Lady Prospectors open season with dominating performance over Valley Christian
PHILIPSBURG – A staunch press and pinpoint passing helped lift the Granite Lady Prospectors to an easy 67-21 win in their season opener over Valley Christian.
Granite won the tip and scored to take a lead, immediately jumping into a full-court press that caught the visiting Eagles off guard and produced a 14-0 run before Valley Christian finally scored. They finished the opening stanza leading 16-2 and followed it up with a 20-10 second to take a commanding 36-12 advantage at the break.
But perhaps the highlight of the game was the Lady Prospectors ability to pass. A trait that is typically not in sync until midway through the year, Granite had the appearance of already playing half its schedule with accurate passes up and down the floor and within the interior of its offense.
“That’s something that we’ve really worked on in this extended practice,” said GHS Head Coach Brandon Piazolla of his team not playing since practices started December 7. “The girls are so unselfish. They just want to score. They don’t really care who scores, they just want the team to score. I’m really happy with how the girls played tonight.
“Year three going in, I know the girls better, the girls know my system better … it’s not a lot of re-teaching. They know a lot of stuff and we can go a lot deeper in the playbook.”
The results of the solid team play was three girls all scoring within a point of each other. Asha Comings had a team best 15 points while Amelia Hill and Reece Pitcher each added 14.
The Lady Prospectors will take to the road Tuesday to play the Pirates in Victor.
SCORING
Valley Christian – 2/10/8/1 – 21
Lady Prospectors – 16/20/25/6 – 67
Valley Christian – Kelly 2, McComas 3, Henry 5, Vance 5, Gedney 3, Harvey 3
Lady Prospectors – AHill 14, Lee 4, Cotton 6, Ward 5, Pitcher 14, Lilyquist 4, Smith 3, Comings 15, Clark 2
Granite Boys drop tough game at Valley Christian
MISSOULA – A second-half surge and out-rebounding the Prospectors gave the Valley Christian Eagles a season-opening win Saturday night, 53-48.
“The kids were in a battle tonight We played hard, but we missed way too many layups and didn't convert from the foul line,” said GHS Head Coach Dustin Keltner. “12-26 isn't going to get it done, especially against a quality opponent like Valley. They kicked our tails on the boards and turned us over.
“We have a ton of room for growth. Valley played big under pressure and deserved to win the game.”
Brian Ward led Granite with 17 points on a quartet of three-pointers. Kade Cutler added 14 and went 6-for-11 at the free throw line.
The Prospectors will have their home opener Tuesday when they host the Pirates of Victor.
SCORING
Prospectors – 15/12/13/8 – 48
Valley Christian – 12/13/14/14 – 53
Prospectors – Cutler 14, Metesh 5, Ward 17, Palen 2, Morrissey 2, Tallon 8
Valley Christian – Beaudin 4, Cox 5, Streit 2, RReimer 21, Becker 10, Boone 6, Centifanto 3
