The Mount Gilead girls’ basketball team’s defense of the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference (KMAC) title started off strong, with the Indians tromping the Galion Tigers 61-25 on opening night in non- conference action.
Faith White showed her defensive prowess in the first quarter with a block early, and then Aubrey Thomas put the Indians up 5-2 on a three. At the other end of the floor, Thomas swatted away a shot for a block of her own.
In the second quarter the Indians pulled away, going up 18-7 on a steal and fast break score by White. This sparked an 8-0 run that included a three by Danielle Pohlkotte. Later in the quarter, Pohlkotte struck again from downtown to put the Indians up 31-17. They tacked two more points, and then Pohlkotte drained another three to go up 36-17.
Fast forward to the fourth quarter and the Indians were up 47-20 when Ava Baker denied a shot. Solid defense also led to a fast break score by Pohlkotte to take a 49-20 lead. White got in on the three point action to put them up 56-25. Cassady Irwin had a block later in the quarter and the Indians held on for a lopsided win.
Thomas had four steals against Galion, while Pohlkotte hit four shots from downtown and White had three steals.
Mount Gilead led in rebounds 34-29, assists 17-2, steals 15-5 and blocks 4-1. They shot 45% and 38% from deep, while hitting 88% of their free throws. The defense stepped up allowing a shooting percentage of 20% and 12% from three.
Coach Nick Vukovich said that the Indians, who went 19-7 last season, have a goal to defend the KMAC title and get back to the district championship. They returned six letter winners (White, Pohlkotte, Thomas, Baker, Olivia Long and Greer Simpson. White was All-Ohio and second team All-KMAC last season, averaging 9.2 points and 2.3 steals per game. The team has one newcomer in Maddie Damron.
Vukovich likes what he sees from the squad, saying that where they lack in size and rebounding skills, they add in experience, speed and basketball IQ.
“We are quicker and have experience,” Vukovich said. “Last year's team was learning a new system where this team has that experience already.”
Next up is a home game against Utica on Nov. 29.
