Drury Defense Comes Up Big Against Taconic
NORTH ADAMS, Mass — The Drury defense definitely came to play on Monday night, as the Blue Devils girls' basketball team held Taconic to just five first-half points en route to a convincing 41-20 win at Bucky Bullett Gymnasium.John Franzoni's team jumped out to an 11-3 lead after the first quarter and only allowed two more points in the second frame to open a 23-5 advantage at the half. Every Drury player in uniform saw action in the game, giving the Blue Devils some good experience heading into their final three games of the regular season. Monday night's game wasn't nearly as close as when Drury narrowly edged Taconic 42-36 on the road last month.
"It was an excellent two-way effort by our team tonight," Franzoni said. "All twelve players were solid at both ends of the court, and our team really came out strong in the first half. We changed defenses in the first half and the girls communicated and executed well. Kelsey Ouimet played a strong game inside, and Danielle Racette had an excellent all-around game."
Ouimet was solid down low for the Blue Devils, who improved to 12-5 with the win. The senior forward led the way with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Racette posted nine points to go along with five assists and five steals. Forward Meagan McCarthy also had a good game, scoring seven points and grabbing eight boards.The Braves were led by Kristi Geary, who scored nine points. No other Taconic player scored more than two points on the night.
Drury now enters a pivotal North Division stretch with three tough games against Lee, Monument Mountain and Wahconah. How the Blue Devils fare in those final three contests will go a long way in determining where they are seeded in the Western Mass. tournament.
"We have a tough challenge ahead of us in the final three games, but our team is playing very good basketball and we are looking forward to that challenge as we prepare for the tournament," Franzoni said.
Ouimet was solid down low for the Blue Devils, who improved to 12-5 with the win. The senior forward led the way with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Racette posted nine points to go along with five assists and five steals. Forward Meagan McCarthy also had a good game, scoring seven points and grabbing eight boards.The Braves were led by Kristi Geary, who scored nine points. No other Taconic player scored more than two points on the night.
Drury now enters a pivotal North Division stretch with three tough games against Lee, Monument Mountain and Wahconah. How the Blue Devils fare in those final three contests will go a long way in determining where they are seeded in the Western Mass. tournament.
"We have a tough challenge ahead of us in the final three games, but our team is playing very good basketball and we are looking forward to that challenge as we prepare for the tournament," Franzoni said.
Drury's first test will be against the undefeated Wildcats, who come to Bucky Bullett Gymnasium for the Blue Devils' final home game of the regular season on Monday night. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with Senior Night festivities taking place shortly beforehand.