Doherty duo powers Sachem East to victory
Sachem East's Katie Doherty moves the ball into the Ward Melville zone. (Jan. 24, 2012) Credit: George A. Faella
Cousins Meagan and Katie Doherty pressure opposing guards while perched atop Sachem East's 2-3 zone. They shuffle from one side of the court to the other, helping their teammates as the ball moves along the outside. If the play moves inside, they collapse and double or triple-team the ball in an effort to force a turnover.
"We're constantly talking to each other," Katie Doherty said. "We have to make sure we're all on the same page."
The Doherty duo had the Flaming Arrows on top of their game Tuesday with Meagan scoring 19 points and Katie had 18 to lead Sachem East to a 63-30 rout of host Ward Melville in Suffolk League I girls basketball. The Flaming Arrows (10-1, 8-0) swept the season series with their rivals, having won the Dec. 20 meeting, 53-19.
"We wanted to beat them and we wanted to show them that we are better than we showed them last year," said Meagan Doherty, who had five assists and four rebounds.
Meagan Doherty, a senior, showed her experience from the opening possession as she was able to draw a foul with just three seconds left on the shot clock. Three minutes later, Katie Doherty took on two defenders as she drove down the left side for a layup.
Katie Doherty, who added three assists and three steals, scored eight points in the second quarter and Kathleen Everson had 10 of her 14 points in the first half as Sachem East took a 40-14 lead at halftime.
Caysea Cohen (10 points), who was unable to play in the first meeting of the teams this season, was the lone player in double-figures for Ward Melville (4-4).
Since their season opening loss to Bishop Ford the Flaming Arrows have been dominant, the closest game being an 18-point win over Commack.
"We have six girls on this team that are a threat so if we all play and we play as a team no one can play with us," Meagan Doherty said.
