Campus News
January 31st, 2022
Lakers parlay another fast start into another easy hoop triumph
GC women open with 10-0 run while routing Wolfpack, 88-37
You apparently need to get to the CARC gymnasium early if you want to see any meaningful women's basketball action.
Garrett College (11-2) used an opening, 10-0 run to quickly seize control of Friday afternoon's contest against visiting Westmoreland County Community College. The Lakers didn't let their foot off the gas until posting an 88-37 triumph that stretched their winning streak to six games.
"They were really impressive running through the plays and switching up the defense," said GC head coach JT Lewis, whose squad has posted victory margins of 45 points or more 4 times during their current win streak.
Aliyah Tucker scored a game-high 22 points – just 2 off of her career high – while leading 5 Lakers into double figures.
"We've got a lot of talent and everyone can score," observed Lewis. "We've had a lot of different high scorers, which is good for the team. Aliyah just seemed to take her time on her shot and she wasn't forcing it."
"We actually practice that [sharing the ball]," said Tucker, who also had a game-high 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. "Everyone can score," she added, echoing her coach's comments.
Josie Canales added 21 points, collected 9 rebounds, dished out 5 assists and came up with a team-high 4 steals in another strong all-around effort. Josias Mickens (17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists), Jersey Wise (12 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists), and Harmoni Swain (10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) also finished in double figures.
Meanwhile, Shay Barlow continued to regain her timing after being out due to illness, contributing 6 points and 7 rebounds.
"Shay got a few more shots than normal and played really well," said Lewis.
Wise jump-started the Laker offense, hitting 3-pointers from opposite corners to start the game. Tucker then scored an inside layup off a nice entry pass from Mickens, and Swain sank a jumper off a kick-out from Tucker to give the Lakers a 10-0 lead less than 3 minutes into the game.
All 5 Laker starters scored – with Tucker and Wise getting 6 points apiece – in an opening quarter that ended with GC holding a 23-8 advantage. Tucker tacked on 6 more points and Mickens had 5 in the second quarter as the Lakers stretched their lead to 40-16 at the half.
GC had a 63-27 advantage heading to a fourth quarter that was a mere formality.
Makayla Boda scored a team-high 14 points and Angel Kelly added 11 for the winless Wolfpack (0-3).
The Lakers visit Anne Arundel Community College Wednesday at 5 p.m.
