It might be early in the season, but Apollo-Ridge's defense looks close to midseason form.
After an overwhelming win against Springdale on Friday, the Vikings held Deer Lakes to single digits in all four quarters Saturday to take the Dynamo Tip-off Tournament, 36-21, at Springdale.
Apollo-Ridge (2-0) jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the first quarter at Donald McGhee Fieldhouse before the Lancers (1-1) could get on the scoreboard.
“Nothing beats 2-0,” said Vikings coach Jim Callipare. “I was impressed with our defense the past two days. As far as giving up points we did well, but I still think we can do a lot better defensively.”
After defeating Aliquippa by 40 points on Friday, Deer Lakes saw a more physical style of play from Apollo-Ridge.
“Hats off to Apollo-Ridge,” said Lancers coach Dana Petruska. “They're tough, they're gritty, they're well-coached and disciplined. The difference between their team and our team is their toughness.”
Tournament MVP Megan Bonelli hit a 3-pointer about with a little more than two minutes gone in the game, and the Vikings were on their way.
Julia Demeno, who led Apollo-Ridge with 18 points, also contributed a 3-pointer to the early surge.
“I thought as the game went on we got a little more in sync and in tune,” Callipare said.
“We're still having some stretches where we're doing things individually. So I think we're starting to jell.”
Deer Lakes cut the Vikings' advantage to 13-9 as Apollo-Ridge experienced a nearly eight-minute dry spell. But a foul shot made by sophomore Shae Robson was as close as the Lancers would get.
“We don't have a starting five yet,” Petruska said. “We're still trying to find that chemistry.
“Having a game like we did Friday gave the kids some false reassurance as to where they're at in the pecking order.
“The three of us coaches will sit down and discuss where we see and who we see in those roles.”
Robson, Kristen Stanko, Jessica Philistine and Maureen Hutchinson each had four points to lead Deer Lakes.
A steal and a basket by Bonelli put Apollo-Ridge up 19-9 six seconds before the half.
The Vikings maintained that 10-point advantage at the end of three periods, but Apollo-Ridge pulled away after that.
A 10-foot jumper by Demeno and another hoop on a give-and-go with Demeno driving the right lane put Apollo-Ridge in front 30-13.
Demeno is recovering from a hip injury and didn't play basketball over the summer.
“Friday was her first game, and you could see she was trying to shake off some rust,” Calliapre said. “It'll probably be a few weeks before she gets back to being the old Jules. But she had a real nice game tonight.”
The Vikings collected 31 rebounds, with Briauna Fairman grabbing eight and Bonelli seven.
George Guido is a freelance writer.
