Sunday, March 07, 1999
Mason girls live up to No. 1 ranking
Comets beat Sycamore 63-38
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
Enquirer contributor
WILMINGTON — The Mason girls basketball team passed its first test since being named No.1 in the USA Today Super 25 poll early in the week.
A 21-point effort by sophomore Michelle Munoz and the all-around play of senior Dallas Williams, spearheaded the Comets to a 63-38 victory Sat urday over Sycamore in a Division I district championship game at Wilmington College.
The victory gave Mason its third consecutive district title and sent the Comets into a regional semifinal Tuesday against the winner of today's game between Trotwood Madison and Huber Heights Wayne.
“I don't think we were anymore tight than in other games because of the ranking,” Mason coach Gerry Lackey said. “This was a championship game, and there was some excitement.”
Sycamore appeared to be a worthy opponent for 11/2 quarters, then Mason went 11-0 to end the second quarter and take a 32-19 halftime lead.
“You can't get out of a game plan against a team like Mason,” Sycamore coach Paula Hayden said. “We then got down by too much, and it's tough coming back.”
Mason played a nearly flawless game in the first half. The Comets didn't turn the ball over and went 11-of-21 from the field and 6-of-8 from the free throw line.
Lackey pointed to Mason's superior inside play as important.
“Sycamore had problems matching up with both of our big girls (Munoz and Williams) in the middle,” Lackey said. “(Beckie) Fischer was a good matchup on Dallas, but the other girl couldn't handle Michelle (Munoz).”
Lackey had nothing but praise for Williams.
“Dallas is the only senior starter and our leader on the floor,” Lackey said. “The kids look up to her.”
SYCAMORE (38) — Fitzwilson 1-3 0-0 2, Melvin 3-8 1-2 8, Austin 1-2 3-4 8, D unn 1-1 0-0 2, Agonafir-Smith 3-7 1-2 7, Fischer 3-7 0-0 6, Oppito 2-4 3-4 8, Mitchell-Israel 0-1 0-0 0. Totals: 14-33 8-12 38.
MASON (63) — Stein 0-1 0-0 0, Lippert 0-0 2-2 2, Ellis 0-1 1-2 1, Issenmann 2-7 0-0 6, Jones 5-11 0-0 12, Williams 8-10 1-2 17, Munoz 7-13 7-8 21, Imbus 2-2 0-0 4. Totals: 24-46 11-14 63.
Three-point field goals: M (4-7) Issenmann 2, Jones. S (2-6) Melvin, Oppito.
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