Vikings dominate Bucs to sail to 57-32 victory
In the back end of a girls’ basketball two-game series between local rivals Cape and Milford Feb. 4, the Vikings cruised to a 57-32 victory after a first-quarter score of 20-4.
A few adjustments to the team’s press paved the way for the fast start.
“I like our new press a lot; by having another guard up top, we can close the gaps where the opponents would normally break our press,” said junior Maya Yngve. “It also provided us the opportunity to get quick steals before Milford could even get past half-court.”
Yngve said it’s similar to their other press defense, but she believes it is more effective. Cape assistant coach Chuck Hudson said it was the first time the Vikings implemented it in a game. It resulted in 12 steals for the visitors.
A closer second quarter led Cape to a 29-9 advantage to start the third. The girls then padded their lead to 45-16. The Vikings dominated in the paint and made their second chances count as they expanded their advantage. In the fourth, Milford doubled up its score from the first three quarters, but Cape prevailed in the 57-32 win to secure the season sweep.
Seniors Havyn Greene and Hayden Hudson tied for the team lead with seven rebounds. Amalia Fruchtman was third with six rebounds and led the Vikings with 14 points, finishing two ahead of Greene’s 12.
“We know we have a size advantage, and at practice, it is key to work on the relationship between Hayvn and myself both in the high and low post,” Hudson said. “Passing the ball around as much as we can is the best way for success for our team, especially around the post.”
Cape tallied 14 assists, passing up great shots for excellent ones.
“We are just trying to play inside-out; get to the paint either by way of the pass or drive, and look to score,” said Cape coach Pat Woods. “If the defense collapses, kick it out for a catch and shoot three.”
Woods said the girls' increased commitment to getting the ball into the paint paid off with closer looks and more trips to the foul line as the game went on.
