by The Westlake Demons got out to a fast start and never relinquished their lead, as they beat the Bay Rockets 50-36. Behind a strong defensive effort and a great showing from their deep bench it was a strong all-around performance for the Demons.
The Demons got out to a dominant start in this game, scoring the first 9 points. Offense was hard to come by for the Rockets early on. Bay did not get on the board until Sophie Sharpnack knocked down a free throw with 1:36 to go in the first quarter. Ella Henton caught fire late in the first and finished with 8 points in the quarter. The Demons held a 16-6 lead after the first.
Westlake continued to extend their lead in the second quarter. The Demons bench was a huge reason for that. Ella Stanton and Rachel Nash each provided multiple buckets off the bench. Sophie Sharpnack was able to get some offense going for the Rockets, scoring 8 points in the first half. Westlake would take a 30-15 lead going into halftime.
Quinn O’Leary started off the third quarter strong for the Rockets. She scored a quick 5 points and helped Bay cut the deficit to 11. Westlake’s bench unit continued its strong play and helped them maintain their solid lead. Jacaia Onunwor was massive for the Demons in the second half. Onunwor excelled on both offense and defense, forcing turnovers and making a few tough shots. The Demons would go into the fourth quarter up 38-25.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter Westlake began to pull away and extend their lead. Onunwor’s high effort continued, and the Demons lead grew to 21. Norah Trefz would not let the Rockets go quietly, however. The sophomore guard caught fire and brought the Demons lead back down to 14. In the end, the Demons would win by a final score of 50-36.
The great performance from the bench unit was crucial in the Demon’s win tonight. Westlake head coach Brittney Matuschek said after the game “That’s why we try to get everybody in as much as we can, because we know they all deserve it. We tell a lot of them you’d be starting five on a lot of local teams.” Ella Henton led all scorers with 14, with Jacaia Onunwor not far behind with 11 points off the bench.
Player of the Game: Jacaia Onunwor
