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Greencastle outworks North in County
The first game of the girls' Putnam County Tournament featured a Cougar team still searching for a win and a Tiger Cub team coming off a dominant home win.
Though the North Putnam girls definitely fought, Greencastle's hustle eventually prevailed in a 42-29 victory.
At the start of the game, it was evenly matched with a physical post game being played. This slowed the tempo, but also led to a lot of close shots by both teams.
"I thought we came out a little bit slow," GHS coach Bradley Key said. "We settled for a lot of shots early."
North Putnam coach Jim Spencer said the improvement that his team is showing is evident on the court.
"We did a little better of a job moving the ball and making better decisions than we have in the last three games," Spencer said. "Offensively we've just come so far. We are just trying to make better decisions, make better passes and read defenses a little better. We are just trying to learn to play better basketball. We're not doing anything complicated or too fancy. I think we are getting a little better every day."
Just before the end of the first, senior Delanie Stoltey nailed a three pointer after a well-timed assist from junior Paige Bragg to give the Tiger Cubs a 9-8 lead.
The point totals slightly improved for Greencastle and declined for the Cougars.
North Putnam junior Taylor Nauert hit a three. She finished with three rebounds and three assists and junior Adriana Millican scored. That was all North Putnam could manage in the second quarter.
The Cougars were done in by a lack of rebounding and full court Greencastle zone that allowed senior Callan Taylor and juniors Bethanie Burgeson and Bragg to rack up the steals.
"It was really exciting," Burgeson said. "I think it's really cool that I get to spend this season with the older girls. It's a great experience and I really enjoy it."
If the Greencastle team didn't score immediately, it was rewarded with second and third opportunities that allowed it to build a first half lead.
"That was probably a big factor in the game," Spencer said. "We did not block out and we did not go after the basketball. We work on it and we talk about it. But in a game situation sometimes you get some game-slippage. They are more athletic than we are. They are quicker than we are and they are longer than we are. When you get in that type of situation you better block out. You better go after the ball aggressively. Give credit to Greencastle."
The Tiger Cubs made another play before halftime in the form of a senior Jessica Lenihan putback right before the half making the score 20-13.
"We get excited for county, conference and sectional games," Bragg said. "We try to focus on effort and hard work. That's really our main thing is hustling and outworking other teams. That's is what we try to hang our hat on. We practice last second shots for instances like that. It's cool when they fall."
After halftime North Putnam seniors Brooke Smith, Kayla Clodfelter and sophomore Emilee Henniger were all able to find the basket but the rebounding woes continued.
Two threes by Tiger Cub Taylor helped GHS outscore North 12-6 in the third making it tough on the Cougars to mount a comeback.
"In the second half, Callan kind of took over and knocked down two threes," Key said. "I thought Callan played really well and under control tonight. We only had her for two turnovers. To have it under five turnovers in a game is something to be prod of we just need to hit more shots."
North Putnam saved its best quarter for last scoring 10 points. They continued to try and feed the post with junior Adriana Millican and Nauert taking some inside shots. Senior Morgan Smith was also able to knock down two three-pointers but the damage by Greencastle was done and they were able to match the 10 points to secure the win.
"I thought Jess Lenihan did a much better job the second half squaring up and trying to take it to the other team," Key said. "We need her to be a force inside. She did a better job looking for her shot. They didn't all fall but we battled through it. Give North Putnam some credit. From game one to four they have gotten a lot better. Coach Spencer is doing a good job."
Greencastle will be defending its Putnam County title against Cloverdale, which came off a thrilling win over South Putnam.
"Any time you can get in the championship game of the Putnam County Tournament, it's a different feel to it," Key said. "I told them whoever wins this game will definitely have to bring their best. There is probably a bit of a target on our back. That's fine. We have to make sure we are ready for tomorrow."
At South Putnam
North Putnam 8 5 6 10 -- 29
Greencastle 9 11 12 10 -- 42
Scoring
North Putnam
M. Smith 10 pts, 3 rebs, 1 asst; Nauert 7 pts, 3 reb, 3 asst; Millican 6 pts, 1 reb, 1 asst; Henninger 2 pts, 1 reb; Clodfelter 2 pts, 2 stl, 1 reb, 2 asst.; Mindiola 2 pts, 3 reb
Greencastle
Taylor 14 pts, 5 stl, 3 reb, 5 ass; Burgeson 11 pts, 3 stl, 1 reb, 1 asst; Bragg 8 asst, 3 stl, 2 reb; White 6 pts, 7 reb Lenihan 6 pts, 2 stl, 1 reb, 1 asst; Stoltey 3 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl; Bridgewater 2 pts, 1 reb