As junior Gila Safra made a three-pointer during the third quarter, the Lions started a seven-point scoring run, extending the lead that helped them end a Spencerville Adventist Academy comeback. Ultimately, the Lions were able to defeat the Hornets at home, 48-31.
The Lions faced off against the Hornets for the second time this season, resulting in another victory on Jan. 13. Sophomore Jordana Dauber led the team in points, scoring 16, which were primarily off of transition layups.
Sophomore Yarden Wilkenfeld attributed the win to the Lions’ success in transition layups, but also credited the communication and ball movement as key factors in dismantling the Hornets’ 2-3 zone defense.
“We made strong passes with good intentions, and did a good job of communicating,” Wilkenfeld said. “…We did a good job of swinging the ball and finding the open man to get the best shot that we could.”
After defensive stops by the Lions, the Lions kept the Hornets from scoring at the end of the first quarter, with a score of 10-0. Junior Tali Loeffler got many steals that fueled the Lions’ defense. Shots from Dauber and junior Maiya Blumenthal also helped the Lions jumpstart their offense.
The last time the Hornets played the Lions, Spencerville junior Gemma Pillai, had 24 out of their 37 points. To prevent a similar situation from happening, head coach Becky Silberman made adjustments before the game to stop Pillai’s dominance.
“We switched up the defense a little bit since the last time we played,” Silberman said. “…I don’t think our zone [defense] worked well last time. So this time, we just started with a man [defense] and Tali played really good defense against Berman, so we had her guard her [Pillai].”
Despite the pre-game planning against Pillai’s offensive production, Pillai was able to penetrate the Lions’ defense and scored on many layups and free throws. Pillai was able to score 20 points against the Lions.
By halftime, the Hornets cut the Lions’ lead to five with a score of 19-14. Throughout the second quarter, the Lions had many shot opportunities but were not able to cash in on them. Despite the Hornets’ run, junior Amalia Netter grabbed offensive rebounds that helped create open shots for the Lions.
To start the third quarter off, the Lions went on a 15-point run before the Hornets called a timeout. This helped create positive energy for the Lions, as the bench chanted “defense” throughout the rest of the quarter.
Senior Gigi Gordon expressed the importance of energy and confidence, which helps the Lions execute their plays better.
“I think we can improve on our mindset,” Gordon said. “It was quiet for a lot of the game, and if we had more energy, I think that would really hype up the players.”
Wilkenfeld and Loeffler snatched a few steals that led to transition layups. In addition to the Lions’ defensive stops, senior Shalvah Lazarus’ layup surged the Lions lead to 36-18 to end the quarter.
Throughout the final quarter of the game, the Lions continued getting transition layups through defensive stops that propelled their offense. Junior Ella Longman grabbed multiple rebounds that also got the offense going.
Wilkenfeld used the game against the Hornets as momentum for upcoming games for the Lions.
“A big win like this always boosts our energy,” Wilkenfeld said. “We have a tough game tomorrow against Sandy Spring, who we lost to previously in the season, but I think these big wins like this show us what we’re capable of, and hopefully that will give us momentum for the rest of the season.”
A Grandparent • Jan 16, 2025 at 8:44 pm
Excellent reporting. I almost feel like I was at the game!