Knowing that a ranked team was waiting from Madison the next day, the Vermillion Tanagers tried to steal the headlines from Madison with a home-court advantage Thursday.
But, it wasn't Vermillion's day.
The Bulldogs used balance scoring from a wide variety of players to beat Vermillion 64-42 on Thursday.
It wasn't easy, however, as the Tanagers and Bulldogs were tied 19-19 at the end of the first quarter.
"They shot the ball really well in the early going," said Michael Ricke, Madison's head coach." I thought they had a good game plan, but we wore them down."
Vermillion's Cole Andre had all of his 11 points in the first quarter, nine coming from behind the 3-point arc.
But, it was a visiting player who stole the attention of those who were in attendance.
Bulldog senior Chad White, who passed up a few scoring opportunities early in the game, was fouled with 3:41 left in the first quarter. As he does for the majority of his free throw attempts, he made both.
After White made his two free throw shots, Madison was down 9-8, but the game stood still at that moment. The Vermillion announcer told the visiting and home faithful, that White was the second Bulldog to score 1,000 points in a career. (The only player known to score 1,000 points beside White, is 2007 MHS graduate Brady Wiebe, who now plays for Dakota Wesleyan University.)
White, wasn't exactly pleased with the stoppage, nor was he thinking about the 1,000 points.
"To be honest, I wasn't really thinking about it, when I was on the line," said White. "I did remember when it was announced. It was nice to be honored, but there was a game going on, I was focused."
Ricke thought the break in action was much deserved.
"If it was up to Chad, he probably wanted to just get on with it," said Ricke. "But, accomplishments need to be recognized and there's no other player more deserving than Chad. I was fortunate to coach two 1,000-point players and pretty soon, I expect to have three."
Fellow Bulldog senior Tony Fiegen has more than 915 points, and could break the mark by the time Madison plays their last game.
Fiegen, White and fellow starter Jarret Janke lead the Bulldogs to a halftime lead of 12 points (38-24). Vermillion only scored five points in the second quarter.
"We broke their rhythm really well by a tough press and took away their easy shots," said Ricke.
It was Madison's defense that allowed the Bulldogs to score 36 points in the first half, according to White.
"We got some transition buckets and that helps our offense," he said.
It was much of the same in the third quarter as Madison outscored the Tanagers 19-6. And, in the fourth quarter with the game under control, Ricke allowed all Bulldogs to get in on the action.
Ricke knows how difficult is it playing against two quality opponents back-to-back.
"Again, it was nice to get guys in the game, and give some guys a rest. I hope that can pay dividends tomorrow," he said.
Blaine Olson scored 12 points and Kylen Friedel scored eight for Vermillion. Kyle Nemec, Andre and Olson grabbed five rebounds for the Tanagers.
White led MHS with 13 points. Derrick Wiebe and Fiegen had 10 points each. Mitch White and Ryan Steffensen had nine points a piece. Janke added eight in the win.
The balance scoring from his team pleased Ricke.
"We're truly at our best when Chad or Tony are not scoring 20's, but rather in the mid-teen range," he said. "When we got a bunch of threats, we are so hard to defend."
Madison will play Parkston on Friday (tonight) at the DSU Fieldhouse at around 7:50 p.m. It will be senior night.
Ricke expects a packed house and an emotional night. Madison will not announce starters, like normal, but rather just the eight seniors on the roster.
The game will be the DSU Classic and is sponsored by the Seizing South Dakota Club. Madison activity passes won't be honored at the door.
"It's going to be a fun night," said White.
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