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Balanced attack leads Gloucester over Marblehead in home opener

Wednesday, December, 19 By Richard Slate
Staff writer

No matter the sport, defense always wins championships as any coach will tell you. In only its second game of the season, the Gloucester girls basketball team seems to be living by that motto as they recorded 23 steals en route to a 56-26 win over Marblehead.

"We were trying to control the tempo of the game (with a full-court press defense)," said Gloucester head coach Jon Flanagan. "We enjoy playing at a fast pace and we were looking to get some easy transition hoops."

Seven Fishermen (2-0) scored at least six points, led by freshman guard Hannah Cain (10 points, 8 steals, 3 assists) while senior guard Jillian Lukegord (5 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 blocks), sophomore guard Olivia Lufkin, sophomore forward Alexandra Verga and junior center Alicia Unis (10 rebounds) all notched eight points apiece.

The season-opener against Winthrop was cancelled last week so after winning on Friday night at Saugus, the Fishermen had no trouble with the Magicians (0-3) in its home-opener.

"Our scoring has been balanced these two games," noted Flanagan. "We're doing the job defensively together so I think that's been the key." In the early going, Lukegord picked up her second foul with four minutes left in the first quarter. Her team however was able to spread the ball around without her as Cain took over the point guard duties, leading Gloucester to a 17-8 advantage at the end of one quarter. Senior guard Lindsey Rogers added an exclamation at the buzzer as she swished her first of two three-pointers.
The second quarter was all about Gloucester's press as they held the Magicians to a single basket while scoring 14 points of their own. The Fishermen had a 12-1 run bridged between late in the first quarter to midway through the second frame. Cain was continually getting free for open looks while Unis battled down low for rebounds. Gloucester held a commanding 31-10 lead at the half.

Any thoughts of a Marblehead comeback were quickly extinguished in the second half as the Magicians still struggled to find the hoop. Verga notched a basket and made the ensuing free throw towards the end of the quarter. Marblehead junior forward Jessica Helms made a layup right before the third quarter ended but the Fishermen still led 42-20.

Gloucester's bench sealed the win in the fourth quarter as junior center Rachel White (6 points, 3 rebounds) scored twice off a couple nice passes from junior forward Megan Fulford.

On Friday, Gloucester travels to Swampscott which should be a great test against a loaded Big Blue squad. Flanagan sees a couple keys for the Fishermen in that contest.

"We have to continue to do the things we're doing well defensively and also execute on the other side," Flanagan admitted. "When we get a chance at an open look at the rim, we have to score and also take advantage of turnovers."