Sharks use balanced attack to win Sweet Home tourney

Sweet Home's Coretta Davis beats the outstretched hands of Grand Island's Ambria Tim during the Lady Panthers' 51-44 loss in the opening round of the Sweet Home Tip-off Tournament last Wednesday. Davis finished with seven points. Sweet Home lost 50-41 to Iroquois in the consolation game. Photo by John Rusac

Solid defense along with balanced offense allowed Sacred Heart to be crowned Sweet Home Tip-off Tournament champions.

The Sharks (2-0) defeated Iroquois, 54-40, in the first round last Wednesday then beat Grand Island, 47-36, on Friday. Sacred Heart won the tournament two years ago. Last year, Sacred Heart won both of its games but it was not in a tournament format.

"We got a glimpse of what the future will be if we work real hard," said Sacred Heart coach Sister Maria Pares. "I was pleased."

Host team Sweet Home fell to Grand Island, 51-44, in the first round and Iroquois, 50-41, in the consolation.

Sacred Heart led Grand Island 17-12 at halftime but forced seven turnovers in the third quarter to take a 33-24 advantage. The Sharks' defense caused 18 Grand Island turnovers.

"Our defense caused turnovers and pressure and made them rush their offense sometimes," said Pares. "Then we started to run our offense and dominate the boards. It was a pretty balanced attack and that's what does it."

Tournament MVP Meaghan Daley and Liz Subjeck each scored 10 points. Daley also made six steals. Katie Keller and Krystal Watson added nine and eight points, respectively. Watson was named to the all-tournament team.

"Liz and Krystal dominated underneath," said Pares. "Keller also played outstanding defense and had some breakaway layups."

All-tournament selection Courtney Donovan scored 20 points for Grand Island.

Tied 14-14 at halftime with Iroquois, Sacred Heart used a 19-8 third quarter to knock off Iroquois.

"I think our defense kept us in the first half and in the second half, we got to run our offense and get the shakes out so to speak," said Pares.

Subjeck led the Sharks with 12 points and eight rebounds. Keller added 10 points. Gina Ricotta and Watson added nine and eight points, respectively.

Iroquois' Lindsay Henry led all scorers with 17 points. She made the all-tournament team.

Pares liked the tournament because it allowed her team to gel and run their offense against different teams.

"When we go to practice on Saturday morning, it's (the offense) is fresh in their minds and they know what to work on and what questions to ask," said Pares.

Sacred Heart played Niagara Falls Tuesday in the first round of the Al Pastor Tournament at Daemen College. The loser plays Nardin or City Honors at 5:15 p.m. Thursday. Winners play at 5:15 p.m. on Friday.

Sweet Home

Ellie Allen's 29 points led all scorers against Grand Island but it was not enough for Sweet Home to pick up the win. Allen, named to the all-tournament team, also grabbed 10 rebounds.

Sweet Home trailed 11-6 after the first quarter but cut the lead to 19-18 at halftime. Grand Island led 33-26 after the third quarter but Sweet Home cut the deficit to four in the fourth.

"We were making a good run only to fall short when a couple of plays just didn't go our way," said Sweet Home coach Matt LaRoach. "We were up one point at the half and came out slow in the third quarter. As a result, we had to play catch-up in the fourth."

"This was a good Grand Island team that played well from the beginning to the end and we were right there with them," he added.

"This game could have gone either way. This is a great first game for us and our young kids which will only get better."

Amanda Cannizzo added six points at guard and with Allen, showed great court leadership, said LaRoach.

Coretta Davis added seven points.

In addition, Maygan Voros put forth a strong defensive effort inside, LaRoach said.

Donovan had 13 points for Grand Island.

In the consolation, Sweet Home had a 26-25 halftime lead over Iroquois but trailed 35-34 after the third.

"This was a frustrating loss for our team tonight," said LaRoach. "We were up by two at half and unfortunately, didn't make plays and get the defensive stops in the third and fourth quarter when we needed them."

LaRoach was most unhappy with his team's lack of intensity which he said he stresses every day in practice and was a huge part of the team against Grand Island.

"We just really didn't get in to a rhythm for whatever reason," said LaRoach. "Give Iroquois credit. They played tough and made the plays when they needed to."

That lack of intensity was shown at the free throw line. Iroquois made 16-of-30 attempts; Sweet Home was 11-of-22.

"I tell these girls all the time that the team that shoots more free throws usually wins basketball games," said LaRoach.

Kiaya Burks scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Allen chipped in 11. Voros scored six.

Iroquois' Grace Cunningham had 14 points. Henry added 12.

LaRoach said his team needs to stress principles of intensity, hard work and defense for league play at home on Friday versus West Seneca West.

Sweet Home (0-2) played at Jamestown on Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press.

(Reporter Patrick J. Nagy contributed to this article)