Offensive rebounding helps PC rip Bulldogs

LEOPOLD - Perry Central grabbed more offensive rebounds than Cannelton did total rebounds and beat the Bulldogs 61-18 in girls basketball Monday.

The Commodores won the board battle 47-15, with 21 of their rebounds coming at the offensive end.

They also took advantage of 25 Cannelton turnovers, turning several into transition layups.

The Commodores also looked to run after grabbing defensive rebounds, throwing several long outlet passes.

"We've tried to do that all year," said Perry Central Coach Sarah Spindler. "But against South Spencer we were making a lot of turnovers doing that."

In this game most of the Commodores' long passes were on the mark, and the recipients usually took the ball aggressively to the basket.

In their half-court offense the Commodores frequently worked the ball in to center Alie Schroeder.

She scored eight points as the Commodores jumped to a 23-5 lead in the first 12:18.

She made two three-point plays (a driving basket and free throw each time) and scored on a rebound in that span.

When more than one defender collapsed on Schroeder inside, she frequently kicked the ball out to perimeter players for open jump shots. And they hit them well early.

Melissa Hahus hit two 18-footers and Hilarie Hahus added one as the Commodores jumped to a 14-2 lead with 2:34 left in the first quarter.

Perry Central hit 36.1 percent (26 of 72) from the field overall.

Cannelton made just 3 of 23 field-goal attempts for 13.0 percent.

Schroeder led Perry Central's balanced attack with 13 points. Freshman reserve Deidra Dickerson added 10 and the Hahus cousins each scored eight.

Schroeder grabbed 11 rebounds and Katie Schwartz added 10.

Melissa Hahus had five steals and three assists. Schroeder also made five steals.

"They do have some quickness," Cannelton Coach Jeff Miller said of the Commodores.

He also said the game was very physical but "all in all, it's helping our girls."

Whitney Nugent came off the bench to lead Cannelton with a career-high seven points.

Jaci Garrett grabbed five rebounds for the Bulldogs.

"They play really hard," Perry Central Coach Sarah Spindler said of the Bulldogs. "They don't have a lot of size, but they give it all they have."

Perry Central improved to 1-3 while Cannelton fell to 1-4.

Perry Central will visit Lanesville Monday at 7 p.m.

Cannelton will host Whites-ville Trinity Monday at 7 p.m.