By RICHIE HALL
WESTFIELD – The Westfield girls basketball team received a challenge from Anderson Thursday at The Rock, but pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 56-41 victory.
The Indians were within two points of the Shamrocks twice during the third period, at 35-33 and 37-35. Westfield finished the game on a 19-6 run, allowing Anderson only four points in the fourth.
Ashtin DeCraene started the run by scoring five straight points, on a 3-pointer and a layin. A putback got the Indians within 42-37, but Ava Henson finished the third quarter with a layin of her own, giving the ‘Rocks a 44-37 lead.
Chesney Tebbe opened the fourth period with consecutive baskets, pushing Westfield ahead 48-37. The Shamrocks held Anderson without a basket until the 3:18 mark of the quarter, a layin by Kaylie Vaughn. After that, Westfield sealed the game from the free throw line, making 8 of 10 shots.
“We went to a zone,” said Shamrocks coach Ginny Smith. “And I think that that really changed the dynamics of the game. It took Anderson a little bit to figure out what we ran and then try to adjust to it. We were switching back and forth from man to zone, but still trying to stay out on (Tyra) Ford and make sure she didn’t get any open looks.”
Westfield’s strategy worked: Ford led all scorers with 26 points, but the ‘Rocks didn’t allow her any points in the fourth quarter.
The Indians led for the majority of the first period, scoring the first four points of the game, then leading 6-2. With 2:58 left, Ford made two foul shots to get Anderson up 9-6.
Westfield took the lead a few seconds later. Ashley Black’s layin got the Shamrocks within one, then Jessica Castor hit a 3 to give Westfield its first lead, at 11-9. Emma Weber tied the game with a basket, but Madi Kerrigan’s layin pushed the ‘Rocks ahead 13-11, and they never trailed again.
“We subbed four new kids and they came in and they really got us going,” said Smith. “I’m really proud of those kids. It’s tough coming off the bench and getting thrown right into the fire like that, but those kids really responded.”
Henson’s layin put Westfield up 17-13 at the end of the first quarter. The Shamrocks used an 8-0 second quarter run to take a 25-15 lead. Black scored six consecutive points during that run, and Henson finished it up with a basket.
“Ashley was really solid,” said Smith. “She did all the little things. I’m really proud of Ashley’s performance. If I were to pick a player of the game, I would definitely pick her.”
Anderson worked its way back into the quarter, with Ford scoring six straight points of her own late in the period. Westfield led 28-23 at halftime, then held firm against the Indians until it was able to break away late in the third.
Four players scored in double figures for the ‘Rocks: DeCraene led with 13 points, then Henson, Castor and Black each had 10. All nine players that took to the floor for the Shamrocks scored at least one point.
Henson and Castor each collected six rebounds, with Olivia Robey, Alyssa Crockett and Black all pulling five. Tebbe handed out four assists.
Westfield is 10-7 and plays next Wednesday at Bishop Chatard.
WESTFIELD 56, ANDERSON 41
Westfield FG FT TP PF
Olivia Robey 1-5 0-0 2 3
Alyssa Crockett 0-4 2-3 2 2
Ava Henson 5-6 0-0 10 1
Jessica Castor 2-10 5-6 10 4
Ashtin DeCraene 3-8 5-6 13 1
Emily Robinson 0-0 1-2 1 1
Chesney Tebbe 3-4 0-0 6 1
Madi Kerrigan 1-1 0-0 2 0
Ashley Black 5-7 0-0 10 1
Totals 20-45 13-17 56 14
Score by Quarters
Anderson 13 10 14 4 – 41
Westfield 17 11 16 12 – 56
Westfield 3-point shooting (3-13) DeCraene 2-5, Castor 1-2, Robey 0-2, Crockett 0-2, Henson 0-1, Black 0-1.
Westfield rebounds (34) Henson 6, Castor 6, Robey 5, Crockett 5, Black 5, Tebbe 3, Robinson 1, DeCraene 1, team 2.