Friday, March 17, 2000
Mason won't settle for second best
Comets need 2 wins for title
BY DAVE SCHUTTE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Losing is no longer an option for the Mason girls basketball team.
“Second isn't good enough,” sophomore forward-guard Jere' Issenmann said. “We're going to Columbus to win it all.”
Undefeated and ranked No.1 in the Associated Press Division I poll, Mason meets No.10 Cleveland East Tech (24-1) in a state semifinal game today at 9p.m. at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center.
Defending state champion Pickerington, No.6 in the final Associated Press poll, plays Parma Heights Holy Name (No.12) in the other semifinal at 7 p.m. The winners play Saturday at 8:30p.m. for the state title.
“They (East Tech) came from behind in the fourth quarter in both the regional semifinal and championship games,” Mason coach Gerry Lackey said. “They put a lot of defensive pressure on the entire game and it seems like they wear teams down in the second half.”
An up-tempo team, East Tech is built around all-state center Barbara Turner, a 6-
foot-1 sophomore who averages 24.4 points and 11.2 rebounds a game.
“I understand the Turner girl is a big-time college prospect,” Lackey said. “She's a good post player who is an outstanding shooter.”
Turner will be paired against Division I Player of the Year Michelle Munoz, Mason's 6-foot junior center who averaged 20.5 points and nine rebounds.
East Tech's floor leader is point guard Khadijah Abdul-Hagg, a 5-3 speedster who triggers the fast break and leads the team in assists with six a game while scoring 14.2 points.
Danisha Garrison is the Scarabs' best outside threat. She averages five 3-pointers a game and 19.8 points.
Forward Juwana Rivers, a 5-7 junior, is the fourth East Tech player averaging in double figures at 12.6 while 5-9 sophomore forward Tiera Allen (4.8 ppg) rounds out the lineup.
“I haven't seen East Tech play but I understand they're very athletic and quick,” Lackey said. “They press and trap the entire game but they'll also use a 1-3-1 zone.”
If East Tech has an advantage, it's depth.
While Lackey relies on six and sometimes seven players, East Tech coach William Stoval uses 10 players in nearly every game.
“We haven't played a team like this although Toledo Central Catholic's trademark is pressure and we handled it,” Lackey said. “We have a number of good ball handlers who must take care of the ball.”
Lackey is referring to guards Racquel Ellis (6.2 ppg) and Susan Lippert, along with senior forward Beth Jones (12.6 ppg), who suffered through a 0-for-10 shooting game in the semifinals against Beavercreek.
Because of East Tech's size 6-foot senior Jenny Imbus (7 ppg) also is expected to see a lof ot action.
“We're not going to slow it down,” Lackey said. “But if we can keep the score in the 50s or 60s, we'll be better off.”
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