Indians use solid defense to beat Merrillville in girls hoops

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By MATT PERA
Times Correspondent | Saturday, November 29, 2008 | (No comments posted.)

MERRILLVILLE | Defense was the key ingredient for Times No. 10 Portage in its 46-30 win over No. 4 Merrillville on Friday night.

When the Indians' shots weren't falling, their defense kept them in the game. And when the offense finally did come around, it was their defensive effort that helped the Indians (4-1, 1-1 DAC) pull away from the Pirates (3-2, 0-2 DAC) and stay well ahead for good.

"We want to focus on our defense first and foremost, and everything else kind of falls into place after that's taken care of," Portage coach Kristen Peterson said.

Portage forced 21 Merrillville turnovers and boasted an even scoring attack led by junior guard Brianne Wischman, who finished with 12 points, three assists and four steals.

Junior guard Tara Ellis also had a solid game with 11 points and six rebounds, while senior center Hannah Pajor chipped in nine points and nine boards.

"We just got embarrassed," Merrillville coach Amy Govert said. "No one was ready to play. Nobody played with any emotion."

The Pirates hung with the Indians for much of the first half, but missed several point-blank shots and were dominated on the glass, allowing Portage to get several second- and third-chance baskets.

Portage came out energized in the third quarter and continued to force turnovers and capitalize with a solid transition game.

"It helps us get into the type of tempo we want to play," Peterson said of her squad's defensive effort. "Once we start gaining some confidence, playing defense and getting some stops, that definitely generates a lot more offense for us."

The Indians extended the lead to 12 points heading into the fourth quarter, and they maintained their aggressive play to get their first conference win of the young season.

The Pirates were led by junior Bryonna Davis, who had nine points.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
No. 10 Portage 46, No. 4 Merrillville 30
Tara Ellis had 11 points and six boards for the Indians.

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