Quakers make a statement in win
SALEM — Two of the area’s premier girls basketball teams in Division II, Salem and Struthers, matched up in a prequel to a possible tournament game next March.
The Quakers left little doubt that they will be the favorites after they handled Struthers rather easily, 57-32, on Thursday night.
When asked if this could be a statement game for the Quakers, Salem coach Jeff Andres answered with a definite “yes.”
“The kids rose to the occasion,” Andres said. “They understand how good we can be and we’ve talked about goals we have set and this is just another step to attain those goals.
“We are very confident that we can be a fantastic club and we’re definitely on our way.”
The Quakers (4-0) were on their way right from the opening tip.
After trading baskets with the Wildcats in the first five minutes, Salem went on a 12-0 run to end the first quarter and led 20-8.
Salem’s outstanding senior, Amy Scullion, who will play next year at Ohio State, and a host of talented shooters were just too much for Struthers.
Danielle Kruegel and Chelsea Fuson hit 3-pointers in the first quarter and Scullion added a couple of baskets and a free throw to lead the assault.
While Salem’s offense worked effectively all night, the Quakers defense went to work on shutting down Struthers (3-2) and their 1,000-point scorer Dana Mathews.
Mathews was held to just two field goals in 14 attempts for four points while Struthers other scoring threat, Helen-Marie Hird was hampered by foul trouble most of the game and also scored only four points.
“We know each other well,” Andres said. “We know that Dana Mathews and Helen Hird are good ball players and we game-planned for that.
“I’ve got kids as tough as nails and they buy into the challenge of shutting down the other team’s best players.”
Scullion was the catalyst for the Quakers not only on the offensive end but on defense as well.
“We came out and played really well and we had a great defensive effort,” said Scullion who scored a game-high 13 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. “Struthers is a good team and I know we are going to see them later on down the line.
“I don’t know if this is really representative of how the can play later on this season but I’m really proud of the way we played tonight.”
Salem’s defense held Struthers to single digits in scoring in the first, second and third quarters and had the game put away by halftime.
At the break, the Quakers led by 20 points, 33-13.
“Salem played a good ballgame,” said Struthers coach John Grandy. “They were obviously very prepared and did a great job of doing what they had to do to shut us down.
“I’m hoping that we get to see them again later and if we do that will be a much more important game and that’s all we’re hoping for.
“We didn’t play a good game and our girls know that but I think we’re capable of bouncing back and playing a lot better.”
Struthers was led by Ashley Baron who scored seven points and had six rebounds.
Salem’s Danielle Perry had eight points while Taylor Sauerwein added seven.