By RICHIE HALL
WESTFIELD – The Westfield girls basketball team’s defensive performance on Thursday night was one for the history books.
The Shamrocks beat Brebeuf Jesuit 38-10 at CSI Gymnasium. Westfield’s defense got better as the game progressed: The ‘Rocks allowed the Braves just five points in the first quarter, then only five more points in the other three periods.
Brebeuf’s total was the fewest points Westfield allowed to an opponent since Nov. 28, 2009, when the Shamrocks only gave up 12 points to Harrison. The Braves were scoring 47.6 points per game prior to this contest.
“Our defensive effort tonight was really good,” said Westfield coach Kelsey Steele. “I felt like we were able to switch a lot tonight, which was helpful for us. Our kids were just locked in on that side of the ball tonight, which on a night that we don’t shoot it very well, I’m really happy that that’s how we played defensively.”
The ‘Rocks led 11-5 after the first quarter. Lindsey Van Dyke and Sam Price each scored four points, with Ellen Wheeler hitting a 3-pointer for the other points. Westfield took further control in the second quarter, outscoring Brebeuf 14-2. Six different Shamrocks scored in that quarter, including a 3-pointer from Aubrey Crockett. MaKayla Hatcher also was good on a traditional three-point play.
“We have a balanced effort, obviously, most nights,” said Steele. “So, it’s one of those things where anytime we can get multiple kids going, that’s big for us.”
Westfield led 33-9 after three periods, with Meg Hamilton scoring four points in that quarter. Price was the top scorer for the game with 10 points, while Van Dyke added eight points.
The Shamrocks are 4-4 and play at Carmel Tuesday.
“They play hard, they can shoot it, they have kids that can stretch the floor,” said Steele. “I’m expecting it’ll be a fun and exciting rivalry game at Carmel on Tuesday.
