Hurricanes size posed matchup problems for the Marlins
The first meeting between two took overtime to decide a 91-84 Hurricane victory but the second time around was much different.
Though Hightower feels a bit slighted they have enjoyed a good season and now a surprise visit to the finals after sinking the Madison Marlins 78-64 in the Class 5A Region III Semifinals on Friday night at the Campbell Center. The win sets up a date with District Champion and rival Travis who they have yet to defeat in all three meetings.
Hightower (28-7) jumped out in front early and led 9-1 after one quarter. The Hurricanes kept the pressure on as they used their size to get offensive rebounds and stellar guard play from the tandem of Bralon Addison and Johnathan Jordan.
“We had a problem with their size and we got behind and had to dig to try to get back in the game, but they continued making shots,” said Madison’s Coach Craig Maura.
The taller Hurricanes had little trouble battling the smaller Marlins in the first half. Jordan’s quickness was a thorn in Madison’s side, accounting for 25 points, 6 rebounds while Junior Forward Danuel House added 17 points, 7 rebounds and six steals.
“Well we knew it was going to be an up tempo type game because their coach does a good job of making their kids get after it,” said David Green Hightower’s Coach. “They played hard and I told my kids there going to make a run. They never quit even when we had a 14 point lead. I thought our kids got lack of daze with the ball but then right down the stretch we did enough to get the win.”
With 1:40 to go in the half, Madison (28-9) trailed by 14, 25-11 before finding some offense.
Each time the Marlins put together a run, the Hurricanes answered. Midways through the fourth quarter Clarence Shelvin who led Madison with 28 points converted two free throws to move within eight, 68-60. However that’s as close as Madison would come.
“It was very exciting, we knew Madison was going to come out with their best,” said Johnathan Jordan Hightower’s point guard. “They always play us hard. It’s just exciting to see two Fort Bend teams in the finals. Their very scrappy, I was just talking to my man Jonathan Barefield (Madison’s Guard) and I told him it’s always difficult playing against them. They go a hundred percent until the clock hits zero.”
