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DEC 28TH: AMITYVILLE VS SHELTER ISLAND |
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Amityville 12 - 25 - 39 - 49, Shelter Island 11 - 20 - 24 - 34. In the end, Amityville was more talented than Shelter Island. But it wasn't because of lack of effort that Shelter Island lost, they out-hustled Amityville through most of the game. Shelter Island couldn't finish and to Amityville's "credit", they took advantage of their size and were able to break out for easy layups. A number of times Amityville players did not hustle back, against teams that can finish they will pay for their lack of hustle. The first quarter was pretty even as Shelter Island easily handled Amityville's press and zone defense - as stated earlier Shelter Island couldn't finish. At one point, Amityville went up 10 - 2, but Shelter Island was able to settle down and pulled to within 10 - 9. Both teams traded baskets as the quarter closed with Amityville leading 12 - 11. In the second quarter, coach Tolliver inserted Siobhan Purvis and Yasmina Powell making Amityville more athletic at both ends of the court. Raven Price was a force to be dealt with on the defensive boards. Despite all their struggles, Shelter Island went on a 6 - 0 run to grab their only lead of the game 18 - 16. Had Shelter Island been able to capitalize on Amityville's not hustling back, the lead might have been larger. Megan Eastwood would hit two big threes to spark an 8 - 0 run as Amityville regained the lead 24 - 18. In the third quarter, Shelter Island would go 6 minutes without scoring as Amityville's lead grew to 17 points. Amityville was now dominating the boards at both ends of the court and their guards easily penetrated Shelter Island's zone defense. Shelter Island's Tina Rando did a commendable job handling Amityville's preesure, many times drawing two - three defenders and then finding open teammates. Once again the inability to finish played a big roll in their not scoring for over 6 minutes. The fourth quarter was basically a draw, with Shelter Island turning the ball over every other possession, while Amityville would go 4 - 9 from the free throw line. Shelter Island's effort would be rewarded the following day as they knocked off Bellport in what could be called the schools biggest victory. Amityville is loaded with talent, especially in the paint. Their problem is the guards have to recognize this and focus on getting the ball to their bigs. Oh yeah, they have to hustle at both ends of the court. Got to sit with Coach Byers of Amityville and talk basketball - a true gentleman.
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