Friday, January 19, 2007

Panthers trounce Blue Devils 60-25

Victory bodes well for upcoming district tourney


By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

Carey Panther point guard Jennifer Cenarrusa (No. 21) delivers the ball close-up to teammate Kayla Bailey in a game earlier this year. The Panthers evened their record at 8-8 with a 60-25 victory Tuesday over the Dietrich Blue Devils. Photo by David N. Seelig

The Carey High School girls' varsity basketball team went on a shooting rampage Tuesday night on its home court hardboards. Defense wasn't bad either, as the Panthers drubbed the Dietrich Blue Devils 60-25.

It wasn't the Carey girls' best offensive outing of the season—they scored 77 points earlier this year in a victory over Oakley—but it was impressive nonetheless.

Four Panthers scored in double digits. Allison Shaffer led the team with 17 points. Jessica Parke contributed 14, while Kelsey Green chipped in 11 and Amy Ellsworth contributed 10.

But Panther coach Lane Durtschi was more impressed with his team's defense.

"I think right now our defense is coming along well," he said. "We're doing pretty well so hopefully it keeps going."

Durtschi lauded the play of point guard Jennifer Cenarrusa, who helped set the team up for a lot of its points.

"She hasn't scored as much as some of the other girls, but that's because she's doing other things for us," he said.

The Panthers dominated the Blue Devils throughout, leading 16-5 after the first quarter, 32-10 at half and 48-12 at the end of the third.

Durtschi said his young team, which is dominated by juniors, sophomores and freshman, has gained in confidence and maturity over the course of the season.

"We're calming things down and not having as many turnovers," he said. "Earlier in the year we we're rushing the ball a lot. But the girls have more confidence now and they're slowing it down and passing the ball better."

The 8-8 Panthers (4-5 league) play their final game of the regular season at home tonight against the Camas County Mushers. It's senior night, but with Shaffer as the only senior on the team, she's likely to receive all the accolades.

Tuesday's victory bodes well for the Panthers going into next week's Northside 1A Sub-District tournament in Dietrich. The Panthers will play their first game on Wednesday, Jan. 24.




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