Published: November 20, 2008 11:49 pm      

Setting the tone

Blooming Grove offense impressive in win over Clifton

WORTHAM — Blooming Grove coach Kendra Atkinson tempered her enthusiasm after the Lady Lions’ 59-39 victory over Clifton in Thursday’s opening game of the Wortham Tournament, saying among other things that her team needed to work on its defense.

But deep down, you had to know she was feeling pretty good about the way the Lady Lions executed on offense.

Blooming Grove ran its halfcourt offense very well, and the result —unofficially — was a 44-percent shooting percentage from the floor. Senior point guard Johnna Smith did a good job of getting the Lady Lions’ into their set plays, and teammates like senior post Cecilly Phillips and sophomore Brianna Sims took advantage of the open looks. Phillips had a team-high 19 points, including eight in the third quarter. Sims had 10 points.

Blooming Grove (3-0) plays Itasca (which defeated Bremond 70-47 in the second game of the afternoon) at 11:30 a.m. today and could be well on its way to Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. championship game.

“We came out and executed on offense pretty well,” Atkinson said. “Overall it was a great team effort. But defensively we’re struggling a little bit.”

The Lady Lions should improve on the defensive end as the season goes along. Getting to the magic number of around 60 points every night will help make them a playoff team again.

Blooming Grove is learning to produce on the offensive end without Kelsie Tipping, the 5-11 post who graduated with an 18-point scoring average last year.

Phillips, who averaged 16 points a game last year, showed she still has an array of inside post moves. Sims and Smith made most of their points going to the basket. Smith had 12 points, eight assists and seven steals unofficially.

Then there is the potential of the bench. Sophomore Carly Hooser made the offensive move of the night, using a ball fake to completely baffle her Clifton defender. It left Hooser wide open about six feet from the basket, and she swished the shot to give the Lady Lions a 57-36 lead with 1:37 left in the game.

“She’s really good,” Phillips said. “That was nice.”

Added Atkinson: “I taught her that move,” smiling either because she’s been working on the ball fake with Hooser or because the sophomore’s been working on it at home after watching a Bobby Knight teaching video.

Whatever the case, the Lady Lions came out in a groove, scoring the last nine points of the first quarter to lead 19-4. They did struggle a little in the second quarter, making 3 of 14 shots, but still led 28-17 at halftime.

The Lady Lions scored the first seven points of the second half, as Phillips, Smith and Sims all drained shots. Phillips had eight points in the quarter as Blooming Grove ran its lead to 45-26.

The Lady Lions built their lead to 23 points on Hooser’s stellar move and Smith’s two free throws for a 59-37 lead with 38 seconds left.

Blooming Grove shot 50 percent as a team in the second half.

“We did really good as a team,” Phillips said. “We have a lot of good players.”



Bl. Grove 19 9 17 14 — 59

Clifton 4 13 9 13 — 37



Blooming Grove: Cecilly Phillips 19, Johnna Smith 12, Brianna Sims 10, Katie McGraw 6, Carly Hooser 4, Laura Bennett 3, Mandy Watkins 3, Kasey Fisher 2.

Clifton: Crawford 19, Outlaw 6, Blanton 4, Harvey 4, Heidi Lodrique 2, Holly Lodrique 2, Gloff 2.

Records: Blooming Grove (3-0).



Tournament Schedule

Today

Bl. Grove vs. Itasca..............11:30 a.m.

Mildred vs. Covington.................1 p.m.

Wortham vs. Hillsboro...........2:30 p.m.