by Todays recap is brought to you by – https://keeonsports.com/sponsors/
It was another impressive effort by the Rocky River Pirates as they corralled the Lutheran West Longhorns 64-33 today in the opening round of the Holiday Classic. It was Natalie Swallow getting red hot from deep as she led all scorers with 18 points including 12 of them coming from long distance.
Ava Patti had herself a night for the Pirates as she finished with 17 points. Patti scored in every quarter. Sophia Murray and Mackenzie each had 6 for the Pirates. Taylor Spies, Kelsey Murphy, Kylie Crane and Sophia Sindelar each found the scoresheet as well.
The Longhorns were led by Carina Cedeno who had 17 points, including 8 of them in the fourth quarter. Cedeno buried 2 3’s from deep in the fourth. She was assisted in scoring by Evelyn Albers who finished with 6 points herself.
The Pirate defense came right out and showed everyone why they are a favorite to win the GLC this season. A swarming attack to the ball didn’t allow the Longhorns to having any breathing room as the Pirates jumped out to a 6-0 lead midway through the opening quarter. A Grant CeAujanay bucket would stop the run before a Pirate three ball by Natalie Swallow increased the River lead to 9-2. Rocky River would use their full court press to extend the lead to 17-8 after one quarter of action.
Natalie Swallow came out in the second quarter and buried two straight three balls to begin the second quarter and extend the lead to 23 – 8. Made shots by Sophia Murray and Mackenzie Russell would then run the lead out to 27-8 and pretty much put the game out of reach.
A basket by Savanah Crowley of Lutheran West would finally stop the run. It didn’t matter however as the Pirates continued to press and sink threes as they built a commanding 36-17 halftime lead. Swallow went off in the quarter with 11 more points, 9 from beyond the arc. Sophia Murray also had some impressive dimes in the quarter as well.
The third quarter began by following the same script for the Pirates, airtight defense leading to turnovers and runouts. Before you could blink, the Pirates put together a nice 10 – 2 run to start the half as Sophia Murray dished out more dimes then a slot machine in Vegas. This built the lead to a dominating 46-19 mark for the Pirates. This time it was a Evelyn Albers shot to stop the run for the Longhorns.
The Pirates would finish the quarter on top of the Longhorns 51-23. A 9-2 run highlighted by a Ava Patti three ball would increase the lead to 60-25 and secure the running clock.
The Pirates went on to win 64-33. They now advance to play Firelands in tomorrows championship game at Rocky River High School at 3pm.
