Fallston put its playoff face on yesterday, working smoothly on offense and defense, as it throttled visiting Joppatowne, 89-38, in a Harford County League game.
It was the 14th win in a row for the No. 4 Cougars (18-1, 13-0), while Joppatowne (14-5, 10-4) fell into a tie for second with C. Milton Wright in the standings.
Both teams will be in regional tournaments next week, although it seems certain Fallston, a probable No. 2 seed in Class 2A, will not have it as easy, and Joppatowne will not be in so deep in Class 1A.
"This was definitely regional preparation," Fallston coach Nancy Ferguson said. "We didn't play well last time [a 69-54 win after leading 32-24 at the half], but this time we did a good job. We spent a practice working on our defense, especially doubling up."
Joppatowne standout Brandi Barnes got a basket in the first quarter, and she went on to finish with 11 points. The Mariners didn't score in the second quarter.
Senior Erica Adams had the other nine first-quarter points and ended with 15 points.
"Sometimes, we're our own worst enemy because we want every ball, and just get too aggressive," said Ferguson of her different zone defenses. "It's hard to play a disciplined style, but this time we concentrated. Only 11 points for a half -- I'm proud of them for that."
Lynette Shelley, who guided Joppatowne to the Class 1A championship game last year, said, "We need to be mentally tougher, and more disciplined."
In falling behind 67-23 after three periods, the Mariners often went long stretches with more turnovers than shots.
"We knew we had to get together to get ready for the playoffs," said Lori Heffley, one of three on the team for a fourth straight season, most of them as starters. "We wanted to work hard, play our game, because we know we won't get any blowouts there [playoffs]."
The Cougars had five first-quarter scorers in jumping ahead, 23-11, and had a 46-11 halftime margin.
"We have a strong bench, too. The starters know if they get in trouble, someone can come in and play well," Heffley said. "Sometimes, they [substitutes] are better than the first five."
This time, the five starters totaled 61 of the points, topped by senior Jenny Weber with 17. Heffley added 14, including four baskets in the breakaway second quarter. Jessica Mook and Becky Bystry had eight apiece for the reinforcements.
Boys
C. Milton Wright 72, Aberdeen 60: Chris Rueckert scored 27 points to help C. Milton Wright (17-5) clinch the Harford County title with a victory over Aberdeen (13-9).
8, Gabe Neal scored 19 points for Aberdeen.