Bettendorf Coach Kevin Skillett has seen enough of Mississippi Valley Conference basketball teams this year and the season is only a week old.

First he saw Washington on Friday night, then Linn-Mar on Saturday night (Dec. 4).

First Wes Washpun, an outstanding point guard for the Warriors, then Marcus Paige, the super-outstanding point guard for the Lions.

“That’s enough,” Skillett said, saluting the victors.

Bettendorf got its second dose of Valley madness in 24 hours Saturday and had no answer for Paige and the talented Lions.

Paige poured in 25 points as Linn-Mar topped the Bulldogs, 71-56, at home.

Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery, hoping against hope that he might land Paige, watched from the stands as Paige hit 10 of 12 shots and dazzled the Bulldogs with his wizardry.

“Good lord. He’s a handful,” said Skillett, a former Hawkeye guard under Tom Davis. “He’s got the complete package. I can see why the stands are filled with big-time coaches.”

Iowa State Coach Fred Hoiberg and Kansas Coach Bill Self watched Tuesday when Linn-Mar won at Waukee, and McCaffery made the trip to Marion after the Hawkeyes played Saturday afternoon.

College coaches are not allowed to speak with unsigned recruits at this time of year, but McCaffery stood five feet away from Paige and spoke with Linn-Mar Coach Chris Robertson while Paige was being interviewed after the game.

Paige is just a junior, but he looked like he could help the Hawkeyes right now.

“He’s a special player. I hope people enjoy what they see out of him,” Robertson said.

Bettendorf saw two premier point guards in two days. Washpun, a senior at Washington, torched the Bulldogs for 32 points Friday night in a 65-40 victory, then Paige scored at will against them Saturday.

“I asked our guys afterward, ‘Did he miss a shot?’” Robertson remarked. “I know he shot it really well. It was nice to see him get us going. He’s our leader.”

Paige went 10 of 12 from the field, his jump shot a thing of beauty as he made super-quick moves and elevated above hapless defenders.

“I don’t even think his shots hit the net,” moaned Skillett, only a slight exaggeration.

Paige was credited with four assists and three steals, but the official statistician may have been stingy. He created havoc on defense with his quickness and long arms.

“I bet he’s 6-foot-4 with his wingspan,” said Robertson, adding three inches to his star’s listed height.

Linn-Mar bolted to a 43-24 lead on a 3-pointer by Matt Bohannon to start the second half, but Bettendorf (0-2) rallied and drew within nine points at 51-42. The Lions took a deep breath and went back to work.

Ian McBrayer hit a layup, Paige stole the ball and floated for a layup, Paige nailed a 3-pointer, Bohannon made a free throw and Bohannon hit a layup. That quick 10-0 spurt made it 61-42 and sealed the deal.

“I think we played pretty well,” Paige said. “We had great ball movement, we got out and ran. That was one of our points of emphasis.”

Bohannon did not shoot well, but managed to score 15 points despite sore lower limbs and sore feet caused by ill-fitting basketball shoes. McBrayer contributed 12 points and Josh Montague added 11.

Jake Ashby led Bettendorf with 22 points.

BETTENDORF (56): Casas 4 0-0 10, Dunlavy 2 0-0 5, Atwood 1 2-2 5, Hughes 4 0-0 0, Ashby 8 6-7 22, Heimendinger 2 0-1 5, Cribbs 0 0-0 0, Graupman 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 21 8-10 56.

LINN-MAR (71): Benton 3 0-0 6, Paige 10 4-4 25, Bohannon 5 4-6 15, McBrayer 5 1-4 12, Montague 5 1-1 11, Thul 0 0-0 0, Krusie 1 0-0 2, Gogg 0 0-4 0, Lancial 0 0-0 0, Lassen 0 0-0 0, Henry 0 0-0 0. TOTALS 29 10-19 71.

Halftime — Linn-Mar 40, Bettendorf 24. 3-point goals — Bettendorf 6 (Casas 2, Dunlavy 1, Atwood 1, Hughes 1, Heimendinger 1), Linn-Mar 3 (Paige 1, Bohannon 1, McBrayer 1).