Sweet Home's defense strong in road win

There were many reasons Sweet Home knocked off Lancaster, 44-28, but none were more important than the Lady Panthers' defense.

"We were able to play four strong quarters of basketball on the defensive end of the floor," said Sweet Home coach Matt LaRoach. "Coming into the game, we knew Lancaster has good guards and shooters and we stressed defense the prior couple of days in practice."

LaRoach lauded the work of his guards, Amanda Cannizzo and Ellie Allen, for holding the Lancaster players they were defending to four and five points, respectively. In addition, Coretta Davis held her player scoreless.

"Cannizzo and Davis really elevated their defense by holding their players to such few points," said LaRoach. "These efforts, along with our forwards, Kiaya Burks, (Nadia) Durno, (Laura) Nerber, and (Maygan) Voros played very well inside."

Sweet Home led, 13-8, after the first quarter and, 22-14, at halftime but took over in the third, outscoring the Lady Redskins, 14-4.

"We talked about coming out of halftime strong and that's exactly what we did," LaRoach said.

Allen paced the Lady Panthers with 21 points, 11 rebounds and six steals.

"Allen stepped up big as she played an all-around complete basketball game," said LaRoach. "I am pleased by her commitment to work hard and make her team better every day."

To compliment Allen's efforts offensively, Kiaya Burks added 12 points and was a strong presence inside offensively and defensively, LaRoach added. Burks also grabbed 10 rebounds.

Lancaster was led by Courtney Manhard's eight points.

The win improves Sweet Home to 4-2 in ECIC Division I and 5-6 overall.

"Overall, I am pleased with this big ECIC league win," said LaRoach. "I truly believe the girls understand what it takes for us to be successful this year and are committed to improving every day in practice, especially on the defensive end."

Sweet Home played at Frontier Tuesday and travel to Clarence for a game at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Results from the Frontier game were unavailable before The Bee went to press.