By John Orrell, Contributing Writer
Grafton / Millbury — Grafton versus Millbury in any high school sporting event is more than worth the price of admission, and the teams’ Jan. 12 matchup between girls’ varsity basketball teams in Millbury was no exception.
Border rivals for decades, the spirited and ardent competition between the two schools embodies what sports at the high school level should be all about and these two schools seldom disappoint.
Add to the equation that both teams were undefeated heading into the matchup and one can expect an even more passionate contest and a packed house besides. Neither team wished for a blemish in their heretofore perfect records, but it was Millbury (9-0, SWCL C) holding on to that distinction with a 53-43 triumph over the visiting Indians.
Millbury jumped out to an early 11-4 advantage before Grafton struck back with a 13-2 run in the second quarter. Baskets by Gigi LeMay, Anna Kopyra and Lauren Eddy led to the resurgence that put the Indians up 27-25 at the break. LeMay and Kopyra would go on to lead the team in scoring with eleven points each while Eddy hit for eight.
The third quarter would spell the undoing for Grafton (6-1, SWCL A) as Millbury broke from the gates with ten unanswered points that put them up 35-27. The Woolies defense stiffened holding Grafton to an uncharacteristically low point total. A key 3-point bucket by LeMay tightened the gap to 42-37 before a fourth quarter surge put this one in the win column for Millbury.
“We got away from what was working well in the second quarter, looking inside and using our post players,” said first-year GHS coach Jessica Shlager of her team’s second half struggles. “We were shooting too early in the shot clock, not giving our players time to set up for the offensive boards. We needed more patience against their zone and make sure we’re getting the best shot with a balanced floor.
“Zones give you offensive rebounding opportunities; quick shots can deny those opportunities. Defensively we were not getting out on their shooters. We needed to close better. Our press is often our best offense. When we don’t score, we can’t press and turn them over for transition hoops.”
“They’re our rivals, so it’s a huge win,” said Millbury head coach Steve Reno. “They’re one of the best teams in scoring in central Mass. so we knew our defense was going to be key.”
The 2016-2017 Indians are led by senior captains LeMay, Eddy and Meghan Montgomery. LeMay, a 1,000-point career scorer and SWCL MVP a year ago, is second in the conference in scoring with an average of 14 points per game and can bring it night after night offensively and defensively. Eddy and Montgomery are solid contributors on and off the hardwood and are counted on for leadership by Shlager.
‘They (captains) are a great group and all contribute in their own way,” Shlager said. “Gigi and Meg are more outspoken and lead by voice, while Lauren leads more by example. Their leadership is vital to our success thus far and going forward as we move through the season. Half our team is 9th and 10th graders. They all really look up to the seniors. Our seniors are excellent role models for the younger girls and will be missed next year.”
Other contributors to the Indians success are junior guards Mackenzie Breen and Erin Tyldesley along with sophomore guards Jenna Gordon, Calleigh Herren, Abigail Rogers and Kopyra. Promising freshman Taylor Paulauskas has looked solid and is expected to contribute for years to come. Kopyra is currently third in SWCL A scoring with an average of eleven points per game while Rogers is right behind her with ten.
“Gigi has a balanced game. She is strong and athletic, can take the ball inside off the dribble and her shooting continues to improve. She is also a willing passer, filling up the box score,” explained Shlager. “With Anya, she can step out and shoot the 3 opening the floor for the inside game. She continues to develop off the dribble. Erin is very quick, defends well and has good ball-handling skills. Off the bench, we also have guards who make plays and defend Jenna Taylor, and Meg.
“Inside we have two post players who play very smart in Abby and Lauren. It’s great because they look for each other, are willing passers and rebound well. We also have Mackenzie who can come out and shoot the 3 but also play down low and we have Calleigh who brings maximum effort working hard off the bench.”
The teams will match up once more when the Indians host their rivals Friday, Feb. 3. Expect the teams and their supporters to be out in full force especially so as this is a later-season matchup and playoff pairings will be decided in the campaign’s final homestretch. Shlager will continue to appreciate what her teams brings each and every night out.
“What I love most about this team is their attitude. They never give up and they work hard,” she said. “I love their spirit. Every game they come out and play hard with so much heart. They always leave everything they have out on the court. They’ve really meshed well together.”