Menu
Greencastle forces too many turnovers for Cloverdale
In the first game of the Putnam County Girls' Basketball Tournament it was Greencastle who walked away with the victory after a strong first quarter paved the way for the 52-26 win over Cloverdale.
Cloverdale started freshman Tori Combs who had been playing a quarter of JV and in the first quarter CHS held its ground with GHS early.
"I thought there were some decent things tonight, we came out aggressive in the first couple of minutes," Clover coach Matt Langdon said. "With Greencastle they come out so strong that sometimes you are down 10-0 without blinking an eye."
After Haley Hamm made two buckets, a two and a three, to make the game 6-5 Greencastle, the Tiger Cubs went on a 12-1 run for a 18-6 lead after one.
"I think that's the signature of this team," Tiger Cub coach Bradley Key said. "We moved the ball fairly well. We get each other shots and there's not one player that we lean on a bunch. Which is good and bad. This is our fifth or six game where our scoring is like this. We have a bunch of people that can score."
Greencastle had a very consistent scoring attack throughout the game with Nailah Ray, Mia Stevens, Paige Bragg, Gracie Smith, Bethanie Burgeson and Aubrey Barker all getting a score in the first quarter.
"I'm happy with our effort I though the first half we came out and played really hard," Key said. "Putting up 18 points in the first quarter was a good sign. I thought overall we played well."
CHS scored six again in the second quarter with Tori Combs netting four points and Haley Hamm hitting a bucket but GHS was getting good looks at the rim by taking the ball inside to Stevens or Ray who could get the points in the paint or set up a shooter for an open jumper.
"It's something you want to do at any level you are playing at," Key said. "Work inside and them kick it out if you can. We really wanted to get Mia and Nailah going and then that's opens it up for Bethanie and Paige on the outside or whoever it may be. We had some good shots because our post was throwing out and making good passes."
The halftime score was 28-12 and when Cloverdale got a shot it was usually a good attempt however due to the pressure of the Greencastle traps many Clover possessions ended with a fast break headed the opposite direction as Cloverdale had a tough time beating the Greencastle zone. The Tiger Cubs had 10 first-half steals.
"We just need to be able to play four quarters," Langdon said. "We had a couple good four-minute stints tonight but against Greencastle and a team like that, with a good coach and quality players, if you have a couple of bad run they'll make you pay for it."
Greencastle kept scoring as it hit three threes and scored 25 second-half points to the Cloverdale 14. Key said his girls are ready for the county tournament and know what they have to do to win the paddle back.
"The county is always fun," Key said. "Our student section was awesome. It's great to drive seven minutes down the road and play for the county. The paddle is on the line and we are excited for it."
Langdon said while searching for the team's first win the team needs to be more self-assured when making passes and taking shots. He says the uncertainty on the court is causing indecision and leading to errors.
"There were a couple of defensive rotations that we can hopefully fix for (Saturday) night and then just knock down a couple of shots," Langdon said. "A lot of time we can cut down on turnovers by shooting with confidence and not second guessing yourself. Hit them right away and not that second guess. I know that comes along when you haven't gotten that first win."