Already off to a strong start, the West Genesee girls basketball team would have a better idea of its own position following Thursday night’s key early clash with Corcoran.
And by the time it was done, the Wildcats were feeling even better, having mostly relied on its defense to take over in the second half earn an impressive 47-32 victory over the Cougars.
Neither side could make any sustained run in the first two periods. This played to Corcoran’s advantage, and WG went to halftime looking at a 21-18 deficit.
Gradually, though, the Wildcats’ defensive pressure began to force the Cougars into mistakes. As a result, Corcoran’s production decreased, to the point where it only managed three points in the fourth quarter as WG drew away.
On the offensive end, the Wildcats spread things around. Melissa Fumano led with 13 points, with Kara Datellas and Vicki Graveline joining her in double figures as they got 10 points apiece. Marissa Hudgins chimed in with seven points.
To tune up for Corcoran, the Wildcats tore into East Syracuse-Minoa last Tuesday in a superb all-around effort that produced a 53-17 romp over the Spartans.
Pressure applied from the opening tip led to all kinds of offense in the first quarter and an 18-4 Wildcat lead. And it kept building from there, WG not taking any margin for granted and maintaining its strong defense all the way through.
Fumano, with 19 points, outscored ESM by herself, adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Graveline contributed 11 points and four rebounds, while Katie Regin had nine points and Allie Theberge added six points, four rebounds and two blocks. Hudgins matched Fumano with six rebounds of her own.
At 3-0 following the win over Corcoran, the Wildcats go to Oswego on Tuesday before a tough non-league game against its neighbors from Westhill on Dec. 17 at 11:30 a.m.
