David Rice, Times Correspondent
Thursday, February 10, 2011
RIVERVIEW — Riverview will host a region semifinal after smashing Central in a 5A region quarterfinal Thursday night by a score of 64-18.
The Sharks defense wreaked havoc with Central's ability pass the ball. With the Bears missing their starting point guard because of injury, Riverview capitalized on the inexperience of Central's replacement. The Sharks would finish with 17 steals, 10 of which came from guards Ashley Favors and Monet Williams.
"We knew they were shorthanded," Riverview coach Lelani Gordon said. "Our ticket to success was to pressure their guards. I thought the girls did that well because it turned into a lot of easy layups for us."
The offensive play of Riverview's guards equaled their defensive display. Favors finished with 13 points and four assists while Williams added 12 points.
Keeping Central's Raqurra Ishmar at bay was a factor that Gordon felt was crucial for her team to succeed. The Sharks held Ishmar to 10 points by forcing her to take difficult shots from long range.
"Justina James did a great job of shutting down Ishmar, especially in the first half," Gordon said. "That was an important matchup for us. We were able to eliminate (Tikiera) Relaford from the game too because of fouls, which was crucial as well. That was their other inside presence."