The Battle of 306 continued Jan. 11 as Chagrin Falls Tigers girls basketball traveled to the Wolverena.
The Battle of 306 continued Jan. 11 as Chagrin Falls Tigers girls basketball traveled to the Wolverena.
Earlier in the season, playing on their home court Dec. 10, the Tigers won the first game of this rivalry matchup, 52-31. In that contest, the Wolverines presented a tough zone defense leading to a close game at halftime.
This time, a much different contest emerged.
The Tigers went on a 14-0 run to start the game and, continuing their fast play through the whole first half, took a 26-6 lead into halftime.
The second half presented a much closer contest, as the Wolverines outscored the Tigers 32-29.
But the Tigers still went on to claim a solid 56-38 victory.
Afterwards, Chagrin Falls Head Coach Brittany Laseak said that her team came into the game looking to apply heavy defensive pressure in order to score quick points in transition.
In addition, she wanted her players to space the floor so they could effectively counteract the Wolverines’ tough zone defense.
In short, Coach Laseak said they were trying to move the ball quickly, both into the high post and into the corners.
That plan was initially successful, as the Tigers’ defensive pressure led to quick transition points and that 14-0 run to start the game.
West Geauga Head Coach Brandon Stewart said his Wolverines were contesting those shots, but “they’re good shooters and they made shots.”
Still, he was proud of how his players kept their composure and continued to give excellent defensive effort throughout the rest of the contest.
“We kind of settled in and outscored them in the second half,” Coach Stewart said. “Our defensive effort really stepped up. … Our kids gave a great defensive effort all the way through.”
Added Wolverines sophomore Amelia Zaffiro, “Chagrin outscored us (in the first quarter). I really think that turned on something for the last three quarters. Something switched on, our effort was better, and overall all five people on the court gave all-out effort all the time.”
For the contest, both the Wolverines and Tigers were led offensively by underclassmen.
Chagrin Falls’ top scorer was freshman Molly Wheatley, who had a game high 18 points.
Wheatley said she had a strong game moving without the ball, offensively, and that her 3-pointers were falling.
Added Coach Laseak, “Molly has a ton of potential.”
“I thought she did a really nice job of keeping her composure and scoring under control,” her coach said. “She’s a phenomenal athlete, and she’s been working really hard to learn this year.”
In addition to Wheatley, the Tigers were led offensively by Abby Kay (8 points), Abby Coy (8), Avery Russell (8), Emma Thatcher (7), Gabby Byrne (6) and Caroline Lynch (2).
Sophomores Amelia Zaffiro (14 points) and Faelynn Beckrest (13) led the West G offense.
Beckrest said she tried to drive to the hoop as much as she could, but was often double teamed. Thus, in addition to putting the ball in the basket, Beckrest was focused on getting her teammates involved on the offensive side of the court.
“I was getting covered by many people, so I was trying to kick it off to Amelia (Zaffiro), our post (player), who had a great game today,” Beckrest said. “(Also, I was) trying to kick it to other people to shoot 3’s. And trying to use other people as much as I can, so people know that we’re not just a one-person or two-people or three-people team.”
In addition to Zaffiro and Beckrest scoring in the double digits, also leading the Wolverines offensively against the Tigers were Callie Kormos (5), Ava Borz (4) and Michaela Platt (2).
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
Chagrin Falls’ top scorer was freshman Molly Wheatley, left, who had a game high 18 points in the Tigers’ 56-38 win over rival West Geauga.
