BGM's Roudabush a man of the century

BROOKLYN - He began his prep basketball career playing with his brother. He'll likely end it as his school's all-time leading scorer.

Not bad.

BGM senior guard John Roudabush surpassed the 1,000-point mark in his career last week in the Bears' 66-58 win over North Mahaska. He needs 18 points to become his school's all-time leading scorer.

BGM (12-1) has a huge South Iowa Cedar League game tonight at Keota (10-1).

“It means a lot,” Roudabush said of his milestone. “It's been lots of hard work since I was a freshman.”

Roudabush was inserted into the starting lineup midway through his freshman season, joining brother, Josh. He's been there ever since, averaging a team-best 18.4 points this season.

“A shooter,” he said, when asked what kind of a player he is. “I'll take any shot I can get.”

“John's success has stemmed from a want and desire to do what is necessary on the court,” said BGM Coach J.R. Glenn. “Whether that's rebounding, playing defense or shooting the ball. He is a silent killer on the floor, with an ability to squeeze 20 points out of hustle plays, stolen or loose balls, offensive rebounds and from the free-throw line.”

Roudabush is one of seven seniors, with the top six scorers 12th-graders: Roudabush, Nick Beck, Greg Beatty, Sean Lastovka, Denzel VanSant and Jordan Hohensee. BGM's lone loss was Jan. 8 to Lynnville-Sully, 54-43.

Random 3-pointers

---- What a difference a month makes. Central City crushed Alburnett on Dec. 7 in Central City, 71-32. In the return game Jan. 12 at Alburnett, the Pirates won, 45-27.

Central City shot 45 percent from the field in the first game, 15.9 in the second.

---- Score against Cascade, and you've earned it. The Cougars (10-2) go into their Tri-Rivers Conference game tonight at Monticello giving up an average of 29.8 points per game. That includes a 19-point defensive outing against Springville and 20-point defensive games against East Buchanan and Anamosa.

Coach Al Marshall's crew has won eight straight since a 34-33 loss to North-Linn. The other loss was 43-40 to Western Dubuque, the most points Cascade has allowed.

---- Looks like there's another good one in Charles City. Six-foot-8 center Nathan Buss is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Comets (12-1). He's a UNI signee. Former Iowa forward Greg Brunner also was a Charles City grad.