Defense fuels offense of Lady Royals
When the Lake Region State College women's basketball team is clicking, it all starts with its defense.
Article by Harry Lipsiea, Devils Lake Journal Sports, February 7th, 2017.
When the Lake Region State College women's basketball team is clicking, it all starts with its defense. Time and time again it's been shown this season that when the Lady Royals are making stops, they are able to find success on the offensive end of the court.
That was the case Monday evening on the road in Williston. Down early in the second quarter, the Royals put their foot down and picked up the defensive intensity. Before you know it, the away team had put together a 34-6 run to end the first half. In the end, Lake Region State College picked up an 82-51 victory over Williston State College.
"It was a slow start, but we really picked it up defensively," LRSC head coach Danny Mertens told the Journal. "Again, it was a case of our defense feeding our offense."
Williston State College, who went on a 16-0 run in the opening period, led 20-19 after one quarter of play. From there, it was all Royals. Lake Region State College led 39-24 at the half and 60-41 going into the third on the way to picking up an 82-51 triumph.
Cassidy Nelson led all players with 21 points. Mackenzie Irwin finished with 13 points while Emily Schafer chipped in with 10. Jaden Hanson, Jillian Hanson and Mer Gach each added nine points in the win. Mikayla Wallace scored seven points. Jadyn Fee and Karly Kennelly each scored two points to round out the scoring.
The ability to score inside was a huge key for the Royals throughout the game. Mertens credited his centers for their efforts.
"Cass and Mer had great games in the post. We had a great inside-outside attack in the second attack," the coach added.
Jaden Hanson made her first appearance in the starting lineup for the Royals stepping in for twin sister Jillian Hanson.
"Jaden got the start and did a wonderful job," Mertens pointed out.
With the victory, Lake Region State College improves to 14-8 overall and 4-4 in the Mon-Dak Conference.
"It was fun to get a big road win and get one step closer to a .500 record on the road in the conference," the coach added.
LRSC looks to avenge an earlier loss Wednesday evening. The Royals host Dawson Community College at 6:30 p.m