Defense leads Sweet Home past WS East

A strong defensive effort by the Sweet Home girls basketball team led them to another important ECIC Division II league win.

Sweet Home used an aggressive half and full court defense to get its offense going against West Seneca East last Friday in a 66-30 home win. The victory improved the Lady Panthers to 7-3 overall and 5-0 in ECIC II.

"We talked about where we need to get better and what we want to stress night in and night out and that is our defense, which we were better at," said Sweet Home coach Matt LaRoach.

LaRoach said his team started out flat but soon found its rhythm because of defense.

"The defense led to easy transition opportunities for us, especially in the second and third quarters," said LaRoach. "I really thought that at times we played shut down style defense and that is exactly wh at we need to be able to do this year against any opponent night in and night out."

Sweet Home led, 13-7, after the first quarter, 33-17, at halftime and, 51-23, after three quarters.

Junior guard Ellie Allen led all scorers with 23 points. She also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out four assists.

"She was big for us," said LaRoach. "She stepped up and made shots and her free throws were very good. She has the ability to score and it is a matter of finishing those opportunities as she did in this game."

Bianca Smiley's 13 points were keys against West Seneca East's 3-2 zone.

"She did a nice job attacking the zone," said LaRoach.

Gleniesha Ferby added 11 points.

"She really pushed the tempo for us offensively and defensively," said LaRoach. "She played a nice game."

Laura Nerber chipped in eight points.

"She made nice post moves around the rim and attacked their zone well," said LaRoach.

Jenna Yates and Stephanie Gigante led West Seneca East with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Sweet Home, ranked seventh among Western New York large schools, plays Hamburg at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.