Macomb's Duncan, Case step up for Bombers
MACOMB — It certainly has been a grind for the Macomb High boys’ basketball team of late, but fortunately for the Bombers, they are finding ways to win.
Macomb was at it again on Monday, gutting out a 44-36 win over Havana in Prairieland Conference play in Macomb.
“Our half-court defense has saved our bacon several times, being able to try to hold the other team in the 30s and low 40s to give ourselves a chance to make enough baskets,” Macomb coach Jeremy Anderson said. “Tonight was a big challenge because they really attack the basket and I thought our guys did a pretty good job after the first few minutes of keeping the ball in front of them.”
With starter Caden Mainland nursing an injury and key reserve Ian Case also out, the Bombers were more than happy to take points where they could find them.
On Monday night, Jack Duncan (12 points) and Haden Case (eight points) stepped in and gave the Bombers the lift they needed.
“Jack and Haden both have played really well all the way back to the Camp Point game and I think they did that again tonight,” Anderson said. “More confidence will give us more output and I think they’re both playing with a lot of confidence right now.”
Connor Watson would add 10 points and Connor Hamm eight, but it was the defense that gave Macomb the victory, especially late when the Ducks were charging back and Macomb was struggling to finish at the free-throw line.
“You have to limit them to one tough shot, it’s the same as every other possession of the game, but toward the end of the game, they were really attacking the basket and they were making some of those, so we had to get it in quick and when we got fouled we couldn’t make a free throw, so that’s something we’re going to have to concentrate on and simulate in practice,” Anderson said.
Macomb trailed 15-10 after a quarter but the Bombers shut Havana out in the second period, taking a 22-15 lead into half.
Macomb would extend the advantage a point after three quarters, leading 32-24 before Havana made a game of it late before the Bombers found their answers.
“I think we still have some pieces to plug in, guys’ roles are going to have to expand a bit, especially on rebounding,” Anderson said. “We are without are leading rebounder and it’s by a wide margin, so guys are going to have to do a good job stepping up on that.”
This article originally appeared on The McDonough County Voice: Macomb boys basketball; Bombers find way to defeat Havana
