Strongsville’s press creates offense as Lady Mustangs top Elyria

by Logan Chuppa

STRONGSVILLE, OHIO– The Strongsville Lady Mustangs welcomed the Pioneers of Elyria to “The Corral” on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Mustangs were impressive on both ends of the floor as they cruised to a 79-39 victory over the Pioneers. Defense seemed to be the calling card for the Lady Mustangs as they limited the Pioneers to just seven points in the first quarter large in part to their full-court defensive pressure.

Mustang coach Jeff Eicher noted that defense has been a priority for his team all season long.

“We use our press to create offense,” Eicher said. “We try to speed teams up and dictate the tempo of the game.”

The emphasis that Coach Eicher places on defense was evident as the Mustangs forced the Pioneers to turn the ball over 25 times in the game and scored several points in transition to increase their lead to 45-12 at the halftime break.

As impressive as the Mustangs were defensively, they were equally as impressive offensively. Ten Mustangs players scored, four of whom were in double figures. Senior forward Marnae Holland led all scorers with 16 points for the Mustangs. She was joined in double figures by sophomore guard Maddy Humbach, who added 14 points off the bench, including two 3-pointers and four made free-throws. Reagan Bass and Lindsey Thrall each had 13 points for the Mustangs. Elyria was led in scoring by senior forward Chelsey Farris, who had 15 points. Michaela King added 9 for the Pioneers.

The Lady Mustangs’ next game will be on Jan. 6, as they travel to Euclid High School to take on the Lady Panthers