Game 10
(11/23/09)
Williamsfield Thanksgiving Tournament
Monmouth-Roseville vs. United
The opening night of the high school boy's basketball season takes me to Williamsfield, better known as "Billtown". The total high school enrollment of the host school, just 75. That's freshman through senior class! More on the Billtown Bombers in the next post.
Always want to get to Williamsfield a little early, a couple times in the past, the phone line has given me troubles. Passed both the Monmouth-Roseville and United buses on I-74 on the way to Williamsfield, located about 20 miles to the east of Galesburg.
Arrive at the gym shortly before the teams, about the only soul in gym. Coach Anderson, along with United assistant Jeremy Sharp were chatting in the locker room. Got everything set up and good to go with time. Interviewed Coach Chuck Grant of the Titans. Mon-Rose has a lot of talent back from last year's team. United coach Jim Noonan showed up with a few minutes to spare after a car breakdown in Galesburg. Fortunately for the Red Storm coach, the right people were in the right places for him to arrive on time.
The game started out fast and furious for the Titans, with a stifling pressure defense, and lights out scoring. One of the best first half efforts of a season opener I've ever seen. The Titans nailed nine three-pointers in the first half, and only committed 5 turnovers, while leading 44-16 at the break.
The second half was a little different, with United coming out with more intensity. Mon-Rose slowed it down a bit with their big lead, and held on for the 66-41 win. Three of the five starters for United were playing football a week ago, getting just enough practices in for the first night of basketball. Several players off the bench were also on the football team. B.J. Salyers and Alex Bresnahan lit it up from outside with 13 and 11 points, respectively. Markus Hunter had some nice inside moves and an outside shot. Hunter's forte is defense, but he has shown glimpses of an offensive explosion on occasion.
The Quest File Notes
Game 10
Date: 11/23/09
Result: Monmouth-Roseville plays a near flawless first half, defeats United (64-41)
Location: Williamsfield
Miles: 150
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