Grivas scores 16 as Tiger Cubs struggle in loss to Speedway

Saturday, January 10, 2009
Greencastle's Becky Grivas puts up an over-the-head shot during Friday's contest. Grivas scored 16 in the Tiger Cub loss

When it takes 7:38 to put your first points on the board, a team knows it could be a long night. The GHS girls' basketball team is struggling to find its way early in '09 and Friday was nod exception. The Tiger Cubs fell to Speedway 41-26, but got a glimpse of what they can be.

Greencastle fell behind early and just when it looked like they were down for the count, they came roaring back and put themselves in position for a second half run.

After posting a one-point first quarter, Greencastle's Becky Grivas scored seven second quarter points and a bucket from Hannah Spencer cut the Sparkplug lead to just three 13-10 entering the half.

The first half was not a picture of perfect basketball, but that's exactly what GHS head coach Glenn Hile had in mind. He knew what to expect out of Speedway.

"We did what we wanted to do in the first half and that was make the game ugly -- and we did. But what we couldn't do is sustain it. I think our effort was good, but we're just not executing well. The end of that third quarter hurt," Hile said.

The third quarter did more than hurt -- it killed any chance the Tiger Cubs had at a victory.

GHS took the lead at the 5:46 mark in the third and after Speedway regained the lead, Mallory Miller hit a shot to tie the game 16-all. Greencastle then watch helplessly as the Sparkplugs went on a 13-4 run to close the third and put the game out of reach.

When the Tiger Cubs were about to penetrate the Speedway defense, their shots found iron, refusing to go in.

"We did get some shots to draw us close, but we didn't hit them," Hile commented. "We had to work like dogs to get free. They were real physical and we knew that. They're a good team, there's no doubt."

Grivas put in another impressive performance in the second half and ended the night with 16 points to lead the Tiger Cubs. Mallory Miller had four points and Spencer, Cassie Alspaugh and Chelsea Samuels all had two points each.

It doesn't seem to be a question of defense for Greencastle rather it is the lack of offensive production. Hile acknowledged his team's struggles, but also noted that he expects them to fight through it and he thinks the best might be still yet to come.

"I know how well we can play defensively by what I saw in the first half," he noted. "We just have to get better offensively. Right now some of us are not shooing as well as I think we can. Confidence, maybe still not healthy -- I just don't think we are where we could be yet. We'll fight through this."

Greencastle will travel to Mooresville Tuesday for a 6 p.m tip.

At Greencastle

Speedway 10 3 16 12 -- 41

Greencastle 1 9 10 6 -- 26

Speedway -- Anglea 12, Tierney 11, Daghe 6, Jones 4, Miller 4, Emerson 4. Totals: 13-32 FG 13-18 FT 41 TP.

Greencastle -- Grivas 16, M. Miller 4, Spencer 2, Samuels 2, Alspaugh 2. Totals: 11-35 FG 4-6 FT 26 TP.

Next game -- Greencastle will travel to Mooresville Tuesday for a 6 p.m tip.

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