Garber Downs Pinconning for Tip-Off Title

Pressing Defense Earns Title For Garber Lady Dukes

December 7, 2008
By: John Keuvelaar

After watching both teams Tuesday night, it was easy to expect full pressure up and down basketball. Instead both teams came out in a half court game style to start things off. While Pinconning scored the first basket of the game, it was Garber's attacking the middle that proved most affective. Working the inside game, Pinconning's Lauren Pilot, Tuesday night's top scorer, got into early foul trouble and had to leave the game. The Dukes then went into their full court press and Garber's quickness took over. Soon they had built a 14-6 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The pressure continued in the second quarter as Coach Huiskens went to the bench for fresh legs and the team didn't miss a beat. Forcing numerous turnovers, the Dukes controlled the tempo and the game building a 26-13 half time lead. In spite of the turnovers, it was the Spartans scrappy defense that kept Garber from running away with the game keeping the Dukes to four for fifteen shooting in each of the first two quarters and seemingly still in the game.

In the third quarter, Garber shook off the cold and kept the press on. Lead by senior point guard Kelsea Zimmerman, who intercepted long passes then lead a rush up the floor. Then she doled out Magic Johnson type passes for easy baskets or hit mid-range jumpers. This helped her teammates shot 40% for the quarter and build a 45 to 26 lead by the end of the third quarter. While Garber was scoring 19 points in the quarter, Pinconning showed a lot of grit themselves. They came out of the locker room attaching Garber with much more aggressive play and long range jumpers to double their first half production.

The lead allowed Coach Huiskens to achieve one of his goals for the night. With an opening league game slated for the following night, he had hoped to go to the bench allowing both rest for his starters and quality playing time for the bench. He got both. His team showed depth and skill as they went back to a half court offense producing 15 more points to finish out the game winning 60-38.

Ashton Morse lead all scorers with 13 points and back court duo Molly Braun and Kelsea Zimmerman pumped in 11 and 8 points respectively. Junior point guard Jessica Vidalez scored 12 points for Pinconning with Nicole Sanford adding 8 and Lauren Pilot netting 6 points.

Garber opens league play Friday night at Millington.