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Westwood Patriots’ defense clamps down in 2nd half of 47-28 girls basketball victory over Gwinn

Westwood’s Marissa Carello goes for a layup with Gwinn’s Tierra Taylor defending during their game on Tuesday at the Patriots’ gym. (Journal photo by Ray Bressette)

ISHPEMING — A strong second half by its defense bolstered Westwood as it pulled off a 47-28 girls basketball victory over Gwinn on Tuesday night at the Patriots’ gym.

WHS head coach Kurt Corcoran said the win was a good bounce back following the Patriots’ worst defeat of the season on Friday to Negaunee.

“It was great to get back in the swing of things,” Corcoran said. “Our offense lacked energy early on, and our girls responded at halftime with better energy.

“We had better shots and applied more pressure after the half, and it helped us get a solid win on our home court.”

It was all defense early on, as the teams combined for 11 points in a quiet first quarter with Westwood (7-4) holding an 8-3 lead after one.

Elizabeth Farley scored 11 points for Westwood to help her team build a 19-8 lead midway through the second quarter, but Gwinn wouldn’t head to the locker room quietly.

The Modeltowners (0-11) went on an 8-0 run to end the half, topped off with a layup by Tierra Taylor and a foul, making it a three-point play to cut the Patriots’ lead to 19-16 at the break.

Then Westwood picked up its play on both sides of the ball coming out for the third quarter, outscoring the Modeltowners 13-4 to take a 32-20 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

Madelyn Koski set the tone for the Patriots early in the third, nailing a triple on Westwood’s first possession.

The Patriots scored 10 of the final 12 points of the third as Gwinn struggled.

Olsen said the Modeltowners’ offense needs to work on consistency if they’re going to earn their first win.

“You can’t score so few points and expect to win,” he said. “It’s been our issue all year. When we’re down eight or so points, that’s half our scoring. We have to find a way to get a lead and maintain it.”

The home team earned six quick points in the fourth with baskets from Marissa Carello and Elizabeth Farley to give Westwood a commanding 16-point lead.

Corcoran said the run was just a matter of keeping things simple.

“We didn’t make any adjustments, but just calmed everyone down,” Corcoran said.

Elizabeth Farley and Madelyn Koski each scored 13 points for the Patriots, while Trisha McGuire racked up 12 for Gwinn.

Ray Bressette can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 251. His email address is rbressette@miningjournal.net.

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