Wednesday, March 15, 2000
No rebuilding at Madeira
Mustangs back in regionals despite losing 5 starters
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Madeira, a Division III state semifinalist in 1999, is two games away from a return trip to state.
The Mustangs are one of the surprise stories of local high school basketball.
Madeira graduated five starters last year and wasn't expected to field a competitive team this season.
But someone forgot to tell the Madeira players. The Mustangs are now only two victories away from earning a return trip to the final four in Columbus.
“We struggled during the summer and didn't win many games,” coach Jim Reynolds said. “But the kids stuck together and continued to work hard.”
The Mustangs (20-3) meet James town Greeneview (20-4) in a Division III regional semifinal game at 6:15p.m. today at Wright State University. The winner advances to Saturday's championship game.
“This has been a gratifying season,” Reynolds said. “We've gone through some hard times, but the kids never gave up.”
Juniors Brett Underwood and Rob Hern have carried the Mustangs offensively, while senior point guard Robb Hern has provided the leadership.
Defeating the Greeneview Rams to reach the regional championship game won't be an easy task for Madeira.
“Greeneview is a veteran team that starts five seniors,” Reynolds said. “Their go-to guys are Gregg Haines and Trevor Thomas.”
A 5-foot-10 senior guard, Haines leads the team in 3-pointers and assists.
Thomas also has the ability to penetrate, but the 6-1 senior prefers the perimeter shot and has the responsibility to stay back for defensive reasons.
“They only use six players, but they all started last year,” Reynolds said. “But the most impressive thing about Greeneview is how well they execute set plays.”
On the inside, the Rams match up well with Madeira.
Joe McClure, a 6-6 senior center, averages 12 rebounds and eight rebounds.
Defensively, Greeneview uses a man-to-man but will go to a 1-3-1 zone trap.
While Madeira likes the up-tempo game, Greeneview prefers to control the pace.
“For us, it will boil down to playing good defense and taking care of the ball,” Reynolds said. “We're not as high-octane as last year on offense. It's important we give them only one shot.”
Versailles meets Columbus Bishop Reedy in the other semifinal game. The winners play for the championship Saturday.
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