Canfield rolls to another victory

Staff report

CORTLAND

Canfield coach Pat Pavlansky liked most phases of his team’s 66-51 win over Lakeview, but there’s one area that must be addressed before the Cardinals’ game against Howland on Thursday.

“Our defense didn’t play as well, collectively, but they [Lakeview’s offense] did a nice job spreading us out and taking us to the hoop,” said Pavlansky. “But we’d better straighten that out because we have a big game against Howland on Thursday.”

Another bell that had more melodious ring to it was the balanced scoring displayed by the Cardinals.

“We had four girls in double figures,” said Pavlansky. “That’s the first time for that this year, so that’s a nice positive.”

Sophomore forward Sabrina Mangapora led the way with 20 points, followed by Cally Wollet with 14, Abby Baker with 13 and Sarah Vrabel’s 10.

After putting up 60 points against Boardman recently, Canfield (4-1) had its season-high Monday night.

The 6-1 Mangapora and Vrabel, a junior forward, led the rebounding for Canfield, whose lone loss was to Struthers.

Aided by Ali Gagne’s game-high 25 points, second-year coach Adam Lewis said that his Bulldogs (3-3) were within striking distance even after digging themselves a hole in the first half under Canfield’s intense defensive pressure.

“We were even in the third quarter,” he said of both teams scoring 14 points, but we had some opportunities that we didn’t capitalize on,” Lewis said of forcing Canfield into turnovers, yet not taking advantage of them.

Because Lakeview had difficulty setting up its offense the Bulldogs formed a strategy when they were down by 13 [37-24] at halftime.

“Our staff decided that the best option was to spread the floor. They were overplaying us. Then we managed a lot of back-door cuts and had opportunities, but didn’t capitalize on those turnovers we forced,” he said of forcing the Cardinals into four turnovers. “But we couldn’t get it done on the offensive end. Weren’t able to finish.”

Because of injuries sustained in the Girard game, Lakeview had to use some players with no varsity experience, like Alli Pavlik, a freshman who had nine points against Canfield.

“She didn’t play in a varsity game until tonight,” Lewis said. “She did well for us.”

Alisha Nichols added 10 points for the home team.

Lewis said he took Gagne aside at halftime.

“I talked to her about taking it stronger to hoop. In the first half, she was fading away from the basket and not getting in the mix of things. I told her that she’s got to be stronger inside.

“ ‘You won’t get a call fading away from the hoop,’ Lewis said he told his 5-10 junior forward who is averaging 23 ppg. Gagne also had 11 rebounds.

“She adjusted well and gave us that spark we needed. In the second half, she zeroed in and took over and we kept attacking the hoop. Canfield has a really solid program, but I’m proud how our girls didn’t back down.”

Although Lakeview shot 47 percent from field (19 of 40) and 71 percent from the line (10-14), early foul trouble hurt the Bulldogs.