Madison to face Bellaire Friday

Madison head girls basketball coach Anthony Fields says the key to a victory over Bellaire in Friday night's District 20-5A showdown at Butler Sports Complex.

"It's going to come down to our guards against theirs," Fields said.

"Bellaire's guards are outstanding. If we can keep up with them, we have a chance."

If not, the Cardinals have a clear-cut advantage over their rivals.

Bellaire head coach Mike Kramer didn't disagree with Fields. He considers his young backcourt, featuring sophomore A.J. Alix at point guard and juniors Raven Burns and Bianca Winslow at the other guard spots, among the finest in Greater Houston.

However, the Cardinals, a year removed from a trip to the Class 5A-Region III finals, have been a bit inconsistent.

"We still haven't found the right chemistry," Kramer said.

"Maybe it will happen in district."

ABOUT THE GAME

• Matchup: Bellaire Cardinals vs. Madison Marlins

• When: 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 7

• Where: Butler Sports Complex

• What's at stake: Bellaire is trying to defend its District 20-5A title, but Madison, along with Westside, hopes to challenge the Cardinals' recent dominance.

• Bellaire players to watch: PG A.J. Alix, G Raven Burns, G Bianca Winslow, F Brianna Jolivet, G/F Regina Harris, P/F Blayke Hemmitt, G Lulu McKinney, P/F Shanice Waugh.

• Madison players to watch: P Kirbi Clark, P Andrea Pipkins, W Sha'de Adedapo, PG Bria Lanes, G LaPorche Moore, G/F Tykh Jones.

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Bellaire: The Cardinals dropped their first two games at the Sandra Meadows Classic in Duncanville, falling to Southlake Carroll 61-43 and Rockwall 58-43, before beating Duncanville's junior varsity 55-38. Kramer felt Bellaire took a step backwards after a big win over Cinco Ranch a few weeks ago.

• Madison: The Marlins split four games at the McDonald's All-Star Invitational in Bryan-College Station, posting victories over Memorial 48-41 and Richardson Pearce 47-32 and losses to Cinco Ranch 55-32 and Shoemaker 57-54 in overtime. Clark, a 6-foot-2 post, and the sharp-shooting Adedapo have been Madison's top scorers, but Lanes and Moore played some of their best ball in the recent tournament.