WILLIAMSPORT – It was a good night for Southmont’s girls basketball team in a 56-31 win over Seeger.
A new full-court press was everything advertised. A bevy of turnovers forced became a lot of points.
The offense clicked, players clicked.
Missed shots fell into friendly hands for put-backs.
“It was our best start of the year,” South coach Dan Burkman said of his team bolting out to an 11-0 lead in the first four minutes and owning a 17-1 advantage before the Patriots made their first field goal. “xtendThe press made it happen.”
That press extended a half-court trap into a full-court maelstrom.
Utilizing the quickness of senior DeLorean Mason and freshman Emily Link, every pass was challenged, and every ball handler was harassed.
The duo had 11 steals and forced a lot of desperation passes that wound up in friendly hands down the court.
The steals led to points and more points, as Mason had a 13-point first quarter.
“We had used that press just a little in a couple of earlier games,” Burkman said. “We worked on it a lot the last couple weeks, and I think we surprised them. Those two (Mason and Link) are quick and fast.”
The press and the defense forced a total of 30 Seeger turnovers, and the Mounties scored 30 points off of those miscues. South was plus-20 on turnover points.
The offense took its cue from the press, as the visitors went inside for a plus-22 point margin in paint points. Aside from some shots hitting the side of the rim or missing the glass, it was score at will.
The only ding in the armor was 10 missed free throws.
There was ownership on the boards as well, with a plus-11 margin in rebounds and a plus-14 advantage in second-chance points.
“Seeger is a good team,” Burkman said, noting the Patriots 13-7 record with the loss, while his Mounties move to 10-7. “I’m really happy with tonight. Other than those missed free throws and some missed shots, we played a really good game. The offense looked good, we broke down their zone defense, our bench really contributed.”
Mason finished with 28 points, two below her season-best. Her six steals will raise her average, and Link’s five will raise hers. Link added five points and three assists.
Chloe Jenkins had eight points and grabbed seven rebounds. Cheyenne Shaw had six points and seven boards, while Claire Kessler had four counters and seven rebounds. South owned a 49-38 rebound advantage.
Cadence White led the Patriots with 10 points, followed by Addison Shrader with nine. Rylea Wetz had six rebounds to lead her team.
Overall, Seeger was 10-of-40 from the field, 4-of-12 from deep and 7-of-14 from the line.
“DeLo said she was feeling good during warmups,” Burkman said of his senior. “I guess she was right. Chloe (Jenkins) had a really good game, and Link reminds me of Mason when she was a freshman.”
Things were so good that the coach even got benevolent.
“I gave them Saturday off,” he said. “It’s the first time in four years!”
The Patriots have a Jan. 16 game against North Montgomery on their schedule, while the Mounties are back in Sagamore Conference action on Jan. 18 when they travel to Frankfort.
