Lady Devils press on to win

Published 12:00 am Sunday, December 19, 2004

For a team that had never pressed an opponent before Friday night, the Maplesville Lady Red Devils look like they’re ready to try something new.

The Lady Red Devils used a full-court press in the second half to overcome a slow start and rout the Isabella Lady Mustangs, 73-44, Friday night at Maplesville High School.

The 29-point victory improved Maplesville’s record to 5-2 overall.

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Victory appeared less than likely early on, as Isabella pulled out to a stunning 25-6 lead in the second period.

That, however, gradually changed in the second quarter as the Lady Red Devils rallied.

Brittany Seales gave a view of what was to come with a strong move to the hoop for a basket that started a three-point play to cut the deficit to 27-13. The Lady Red Devils trailed by a dozen at halftime, 29-17.

The real fun began for Maplesville in the third period. The Lady Red Devils went on a tear. Their full-court press made it a challenge for the Lady Mustangs to get the ball across mid-court.

Seales took advantage of the first Isabella turnover with a quick layup to make it 29-19. After the teams traded baskets, Maplesville used its dominating press to go on a 15-0 run. Daphne Green ignited the run with a backcourt steal and short baseline jumper to make it 31-27. Moments later, Jamie Deloach stole an Isabella pass in front of the Lady Mustangs’ bench and found Seales along the baseline for a 7-foot jumper to tie the game at 31 with just under five minutes to go in the third.

Green followed with a steal under the Isabella basket and court-length pass ahead to Melissa Pryor for a layup to give Maplesville a 33-31 lead. Three free throws stretched the margin to 36-31.

Isabella managed to battle back and tie the score at 36, but the momentum was only temporary. The Lady Red Devils responded with a 26-2 run capped by another press-induced Isabella turnover and two Green charity shots that made it 62-38.

“I told the girls they could get embarrassed on their own court or turn it around and play some basketball,” Bailey said. “I’m real pleased with the way they responded. We played the way we should have to start the game.”