GLENELG, MD — Without a single senior on his roster, Glenelg girls basketball coach Chris Beil knew that his team would be learning and improving on the fly this winter. But he didn't know just how much progress they would make in a few short months.
After averaging about 40 points per game in December, the young Gladiators have been an offensive juggernaut in January, posting a season-high 76 points in a win over Hammond coming out of winter break, and averaging more than 50 points per game in January.
The Gladiators' maturation was on full display during Thursday night's 65-39 win over visiting River Hill.
"We got good shots, good ball movement, we had 24 assists tonight," coach Chris Beil said. "I told the girls I wanted over 15, and we got 24 with just 10 turnovers. It's all about playing smart basketball."
Glenelg freshman Jessica Foster, who is averaging more than 14 points per game, scored 17 on Thursday night, including four three-pointers.
"She also distributed the ball. She realizes that if she gets the ball out of her hands it will eventually come back to her and she can score, and everyone gets to touch the ball," Beil said.
At least 10 different players either scored, or contributed a rebound, block, assist or steal for Glenelg in the win.
Sophomores Julia Wolfrey (14 points) and Bernice Hanlon (10), and junior Chelsea Henggeler (12), also scored double-digits.
"I'm very excited. The players can all develop and I even feel like we left a lot of points out there, too," Beil said. "I think every lay-up should go in."
One area that Glenelg will be looking to improve in is scoring against strong defenses. The Gladiators have averaged just 31 points per game in losses to Centennial (twice), Atholton, Mt. Hebron and Howard.
"Against the better teams we start to take a hit, but it's all a learning experience," Beil said. "We had good practices the last couple of days and we learn what the better teams do to us."
Junior Sydney Poindexter was a bright spot for River Hill in the loss, scoring a game-high 20 points, with 11 points coming in the first quarter.
Glenelg moves on to host Oakland Mills on Friday night — the Gladiators defeated the Scorpions in overtime in mid-December — while River Hill will try to bounce back at Long Reach.
RH (5-7): Poindexter 20, Buchiane 6, Hopkins 6, Patterson 4, Caddigan 3.
G (7-5): Foster 17, Wolfrey 14, Henggeler 12, Hanlon 10, Price 4, Twigg 3, Arrington 2, Butera 2.
Half: G 33-19