By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Five players scored in double figures as the East High girls’ basketball team took a double-digit lead into halftime and cruised to its second straight win with an 86-67 victory over the School of the Arts (SOTA) Silverhawks.
Imani Oliver and Ali’Yana Robinson combined for 13 points in the first quarter when the Eagles outscored SOTA 22-13.
“The key to us getting out an early lead was being able to apply pressure on the opposing team with our press to create turnovers,” first-year East head coach Moe Jones said. “Once we created the turnovers we were able to get the ball up the floor for layups.”
Oliver connected on three field goals including one 3-pointer for seven points during the first eight minutes of play. Robinson added six points of her own.
SOTA cut the deficit to five late in the second quarter, but Gabriella Brown-Sturdviant scored seven of her team-high 23 points to help East push its advantage to 11 going into the break.
“SOTA fought pretty hard to get the lead down,” Jones noted. “They have a couple good players over there who don’t miss often from the free throw line and will light you up if you leave them open.
“Once we noticed the lead dwindling down, we were able to make some key defensive stops and follow the lead of Gabriella who stepped up in a big way to put the team on her shoulders and made sure we stayed on top to secure the win.”
Gabriella Brown-Sturdviant gets to the basket for 2. @GoEastEagles with a 41-34 lead late in the second quarter. pic.twitter.com/RsbKmcdcKK
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 16, 2021
Brown-Sturdviant finished the game with eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal.
The Eagles scored seven straight to run their lead to 20 early in the fourth quarter.
Robinson converted a rebound and putback. Oliver fed D’niah Johnson in the post for a bucket, and Robinson hit two from the free throw line for a 72-51 East lead.
Ali’Yana Robinson finishes in the lane. 4:44 remaining @GoEastEagles 76 SOTA 53 pic.twitter.com/s2LAtx8rEZ
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 17, 2021
Oliver added 15 points along with four steals, three assists and two rebounds. Robinson finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, five steals and three assists. Johnson also scored 14 points while grabbing six rebounds.
Jaylen Giles gets ahead of the defense for 2. @GoEastEagles 61-44 with 3:32 remaining in the third quarter. pic.twitter.com/xf2RjcIUn5
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 16, 2021
Jaylen Giles contributed 16 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. Jiasia Norris had four points, five rebounds and two steals for the Eagles (2-1).
Nykerriah Wilson converts the steal and layup for SOTA. pic.twitter.com/exPRryYrF0
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) December 16, 2021
SOTA’s Jazzlyn Logan led all scorers with 25 points. The junior guard connected on three 3-pointers in the contest. Maya Williams added 21 points for the Silverhawks, and Nykerriah Wilson had 18 points.
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