UNITED CONTINUES DOMINATION OF EOAC
HANOVERTON OH-
United Local faces one of their toughest stretches of the season this week as three very important games awaited them on the schedule. The Eagles took to the court Monday night with nothing but purpose on their minds. That purpose was victory and Leetonia played the role of victim as United won in convincing fashion 77-40.
Leetonia came out ready to compete using their tough inside presence hung with United early trailing at the end of the first quarter 16-10. The depth of the Eagles however proved to be too much for Leetonia in the second quarter. Behind a constant full court pressure United forced Leetonia into 16 first half turnovers on their way to building a commanding 38-21 halftime lead.
United took advantage of their depth as their transition offense hit another gear in the second half. The offense hit their stride as Sophomore Grace Knight got hot on her way to a team high 19 points leading her squad to victory in the second half. Taylor Cope once again made her presence felt on the inside for United. Cope was able to turn in another top performance garnering a 13 point / 12 rebound double double stat line. Starting point guard Addyson Blazer contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds for the victors as well.
Coach Josh Sigler is liking where his offense is heading hitting the 70 point mark for the second time in a week “Our transition game has really put pressure on the opposing teams. We are doing a much better job moving without the basketball, it’s opening up more inside for Taylor and she has really stepped up her game.”
United’s bench has also played a key role as of late providing an offensive spark outside of their starters. Grayson Kidder poured in 10 points and Katie Dees chipped in 8 for the Eagles. “Cannot say enough about what the players coming off our bench are contributing. Three Sophomores and a Freshman are providing us the depth and a spark in all facets of the game. They are as fearless as our starters.” says Sigler.
Leetonia only dressing 8 players for the game never quit despite the deficit in the second half. Ella Gregorino faced with handling the United pressure all night answered the call leading the Bears with 13 points. Teammate Allison Francosky contributed 12 points / 7 rebounds for Leetonia. Despite the success on offense Coach SIgler knows what the team needs to improve on moving forward “ We still need to keep improving on defense. Sometimes we relax, we just need to get to the point of relaxing when the game is over.”
United (9-3) (8-0) will have no time to relax as Southern Local (13-2) (6-2) will travel to Hanoverton for a crucial EOAC matchup on Thursday. Leetonia looks to rebound traveling to East Palestine on Thursday.
*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler
