It’s no understatement to say that Madison hangs its hat on defense. Pressure, half-court traps, steals leading to layups at the other end of the court. Related Articles Cornerstone Christian vs. Benedictine boys basketball: Patriots use speed to charge ahead to 78-70 win Warren Harding vs. Hawken boys basketball: Raiders’ third-quarter run downs Hawks, 71-46 Brush vs. Euclid boys basketball: Arcs dominate glass en route to 72-37 victory High school scoreboard for Dec. 20 VASJ vs. Euclid boys basketball: Martin’s walkoff free throw nets Vikings 72-71 thriller The Blue Streaks are adept in those areas, all of which were a factor in their 68-52 CVC Lake Division win over visiting Edgewood on Dec. 21. Madison improved to 5-2 overall and 4-0 in the CVC Lake. The Warriors fell to 1-5, 1-3. Senior Mac Steel led Madison with a game-high 25 points, sophomore Brendan Titman added 12, and senior Landon Tomco had 10. Steel could just as easily be known as “Mac Steal.” The senior has a talent for poking the ball away from an offensive player and turning it into a runout layup. He did that three times in the first quarter and wound up with eight steals on the afternoon. Madison took a 24-11 lead in the first quarter, turning the Warriors over seven times and holding them to 5 of 13 shooting. “We came out and put pressure on them early with the press,” Steel said. “We were up 14-2 on them at one point. We came out early and set the tone.” @MHS_BLUESTREAKS senior Mac Steel (game-high 25 points, 8 rebounds, 8 steals) discusses Madison’s 68-52 win over Edgewood pic.twitter.com/e7LKmaDyGt — Jay Kron (@TownCenter2) December 21, 2024 The Blue Streaks increased their lead to 37-21 at halftime, and demonstrated that they are more than capable offensively, as well. Titman knocked down two of his four triples, Steel racked up 15 of his points, and junior  Parker Williams chipped in 6 off the bench before the half. Edgewood, a young team with just two seniors on its roster, started to find its stride on both ends of the court in the second half, and played the Blue Streaks even over the final 16 minutes. Freshman Dallas Patterson led the Warriors with 17 points, providing a spark off the bench. Junior Logan Mezak added 10, while 6-foot-4 junior Mason Thorr had 9 points and 9 rebounds. “It’s been the same story in a lot of our games,” Edgewood coach Jay Bowler said. “We’re spotting teams some leads and not having a sense of urgency until the second half. It puts in a bad spot of having to come back. “(Madison) is such a good defensive team, which pushes out of our element and out of our spots.” @MEETUSATTHEWOOD Coach Jay Bowler breaks down Edgewood’s 68-52 loss at Madison pic.twitter.com/TjSVTlWXtU — Jay Kron (@TownCenter2) December 21, 2024 Madison coach Nick Gustin was pleased with the way his squad was able to take control from the start. “We talked about getting off to a fast start,” Gustin said. “We thought we could take advantage of their inexperience, and get out to a lead. We saw the proof today in the work that we’ve put in since that (loss) to Eastlake North two weeks ago.” @MHS_BLUESTREAKS Coach Nick Gustin goes over Madison’s 68-52 win over Edgewood (Part 1) pic.twitter.com/avu6vRLRuo — Jay Kron (@TownCenter2) December 21, 2024 Madison shot 52% from the field (27 for 52), and 51% from the line (8 of 14). Edgewood shot 41% from the field (22 of 54) and 44% from the line (4 of 9). Rebounds were even at 29 apiece. Madison graduated a strong group of seniors last year, including all-time leading scorer JP Dragas. But the Blue Streaks have a core group of four returning seniors that have led the way in the team’s early season success, including Steel, Dom Magda, Knolan Albert, and Landon Tomco. “I think it’s the mentality,” Gustin said. “We don’t like to look back, but I think that senior class really taught these guys how to work and how it’s a day to day thing. You really see that workman mentality with these guys, day in and day out. It’s really fun to watch and fun to coach.” @MHS_BLUESTREAKS Coach Nick Gustin gives his thoughts on the team’s 5-2 start (Part 2) pic.twitter.com/PLIRnVuNdA — Jay Kron (@TownCenter2) December 21, 2024 Madison is off until Jan. 3 and 4, when the Blue Streaks will host Chardon and Perry, respectively.