Friday, December 16, 2011
Reading Lesson
Melrose faced Reading for the only time this season, and happily sent the Rockets away with Reading doubling up Melrose 71-35.
The pre-game keys to the game were 1) establish defensive intensity early, 2) winning the rebounding war, and 3) taking care of the ball offensively. Reading came out with three quick hoops, dominated the glass at both ends, and Melrose struggled with turnovers throughout.
After taking the early lead behind 2010-11 MVP Olivia Healey, Reading opened up 22-6 and 35-16 halftime leads and coasted from there on. It could have been worse as Reading's other outside sharpshooter, Morgan O'Brien couldn't find the range in the first half. Only a pair of Lia Limone threes kept Melrose from an even bigger deficit.
Reading continued to expand the lead in the third period, leading 55-28, before closing out the Lady Raiders with a big dose of payback for almost a decade of domination (18 consecutive wins at one point).
Melrose had nine players score, led by Limone with eight and Jenny McGee with six. One senior basketball observer named Katy Sullivan and Jill MacInnes as his standouts for showing some toughness and moxie.
Game analysis: Reading dominated for the second consecutive season. Melrose couldn't stop Reading from getting easy baskets in transition and generated little offense amidst struggling with turnovers. Melrose is still a young team despite a year of varsity experience for many of its players.
The pre-game keys to the game were 1) establish defensive intensity early, 2) winning the rebounding war, and 3) taking care of the ball offensively. Reading came out with three quick hoops, dominated the glass at both ends, and Melrose struggled with turnovers throughout.
After taking the early lead behind 2010-11 MVP Olivia Healey, Reading opened up 22-6 and 35-16 halftime leads and coasted from there on. It could have been worse as Reading's other outside sharpshooter, Morgan O'Brien couldn't find the range in the first half. Only a pair of Lia Limone threes kept Melrose from an even bigger deficit.
Reading continued to expand the lead in the third period, leading 55-28, before closing out the Lady Raiders with a big dose of payback for almost a decade of domination (18 consecutive wins at one point).
Melrose had nine players score, led by Limone with eight and Jenny McGee with six. One senior basketball observer named Katy Sullivan and Jill MacInnes as his standouts for showing some toughness and moxie.
Game analysis: Reading dominated for the second consecutive season. Melrose couldn't stop Reading from getting easy baskets in transition and generated little offense amidst struggling with turnovers. Melrose is still a young team despite a year of varsity experience for many of its players.
// posted by Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @ 10:12 PM 
