Watkins sparks big second; Schroeder girls roll to third straight win

By PAUL GOTHAM

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Mariah Watkins scored eight points and handed out an assist in a 10-0 run early in the second quarter as the Webster Schroeder girls’ basketball went on to defeat cross-town rival, Webster Thomas 48-28 Tuesday night.

The sophomore guard forced six turnovers during a two-minute and 13-second stretch and converted two of those steals directly to baskets.

“She’s just so explosive,” said first-year head coach Codi Mrozek. “You saw that in the second quarter.”

Coming out of timeout with a 12-10 lead and 6:45 remaining in the second quarter, Schroeder scored on five of its next six trips down the floor including a four-possession sequence where the Warriors did not allow the ball over half-court.

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The outburst started with Watkins making the move on defense to cover the opposing point guard.

“She wanted to make a defensive change, and we trusted her in that,” Mrozek explained. “She took over.”

Steal and layup: Mariah Watkins. ⁦@Schroedergbball⁩ 24-10. pic.twitter.com/U4cZtFrMSo

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) January 12, 2022

Watkins scored six straight before setting up younger sister Bria for a bucket. She capped the run with a basket in the lane. Thomas called a timeout with 4:32 left in the quarter. Schroeder had a double-digit lead at 22-10 and did not allow the Titans any closer for the remainder of the contest.

“It’s exciting to get that momentum going for our team,” Watkins said. “It’s not really about me. It’s building that momentum to get the win, building that lead especially against our rivals.”

The win was the third straight and fifth in six games for Schroeder which improved to 6-3 on the season.

“We said today was a mindset game,” Mrozek commented. “Anything can happen when you’re playing a rival. It doesn’t matter your record or who you have on your team. It’s all about who shows up that day.

Steal and layup, Mariah Watkins. ⁦@Schroedergbball⁩ 7-4 pic.twitter.com/cta4DmOj6Q

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) January 12, 2022

“First quarter we started off a little bit slow which we assumed after a Friday night big thriller in Victor. I was glad that we turned it on in that second quarter.”

Watkins scored all but two of her 17 points in the first half as the Warriors took a 32-10 lead into the break.

Bria Watkins and Anna Rogers combined for 10 in the third quarter when the Warriors pushed their advantage to 44-15.

Give it up. Get it back. Bria Watkins for 2. pic.twitter.com/2b6xYaEMIa

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) January 12, 2022

“It’s awesome,” Mariah Watkins said. “I love seeing my teammates succeed whenever they can. It just helps the team. It shows that all around everybody on the team can do great.”

Mariah Watkins finished the game with 17 points, six steals, six rebounds, two blocks and two assists.  Bria Watkins also scored 17 points along with five rebounds and four steals.

Rogers had four points. Andraia DiPisa and Sarah Ferruzza both scored three points. Ava Gallup added a bucket in the win.

Bria Watkins from Mariah Watkins. ⁦@Schroedergbball⁩ 5-4 pic.twitter.com/qlcK1X0EYi

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) January 12, 2022

Mady Kelly hit four 3-pointers and led Thomas (3-5) with 18 points. Bella Fanale scored four  while Ruby Marrapese (3) and Mary Marrapese (2) rounded out the scoring for the Titans.

Mady Kelly grabs the long defensive rebound and pulls up at the other end for her third 3 in the early going. ⁦@ThomasAthletics⁩ though trails ⁦@Schroedergbball⁩ 12-10 pic.twitter.com/ucRuEpy90U

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) January 12, 2022