As the calendar year changed, the Siegel girls are doing pretty much what they’ve been doing for years under the only coach they’ve ever had, the quietly intense Alan Bush.
They won 17 last year and 15 the year before.
At 14-2 the Stars are heading into the district season in good shape.
Good coaching is obvious with this squad. They share the ball, the chemistry is good and everyone contributes with assists, rebounds and points.
MTSU signee Shanice Cason – who had 15 points, and perhaps is the fastest player in the district – runs the show.
She is a fine point guard and gets help from fellow starters Imani Chatman, Kelsey Naish, Macari Harrison and Shelbie Davenport along with super subs Maddie Denton, Maddie Francescon and Markentria Humphrey.
On this night, after an 11-11 first quarter tie, the Lady Stars began a run that resulted in a five-point halftime lead and eventually a decisive 52-27 win over Shelbyville.
The first half was mostly Cason who scored 13 points and man-to-man defensive adjustments.
After the half all of Cason’s help showed up.
Naish had eight points after the half and finished with nine while Davenport had 17 after the half and finished with 19.
The defense got better as the game progressed as the Stars won the second half 29-9.
That’s impressive! Siegel won the rebound battle 27-18, had more assists and fewer turnovers.
The Siegel boys, frequent visitors to the Tennessee State Tournament (including last year), have another fine team.
Coach Ben Dotson has the Stars state ranked and at 13-2 in good position to win the district.
The squad won 24 games last year and 25 the year before and are on there way to repeat those numbers.
They had a very impressive 87-80 win recently on a neutral floor in Memphis over Alabama power Huntsville Lee.
The Stars could be heading back to Murphy if their luck and talent hold.
On Tuesday, the Stars struggled without six-foot-nine-inch senior Stephen Hurt (knee).
Hurt being absent clearly hampered the chemistry of the Stars.
Despite four 3-pointers in the first half, numerous blocked shots (three by Cedrick William in 30 seconds) and a solid man-to-man defense and effective press, the Stars couldn’t shake Shelbyville.
Siegel led at the half 26-22.
Shelbyville cut it to one point but never caught up.
Siegel often plays undisciplined basketball at a fast church league pace; the problem is they try to make you do the same thing, but they do it much better than you.
The pace, combined with a fine, intimidating defense, resulted in a 45-37 victory for the Stars.
The defense, which the Stars play with effort and sometimes reckless abandon, was likely the difference.
Leading the Stars in scoring were Taj Abdul-Kaudeyr with 14 points, Oscar Butler and Treyton Harris had 10 each and Janeal McDonald chipped in 9.
The others didn’t score much, but I see possibilities there from Cedrick Williams (strangely quiet on this night), Kyle Adams, Kris McCord, Conner Smith and Aden Burton.
Siegel plays district foe La Vergne Tuesday at La Vergne.
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