Rockets find comfort, victory in the zone

January 21, 2006|By CHRIS CARTER

MERCERSBURG, Pa. -

For a tactic that James Buchanan coach Becky Miller doesn't like to employ, the zone defense turned out to be the spark that lit the fuse for the Rockets on Friday night.

Scotland scorched JB on cuts through the lane for easy layups in an 18-point first quarter, which led Miller to resort to the zone - a defense she admitted she is not a proponent for.

While Miller isn't a fan of using the zone, it proved to be a valuable strategy as the Rockets held the Kaydettes to just 14 points over the final three quarters to notch a 59-32 Mid-Penn Capital victory. The Rockets sweep the season series.

"We went to a zone defense - something I don't like to do," Miller said. "That's typical of (Scotland) though. We usually have to go to a zone against them to prevent giving up easy baskets."

JB (12-4, 6-0) trailed 18-17 after the first quarter, but went on a 22-2 run spanning the second and third quarters to take a commanding 39-20 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the third. The cutting opportunities that Scotland had used to keep up with the Rockets had disappeared after the defensive switch.

"Once we started using the zone we packed the inside and they couldn't cut through anymore," said Rockets guard Alicia Myers, who topped the 1,000 point mark late in the first quarter and finished with a game-high 20 points.

"To be able to hold them to 14 points in three quarters is quite an accomplishment," Miller said. "I thought we gave a heck of an effort defensively."

The Rockets forced 26 turnovers and limited Scotland to just six baskets after the shaky first quarter. JB also controlled the game from the free-throw line, converting 14 of 18 shots, while the Kaydettes (5-6, 2-3) hit on just 4 of 10.

Kayla Meyers added 12 points and Amanda Snider chipped in with 10 for the Rockets.

Chanelle Taylor led Scotland with 17 points.

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