Defense powers West to easy win over Middletown

Middies shoot 11.8 percent from the floor as Firebirds roll 56-22.

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1:11 AM Thursday, January 19, 2012

By Rick Cassano

Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — Lakota West High School’s girls basketball team ended a three-game skid with nerve-wracking defense Wednesday night.

The host Middletown Middies added to the Firebirds’ frolic with some awful shooting, and the outcome was a 56-22 Greater Miami Conference rout.

“We really came into this game focused on working on our defense from right above the 3-point line to the basket,” said West coach Andy Fishman, whose squad improved to 7-6 overall and 3-5 in the GMC. “It was about closing dribble lanes and contesting shots. I think that showed in their field-goal percentage.”

That percentage was 11.8, as in 6-of-51 shooting. Middletown was 1-of-26 from the floor and trailed 35-7 heading into intermission.

“We played the best defense we possibly could,” Firebirds senior forward Ali Zieverink said. “We were all really together tonight.”

Zieverink collected 11 points and eight rebounds to pace West. Elisabeth Carter had 10 points and seven boards, and Rachel Tomasic added seven points and 10 caroms.

The Middies (5-9, 1-7) thought they were close to turning the corner, having won three of their last four games. Their performance Wednesday said otherwise.

“Just an all-around bad night,” Middletown coach Scott Dalton said. “I could come in the locker room and scream and yell, but I don’t think that would’ve helped. What I’ve got to do is forget about this game and focus on the next game. That’s it.”

The Middies’ first half was about as bad as it gets. Not only was their shooting dreadful, they also committed 15 of their 23 turnovers.

The only thing that kept the final margin from being monstrous was the fact that West didn’t shoot all that well (39.7 percent) either.

“It was among our better team-play games,” said Fishman, who was impressed with the Firebirds’ doubling of Middletown on the defensive boards. “We’re getting ready for the tournament, and I always feel like we have an opportunity to make a run. If we can keep the girls focused on playing as a team, playing hard and being good citizens, we’re capable of doing that.”

Lauren Cannatelli contributed seven points, seven steals, four rebounds and three assists for West, which returns home to meet Fairfield on Saturday.

“It’s been a tough season, but we’re all sisters and have each other’s backs,” Zieverink said. “We still think we can go pretty far in the tournament.”

For the Middies, Vada Edwards’ six points, nine rebounds and six steals led the way. Middletown visits Lakota East on Saturday.

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