SEMO News Service photo by Scott Matthews Gideon's Travis Miller looks to drive with the ball during Tuesday's basketball game at Malden. [Click to enlarge]

After losing all five starters, and arguably their two top reserves from last year's 27-2 district championship team, many people in the Bootheel conference have written off the 'Wave before the season ever started. However, after Malden's 68-48 thrashing of the Gideon Bulldogs Tuesday night, they may want to think again.

In the game's opening minutes, it looked to be a close game with both teams struggling on offense as the Green Wave outscored the 'Dogs 16-10, with many of both teams' points coming from the foul line.

However, as the second quarter wore on, Malden's speed and athleticism started to take over as Gideon struggled to matchup with the Green Wave and their talented backcourt. This was led by the senior combination of Chad Hudson and Nick Perkins, who combined for 43 points on the night, who look to be ready to continue the tradition of great guard play at Malden.

The game was put out of reach at this point as the Green Wave dominated the second quarter by a score of 18-5, as they took a 34-15 lead into halftime.

Despite the play of Hudson and Perkins, the biggest story of the night was the total shutdown of Gideon's Jordan Boone.

Despite finishing with a team-high 13 points, Boone -- who is arguably the top scorer in the Tri-County Conference -- was shut out completely in the first half. This was due in large part to the physical play of Hudson, who had a hand in his face much of the night.

After making halftime adjustments, and the emptying of the Malden bench, Gideon was able to get Boone more open looks in the second half, but it was too late.

A big reason why it appears Malden is prepared to defend its Bootheel conference championship is -- just like last year -- its depth. Though maybe not as talented as last year in the starting five, Malden will simply wear down many of their opponents with their never ending supply of fresh legs.

Nine different players contributed to the Green Wave offensive attack. In addition to Hudson's 25, and Perkins' 18, 6-foot-5 center Leonard Burton also posted double figures with 10.

For Gideon, Travis Miller added 12 points to join Boone in double figures.

In the junior varsity contest, the Bulldogs won 68-57 behind 24 points from Tim Kelly. Malden was paced by Travis Gregory's 17 points.

Gideon is back in action Friday when it heads to Scott County Central, while the Green Wave host Malden.