by The Berea-Midpark Titans came into Wednesday’s nights game against Elyria in need of a spark, and they received from young Talyssa Moody whose flame began in Berea-Midpark, and she is now back as a Senior Titan to have it burn brighter than ever! Moody led the way with 22 points and 6 triples in a 48-23 victory over Elyria.
The re-addition of Moody to this squad has been felt through their first five games, 4 of which have been against stout teams such as Magnificat, Cleveland Heights, North Ridgeville and Olmsted Falls. It has been Moody who has stepped up in the absence of last years leading scorer and all conference player Kendall Braaten who is dealing with a season long injury. It has been Moody who has brought the energy, the defense, and the hot shooting as the Titans look to find their way in the SWC this season.
Down 3-0, Hannah Miller made a bucket on a nice inside move while getting fouled to knot the game up at 3 apiece with a little over 5 minutes to play in the first. The game remained knotted up at 3 until Moody hit a three ball with 3:26 left to play in the first quarter and double up the Pioneers at 6-3.
The opening quarter would finish 12-5 in favor of Berea-Midpark. The Titans next 6 points coming from a steal and fast break created by Lauren Yee and capped by Moody. The other points came from 4 Lauren Yee free throws as she continued to push the action and get to the hoop.
Up 12-5 to start the second, Rylee Szojka went coast to coast to move the lead to 14-5 and give the Titans a nice cushion. From there, the Titans had another run out to increase the advantage to 16-5 as Yee made a Patrick Mahomes style full court pass, giving the Titans their first double digit lead of the night. It was then Lauren Yee’s turn for a run out layup as the 18 – 5 lead forced Elyria to call timeout and regroup.
Moody’s hot hand continued however as she nailed another three ball, to increase it to 21-5 on the Titans next possession. After a foul shot by Angelina Krasienko cut it to 21-6, the Titans went back to work with a Rylee Szojka three ball. Two more Hannah Miller free throws made it 24-8 and would be the final Pioneer points of the quarter as all 3 came on foul shots, they didn’t make a single field goal thanks in part to the Titan defense. The Titans finished the quarter on a 4-0 run with buckets from Moody and Taylor Kowalewski to make it 28-8 at the break.
The Titans would continue to cruise in the second half thanks to good ball movement, tight defense and the hot and of Moody.
Their next game is this Sunday on the road versus Archbishop Hoban. Elyria next plays at Avon next Wednesday.
