Sports
Nelsonville-York Lady Buckeyes Bullies Athens Lady Bulldogs
By: Thomas Garverick
Posted on:
The Lady Buckeyes took care of business Thursday night as they dominated in all facets, never allowing the upset minded Lady Bulldogs to ever have a chance, blowing them away by a final of 67-38.
The Lady Buckeyes 14-4 (7-2) blitzed the Lady Bulldogs 4-14 (2-7), forcing 23 turnovers, 15 of them coming in the first half. The Lady Bulldogs never had an opportunity to get into their offensive sets because in their face was a pesky Lady Buckeye looking to wreak havoc on the defensive end.
The Lady Buckeyes used those turnovers and kicked it into high gear, as they began to pour in threes, resulting in a 26-4 run that saw the lead balloon to 23 early in the second quarter.
The Lady Buckeyes had a couple of thieves Thursday night, as N-Y star of the game Sam Taylor robbed the Lady Bulldogs six times, a reoccurring theme that had coach Bob Cassady smiling from the sideline.
Leading scorer Jesse Addis got off to a slow start in this one, a common trend in many N-Y games this year that have cost the team in the few losses that they’ve suffered or in the games where they’ve had to come from behind. However, Cassady revealed post game that Addis has been dealing with a lingering injury.
“Jesse’s had a tough go lately,” Cassady said. “She’s been playing through a sore hamstring that’s limited her.”
With Addis struggling from the field, the Lady Buckeyes used the trio of Camrin Dupler, Mary-Kate McCulloch and Sam Taylor to pace the Lady Buckeyes. The big three combined for 37 points, as they were able to provide the spark they needed with their star still stuck in her funk.
Cassady was very pleased to see Addis have a supporting cast that can be called upon when Addis isn’t playing at a high level. He especially praised Taylor, who led the team with 14 points.
“We’ve been on Sam all year to be more aggressive and she delivered tonight,” Cassady said. “It’s been a long time coming for her and we are going to need her down the stretch.”
For Cassady and the Lady Buckeyes, in addition to Taylor, it was a great sign seeing McCulloch playing at a high level again after being out with illness for a few games. McCulloch finished with 13 points, as she continues to be progressively added back into the rotation.
“We’re very happy to have her back out there,” Cassady said. “After a couple of games, she’s finally beginning to look like the old Mary-Kate.”
The Lady Buckeyes will need their leading trio from tonight to continue to come to the aid of their star Addis, especially with TVC-Ohio leading Alexander coming into town on Monday. The Lady Buckeyes are currently two games back of the Lady Spartans for the TVC-Ohio crown. A Lady Spartan win would all but secure the conference title.
Cassady on the other hand, is not ready to hand the Lady Spartans the title just yet.
“We are ready to go and to take on the challenge that faces us Monday night,” Cassady said. “We’re playing the best basketball of the year when we need to be.”
Cassady has his girls geared up for a heavyweight battle with the Lady Spartans, and with Taylor stepping up and McCulloch back to form, the Lady Buckeyes have a great shot in handing the Lady Spartans their first conference loss of the year.