Seeing is believing.
Despite posting a 53-33 victory against Havana Friday evening at The Hangar, the Bombers needed an early dose of reality.
After Macomb’s first two baskets of the game, Havana responded in rapid-fire fashion with senior guard Carter Brooks knocking down a pair of 3-pointers that gave the Ducks a 6-5 lead.
“Coming into the game, we were really concerned about their 3-point firepower,” said MHS coach Jeremy Anderson of Havana. “And we knew that they wanted to go fast.”
“Then (the players) really saw it and it was ‘OK, now we have to get urgent,’” he added. “I thought from that point on we really settled in and played some good, solid team defense.”
It was better than good, as the Bombers allowed just nine baskets the remainder of the game.
MHS led 14-8 after the opening eight minutes.
The Bomber advantage was 19-15 in the second period before the home team took charge, ending the half on a 12-0 run.
Nolan Hoge started the run with a layup before Isaac Leinbach scored on a layup following a turnover.
Nick Elbe followed with a jumper before Kellen Martin scored a pair of baskets, the second on a nifty reverse layup.
Drew Watson capped the run with a steal and layup that gave Macomb a 31-15 halftime lead.
“We were able to get some turnovers that led to easy baskets,” said Anderson. “That’s always nice, because it’s so hard to grind out all those possessions in the halfcourt. Any time you can get some easy ones, it takes the pressure off of you.”
The third period saw the Bomber defense hold Havana to four free throws and no field goals.
Meanwhile, Elbe scored eight of Macomb’s 17 points as the Bomber lead ballooned to 48-19 entering the final quarter.
“I thought he was outstanding,” said Anderson of Elbe, who scored a season- high and team-leading 17 points. “He was strong. He was confident. He was taking the ball to the basket. He was using his post moves. He did a really good job for us on the interior.”
Watson added 11 points for Macomb (16-7, 3-0 Prairieland South), including three treys.
Carter Havens was next with seven points, followed by Hoge with six points.
Leinbach and Martin had four points each, while Collin Adams and Zacarion Conley chipped in two points apiece.
“I was really happy with us making the extra pass,” said Anderson. “Some of the shots didn’t go in, but it was still really good as a coach to see guys willing to make that extra pass to a guy that’s even more open.”
“I think if we keep that mentality, that’s where we’re going to improve our offense,” he added. “If we can get eight guys in the scoring column, that’s really good for us.”
Anderson also noted Havens and his defensive effort on Jack Turner.
“Carter did a really nice job of staying in front of him and not letting him get a whole lot of wide open opportunities,” said Anderson.
“He’s the lynchpin,” he added of Havens. “We build the defense around him being able to stay in front of the other team’s best player. He did another great job.”
Cayden Green topped Havana (8-10, 0-2 Prairieland South) with seven points. Brooks and Aiden Pratt added six points each, while Turners finished with a pair of second quarter baskets for four points.
The Bombers return to the road Tuesday, heading to Edgington to face Rockridge (3-16). The Rockets started the season 3-2, but have lost 14 straight since.
“This is going to be a new experience for some of the guys against a really proud program,” said Anderson of playing at Rockridge. “They’ve played us in their last game two years in a row, so you know that’s going to be a factor. I hope our guys are mentally ready.”
The JV contest saw the Bombers fly out to a 21-10 lead after the first quarter on the way to a 57-25 victory.
MHS led 26-15 at halftime and 51-24 entering the fourth frame.
Luke Chapla topped Macomb with 18 points, 11 in the opening period that included three 3-pointers.
Cameron Keene added 13 points, including three treys, followed by Corey Robinson, who also had three treys for nine points.
Mack Waschull and Levi Helling added six points each, followed by Carter Van Vleet and Sam Potter with two points apiece.
John Fowler added a free throw for one point.
