Fishman credits team's effort
West coach praises all from assistant coaches to bench players in getting team to state.
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Monday, March 03, 2008
WEST CHESTER TWP. — While basking in the moment of reaching the Final Four for the first time in school history, Lakota West High School girls basketball coach Andy Fishman was quick to dish out credit to the entire team. Including his four assistants.
Not only were Carlton Gray, Fred Thomas, Kevin Thomas and Andrea Carlberg instrumental in the Firebirds' 62-48 regional final victory over top-ranked Dublin Coffman on Saturday, March 1, they have been key in the program's development.
Extras
"This staff's been together for a long time," Fishman said. "They give so much extra time. The game plan that Fred put in place to Carlton taking the defense and I taking the offense — we executed it."
West's depth shined again in the postseason, as the bench outscored the Shamrocks' bench 15-3. Senior Stephanie Whitenack led the way with eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the third quarter, while sophomore Erica Almady (five) and junior Tessa Elkins (two) also scored off the bench.
"That's why we're where we are," Fishman said. "We have 15 girls, right now, that are giving it their all and getting us to where we are. We got great contributions."
Clutch from the line
When the third-ranked Firebirds needed to cash in from the free-throw line, they did.
West nailed its final eight attempts from the charity stripe — two each from senior Amber Gray and Whitenack, and four straight by junior Alexis Rogers — after previously going 4-of-15. The Firebirds were 11-of-15 in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
"We have stuff we need to improve upon," Fishman said. "In the fourth quarter, when it counted, we made our throws. Our shooting percentage improved throughout the game."
Final Four ready
When West's eight seniors were presented with the regional championship trophy, they were wearing ready-made Final Four-bound T-shirts prepared by Cooper Sports, Inc.
Up next: Youngstown Boardman
After cutting down the nets, the Firebirds' attention quickly turned to the next game — their state semifinal matchup with Youngstown Boardman (19-7) at 6 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Ohio State's Value City Arena.
"Winning two more games," said senior Quinessa Johnson when asked her thoughts about heading to the Final Four.
Contact this reporter at smatthews@coxohio.com.
