooks in the paint that make you see a nice touch at times.
5.) Madison Central will bounce back – With Isaiah Cozart blocking everything, Dustin Geralds rebounding everything, Isaiah Minter controlling the offense, and Kenyon Mckee doing his thing offensively on a more consistent basis, the Indians have a nice squad and have already seen some nice wins. They are 12-4 currently and rank just behind Bryan Station and Scott County in the region currently.