Madison wins an ugly one

MADISON — As his team continues to pile up wins, Madison County boys basketball coach Tim Taylor is trying his best to keep his team from getting complacent with the postseason looming ahead.

“There’s a level of expectation of how you’re going to play in practice and in the games,” Taylor said. “If you want to be a state champion there’s a certain level you have to play at.”

On Friday, the Mountaineers dispatched Manassas Park 58-38, but committed 19 turnovers in the process — something Taylor will not accept.

“We’re having practice at 6 a.m.,” Taylor said. “And there might not be a ball out there tomorrow.”

After both teams struggled out of the gate, Madison put together a seven-point lead going into halftime.

The Mountaineers (19-0, 5-0 Bull Run District) opened the third quarter on a 10-2 run and pulled out in front for good, but still was careless with the ball.

In spite of the sloppy play, Madison’s top players still took care of business. Logan Terrell led the Mountaineers with 18 points, but even he isn’t satisfied with Friday’s results.

“We definently didn’t play our best and come out with the right intensity,” Terrell said. “We’ve just got to play better.”

Jerrell Carter had nine points and five steals, while David Falk had 13 points to go along with 11 rebounds, eight of which came in the first half. Madison outrebounded Manassas Park 20-7 in the first half.

The Cougars (4-11, 0-5) had even greater problems holding on to the ball thanks to the Madison press. Manassas Park committed seven or more turnovers in the first three quarters.

“We’ve got some young kids that are still learning how to play with each other,” said Cougars coach Verdell Robinson. “They had a lot of turnovers but they still kept playing and with their heads up.”

Forward Brandon Livingston led the way offensively for the Cougars with 16 points and three steals.

Madison County hosts George Mason on Monday at 7:30 p.m.