Photo by Mike Morrison Waterford’s Avery Smithberger makes a layup in the Wildcats’ 57-32 win over Newark Catholic on Saturday in Waterford. (Photo provided by Mike Morrison)
WATERFORD – At 6-foot-4, Waterford senior Avery Wagner is usually thought of for her prowess under the basket, rebounding, scoring and ability to block shots.
Wagner is also a talented passer as he dished out a game-high six assists to lead the Wildcats to a 57-32 victory over the Newark Catholic Green Wave on Saturday afternoon at the Cooper Annex. showed.
Working from the high post seemed to allow Wagner to find open teammates throughout the game, as the Wildcats pulled away late and earned just one loss for their 11th win of the season.
“She (Wagner) is really good at passing the ball, and her attention sometimes creates opportunities for Avery (Smithberger) and the other girls.” Wildcat head coach Jerry Close said. “Sometimes it works well to take her to the high post area and have her see what she has.”
Waterford started the game with a full-court press against a young Green Wave team, forcing the visitors into nine mistakes in the first quarter as the Wildcats took a 16-12 lead.
Waterford’s Brynley Pottemyer, 12, drove into the lane during the Wildcats’ 57-32 win over Newark Catholic on Saturday in Waterford. (Photo provided by Mike Morrison)
Waterford freshman Brynlee Pottmyer had a steal and finish on the other end to give them a six-point lead early in the second quarter.
Newark Catholic cut the lead to five points on a free throw by Fini Kiser, before the Wildcats responded with six straight points to take their first double-digit lead of the game.
Wagner opened the scoring by making two free throws, assisted on Smithberger’s basket, then grabbed the rebound and returned it to the basket to give the Wildcats a 26-15 lead. .
The Green Wave ended the first half on a two-pointer from Natalie Harrington and headed to the locker room with a nine-point lead.
Waterford forced a total of 16 Catholic turnovers in the first half, which helped overcome a somewhat sluggish start on offense.
“We rushed our shots early and didn’t try to get the ball inside enough.” Claus said: The team connected on just 11 of 27 shot attempts in the first half, including 3 of 15 from behind the arc. “We fixed it at halftime and they came back and settled down.”
The Ladycats shot much better in the second half, making 10 of 19 shots.
The Wildcats scored all of their points in the third quarter, scoring their first six points thanks to two more free points by Wagner and four straight points by Smithberger.
The Green Wave scored on a 2-pointer by Sophie Chard Peloquin, but the Wildcats scored the next eight points to extend their lead to 42-21.
Wagner also participated in the run, making two more free throws and once again assisting Smithberger and Elsie Marek with buckets.
After suffering their first loss of the week to Sheridan on Thursday, the Wildcats rallied to win and only extended their lead the rest of the way.
“They (Newark Catholic) are pretty young this year, so we were hoping we could put pressure on them and make them make mistakes.” “We’re not going to let that happen,” said Crouse, whose team forced 26 turnovers in the game. “We’ve already played and will continue to play some good teams, so we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
Smithberger led a balanced Wildcat attack with 13 points while grabbing a game-high seven boards.
Wagner and fellow senior Kendall Saleh each scored 12 points, and Marek added eight points.
Eva Hurley hit two triples for the white and green, and Pottmeier added six points, five rebounds and three steals.
Newark Catholic was led by Kaiser with 10 points and Chard Peloquin with eight points.
The loss dropped the Green Wave to 5-5, but the Wildcats started the second half of the season strong and improved to 11-1 on the season.
Crows feels the team has some work to do, but is generally on track to do well in tournaments starting in February.
“We are happy with where we are, but there is definitely room for improvement.” Close said his team plans to host Federal Hocking on Thursday. “At this point in the season, I’m hoping that I can get a good feel for my team and understand what’s working well and what needs to change.”
