Kahok defense comes up big against Lancers
by Mark Jurgena
COLLINSVILLE — It was a defensive struggle.
In order to win one defense was going to have to outperform the other.
That defense ended up belonging to Collinsville.
The Kahoks came up with 17 stops in 18 fourth quarter Belleville East possessions and allowed only one point in the final stanza en route to a 43-29 win on the road on Nov. 30.
“We had a game plan on how to guard them,” said CHS coach Colin Moore. “We didn’t execute properly in the first half but did a much better job in the second half.“
For the game, the Kahoks limited the Lancers to 6-of-47 shooting. That pressure defense also forced East into 21 turnovers and blocked 10 shots with Talesha Gilmore recording five and Katie Bardwell blocking two.
CHS also limited the Lancers to an 0-for-10 performance shooting from the floor and created five turnovers in the final period.
“We had less turnovers in the second half that allowed us to actually get our defense set up,” said Moore. “(Lily) Carlisle, (Danajah) Willis and (Ashley) Janini really stepped up and constantly gave us pressure on their two best players.”
While the defense was stellar Gilmore and Carsyn Moad had solid nights on offense.
Gilmore had another double-double – her third of the season – scoring 21 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. She also kept possessions alive with 10 boards on the offensive glass.
Carsyn Moad had career highs with 13 points and three makes beyond the three-point arc. She also had three steals.
“Carsyn can be a difference maker on both ends of the floor,” said Moore. “East tried their best to take away Talesha and someone else needed to step up. Carsyn did a great job. She is a great shooter she needs to play with confidence.”
CHS took a 29-21 lead in the third thanks to a pair of big threes by Moad while Gilmore hit a conventional three. Ella Guerrero also buried a three in the stanza.
But the Lancers ripped off a 5-0 run to cut the lead to four before Gilmore hit a bucket to push CHS to a 31-26 advantage. The purple and white led by three headed to the fourth.
In the final period while the defense was stepping up five Kahoks contributed points.
Gilmore had five including a pair of free throws while Guerrero, Moad, and Janini also had buckets. Bardwell finished off the scoring with a free throw.
More Kahok stats
Bardwell had three steals while Guerrero had four assists.
Upcoming Schedule
The Kahoks hosted Belleville West Tuesday however results were unavailable at press time.
Collinsville hosts East St. Louis tonight and Triad on Tuesday.
