Girls’ basketball

Lady Bulldogs disarm Gladiators

AAY tested Sullivan West shakes off early deficit

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — The dividends from last summer’s AAU experience keep paying off for the Sullivan West Lady Bulldogs. Having played in many high-pressure games, Coach Ron Bernhardt’s squad has learned to keep their composure and not rattle when they get behind.

On January 14 that collective calm came into play as the Goshen Gladiators got out to an early 7-0 lead before Bernhardt called a quick timeout. Two things ensued: greater intensity on defense and patience, which rewarded the Bulldogs with nice open looks at the basket.

With a flurry of balanced scoring from Sarah Lander, Kate Fanning, Autumn Darder and April Ackermann, the lady “Dawgs” righted the ship by going on a 13-0 run to end the first quarter.

Part of that intensity centered on Goshen’s dynamo Erin Ortiz, who was held scoreless throughout the game. Ackermann and Fanning began the second quarter with two quick baskets. The stifling defense held Goshen to only eight points in the second quarter while Sullivan West continued to attack.

The Bulldogs (8-1) took a 27-15 lead into halftime despite having Heather Lander on the bench with two fouls. “She’s the quintessential point guard,” said Bernhardt, whose post-game film viewing rated Lander with a +18 rating. The rating system is derived by calculating how many times a player turns the ball over (minus one for each) and factors in assists. Lander had eight.

“To maintain a 12-point edge with her on the bench was huge,” said Bernhardt. “I have a very competitive team. They’re a joy to coach.”

The third quarter featured the deft shooting and gutsy play of Sarah Lander. The freshman phenom dropped in her second three-pointer of the night, drove wire to wire for a crisp layup and made her free throws. Fanning pitched in and the Bulldogs put the game out of reach with a 43-17 lead by the end of three quarters. Scoring by Ackermann, Fanning and Kayla Bozan iced the cake in the fourth quarter while the defense limited Goshen to a mere two points in the final eight minutes. Sarah Lander led all scorers with 18 points while Fanning had 17. Mollie Dermigny and Kristina Pereira each had five points for Goshen (3-10).

The Lady Bulldogs faced John S. Burke Catholic at home on January 18 in a key division battle. Burke (11-1, 2-0 OCIAA) has won five straight Section 9 titles.

“We’ll need to play a perfect game to beat them,” said Bernhardt. See next week’s TRR for details on the outcome.