Greenfield vs. Greenwood (Matt Chamberlin / January 30, 2012) |
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- In a game of pace, patience, and hustle, the Greenwood Lady Blue Jays defeated the Greenfield Lady Wildcats 33-21.
"That team beat us earlier in the season so it was a good win for us," Greenwood head coach Kent Hedgpeth said. "Obviously our defensive intensity in the first few minutes was key."
Greenwood started out the game on a 6-0 run, and had a 6-2 lead after the first quarter. Greenwood's defense was able to handle Greenfield's offense fairly easily, not allowing them to get in any time of rhythm early.
In the second quarter, both teams found their groove on the offensive end of the floor. Greenwood went on a 7-1 run in the second quarter, and it appeared like they had complete control of the game. But Greenfield fought back, going on a 5-0 run to close out the quarter, and go into the half down 15-11.
"Even though we were not scoring, we were making good decisions with the ball," Coach Hedgpeth said.
The third quarter faired much better for Greenwood and their offense. The Lady Blue Jays rode senior Laney Gipson and her inside game to a dominating third quarter for Greenwood.
"We were trying to get the ball inside to Laney Gipson and she did a nice job establishing herself," Hedgpeth said.
Gipson used her ability to get good position in the paint and and get the ball close to the basket for easy shots not only for herself, but also for her teammates.
"She (Gipson) was able to get the ball inside and that opened up the outside. She (Gipson) had a good presence inside," Hedgpeth said.
Laney Gipson had just seven points in the game, but five of them came in the third quarter when Greenwood needed them most. By the end of the third quarter, Greenwood had extended their lead to 27-14.
Greenwood's defense stepped up as well in the second half, not allowing Greenfield and easy lay ups like they were getting in the first half. Greenfield controlled the glass early, getting offensive rebounds and scoring on easy put backs.
The Lady Blue Jays did a much better job of not allowing Greenfield second chance opportunities and easy shots inside.
"In the second half, we were able to maintain the defensive intensity from the first half," Hedgpeth said.
Lead by seniors Montana Allai, Sara Cook, and Laney Gipson, Greenwood was able to hold on in the fourth quarter of the game and get the victory 33-21. Though Greenfield never gave up, applying full court pressure late to try to get a couple easy baskets, their late rally was not enough.
Scoring for Greenwood: Courtney Witlock 2, Sara Cook 6, Anna Turner 2, Kelsey Nau 5, Kristen Bergen 4, Montana Allai 7, and Laney Gipson 7
Scoring for Greenfield: Andrea MAson 8, Kameron Davis 4, Taylor Shepard 3, Paige Hargis 3, Kaylee Daniel 1, and Melanie Melton 2
