McMillen, Mustangs power through to finish off Indians in fourth quarter

PAYSON, Ill. — Melvin McMillen thoroughly enjoyed himself Friday night.

“I like a physical style of game, and it’s also great when there’s a lot of trash talkin’ going on,” said McMillen, a 6-foot-4 senior whose 27 points and 12 rebounds spearheaded Unity’s 50-41 victory over rival Payson Seymour.

McMillen was at his best when it mattered most, scoring 10 of his points and grabbing six of his rebounds in the final quarter.

Unity (6-3) outscored Payson 14-5 over the closing four minutes. Payson (2-4) had pulled within 37-36, only to see Unity win the sprint to the finish line.

“We had a come-to-Jesus meeting during a timeout after Payson got within one point,” Unity coach Keith Carothers said.

The fiery timeout proved to be just what the Mustangs needed. McMillen said the Unity players respond well to such messages, noting the club’s daily practice sessions are not for the timid or thin-skinned.

“We get on each other pretty good during those practices,” McMillen said.

McMillen, who is averaging 20.3 points per game over his last four outings, feels his game has steadily improved over his four-year high school career.

“I’ve worked a lot on my shooting during the last four years,” he said. “A lot of times I just go into the gym and shoot for hours.”

Payson coach Tyler Duschinsky offered his praise of McMillen, too.

“Melvin’s the type of kid when his mind is made up about what he wants to do he is tough to stop,” Duschinsky said. “Kudos to Unity, they outplayed us.”

McMillen proved effective from the arc, along the baseline and in the paint. Included in his 11 field goals were a pair of 3-pointers, plus some mid-range efforts and follow-ups. He scored at least five points in every quarter.

“Melvin’s game is solid, both inside and outside,” Carothers said.

Unity was able to keep Payson at arm’s length much of the game with its strong, physical play, something that did go unnoticed to Duschinsky.

“I love our kids, and I’d go to war with our kids … but we got bullied tonight, especially on defense,” Duschinsky said.

Duschinsky said he’s trying to build a more physical program at Payson, and is disappointed with the Indians’ performance in recent games.

“We’ll be pushing defense in practice (Saturday) before our next two games, Monday against Triopia and Tuesday with Pleasant Hill,” he said.

Blake Schwartz (11) and Wyatt Neisen (9) led Payson in scoring. Neisen (12) and Nolan Sparks (6) reeled in a combined 18 rebounds for the Indians.

Sawyer Allen (9) and Cody Shaffer (8) combined for 17 points in support of McMillen for Unity. Shaffer and Allen each pocketed seven rebounds, helping the Mustangs to a 33-26 edge on the boards.

“We’re happy with the win, and we’re starting to jell as a team — but we’ve also got a long, long way to go,” Carothers said. “I did like the confidence the kids played with most of the game.”

McMillen echoed his coach’s thoughts, plus pointing out the Mustangs are still working a lot of football players on the roster into a basketball mentality.

“It will probably be late in the season before we’re at our best,” he said.