Big third quarter lifts Thorpe

When asked to define his team at this point of the season following its 72-41 win over Lehighton, Jim Thorpe coach Rob Kovac said, “We’re improving.”

Those who watched Monday night’s game might think that’s a peculiar word to describe the Olympians — who have defeated 18 of their 19 opponents thus far this season — especially after the home team outscored the Indians, 30-3 in the third period.

Despite the lopsided final score, however, there are still areas where Kovac wants to see continued improvement from his team.

Against Lehighton, there were defensive lapses and impatient shooting early in the game. Alexis Solomon’s put back got Lehighton even at 10-10 late in the opening quarter. But Thorpe finished the period with a 6-0 run on two free throws from Mackenzie Yuhas, a full court layup by Skyler Searfoss and a short jumper by Taylor Craigie.

Just when it seemed that the Olympians would go on one of their patented scoring runs, the Indians fought back. Hailey Miller and Taylor Bowman drained three -pointers and Solomon’s layup put Lehighton ahead, 18-16, at the 5:45 mark of the second period.

Thorpe flexed its muscles in the final four minutes before the intermission as its pressure defense led to turnovers and points off the transition. Searfoss scored 10 points in the quarter on an assortment of driving layups and free throws as the Olympians took a 33-23 lead into halftime.

Kovac said his locker room was calm and quiet at the break, even though they knew they were not playing like they know they can.

“Give Lehighton and coach (Joe) Berezwick credit,” said Kovac. “I think they are the most improved team in our division. We had to turn up our defensive pressure in the second half and keep passing for better shots and we did,” he said.

In the third period, the Olympians showed how scary good they can be by completely dominating play. They pressured every inbounds pass, they forced turnovers at the half court line, and they rebounded aggressively.

Thorpe executed its passing game with precision, working the ball inside to Olivia Smelas, who scored eight of her 10 points off the glass in the period. Yuhas, who finished the game with 14 points, also was a factor in the period.

That combination of smothering defense and efficient offense led to a dominating eight minutes of play that increased the Thorpe lead to 63-26 heading into the final quarter.

“Pressure the ball, cut off passing and driving lanes, keep opponents’ guards dribbling around the perimeter, score off transitions and execute passes until a high percentage shot can be taken,” said Kovac. “That’s what we want to do, and that’s what we did in the third quarter.”

As Jim Thorpe piles up the wins on its march to postseason play at Martz Hall, Kovac feels he still hasn’t seen his team play its best game.

“In big games, we can’t have lapses. We have to be consistent. We’re getting there, but like I said, we are still improving.”

The loss dropped Lehighton to 8-11 on the season.

“Our triangle defense gave them some problems in the first half and our kids played well to stay in the game.” said Lehighton coach Berezwick. “I thought we played a darn good first half, but then the game quickly got away from us in the third quarter.”

JOIN THE PARTY … Good teams are often measured by unselfish play and a balanced scoring attack. Nine of JT’s 13 players who saw action contributed points in the victory.

SEVEN ON SENIOR NIGHT … Jim Thorpe senior Taylor Craigie picked the perfect night to score her season-high seven points with a strong game in the paint.

LEHIGHTON

Klotz 1-1-2-3, Wolter 1-0-0-2, Haley 0-0-0-0, McGee 0-0-0-0, Marchessault 0-0-0-0, Miller 4-2-3-11, Bowman 2-0-0-5, Wojton 1-0-0-2, Fisher 2-2-2-7, Gaston 0-1-2-1, Solomon 4-0-0-8, Schappell 1-0-0-2, Moultrie 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 16-6-9-41.

JIM THORPE

Cinicola 0-0-0-0, Scott 1-0-0-2, Snisky 3-0-0-6, Berger 0-0-0-0, Yuhas 4-6-7-14, Leight 1-0-0-2, Hurley 3-3-3-10, Searfoss 5-9-11-19, O. Smelas 5-0-2-10, Solt 1-0-0-2, Rosahac 0-0-0-0, H. Smelas 0-0-0-0, Craigie 3-1-4-7. TOTALS: 25-19-27-72.

Lehighton 12 11 3 15 - 41

Jim Thorpe 16 17 30 9 - 72

Three-pointers: Lehighton - Bowman 1, Miller 1, Fisher 1; Jim Thorpe - Hurley 1.