Madison defended its home court Friday night, edging Edgewood 66-65 in a tense showdown for first place in the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division, with poise, toughness and timely defensive stops sealing the one-point win.
“Overall, this was a great team win,” Madison head coach Heather Reho said. “These ladies stuck to the game plan, played for each other, and competed as one unit.”
The victory pushed Madison to 6-2 overall and 3-0 in league play, while Edgewood dropped to 4-2 and 2-1. Neither team led comfortably, but Madison’s second-half defensive adjustments shifted momentum just enough to hold off a late Edgewood push.
Gianna LaMarco delivered a career night, scoring 35 points to go with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. CC Alley and Leah Brock each added eight points, with Alley contributing three rebounds and two steals. Amara Morant and Maddie White finished with six points apiece, while Kaylee LaMarco chipped in three points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Kendra Smith anchored the interior defense with two rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Edgewood was led by Carly Kray’s 29 points, six rebounds, and four steals, along with Faith Vencill’s dominant double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds. After halftime, however, Madison’s defense tightened.
“We made a slight adjustment at halftime, and in the second half we held their best player to just seven points,” Reho said. “Defensively, we had players step up, set the tone, and take pride in getting stops.”
Reho highlighted several individual efforts on the defensive end.
“Defensively, CC Alley had a tremendous second half on their best player,” she said. “Kendra Smith was a presence in the paint. Kaylee LaMarco and Maddie White did a great job on their point guard.”
Offensively, LaMarco’s versatility was the difference-maker.
“Gianna LaMarco had a career-high 35 points and helped lead our team to victory,” Reho said. “Her ability to knock down the three and attack the rim is impressive.”
With sole possession of first place in the Lake Division, Madison carries confidence and momentum into the next stretch of conference play.
“This win gave us great momentum moving forward,” Reho said. “I’m proud of the hard work they showed tonight.”
Madison travels to Eastlake North on Saturday, while Edgewood travels to Conneaut on Dec. 16.
