Madison , NY – High School Games like the one played at Madison Central School this afternoon are a constant reminder why The Mid York Sports Report came to fruition. On the surface, The Blue Devils of Camden and the Blue Devils of Madison boy’s basketball teams have little in common this season, except of course their shared mascot.
Madison (7-1) is second in the Central Counties League Standings and came into today’s non-league game with Camden with an overall record of (11-3). The Blue Devils of State Route 20 are very much alive to repeat as the CCL champions and are a certain high seed for the upcoming Class “D”, Section III playoffs.
Madison’s Sam Matteson (23) heads for the hoop as Camden’s Rowan Connor (10) goes for the block. Matteson got the bucket and the foul.
Camden, on the other hand, is in the midst of a very tough Tri-Valley League season, which is unfolding as one of the most fiercely competitive years since the old Central Oneida League. Unfortunately for Camden, four or five teams in the TVL have chosen this season to have their best season in years. Camden came into today’s action with a (1-5) mark in the TVL West, (3-10) overall.
So, besides an excellent basketball game, what made today a special day? Simply stated, it was a refresher course in what high school athletics can and should be all about. First, the gym at Madison offers a relatively large seating area for fans and the place was packed on a Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m.. Second, the Blue Devils cheer squad showed off a tremendous array skills and choreography throughout the game and half time, which seemed to be tremendously appreciated by players and fans alike. Third, during the playing of our National Anthem and the singing of the Madison Alma mater, there was not a sound from anyone in that gym. Unlike many gyms these days, where rowdy student sections are allowed to collectively chuckle their way through the National Anthem, today Madison High School was shining example of respect for those who have made our freedom possible. To the fans in Madison and the school officials who oversee you, BRAVO.
Camden junior Rowan Connor (10) drives the lane for 2 of his game high 19 points
With a perfect setting for a high school basketball game in place, the two teams hit the floor with a vengeance. Austin Roser got things going for Camden early on, hitting three pointers on consecutive trips down the floor, to pace the visitors to a 15-14 lead after one period of play. Junior Rowan Connor accounted for another first quarter three to help the Camden effort early. Madison kept things close early, behind 8 points from Sam Matteson.
Camden took a 15-14 lead to the second quarter, as the Blue Devils from Northern Oneida County used a very fluid, motion offense to keep Madison off balance on defense. Matteson’s 4 second quarter points, both coming from strong drives to the basket, led the Blue Devils from Madison County in the second quarter. An NBA length 3 pointer by Spencer Haviland sent Madison to the half time intermission trailing Camden by a score of 29-25.
Camden’s Rowan Connor scored 7 of his game high 19 points in the first half.
Madison’s Tyler Hummer got hot from outside in the third quarter, knocking down two three balls to lead the home team to an 11-10 scoring advantage over Camden in period number three. Camden’s lead headed to the fourth quarter was just 39-36.
Austin Roser (3) shows some vertical leap on a 4th quarter layup for Camden.
Rowan Connor caught fire in the final frame, scoring 10 points, 6 of which came from three point land. The biggest boost for Camden may have been the efforts of Connor, Roser and Nick Melchiore at the foul line down the stretch however, as those three guys went 6 for 7 at the charity stripe down the stretch to lead Camden to a 53-47 victory.
Sam Matteson led Madison with 17 points. Camden got 19 from Rowan Connor and 16 from Austin Roser to pace the victory effort.
Camden, (4-10) has another non-league game at home on Monday against Adirondack. Madison, meanwhile, travels to Frankfort-Schuyler, also for a non-league contest.
Camden 15 14 10 14 53
Madison 14 11 11 11 47
