The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
It was a team effort Monday night as the Long Beach Poly girls basketball team went on the road and opened Moore League play with a 74-20 victory over Long Beach Wilson.
“We were more concerned about how we play tonight,” Poly coach Carl Buggs said. “I thought we fouled too much, we can get steals but they can be too aggressive in getting them and that’s not good defense.”
The Jackrabbits kicked off the night with their full-court press and forced a young Bruins team into some turnovers that allowed Poly to jump out to a 16-6 lead after the first quarter.
Jordyn Washington and Brooklyn Taylor set the tone early scoring four points each and Taylor used her size advantage to grab rebounds that allowed Poly to have multiple shot attempts. Taylor scored a game-high 12 points while Poly got the entire team involved.
“We know what to expect when Poly comes walks into the gym,” Wilson coach Erin Carey said. “I don’t have the point guard that I can go to, so we’re throwing people in spots they’re not comfortable in – I thought they handled the pressure pretty well. There were some glimmers of showing what we could be capable of.”
The Jackrabbits rotated in their entire bench and all 13 scored for Poly. Defense led to offense as Poly scored 31 points in the second quarter to take a 47-12 lead at the break.
The Jackrabbits defense allowed everyone to get involved on offense as Sydney Lewis-Boyd (4 points), Nevaeh Lemons (9 points), Jazmyne Shamburger (11 points), Helena Vu (2 points), Jaleina Taliauli (2 points), Laniya Tyler (5 points) and Andrea Perkins (4 points) all scored.
For Wilson, Tristin Foafoa scored a team-high nine points with six coming in the second half.
In the second half, Poly focused on getting everyone opportunities and worked on the offense.
“We got some chances to work on our 3-point shots,” Buggs said. “They weren’t falling but we didn’t shoot the ball too well. But overall I’m pleased with the win and it’s a good way to start the league off.”
