opening shot

Last year when we visited Madison's Shawe Memorial I knew it was worth a return trip - but this time on game day. Built in 1954, the gym sports only a few rows of bleachers on each side and a stage at one end.  Powered by the pep band, a standing room only student section and capacity crowds, little Shawe does its best to make visiting teams feel uncomfortable.  Although they have won 5 Sectional crowns since 2002, the Hilltoppers struggled last year and stumbled in their 2014 opener against Hauser, 69-49. But, any basketball trip to Madison is memorable, especially when topped off with hamburgers from Hinkle's - a tradition since 1933.  CGS.