Newberg Graphic Online

Big second half lifts SPHS to win

Class 1A girls basketball — Bucks improve to 8-3 in the Casco League with a win against Falls City; await key game against Jewell

• By: B. Scott Anderson  
• Published: 2/5/2010 2:23:27 PM

   St. Paul limited Falls City to nine points in the second half Tuesday and scored a 39-23 home win against the Mountaineers.
   The Bucks (13-6 overall, 8-3 Casco League) jumped out to a 14-4 lead after the first quarter, but an improved Mountaineers team (7-10, 4-7) bounced back in the second period to pull within 18-14 by halftime.
   “For some unknown reason, we had some defensive lapses in the second quarter and let them back in the game,” said St. Paul coach Jerry Grant. “So much of what we get on the offensive end is a direct result of our defensive effort. We depend on that. When we have defensive breakdowns, our offense suffers.”
   Either the St. Paul offense or defense suffered in the second half. The Bucks outscored the Mountaineers 21-9 in the final two quarters, including limiting Falls City to two points in the fourth quarter, to earn the win.
   “We came out of the break with the same intensity we started the game with and extended our lead to 13,” Grant said. “At the start of the fourth quarter, we switched from our match-up zone to a man defense and that really caused them problems. It took them several times down the floor to realize the switch.”
   St. Paul’s Jensen Smith, who suffered a gash to the head in a game last week that required 17 stitches, returned to the lineup and led the Bucks with 13 points, including a pair of three-pointers, to go along with seven rebounds and four steals.
   Freshman Natalie Stone added 10 points, six rebounds and three steals.
   “Watching her play, I sometimes forget that she is only a freshman,” Grant said. “She has done a great job all year for us.”
   Senior Roree Lewis added eight points, five steals and three assists. Tessa Brentano scored four and both Sara Davidson and Dani Riggleman added two points apiece for the Bucks.
   The Bucks, who currently sit in third-place in league play, return to action Tuesday with a key league game at Jewell (14-5, 10-1), the second-place team in the league.

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