Game 74
(1/26/10)
Knoxville @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
As I pulled up to Monmouth-Roseville High School on this brisk Tuesday evening, it had all the feelings of a trap game for the host and favored Titans. It was a non-conference game (for the first time since the 1991-92 season), with Knoxville defecting to the Prairieland, a light crowd would be on hand, and it was one of those blah Tuesday nights that can set the stage for an underdog in high school basketball.
I walked up the steps of the main entrance and signed the "Hometown Heroes" petition for the Monmouth-Roseville boy's basketball team. This is a promotion put on by our rival station in Galesburg, but it's a great cause for area sports teams. MRHS high school principal Jeff Bryan made a comment about signing in a "relative who couldn't make it", jokingly of course.
Before heading up to broadcast central, I spoke with Rick Chick. He mentioned that the Titans Sports Boosters are looking into putting some money into the gym before next season. One of the options is moving the main scoreboard to the other side of the gym, or adding an additional scoreboard. This would come in so handy, since I cannot see the main scoreboard from my post. It also sounds like some work will go into the baseball diamond, with a new press box being built behind home plate in the near future.
During our conversation, Rick made a comment to Titans (Jr.) Alex Bresnahan, egging him on about scoring 30 points, saying he bet he couldn't score 30 tonight. Alex may have taken those words to heart, by pouring in 10 points in the first quarter alone. He finished with 21 points.
After our talk, I went and set up the equipment and took in the first half of the JV game. The Titans were without starters Jackson Kane and Jacob Baber. At halftime, I went to chase down coach Grant for the pregame interview, however, he alluded me. I knew he wasn't dodging the microphone, as he never shies away from the spotlight! In the meantime, my broadcast partner for the night, Pat Repp, entered the gym. We talked about the JV game and how he coached some of the players at Immaculate Conception in Monmouth. The ICS 7th graders were also in action this night, along with MRJH in regional semifinal play. MRJH fell to Mercer County, while ICS bested Valley.
I learned of the disappearance of Coach Grant. There was no principal or vice principal at the gym, so he had to preside over those duties at the game for the moment. We did our pregame chat during the third quarter of the JV game. The Titans JV would move on for a 15-point win over the visiting Blue Bullets.
To start the game, Monmouth-Roseville could not click on anymore cylinders. The hosts jumped out to a 23-5 lead after the first quarter, led by Bresnahan's 10 points, and Markus Hunter's 9 points. The pressing defense was too much for Knoxville, who had to take two timeouts in the early going to stop the hemorrhaging.
Knoxville played much better in the second quarter, outscoring the Titans 17-14. It was 37-22 at halftime. Bresnahan scored 14 points, and Hunter added 11 points by the break. The Titans did turn the ball over ten times, which is much higher than their average (about 13 turnovers/game).
The turnovers would get better for Monmouth-Roseville, only coughing the ball up four times in the second half (finishing with 14 turnovers). However, the play at the times was very erratic by both teams. On several occasions, four, five, and six bodies would go flying all over the floor, into the stands, etc. diving after loose balls.
Monmouth-Roseville would cruise to a 65-49 win, sparked by Brenahan's game-high 21 points. Hunter added 13 points, and the Titans went (9-14) from the free throw line. Knoxville was led by Bryce Ball's 15 points. The Blue Bullets turned the ball over 28 times, and shot just (4-10) from the free throw line.
The Quest File Notes
Game 74
Date: 1/26/10
Result: Early pressure sparks Monmouth-Roseville over Knoxville (65-49)
Miles: 70
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