LONDONDERRY — After a slow opening week, Londonderry looks to be ready to rumble.
Refusing to decelerate against an overmatched Concord squad last night, the Lancers exhibited a dazzling display of selfless basketball in rolling to an 86-38 victory.
“In the first few games, we played hard and played well in spots but we didn’t do all the things we had to,” head coach John Fagula said of a tepid 2-1 start. “We were average.
“But in the last couple of games, they did the things we wanted them to do,” said head coach John Fagula. “We set goals for our games — field goal percentage, free throw percentage, 3-pointers, less than 15 turnovers — and they’ve been hitting those goals lately.”
Behind point guard Aliza Simpson’s infectious passing, Londonderry picked apart Concord’s zone defense. Finishing with 22 dimes on 32 baskets, the Lancers had nine of its 12 players register assists led by Simpson’s 12 including a pair of on-target no-look beauties for easy buckets.
“We’ve been playing together since elementary school and I know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses,” said the junior, who added 17 points and eight steals to her impressive stat line. “Even playing AAU ball (in the summer), it’s something I caught onto where I pass the ball so it’s easier for my teammate to work with.”
“When we push the tempo, it creates mismatches,” Fagula said. “Aliza seems to find her teammates in good spots. It’s up to (the other team) to stop her.”
Driving the offense and limiting turnovers, Simpson hooked up with senior Katherine Dzenis (12 points) in a game-defining second quarter. Leading by 10, Simpson dropped in seven points on fast breaks then turned playmaker, driving and dishing to Dzenis for three treys. Junior Jaime King sprinkled in nine points along the way, and when the carnage was done, Londonderry had scored 32 points in eight minutes, taking a 49-16 lead. The game was over.
“We usually do whatever the defense gives us,” said Dzenis. “I love shooting the 3, but we all have roles and we know what our roles are. We respect every team we play against and we always play hard.”
And even after three straight blowout wins, Dzenis sees work to be done.
“Maybe we can reduce our turnovers, get a few more rebounds. There’s always something to do.”
Londonderry 86, Concord 38
Concord (38): Brynne Rardin 3 8-10 14, Janessa Luciano 3 0-0 8, Cassidy Emerson 1 2-5 4, Peyton Osgood 2 0-0 4, Elizabeth Sinotte 2 0-0 4, Debra Morrill 1 0-0 2, Maegan Cudworth 1 0-0 2, Catherine Monroe 0 0-0 0, Veronyca Daniels 0 0-0 0, Nicole Jarry 0 0-0 0. Totals 13 10-15 38
Londonderry (86): Aliza Simpson 6 4-7 17, Casey Evans 7 1-2 15, Katherine Dzenis 4 0-1 12, Jaime King 3 1-1 9, Brittany Roche 3 0-0 8, Elisabeth Caron 2 2-2 6, Jenna Conroy 2 0-0 5, Kristen Enwright 1 3-4 5, Taylor Collins 2 0-0 4, Jordan Marett 2 0-0 4, Noelle Lambert 0 1-2 1, Kim Radzalovage 0 0-0 0. Totals 32 12-19 86
3-pointers: C — Luciano 2; L — Dzenis 4, King 2, Roche 2, Conroy, Simpson
Concord (0-6): 7 9 12 10 — 38
Londonderry (5-1): 17 32 19 18 — 86
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