Fourth Quarter Too Much For Spartans
Germantown, OH (January 22, 2005)— A 22-7 fourth-quarter run propelled the Monroe Hornets over the Valley View Spartans 61-45. The loss drops the Spartans to 11-5 overall.
"We just didn't play the defense we have all year," noted head coach Steve Dickson.
It was fairly even during the first two quarters of play with the Spartans holding a three-point advantage at the half. But Monroe came out in the third quarter to outpace Valley View 14-10, setting up the devasting fourth quarter.
"They hit the shots when they had too," affirmed Dickson. "They were just much bigger and rebounded well against us. We weren't getting in postion to play defense and get rebounds."
The Hornets did an effective job of shutting down the middle, a success factor in the Spartans last three outings.
"We've got to do a better job of making outside shots against the zone," commented Dickson.
Valley View will now have to concentrate on their next two games against Bellbrook and Waynesville. The Spartans host the Eagles this Thursday in a game that should decide the SWBL Southwestern division championship.
"We'll bounce back, work hard this week, and be ready for Bellbrook on Thursday," Dickson point out.
A win will tie Valley View with Bellbrook at the top of the division. A loss will tie them with Oakwood for second place.
"Bellbrook and Waynesville will be tough games, but we probably won't see the zone in either of these two teams, which after today, is good for us."
"I think we can play them (Bellbrook) tough though. We match up at home very well. We have to keep Lynzee (Johnson) at or below her average. We can't let her get away from us."
| Valley View | 11 | 28 | 38 | 45 |
| Monroe | 9 | 25 | 39 | 61 |
Scoring: Kerns 12, Rowland 10, Powers 8, Hasty 4, S. Smith 3, Ritze 3, Moore 2, Hanahan 2
