By Bill Bray
FREMONT – The Lady Giants used a hot shooting third period to ground the Clyde Lady Fliers 54-20 in the inaugural game of the 2021-22 season Friday night at the “Purple Pit”.
Fremont broke out to a 11-1 first quarter lead as they were led by point guard Destiny Robinson. Robinson scored six of her team’s points during the first eight minutes.
After scoring 11 points in the first quarter, the Giants continued their assault with 16 points in the second quarter. The tenacious Ross defense held the Lady Fliers to 10 points in the first 16 minutes and held a 27-10 lead at the break.
Although 27 points were scored, the Giants’ shooting was much cooler in the first half than it was in the second. After finishing the half with their 27 points, Ross blistered the basket in the third quarter with 22 points. Janiah Holmes was the spark plug for Ross as the junior sank a three pointer along with a put back and two made foul shots. Holmes ended the night with 13 points.
Coach Juan Vela was pleased with his team’s first win of the season. “I liked that we shared the ball very well,” the coach began. “I loved our communication on defense and loved that we had rhythm as a team together. Our fast breaks also stood out tonight.” Vela was quick to add, “a fourth thing that stood out were those two big threes from Makenna Englund during the first half. Makenna is a nice role player for us.”
But basically, it was the two leading scorers for Ross in Robinson and Holmes that made things happen. “Those two are basketball players, Vela said. “They both play with their instincts, and they are thinking one or two plays ahead. I would love to say that I taught them that, but I cannot. They are both natural athletes.” But Vela quickly added, “It is not about them, it is about the team and that is the second thing I love about those two.”
Robinson led all scorers with 15 points. After Holmes with 13, Hannah Scheidler and Englund contributed six points apiece. Playing in her first varsity game as a freshman, Lyndi Wolf finished with five points. Abby Cahill had four points,Aleah Whaley finished with three points and Carma Johnson had a bucket for two points.
The Ross junior varsity started their season with a 37-33 victory. Mackenzie Smith and Natalia Alejandro played huge roles at the foul line to help the young Giants to the victory.
The teams return to action Tuesday night as they travel to Sandusky Perkins to take on the Lady Pirates. The junior varsity game begins at 6pm with the varsity to follow.
Destiny Robinson (11) makes her way up the court against the Clyde Lady Fliers.
Janiah Holmes was a force on both ends of the court for the Lady Giants Friday night at the “Purple Pit”.
Freshman Lyndi Wolf goes up for an easy lay up during second half action against Clyde.
Jasmin Heidelburg looks to pass during the junior varsity game against Clyde. The Giants were a 37-33 winner.