MCCOY MAGIC KEEPS GARFIELD UNDEFEATED

Day two of the fifth annual South Range Holiday Hoops Classic saw a rematch between The Garrettsville Garfield Lady G-Men and The Nordonia Knights from a year ago. What turned out to be a turning point for The G-Men last season, had a completely different feel this time around. With Garrettsville protecting their perfect 8-0 season record in their quest to a conference crown in The Gray Division of The  Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) and perhaps a repeat as district champions. 

In this go around with The Knights, Garfield found success with guard Laura McCoy finding her shot from all over the floor to help lead her team in scoring throughout the first half. Utilizing multiple scorers as well in the passing game, McCoy was able to get her teammates involved to create the machine that is The G-Men offense, while also scoring 15 first half points herself. Madeline Shirkey complimented them with a fancy, finesse layup to end the half and put Garfield up 30-14 at halftime!

While Jensen Stehlik for Nordonia was an and-one machine for the nights, adding multiple three point plays, as well as the ever-rare four point play as she tried to will he team back into the game. Finishing with 22 points on the day, Stehlik certainly did her job and more for The Knights. 

By the start of the second half, Garfield ensured that they corrected the mistakes of Wednesday’s contest against Mooney, in that they kept their foot on the gas through halves. Scoring at will with some phenomenal ball-distribution throughout the contest, The G-Men were able to open up looks through their passing game. Laura McCoy continued her scoring dominance, finishing with 32 of her team’s 66 points at the end of the day to cap-off the win for Garfield 66-44 in her Player of The Game Performance! 

The loss for The Knights sent them to 3-10 on the campaign, while Garretsville stayed a perfect 2-0 in The Holiday Hoops Classic and 9-0 on the season! Garfield will now look to Monday, January 2nd where they will get back to conference play, as they host The Newton Falls Tigers. 

Interviews with both Head Coach Aaron Gilbert and Player of The Game Laura McCoy can be found below!

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell