Elkton – The North Douglas Warriors girls basketball team were knotted in a tight game at half as they led 13-18 over the Elkton Elks (13-3, 4-1). But it was a tale of two half’s as the Warriors went on to win 37-20 after breaking out offensively in the third quarter. The Warriors exploded on a 12-0 run to end the third quarter.
“I’m really proud of our defensive effort. We kind of sputtered on offense.” N.D. coach Jeff Davis said. “I think all things considered a great team effort. Our kids played well together. We talked about strength in numbers, strength in unity and I think they showed that tonight.”
In the first quarter both teams committed several turnovers off the defensive pressure that both teams applied early on. Hannah Maxwell had all of the Elks points in the first quarter as they led 6-4 . However, Maxwell who ended with nine points, got into foul trouble early in the third quarter and had to sit much of the second half.
The second half looked like the Warriors were determined to get going offensively as they continually attacked the paint, looking for their open teammate cutting to the basket. North Douglas outscored Elkton 19-7 in the second half. The Warriors were 14-of-35 from the field and 9-for-13 from the free throw line.
“Offense wasn’t necessarily great.” Davis said. “We just asked for better organization offensively and better vision. We weren’t seeing much of anything. I think that improved. I know that’s going to get a lot better.”
Defensively, North Douglas continues to improve as they have held their last three opponents to 20 points or less. It’s the seventh time this season the Warriors have accomplished that feat.
“We have been doing that since the first of the year, we’ve defended really well. I think that’s our strength right now as our offense continues to finds its way. You’re going to win a lot of games when you hold your opponent to twenty or under.”
The Warriors were led by Kalli Frieze with 11 points and Abby Wipple had eight points. Jhana Lane had eight points and 10 rebounds and Rachel Colburn had six assists.
“I think we played together really well today.” Whipple said. “We had a long week of practice and we played well as a team.”
“I felt good about it.” Whipple explained about her scoring night. “My teammates they definitely held spots open in the paint for me to get through. Jhana our post did well.”
North Douglas has now won 14 games in a row and started 1A Skyline League play 5-0.
“You know the cliché. It’s a game at a time and well enjoy this one tonight and we look forward to playing Country Christian on Monday at our place.”
North Douglas (37) – Kalli Frieze 11, Lane 8, Whipple 8, Derrick 4, MacDowell 3, Colburn 3, R. Black, P. Black, Downie, Olds, Dooley. Totals 14 9-13 37.
Elkton (20) – Hannah Maxwell 9, Swearingen 5, LaChapelle 2, Carnes 2, Briggs 2, McCall, Standley, Cox, Luzier, Olson, Halstead, Whitley. Totals 7 5-10 20.
North Douglas 4 14 13 6- 37
Elkton 6 7 2 5- 20
3-Point Field Goals – Elkton 1 (Swearingen), N.D. 0. Fouls – N.D. 8, Elkton 9.
