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Site updated 02/23/10 09:11 AM Upper Dauphin Sentinel ©2006 Local News
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MILLERSBURG - The Lady Indians ignited their defensive game to stop visiting Halifax in front of a Parent's Night audience Feb. 15. In addition, Millersburg also was sharp at the foul line, hitting 12-for-14 at-tempts to defeat Halifax 46-27 for the second time this season. The Indians previously defeated Halifax in first-round action last month with a thrilling 62-61 overtime victory. It wasn't a pretty start for either team as far as shooting from the field was concerned. But the difference in this game was the fact that the 'Cats, plagued by turn-overs, could not shake off the shooting slump created by the Indians tenacious defense. The 'Cats were limited in shooting and were forced into taking off-balance shots from the constant pressure defense used by the attacking Indians. "Both teams had difficulty making baskets to start the game and it was very physical down the stretch,'' Halifax Head Coach Tricia Shultz said. "We gave up too many points in the paint, both on drives and offensive rebounds. We consistently got pushed under the basket during the first half. We did slightly better holding our ground in the second half. "Millersburg used a half court press that swarmed the ball handlers when they crossed half court. Our forwards didn't help the guards to relieve the pressure and our guards kept trying to dribble through the pressure instead of finding someone to pass to,'' Schultz added. Both teams came out of the gate on the shaky side, struggling with rusty rims in the first period when shots just failed to find their mark. The Indians connected on a dismal 1-for-18 shooting performance. The Cats shot 14 times and made their only field goal with 1:18 remaining when Elizabeth Steffen sank a baseline trey. The Indians led 8-3 after one period. The Indians relied on sharpshooter Meredith Troutman and a six-for-six free-throw performance in the second period to pull away from Halifax with a 23-13 halftime lead. Troutman scored five points and Kaitlin Kelley hit six points in this period to cushion their lead. Lauren Steffen scored six of her team's 10 points to keep Halifax within striking distance. "Both teams tonight showed signs of rust when it came to hitting the shot. Whenever you have a game like that, all the other little things are really going to make the difference in the game.'' Millersburg Head Coach John Troutman said. "Whenever you have seniors playing their last game at home on parents night, you never know what to expect as a coach,'' he added. "Halifax is always a big emotional game for us. My girls did a much better job defensively tonight than what we have been and that was key for us. "Meredith (Troutman), Colleen (Loncar), Cyan (Kissinger) and Kim (Horchler) never let off in their pressure while Cyan, Kate (Kelley) and Megs (Boyer) were solid for us on the boards. They found bodies to box out and never let off,'' Troutman added. "They didn't panic when we were struggling making a few shots but adjusted well to that adversity and tried to make plays. I think every girl on my squad did a much better job of focusing and preparing for this game,'' Troutman said. Kelley nailed an offensive putback for Millersburg to start the third period. Colleen Loncar found Meg-an Boyer inside and the Indians led 27-13. But the 'Cats, led by Lauren Steffen went on an 8-0 scoring assault to pull within six as the Indians led 27-21 with 4:50 remaining. Lauren Steffen's dribble drive to the bucket earned her a three-point bonus play. Elizabeth Steffen buried a baseline trey and Lauren Steffen again went coast-to-coast. But the 'Cats, still bothered by the Indians' half court pressure defense, would commit four straight turnovers to kill any momentum that the Cats might have gained. An 8-0 Indian rally then turned the tide back to Millersburg's favor. Kim Horchler found Kaitlin Kelley inside. Boyer and Kelley's offensive putbacks, plus a Tori Fulkroad drive through the paint, put Millersburg back in control 35-21 after three. Halifax continued to struggle with turnovers in the final period as the Indians sealed the victory. "I believe one of the most telling statistics of the game is that we only took 37 shots from the field while Millersburg took 55 (22 of those by Boyer alone),'' Schultz said. "You can't win games if you don't take shots. We also had entirely too many turn-overs.'' The Indians hope to build upon this victory in post season action, according to Troutman. "I'd like to thank the fans who have been out there for us this season, whether clear sky or snow,'' he said. "You don't usually get a big crowd for a girls basketball game, but our fan base has definitely grown this season and I hope that continues as we make our playoff run. "The girls have worked hard to get to this point and I am happy the fans have recognized their efforts and results.'' Troutman added. The Indians grabbed a total of 28 rebounds and committed 12 turnovers. The 'Cats hauled in 24 rebounds and committed 20 turnovers. Millersburg shot 16-for-55 from the field for 29 percent. The 'Cats hit nine-for-37 for 24 percent. The 'Cats hit six-for-10 from the charity stripe. The Indians' Megan Boyer led all scorers with 16 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Kelley added 12 points and five rebounds. Troutman contributed 10 points. For Halifax, Lauren Steffen led the team with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Elizabeth Steffen added nine points and two steals.
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