Article from Edition 8 of The Torch in 2014:
The Lady Titans basketball team begins its season undefeated, winning all three of its games in the Titan Classic. On Friday, Nov. 21, the Lane women’s basketball team hosted Everett Community College for the first game of this annual event, dominating the Trojans 87 to 49.
Lady Titans sophomore guard Gabby Heehn led the team in scoring with 15 points, all in the second half. The Titans shot 41 percent from the field, pouring on 50 second half points. “I thought we played with energy and executed well, considering it being our first game of the year,” Titans head coach Greg Sheley said.
The Titans dominated the game defensively, keeping Everett’s scoring down to 26 percent in the second half. Turnovers were about even, Everett with 28 against 27 for the Titans. However, the Titans made the most of the transitions, outscoring Everett 35 to 14 on points off turnovers. The key was the Titans full court one-on-one match-up press that forced Everett to play uncomfortably all the way down the court. “I was pleased with our team’s overall effort, especially on defense,” said Sheley.
Freshman guard Bre DuBois racked up six steals and ten rebounds to lead the team, and freshman center Jordan Kimbrough helped clean up the middle, making four blocks and collecting nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Jacia Jointer also contributed, hitting five of 11 shots for 12 points, with eight assists and five steals.
Three point shooting played a big factor in Lane’s victory over Everett. Although the Titans only shot 23 percent from range in the first half, they kept their composure and were able to knock down 50 percent of three pointers taken in the second half, picking apart Everett’s two-three zone. Gabby Heehn started the game 0-3, but then caught fire hitting five of seven three-pointers to lead the Titans’ attack from range.
The Titans also won the battle of the boards, out-rebounding Everett 53 to 32. “We did an outstanding job rebounding,” Sheley said. “We boxed out well and went after the ball aggressively, which resulted in a lot of rebound opportunities.” Freshman guard Sara Kesling led the bench in rebounding, contributing eight. Sophomore forward Carmen Wright, also coming off the bench, added seven points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kimbrough had a near double-double with nine rebounds and 14 points scored in almost 20 minutes of play. However, she was in foul trouble for most the game, and had to limit her minutes.
In the second game over the weekend, the Titans dominated Pierce 100 to 54 on Saturday. Playing from off the bench, Wright led the team in scoring, hitting 11 of 13 shots for 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds. The Titans went on to win the Titan Classic by defeating George Fox’s JV team in the third game 95 to 47. Kimbrough snatched 11 rebounds and scored 22 points, shooting 10 of 16 from the field. Four other Titans also scored in double figures. Scoring 16 points in the final game, Bre Dubois was the MVP of the tournament. Joining DuBois on the All-Tournament Team was her teammate, Jordan Kimbrough.
Despite winning every game by a solid margin, Sheley’s plan for his team is to get better day-by-day. “We need to shoot the ball more consistently, especially from the free throw line,” he said. “There are always things we can improve on.”
The Lady Titans play their next games in Bellevue, Wash. at the Bellevue Tournament Dec. 5-7.
