MCC 71 - EDGERTON 62
MCC finished their regular season off against Edgerton Monday night. It would be parents and senior night, creating a great atmosphere. In the first meeting in Edgerton, MCC rallied from 22 points down in the second half to get the win. Getting off to a fast and consistent start would be important in this second match-up. The Rebels were competing to earn their 16th win of the season as the Flying Dutchmen would be looking for number 10.
The Rebels fell behind 2-0 off a live ball turnover on their first possession, but regained the lead on their next, as Gavin Gillette found Max Miller with 1 second left on the shot clock for the three. The Rebels’ defense got split at the top of the key and Edgerton retook the lead on their next possession. Gillette followed with the “one more” pass to Miller for another three to take the 6-4 lead. Edgerton quickly tied the game at 6 with just over fourteen minutes to play.
Gillette, who assisted on the Rebels first 6 points, knocked down a three of his own on MCC’s next possession. 9-6 MCC. Some wild play ensued, leading to four free throws for Edgerton. They made two. Carson Engelkes then had two assists. First, to Aidan Swenson in the Hi-Low from the right elbow to the short corner. Then from the high post, sitting in the middle of the zone and kicking it out to Hudson Schryvers for three.
Carson wasn’t done yet. On the Rebels next possession, he went to the opposite wing for the kick, this time to Max Miller for three! The Rebels were on fire from three. 17-8 with just under 11 minutes to play.
Miller hit another long range shot, assisted by Hudson Schryvers to go up 20-8 with just under 10 minutes to play. Nice action was run between Gillette, Schryvers, and Miller for the open left wing three. Edgerton broke their scoreless drought and hit a three, but Aidan Swenson scored 4 in a row to combat that bucket.
MCC went on a bit of a lull on offense and the defense followed suit. Edgerton made a run at the Rebels and the score was 24-17 with just over six minutes left. Gavin Gillette answered back in a big way with a deep three to move the lead back to 10 with 6:02 to play.
Neither team scored in the next couple of minutes before they traded free throws. Then Hudson Schryvers got a steal in the press and assist to Gavin Gillette in transition. The Rebels went on a nice run to finish the half, pulling away 41 to 25.
The second half had its fair share of drama. The Rebels started off on defense and, having an opportunity for a stop, forced a contested jumper, but didn’t secure the rebound. Of course, that turned into a three point make. Edgerton scored 8 points on their first three possessions to MCC’s 2. Not a great way to start a half. But the Rebels would find their groove again shortly after.
By the 10 minute mark, the Rebels had built a 19 point lead and by the 7:50 mark they pushed the lead to 21. The game turned into a helter skelter affair for the next several possessions and minutes. Turnovers followed by turnovers, quick shots followed by turnovers, tipped passes, missed lay-ups, bodies falling all over the floor, you name it. Both teams were playing an odd style from end line to end line. With 5:30 seconds left to play MCC was up 18. Then a minute later, they were up 20 and had chances to put the game on ice, but couldn’t quite do it. The last 4 and a half minutes seemed to drag on and on and Edgerton started to get hot, making things interesting.
MCC was stuck on 69 until there were 50 seconds left in the game. Max Miller hit two free throws. It was only a 10 point game at this point! MCC held on for the win, as the seniors won their final game on their home court! The Rebels finished the regular season at 16-10 and will play TMB for a second year in a row on Super Saturday. Big thanks to the seven senior players and the two senior managers for their dedication to MCC basketball!
Leading Scorers: Aidan Swenson, 24. Max Miller, 20. Gavin Gillette, 19. Leading Rebounders: Hudson Schryvers, 9. Aidan Swenson, 8. Gavin Gillette, 6. Leading Assists: Hudson Schryvers, 10. Carson Engelkes, 4. Dylan Kluis, 3. Leading Steals: Max Miller, 3. Hudson Schryvers and Tristan Behrends, 2 each.
