Ken Roberts
For The New Era
Estacada used the height of Megan Feldman to execute multiple pick and rolls inside to come back from an eight-point deficit to defeat Sweet Home 34-28 last Saturday on the Huskies’ home court.
It was the Huskies’ second loss to Estacada, which beat them previously 32-21.
The Rangers’ success with the pick and roll caught coach John Barnes off guard.
“We run a lot of that in practice,” explained Barnes. “It was a little surprising that we didn’t do as well as we should have.”
Barnes felt it was a game Sweet Home could have won.
“We showed that we could break the press in the first quarter,” stated Barnes. “We had our opportunities in the fourth quarter. We had good shots; they just didn’t go in.”
Sweet Home employed the use of the three-point shot in the first quarter to establish a 13-8 margin. Annie Whitfield opened with the first one. But it was Megan Rubidoux, who scored all of her game-high eight points at the end of the quarter that gave the Huskies momentum.
“I just happened to be confident,” said Rubidoux, who was more concerned about the team. “We just have to get over it and get ready for the next game. Forget the negatives and keep the positives.”
Devyn Makin opened the second quarter with a traditional three-point play on a drive and a free throw that gave the Huskies their biggest lead. However, the Huskies, with a host of substitutes entering, allowed the Rangers to score six points in less than a minute on two pick-and-rolls for Feldman and one press break steal that created two points for her sister, Jordan. While neither team could mount an offense during the period, a free throw by Jenny Hamn kept the Huskies in the lead at halftime, 17-15
Megan Feldman continued to be a problem in the third quarter as Estacada re-acquired the lead for the first time since the first quarter. Hamn scored all four points for the Huskies in the period. Trailing by five in the final quarter, the Huskies made a valiant effort after a basket by Whitfield and two free throws by Emili Riggs brought them within two.
In the end, Sweet Home couldn’t make key shots and Estacada cleared the boards.
The Rangers scored the final four points on an offensive rebound and two free throws.
“A lot of kids are bummed right now,” said Barnes. “I like that. They can see that we are improving and want to win.”
Hamn led the Huskies with seven rebounds, followed by six for Paige Niemi, who also led the Huskies defensively with two blocks, a steal, and two deflections that led to steals.
The Huskies open league play on the road, first at Central, the Val-Co pre-season favorite, on Tuesday, and then against 3-5 Philomath on Friday. Philomath is an interesting case, having been soundly defeated by five top-echelon programs but also recording three victories against lesser opponents.
“Everything runs through their best player, Cassandra Noble,” said Barnes. “We just have to do what we do well, cut down on turnovers, and figure out a consistent rotation.”
Sweet Home 13 4 4 7 €“ 28
Estacada 8 7 9 10 €“ 34
Sweet Home: Rubidoux 8, Hamn 7, Whitfield 6, Makin 3, Niemi 2 , Riggs 2
Estacada: M.Feldman 17, Alregger 7, J.Feldman 6, N.Alradhi 2, Williams 2