FeedsDefense carries Lady Rocks past Churchill, Stevenson
The Salem Lady Rocks beat Livonia Churchill and Stevenson last week, improving their record to 11-2 overall with a 6-0 Lakes Division record.
Defense was the main ingredient in the two victories. Salem held both opponents to less than 21 points—Stevenson and Churchill only scored 38 points, combined.
The Rocks rolled to a 56-20 home victory against the Chargers.
“We had really good defensive intensity that grew as the game went on,” said Salem Coach Fred Thomann. “We moved the ball really well and were good off the offensive boards.”
Thomann had four girls reach double digits in the outing.
Senior Taylor Langham led with 14 points. Sophomore Chealsea Davis scored 13 and had nine rebounds. Senior Lauren Kurtz nailed 11 with seven rebounds and senior Teresa Coppiellie scored 10 and grabbed five rebounds.
Salem came out firing, knocking down 16 points in the first eight minutes of play. The team hit for 11 more in the second for a 27-13 half-time advantage. The third quarter was the best for Salem on both sides of the ball. The defense held the Churchill to just three points in the session and the offense routed the Chargers for 20 points. They finished Churchill off with a 9-4 fourth quarter.
Salem went on to beat host Stevenson, 48-18, on Thursday.
This time Thomann had three in doubles—two with a double-double.
Kurtz led the way with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Caoppiellie added 12 points with 12 rebounds. Langham scored 12.
“(Stevenson) actually held the ball most of the time but we still managed to score 48 points,” Thomann said. “Defense was really solid in both games—neither team was really big but they were quick. Our defense did a nice job closing out shooters.”
Salem, on an eight-game wining streak, hosted Walled Lake Northern on Tuesday but the results were unavailable at press time. The Lady Rocks head to Walled Lake Central at 7 p.m. today.
If Salem pulled out both wins they will have wrapped up the division title.
“We have to continue working the way we have the last couple of weeks,” Thomann said. “We’re in a good grove right now; the defense is playing good; and we’re doing a better job of taking care of the ball right now.
“It’s a team effort on defense,” he added. “Everyone we put on the floor is really locked into their player. It’s a collective kind of thing. We’ve played 13 games and only have four left before the conference tournament so we just need to maintain.”
The Lady Rocks host John Glenn at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
