Schools
East Hampton Girls Trounce Shelter Island in Regular Season Opener
New found dedication is paying off following the Lady Bonackers' disappointing previous season.
The varsity girls basketball team more than doubled Shelter Island's points in the first game of their regular season on Wednesday night. The Lady Bonackers beat the Indians, 47 - 23 on the Indians' turf.
Having played just three games so far, including two in the Hampton Hoops Classic last weekend, the team has already surpassed the number of victories from their disappointing 2009-10 season. They are now 2 -1. More players are contributing points, coach Howard Wood said, adding that they have more focus and drive than last season.
As a team the girls set a record for themselves having nine scorers in a single game, Wood said. With a game-high 17 points, sophomore Kaelyn Ward led the Lady Bonackers with enthusiasm, the coach said, to triumph over Shelter Island.
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Wood said the team has two focuses this season: simplicity and communication. "A pick and roll is the most simplistic of plays, and the most effective," he said. As the girls have been practicing, Wood hopes that the girls will continue to communicate and protect each other during such plays.
Prior to the match-up, Wood warned his team that "Shelter Island was an aggressive team." He said he reminded them that "Defense wins games."
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Wood stated, "Having a less than impressive season last year was the best thing that happened to our team." Following last season, the girls, as a group, he said, insisted they be enrolled in a spring and summer league to prepare for this season.
Following the spring league, Wood said he noticed a turning point. "Every single one of them showed up at 10 a.m. the night after the Junior Prom. To me that says it all; that says dedication."
With Louis O'Neal, who comes from a military background, on board as the new assistant coach, the girls are gaining new found discipline, Wood said. The girls expect intense practices from their coaches, he said.
Wood said his girls will "be playing along hard teams, but the Lady Bonackers will be a team to compete against this season."
East Hampton will take on the the McGann-Mercy Lady Monarchs on Friday in Riverhead.
