Newark girls smother Hilliard Darby with defense, advance in district

On Feb 18, 2023

HILLIARD ― How good was Newark’s defense on Saturday?

Not only did the visiting Wildcats hold Hilliard Darby’s sophomore star Gianna Lane to just one field goal, in the fourth quarter. But the higher-seeded Panthers hit only 11-of-45 from the field for 24 percent.

Newark, a 15th seed, bolted ahead of 11th-seeded Darby 10-1 and never looked back in a 47-33 Division I second-round victory, advancing to Wednesday’s district semifinals. The Wildcats, now 14-10 after their sixth consecutive win, will likely play 12th seed Tri-Valley at a site to be announced.

“I feel like we’re very underrated as a 15 seed,” said Brie Gingras, who shadowed Lane for much of the game and is one of five senior starters for Newark. “Our defense is getting better. We’re more aggressive and we’re able to lock in on teams.”

“We’re going to play as hard as we can,” senior guard Ally Carr said. “We wanted to make them uncomfortable with our pressure and make them speed it up.”

Senior forward Jenna Shackleford, who was outstanding all-around with her 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocks, scored all six of her points early on to fuel Newark’s quick start. She scored on a drive, made four straight foul shots and assisted Sophie Bidwell, after hustling for an offensive rebound, as the Wildcats led 10-1 barely three minutes in and forced a timeout by the Panthers (17-6).

“It was really crucial. It helped us throughout the game, having that lead,” Carr said. “We’ve learned from the past, that when you get behind, it gets frustrating and it’s hard to come back. We just had to stay together, stay calm and work through it. We’re enjoying each moment as a team.”

The Wildcats cooled off in the second quarter, but Darby was equally cold and Newark maintained a 22-12 halftime lead as Addi Hall came off the bench to net two free throws. Then in the third, Carr and Gingras made 3s and the visitors shot ahead 30-12. But the Panthers were not ready to quit on their home floor. They went on a 10-0 run and trimmed the deficit down to 30-22.

Gingras, however, revived Newark. She sank all three foul shots after being knocked down behind the arc as the Wildcats led 34-25 heading to the fourth. Carr, who made all six of her free throws, hit a pair starting the fourth following Shackleford’s steal at the other end, and Syncere Royster drove for a layup, pushing the margin back up to 38-25. Darby never got closer than 10 again.

“We just had to execute our offense, one possession at a time, and get settled in on defense,” said Gingras, who led the winners with 16 points.

Coach Jack Eifert said his team’s pressure defense was tweaked a little to focus on Lane, who was held to just seven points.

“Primarily, we use it to speed people up, but today, we wanted to get the ball out of their point guard’s hands,” he said. “Whenever, they win, she plays really well for them. It was guarding her one-on-one, and trapping her. Kudos to our kids. They earned this win with their defense. There’s going to be runs in the game, and you just have to settle in and get stops. It’s all about digging in during the postseason.”

Carr added 13 points for the Wildcats, who also struggled from the floor, going 12-of-33 for 36 percent. But they hit a stellar 20-of-26 at the stripe for 77 percent and dominated the backboards 31-17, with Royster snagging eight rebounds, Bidwell seven and Carr six.

[email protected]

740-704-7973