By Bill Bray
FREMONT – In everyone’s life a little rain must fall, such was the case as the Lady Giants struggled to pull out a TRAC victory over stingy Toledo Whitmer Thursday night at the PURPLE PIT.
The first half was a defensive struggle between the two teams which escalated in the second half. After scoring 11 first quarter points, the Giants were held to four points in an uncharacteristic offensive performance during the second period. But since turnabout is fair play, the Fremont defense, held the Lady Panthers to 13 first half points to take a 15-13 advantage into the locker room.
The offensive woes continued for Ross in the third period as Whitmer, along with poor offensive decisions saw the Lady Giants fall behind 23-18. The sputtering offense connected for just three points in the quarter with a bucket by Destiny Robinson and a foul shot make by Janiah Holmes.
“It was just one of those nights that was extremely ugly,” an angry Juan Vela said after the melee. I don’t know if they slowed us down or we slowed ourselves down. Our energy was not good. We played with a lack of the killer instinct. It felt like to me that the girls did not take Whitmer seriously.”
In the final period it was a combination of three ingrediencies. First was a purple defense that allowed Whitmer to score one point. Second was the nine points scored by Robinson and third was a huge basket by Janiah Holmes that put the Lady Giants back on top. “I’m glad Destiny is on our team and can score points,” Vela said. The all-district point guard scored 20 of her team’s 31 points in the win, and her six of seven makes from the foul line along with a three-pointer, allowed Ross to outscore Whitmer 13-1 to overtake and beat the Lady Panthers as they remain perfect after five games.
The Lady Blue Streaks are the next team coming to the Purple Pit Monday night.
Janiah Holmes (23) points were few and far between but this fourth quarter make put Ross back on top to stay.
Abby Cahill (21) played a tough defensive game for the Lady Giants. Here she took a shot during fourth quarter action.
Carma Johnson (15) was one of three players that scored for Ross.
Whitmer had no answer for Ross’ Destiny Robinson as the junior led Ross with 20 points.
Lyndi Wolf (32) scores an assist on this fourth quarter play that led to a basket for Ross.
“They’re playing tough, why aren’t we?” coach Juan Vela barked at his struggling team during a time out.
Lady Giants score sheet
Toledo Whitmer score sheet