[Southsider2k12]

84-11? Wow.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=56911.69

COACH MEGYESE'S FIRST WIN
Michigan City 84, South Bend Adams 11

Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer

MICHIGAN CITY - They won't all be this easy, but at least Michigan City girls basketball coach Mike Megyese didn't have to wait long to get his first win.

Figuratively, City's first-year skipper had it sometime in the first quarter.

Every player that dressed scored for City on Friday in an 84-11 rout of South Bend Adams at the Wolves Den.

"The biggest thing we saw was the unselfish play," Megyese said. "That's something you'll see all season and we have to be that way."

City got a game-high 15 points from sophomore point guard Ashleigh Ellenwood, who is departed senior Ta'Kenya Nixon's replacement in the starting lineup. Nixon was an Indiana All-Star a year ago. Ellenwood made 6-of-9 shots and connected on 3-of-4 shots from downtown.

Also solid in the win was senior co-captain Essence Robinson, who poured in 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

"It was OK," Robinson said. "I wasn't as good as I thought I should be."

Junior forward Gigi Moore and Ellenwood each had five first-quarter points, and Robinson added four as City took a 20-2 lead after eight minutes and cruised from there.

A suffocating City defense helped force 44 Adams turnovers, many of which turned into easy transition baskets for the Wolves, who started their quest for a fourth straight Duneland Conference and a third straight sectional titles in style.

"We're together and we're gonna get better," Robinson said, saying team chemistry isn't much of a problem even with Nixon and Bianca McGee gone. "We've got a lot of kids that are unable to play but just need experience."

Throughout the game, but especially in the fourth quarter, those kids got some needed experience. The fourth quarter was played most with freshman and others who are fairly new to varsity competition, but the Wolves didn't miss a beat with them on the court.

Freshman Jameka Collins had 10 points - to go with a double-digit effort in the junior varsity game - and classmate Keshyanna Cooper had five points and seven rebounds as the second unit racked up 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting in the final stanza. Freshmen Toni Murphy and Aubria Clifton each chipped in five points as well.

"We've got very strong freshmen," Megyese said. "They did very well tonight and they're just gonna get better."

Notes: City won the junior varsity game 44-8 after leading 23-0 at the half. Murphy had a game-high 16 points, Dee Evans had 12 and Collins added 10. ... City almost made as many shots (32) as Adams attempted (33). ... City reserve senior guard Victoria Hamm scored on a layup in the waning seconds to put every City varsity player in the scoring column.

Contact Sports Editor Adam Parkhouse at aparkhouse@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 461.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=57356.21

Coach: Mike Megyese (0-0, first year, 205-75, 13th year, 21-4 last season)
Nov. 13 South Bend Adams 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 20 at Lake Central 6 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Valparaiso 6 p.m.

Dec. 4 Portage 6 p.m.

Dec. 11 Chesterton (varsity only) 6 p.m.

Dec. 12 at New Prairie (varsity only) 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 Merrillville 6 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Crown Point 6 p.m.

Dec. 22 at La Porte (varsity only) 6 p.m.

Dec. 28-29 at South Bend Holiday Tournament

Jan. 6 Lake Central 6 p.m.

Jan. 9 Valparaiso 6 p.m.

Jan. 15 at Chesterton 6 p.m.

Jan. 16 at South Bend Washington 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at South Bend Clay 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 22 Crown Point 6 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Portage 6 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Merrillville 6 p.m.

Feb. 5 La Porte 6 p.m.
Wolves Reload
Girls Basketball Preview: Michigan City

Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer

Michigan City's girls basketball team has been on a tremendous run of success in the past three seasons.

The Wolves have a combined record of 63-12 (six of those losses were to Skylar Diggins and South Bend Washington) with back-to-back championships in both the Duneland Conference and sectional.

But 2009-10 is a whole new ballgame for City. New coach, new key players and a whole new attitude.

The charge for first-year coach Mike Megyese (205-75 in 13 years at South Bend St. Joseph's) is to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

"It's going fine," Megyese said. "I'm just getting used to knowing the kids a little more and they're getting used to me.

"It's just a learning curve for both me and the kids."

Gone are Ta'Kenya Nixon and Bianca McGee (both to Eastern Illinois), arguably the two best players the school has produced. Filling their roles might be the most important key to this season.

"It's a cliché, but you do not replace them," Megyese said. "But you have what you have and you go forward."

What the Wolves have, according to Megyese, is good enough to continue the success the program has had.

Back for another go is senior wing player Essence Robinson, who is expected to start in the backcourt with sophomore Ashleigh Ellenwood.

Robinson was the Most Valuable Players in April's Hoops Away for The United Way and is primed for a big senior campaign.

"When she wants to play, she can play with anybody," Megyese said. "She has good skills, she's quick and she's got a good shot. She's becoming a complete player. If I'm down one late, I'm gonna want the ball in her hands."

Ellenwood has perhaps the biggest task of any Wolves player - replacing an Indiana All-Star (Nixon) in the starting lineup. The soccer phenom is more than up to the task, according to her coach.

"The best way to describe Ashleigh is the kid's just a winner," Megyese said. "I'm asking a lot of her. I expect a lot out of my point guards. ... She's gonna find a way to help her team and get things done."

But if the strength of the team in previous seasons has been the backcourt, this year it very easily is the frontline.

The Wolves are expected to start juniors Gigi Moore and Maggie Gondeck along with senior Joslyn Edwards. All three have good size to go with solid rebound and scoring ability. Throw 5-foot-10 freshman Keshyana Cooper into the mix off the bench, and City could be dominant inside.

"I think we can be strong up front, especially defensively," Megyese said. "Traditionally I like to get the ball inside, pound it down low and get to the line."

As a sophomore, Moore took big strides at the end of last season. She was a double-double machine and has started to draw looks from Division I schools. Megyese plans to play her as more of a combo big/small forward to take advantage of her outside touch and driving ability.

"She's a kid that could easily average a double-double for us," Megyese said. "She's one that should surprise some people."

Edwards is coming off another knee injury suffered late last season. She's still not 100 percent, and Megyese isn't sure she'll ever be. But she's healthy enough to be a big-time player for the Wolves.

"She doesn't have good knees and doesn't move as quick as she should," Megyese said. "But she's smart, knows the game defensively and knows how to be in the right position. She's a quiet leader, but very well-respected."

Gondeck's varsity playing time has fluctuated the past two seasons, but Megyese thinks the big junior could be ready to make the next step.

"Two years ago she started a lot as a freshman and last year she didn't see much action at all," Megyese said. "I think psychologically she's been put through the mill. She'll have every opportunity to be as productive as she can be.

"She's worked as hard as anyone in our program this offseason. She has a lot to offer us."

Cooper will be a varsity-exclusive player, coming off the bench to start the season. She had 17 rebounds in City's scrimmage last week and Megyese sees big things in her future.

"She's gonna turn some heads, but she's just very, very raw," Megyese said. "Every practice is just another day to continue to improve and learn. She's gonna help us a lot."

City should continue to be competitive in both the conference and sectional. But Megyese warns, just because Diggins is out of the regional field, don't think it will be a cakewalk should the Wolves make it that far.

Elkhart Memorial is ranked No. 6 in the season-opening Class 4A poll, and Megyese said the Chargers have three or four big-time Division I players and are a favorite in Northern Indiana to play for the state championship.

"I think we can do very well," Megyese said. "But the regional is still the hardest place to get out of."

"There will be a lot of parity within the league, and I'm not sure we can take a day off. We're just itching and excited to get started."

[taxthedeer]

Varsity roster:

• #2 - Jameka Collins G 5-5 FR
• #3 - Toni Murphy G 5-3 FR
• #4 - Victoria Hamm G 5-6 SR
• #5 - Sparkle Carlock G 5-6
• #10 - Abria Clifton G-F 5-8 FR
• #12 - Essence Robinson G-F 5-8 SR
• #14 - Keshyana F-C 5-11 FR
• #20 - Asleigh Ellenwood G 5-8 SO
• #21 - Joslyn Edwards F 5-10 SR
• #23 - Angelique "GiGi" Moore F 5-10 JR
• #25 - Alyssa Niswonger F 5-10 SR
• #30 - Maggie Gondeck F-C 6-0 JR

Coaching Staff:

Mike Megyese
Kristi Held
Lou Megyese

Despite facing a non-competitive opponent, the Lady Wolves looked outstanding from top to bottom, great mix of youth and experience. Senior Essence Robinson is going to be a great leader of this team and Freshman Keshyana Cooper looks like she is going to be the real deal. Coach Megyese has really cool type of presence on the bench, just like was born to coach the game of basketball. The JV squad looked impressive as well.

....BTW, Um, Parky, word on the street your going to have mention something about Sparkle in your next article or else Ms. Carlock is going to have some speaks with you. Sparkle was the leader of last season's JV squad then played a back-up roll on the varsity team, she's really been shooting the ball well, both at the charity stripe and behind the arc. Her brother Thomas is going to be a member of the boys JV team, both are top students academically.

[Southsider2k12]

The freshman group has gotten some good props from the people I have talked to about this squad. The overall talent level is obviously going to be less than last year, but it should be interesting to see how this team comes together.

[Southsider2k12]

http://www.regionsports.com/index.php?opti...&Itemid=350

Girls Basketball Top 10: Week of 11/23 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Rich Castillo
Tuesday, 24 November 2009

10. Portage Indians (3-0, 1-0)
With a new head coach, Portage is showing the Region it could be a serious contender. With early season wins over Hammond and EC, Portage handed Crown Point their first loss on Friday with a 48-38 decision. The Indians should put up another “W” on Tuesday when they travel to Andrean, before getting the real test on Friday from Merrillville.

9. Merrillville Pirates (3-0, 1-0)
With a good nucleus of four starters from last year’s 10-11 team, the Pirates are 3-0. Making a statement last week with a 64-55 win over a much taller Valparaiso team, Merrillville proved it is going to be team to watch in the Dunland Conference. The Lady Pirates stay at home and entertain EC Central on Wednesday, but are looking forward to playing at Portage on Friday. Should be a good one!!

8. Calumet Warriors (1-2, 0-0)
A 20-4 team last year, Calumet is another squad that was hit hard by graduation. The Warriors have struggled out of the box in this young season, losing to a pair of 4-0 teams. Their win last week over Morton may have brought back some of their confidence. That confidence will be put to the test this week when Hobart comes knocking.

7. Michigan City Wolves (1-1, 1-0)
The defending Duneland conference champs will be playing with a target on their backs this year. The rest of the field will be looking to take advantage of City’s graduation. Already taking down the Wolves was Lake Central in a 63-36 shellacking last Friday night. The Wolves could get back on track when they play a struggling Valpo Team.

6. Lake Central Indians (1-3, 1-0)
This is another Region team getting caught in the early season tournament tornado. The Indians losing in the tourney to the same Carmel and Hamilton Southeastern teams that did in Valpo. But LC’s woes began in week one with a opening season loss to Griffith. Rebounding last week with a 63-36 win over Michigan City, the Lake Central Indians looks to cash in this week when they play Highland.

5. Valparaiso Vikings (1-3, 0-1)
A team expected by some to be the top team in the Region this year got caught in a “whirlwind” of a tournament last week. With losses to state ranked Carmel and Hamilton Southeastern, the Vikings looked to regroup against conference foe Merrillville. But the Pirates took advantage of a Viking team still liking their wounds and defeated Valpo 64-55. This week doesn’t get any easier as they will meet Michigan City – a team that beat them twice last year.

4. Gavit Gladiators (4-0, 0-0)
My surprise team of the year, the Gavit Gladiators, is off to their best start in this decade. With big wins over Lake Station and Whiting, the Lady Glads get ready for the big test as they meet undefeated Roosevelt in a Saturday matinee. The Gladiators have already showed that they can hang with the big dogs, Gavit defeated Calumet in week one 44-41.

3. West Side Cougars(2-0, 1-0)
Like the old cliché goes, they don’t rebuild – they simply reload. Each season the Cougars lose quality players but always manage to compete. This year doesn’t seem to be any different as West Side is off and running at 2-0. With a two point win, 50-48, over Fort Wayne Harding last week, the Cougars look to take advantage of a depleted Hammond High squad.

2. Griffith Panthers (2-1, 1-0)
With a sectional championship under their belt, the Lady Panthers look to be improving on last year’s 16-7 record one game at a time. Already defeating Lake Central this year, Griffith stumbled against Hobart last week 46-36. The Panthers should get a couple more wins this week as they invade the Hammond school system and play Morton and Clark.

1. Hobart Brickies (5-0, 1-0)
Off to a 5-0 start again this year, the Brickies have put away all of their opponents rather easily. With a ten point win over Griffith last week, 46-36, they moved on to defeat Bishop Noll 66-24. Playing with a matured cast, Hobart looks to stay undefeated as they face off against Calumet on Tuesday.

On the bubble: Munster(3-0, 1-0), Bowman Academy (3-0), Roosevelt (2-0)

[Southsider2k12]

http://www.post-trib.com/sports/highschool...po-1128.article

VALPARAISO -- Valparaiso senior center Stefanie Lang already was having a big game. But with less than three minutes to play and Michigan City in the midst of a rally, Lang turned a big game into a monster performance.

Lang came through late with two clutch three-point plays, a blocked shot and a steal in leading the Vikings to a 60-50 Duneland Conference victory over the Wolves on Friday.

"We were up and down all night, and we had to take advantage of anything they were giving us," Lang said. "Those were huge plays for us."

Lang finished with a career-high 31 points to go along with a game-high 17 rebounds and three blocked shots. Ten of those boards were on the offensive end.

Lang's 6-foot-4 frame came in handy from the get-go. She had eight first-quarter points and 18 by the half. She shot 13-of-24 on the night as Valparaiso constantly dumped the ball down low to Lang in the post.

"Our kids know each others' roles," Vikings coach Jeanette Gray said. "We know her role is one where when we need a shot, an easy basket, we go to her."

The win was very much a confidence-booster for Lang and the rest of the Valparaiso team. The Vikings (2-3, 1-1 DAC) came in having lost three straight, including the DAC opener to Merrillville in which Lang was held to 11 points and six rebounds.

"For the type of player (Lang) is, she's got to be aggressive at both ends of the court," Gray said. "She's a difference-maker. It's been fun to watch her develop this year."

Valparaiso used a 15-4 run to close out the second quarter and take a 32-21 lead into the locker room at halftime. Despite shooting just 3-of-16 from the floor in the third quarter, the Vikings held a 41-32 cushion entering the final period.

Taking advantage of its quickness, Michigan City (1-2, 0-2 DAC) pulled to within five points, 49-44, with 3:09 to play. The Wolves' press was giving Valparaiso fits, and the momentum had seemingly shifted in Michigan City's favor.

That's when Lang answered the call, making back-to-back three-point plays and putting the Vikings back up by 10 with 1:48 to play.

Angelique Moore led the Wolves with 25 points while Joslyn Edwards added 12.

Ariana Paul scored nine for Valparaiso.
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[Southsider2k12]

http://www.regionsports.com/index.php?opti...&Itemid=350

Girls Basketball Top 10: Week of 11/30 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Rich Castillo
Monday, 30 November 2009

10. Portage Indians (4-1, 1-1) Last Week #10
Holding down the number ten spot in the RSN Top Ten is Portage. With a win on Tuesday over Andrean, the Indians couldn’t stop the undefeated Merrillville Pirates and fell 58-48. We’ll see if they learned anything from that loss as they prepare to meet Hobart and Michigan City this week.

9. Calumet Warriors (2-3, 1-0) Last Week #8
Receiving their third loss of the young season, Calumet drops a spot in this week’s poll. It could be a long season for Dori Downing’s Warriors. Last season’s 20-4 mark is already in jeopardy. They do have the opportunity this week to pick up get a couple of “W”s.

8. Michigan City Wolves (1-2, 1-1) Last Week #7
The Wolves are another team that is finding it rough going in this young season. Despite a 25 point performance from Angelique Moore, the Wolves lost 60-50 to Valpo on Friday and fall to number eight in this week’s poll. MC can get back that winning edge when they entertain Portage on Friday.

7. Merrillville Pirates (5-0, 2-0) Last Week #9
Remaining undefeated, the Pirates jump two spots in this week’s RSN Top Ten Poll. Merrillville took advantage of a young EC squad then jumped all over conference foe Portage last week. Already tied for the lead in the Duneland, the Pirates will put the 5-0 mark on the line when Jack Campbell and his Chesterton Trojans come knocking on Friday.

6. Lake Central Indians (3-3, 2-0) Last Week #6
Putting those two early tournament losses behind them, the Indians now are focusing the real schedule. Holding at number six, Lake Central put the strangle hold on Highland then smashed LaPorte, winning both games by an average margin of 24 points. The Indians need to keep the intensity up when they travel to the “M Dome” to take on 4-1 Munster.

5. Valparaiso Vikings (3-3, 1-1) Last Week #5
The Vikings are showing their ability to shrug off losses and focus again. This past week Valpo showed why they were ranked so high in the pre-season. On the shoulders of Stephanie Lang’s 31 points, Valpo downed Michigan City 60-50, then on Saturday another win, this time it a 45-32 decision over Plymouth. This week, new head coach Jeanette Gray takes her show on the road to Lake Central and then to a place that is all too familiar to her – Highland.

4. Gavit Gladiators (5-0, 0-0) Last Week #4
At number four and undefeated, Gavit took revenge on the Roosevelt Panthers for the four point 65-61 season ending sectional loss last year. With 29 points from Breauna Rivoli-Johnson, the “Glads” downed the Panthers by 40 points, 74-34. This week Highland will step into “Cage” and try to put a dent on the Gladiator’s armor, then on Friday they travel to city rival Morton and an opportunity to start the season at 7-0. Something Gavit hasn’t done in over a century.

3. West Side Cougars (3-0, 1-0) Last Week #3
Like tuning up the snow blower for the winter ahead, Rod Fisher is tuning up the Cougars for the February run. Nice and easy learning as you go, Fisher has his Cougars setting at 3-0 on this young season and at number three in the RSN Top Ten Poll. Last week West Side defeated a Hammond team in the rebuilding stages, 56-28. This week the Cougars take on 21st Century Academy and Crete Monee. 5-0? We’ll see.

2. Griffith Panthers (4-1, 0-1) Last Week #2
With their only loss coming to Hobart, Griffith is ripping through the schedule. On Wednesday the Panthers disposed of Morton 53-20, then on Saturday crushed Clark 74-15. This week the Panthers stay home to play Hebron on Tuesday and Rensselaer on Thursday. Don’t see much resistance coming this week.

1. Hobart Brickies (6-0, 1-0) Last Week #1
Holding down the top spot in the RSN Poll, the Brickies battled Calumet last week, coming away with a 45-42 win at Calumet. This week Hobart puts that undefeated record on the line when they meet up with a Portage team that will match up well with them and has the fire power to defeat them. Then on Friday the Brickies travel to Munster and depending how the Mustangs do with Lake Central they could be hungry.

On the Bubble: Bowman Academy (3-0), Munster (4-1, 1-0)

[Southsider2k12]

http://nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/ind...72c139d0dd.html

Girls Basketball Top 10

records through Wednesday; last week's rankings in parentheses

1. Hobart 7-0 (1)

As much as the Brickies are determined tonight to beat Munster -- the team that shared the conference crown last season -- Hobart hopes to hold on heading into three weeks of only conference games. The Mustangs? They just lost a heartbreaker to Lake Central and want to show their defense can match up against anybody.

2. West Side 3-0 (2)

The Cougars have been doubling-up their offense on opponents, outscoring them on average 60-30. That's what an early schedule of Lew Wallace, Hammond and tonight's Crete-Monee lead to.

3. Valparaiso 3-3 (3)

Valparaiso bounced back from a start that included a three-game skid by handing the first loss of the season to Plymouth, a 3A regional finalist last season. In a battle of posts, tonight at Lake Central, could show if the recovery can be called a flash or a surge.

4. Lake Central 4-3 (4)

Lake Central heads into the Valpo game with a 2-0 conference record for the first time since 2004. There's likely no Indian on this team that remembers that season, except head coach Leslie Iwema, who was an assistant that year. A 3-0 DAC record? It hasn't happened since the school joined the conference in 2003.

5. Griffith 5-1 (5)

The Panthers rebounded from their loss against Hobart by decimating Clark and Hebron, proving their defense deserves the hype.

6. Merrillville 5-0 (8)

A 5-0 start to the season is a prize the Pirates have been fighting for since the speedy start to their 2005-06 campaign. Tempering a fast Chesterton offense that also is bigger can help make it 6-0.

7. Boone Grove 5-0 (7)

After a conference matchup tonight against 1-4 Washington Twp., the Wolves have a week to prepare for a Crown Point squad with deep PCC roots.

8. Chesterton 3-2 (9)

There really isn't anything like an easy road through the DAC, but the next two weeks -- with Merrillville, Michigan City, Lake Central and Portage -- could be either brutal or beneficial for the Trojans. The only way to make this any harder is to add Valpo.

9. Michigan City 1-2 (6)

The Wolves are opening with disappointing results, needing their defense to hold off a skidding Portage offense to bounce out of the DAC hole they've dug.

10. Gavit 6-0 (10)

Don't hate the Gladiators for outscoring opponents by nearly 40 points. They've been on the other end of that for the last seven seasons.

On the bubble: Portage (4-2), Calumet (3-3), E.C. Central (3-4).

[taxthedeer]

The Lady Wolves will be in action tonight against Portage in the Wolves Den. Should be interesting to see if they can rebound after being slaughtered last Friday against Lake Central.

[taxthedeer]

The Lady Wolves were defeated 57-55 tonight in a hard fought loss. City was down 9 and fought back to tie the score with 4.5 remaining. A questionable call by the official put Portage's best shooter on the line and sank both free throws. The girls played well tonight but just couldn't get nothing to fall at critical points of the game.

[Southsider2k12]

http://www.post-trib.com/sports/highschool...1205.highschool

Bliss, Indians hang on for road win at MC
December 5, 2009BY CHRISTIAN ZAVISCA, POST-TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT
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MICHIGAN CITY -- Powered by 27 points from Tori Bliss, visiting Portage survived a late Michigan City comeback and held on Friday night for a 57-55 Duneland Conference girls basketball victory.

A lengthy delay stemming from a dispute over substitutions by Michigan City stopped play for several minutes with less than five seconds remaining and Portage ahead by two. The Indians' Brianne Wischman subsequently missed two free throws, giving the Wolves a chance to tie, but a last-second shot by Essence Robinson rolled out.

"To be able to beat a team like that on their home floor really means a lot for our kids," Portage coach Chris Seibert said.

Bliss found room inside all night, finishing with 11 rebounds and scoring on several second-chance opportunities and post entries. Tara Ellis added 15 points, and Wischman helped turn back the Wolves late by hitting three of four free throws down the stretch.

Angelique Moore led Michigan City with 14 points, scoring eight in the fourth quarter as the hosts rallied from a 49-40 deficit. Robinson scored 11 and Ashleigh Ellenwood had 10, including three 3-pointers.

"We're a much better basketball team than we're showing," Michigan City coach Mike Megyese said. "We had a lot of inside opportunities that we didn't put down. We work on these in practice, contested shots inside."

Michigan City's pressure defense bothered Portage (5-2) for stretches of the second half, something Seibert said was hard to combat.

"Their speed is something we can't simulate in practice," he said.

Michigan City (1-3) ran off seven straight points to cut the lead to 49-47 with just less than four minutes to go. That's when Indians freshman Nicki Monahan stepped up with a big-time 3-pointer to give Portage some breathing room. It was her only field goal of the game.

"She has played huge for us," Seibert said of Monahan.

Portage's coach credited his team's perimeter players with improving their entry passes to Bliss in the post. The 6-foot junior was consistent all night, scoring at least five points in each quarter.

"That's what we expect from Tori," Seibert said. "She is very versatile, and is a tough matchup for anybody. We did a much better job of getting the ball in to her."

[taxthedeer]

The Lady Wolves are back in the Wolves Den VS. Chesterton tonight then take the short trip over to New Praire tomorrow evening take on the Lady Cougars in a Girls/Boys doubleheader. This begins a big 4 game in seven day stretch that includes DAC three contests. Sorry coach Megyese, your honeymoon is over.

[taxthedeer]

The Lady Wolves are back in the Wolves Den VS. Chesterton tonight then take the short trip over to New Praire tomorrow evening take on the Lady Cougars in a Girls/Boys doubleheader. This begins a big 4 game in seven day stretch that includes DAC three contests. Sorry coach Megyese, your honeymoon is over.

City won 61-53 tonight, coach Megyese did alot more platooning of his freshmen of his line up a instead of just riding his starting five like he did last week in their loss to Portage. Looks like we found a new star point guard in Jameka Collins, her free throw shooting is spectacular. I believe her and Essense Robinson led the scoring with 15 points. Jameka's classmates Toni Murphy and Keshyana "Pumpkin" Cooper played well off the bench as well.

[taxthedeer]

We had a really fun night over at New Prairie High last night, it was really unique, kind of like a basketball-a-thon. Both Girls and Boys varsity teams played in the new Cougar's Den while the Boys and Girls JV squads played in the old Cougars' Den. City swept all four contests.

[Southsider2k12]

http://heraldargus.com/articles/2009/12/13...0b532838385.txt

City girls get 2nd win in two nights

By Ken Peterson
For The Herald-Argus
Published: Sunday, December 13, 2009 10:31 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — After getting off to a slow start to the season, the Michigan City girls basketball team completed its first weekend sweep and in the process picked up some confidence heading into the middle part of the season.

Led by Joslyn Edwards’ 19 points and Essence Robinson’s 13, the Wolves (3-3) used their size and athleticism to wear down a gritty New Prairie team in a 66-48 win Saturday night at New Prairie High School.

Coach Mike Megyese’s squad held an eight-point lead at intermission and used a 20-8 third quarter to put the game away.

“Give a lot of props to Joslyn Edwards,” Megyese said. “We thought that she played a solid game overall. Jos stepped up and she made sure she didn’t let the team down (helped) us get the win.

“You’ve got to be able to play two games in two nights at the end of the year. If you want to be a championship team you’ve got to do that. We didn’t come out flat, but we got flat.”

Megyese was refering to the opening minutes of the game when City appeared set to blow New Prairie (2-6) out of the gym. Gigi Moore’s back-to-back baskets ignited a 12-0 Wolves run as City jumped out a 12-1 lead with 4:32 left in the first quarter.

It was the kind of start New Prairie coach Dan Shead didn’t want to see after losing Friday to Northern State Conference foe LaVille.

“I think that was some sluggishness still left over from (Friday) night,” Shead said. “We have got to understand that there are no teams on our schedule that you can come out and coast (against). You’ve got to be ready to put your foot down and go.”

Once the Cougars settled down, they made things a little uncomfortable the rest of the quarter for Megyese’s squad. Over the final 4:32, New Prairie outscored City 10-5 and trailed 17-11 after one.

“I think we got comfortable and thought things were going to be OK,” Megyese said. “We got comfortable. But they hit a lot of baseline shots. (New Prairie) didn’t want to come out and play two bad games in a row at home. They played hard.”

Collins’ basket with 2:04 left in the first half pushed the City lead to 32-19, but the Cougars ended the first half with 7-2 run to trail 34-26 at intermission.

“(Friday) night, I didn’t know who we were, Shead said. “We talked about taking care of doing the little things better. We’re still trying to throw skip passes across the defense that is a lot taller than us to begin with. We’re attacking the basket and we’re looking to get baskets, but we’re shooting the ball into their elbows.”

What ultimately did New Prairie in during the final 16 minutes was City’s depth and its ability to crash the boards and get second, third an sometimes four shots. The Cougars just didn’t have an answer.

Megyese praised New Prairie and Shead and how they competed.

“One of the things that Dan’s kids always do is play hard,” he said. “And we saw that. They busted their butts. We knew that they would. And we knew that they would play hard. And that’s a sign of a well-coached team and Dan is doing that right now.”

Courtney Spencer had 12 points to lead the Cougars while Megan Campos, Kirstin Lestinsky, Megan Campos and Katie Singleton had seven each.

“Our confidence has been dented seriously the last couple of ballgames, but this kind of effort what we need the rest of the way because we can get better,” Shead said. “And we’ve got shooters. We haven’t shot the ball well lately. We handled the press, but we couldn’t stop their quickness and their size.”

MICHIGAN CITY 66, NEW PRAIRIE 48

MICHIGAN CITY (3-3)

Collins 2-4 1-2 5, Murphy 1-4 1-2 3, Hamm 0-0 0-0 0, Carlock 2-2 0-3 5, Robinson 4-10 0-0 8, Ellenwood 2-7 0-0 5, Edwards 8-12 2-3 19, Moore 6-7 1-1 13, Niswonger 1-2 0-0 2, Gondeck 2-4 2-2 6. Totals 28-52 7-13 66.

NEW PRAIRIE (2-6) – Macher 0-1 0-0 0, Spencer 4-7 3-4 12, Smith 0-1 0-0 0, Jasinski 0-2 0-0 0, Lestinsky 3-5 1-2 7, Gamble 2-6 2-3 6, Fedder 2-7 0-0 4, Emerick 2-6 0-0 5, Campos 3-10 0-0 7, Singleton 3-8 1-2 7, Prestin 0 0-0 0. Totals 19-53 7-11 48.

Score By Quarters

Michigan City 17 17 20 12 — 66

New Prairie 11 15 8 14 — 48

3-point shooting — Michigan City 3-8 (Carlock 1-1, Ellenwood 1-3, Edwards 1-1, Moore 0-1, Murphy 0-1). New Prairie 3-12 (Spencer 1-1, Emerick 1-4, Campos 1-4, Macher 0-1, Fedder 0-1, Gamble 0-1). Total fouls — Michigan City 13, New Prairie 15.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...ArticleID=27681

Third Quarter - Doom city
Merrillville 74, Michigan City 61

Ken Peterson
For The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Against a quality opponent such as Merrillville, Michigan City girls basketball coach Mike Megyese knew his team was going to be for a tough Duneland Conference game against the Pirates at Michigan City High School.

After playing Merrillville 8-0, 4-0 DAC) close to even for most of the first half City (4-3, 1-4 DAC), was outscored 16-6 in the third quarter and fell 74-61.

"We just stopped playing in the third quarter," said Megyese. "I wish I had the answer for that. I don't have the answer for that. We came out very flat. We just had no intensity. And I don't understand that. Because we told them that it was a three-point game."

The Wolves were done in by the 1-2 combination of Bryonna Davis and Raveen Murray. Davis finished with 32 points and Murray 22.

"Davis and Murray are big-time players and they played great," Megyese said. "They stepped up and did a great job for their team. Give them credit."

Gigi Moore led the Wolves with 17 points while Essence Robinson and freshman Toni Murphy each had 12 points.

"The kid that we feel is a star in the making is a star in the making and is only going to get better is Toni Murphy," Megyese said. "We had her for three assists, two steals and one turnover. I though Gigi Moore is playing extremely playing hard. She played very hard and I commend her for giving her the best effort she could."

It was a very physical game throughout with both teams looking to gain an advantage. Merrillville led 19-14 at the end of one and a Davis free throw made it 20-14 before Joslyn Edwards two free throws keyed a 6-0 run to tie the game at 20. The Wolves continued to play tough and took their last lead at 28-27 on a Moore three-pointer with 1:44 left in the first half.

But a Tracee Mitchell basket with 1:08 left gave the Pirates the lead for good and two free throws by Murray pushed the lead to three at intermission.

Merrillville scored the first seven points of the third quarter to take control. Davis nailed a three-pointer to open the quarter and added a basket later in the period sandwiched in between two Mitchell free throws.

City made just three baskets in the period that ended with a big three-pointer by Murray in the final seconds.

The evening's frustrations boiled over for Megyese, who was assessed a technical foul after what he felt were several calls by the officials that should have been fouls weren't called.

"Let's just tell it like it is," Megyese said. "The third quarter cost us. But there was about a four to five minute period is what lost the game for us. (At one point) we (forced) two turnovers and a blocked shot and then they come out with a wide-open three-pointer.

After Megyese was given the technical, the Wolves started fighting back. City cut the Merrillville lead to 53-45 on a Murphy basket with 5:24 left. But that's as close as the Wolves would get.

Michigan City won the JV game 35-31 behind nine points from Aubria Clifton and six each from Dee Evans, Bria Palmer and Aubria Smith.

[Southsider2k12]

The Lady Wolves played a great game last night, blowing open a game that was 9-8 after the first quarter with a 22-2 advantage in the second quarter. The Wolves used pressure defense all night to just eat the Slicers for lunch. Final score was 57-23, as the Lady Wolves only gave up 14 points over the last 3 quarters in an awesome defensive effort.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...ArticleID=27921

LIGHTING A FIRE
South Bend Clay Holiday Classic

Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND - After a rough start to the season, Michigan City's girls basketball team may be hitting its stride as the calendar readies its flip to 2010.

But with a solid group of returning players from last year's sectional championship team, who knew it would be a group of freshmen lighting the Wolves' fire?

Freshmen Jameka Collins, Tica Murphy and Keshyana Cooper are logging significant minutes for the Wolves these days and figured prominently in City's balanced attack Tuesday night in a 68-32 win over Tri-Central in the third place game of the South Bend Clay Holiday Classic.

"Our defense is really coming along," first-year City coach Mike Megyese said. "All our kids are working hard on defense, but it starts with (Collins).

"I have not coached a better athlete in 13 years of coaching."

That's high praise coming from a coach who has coached such players as Sydney Smallbone and Melissa Lechlitner at South Bend St. Joseph's. Smallbone now plays at Tennessee and Lechlitner plays at Notre Dame.

Collins, Murphy and Cooper combined for 24 points while Collins and Cooper each had nine boards to lead City. Even Aubria Clifton, another freshman who isn't seeing the same kind of minutes yet, had eight points in the fourth quarter as City spread the love in the scoring column.

Only two Wolves hit double digits (Murphy and Essence Robinson), and nine different Wolves scored at least four points.

Tri-Central, who advanced to the third-place game after a big morning upset of Class A No. 4 Oregon-Davis, was overmatched throughout the game. The Wolves outrebounded the Trojans 43-21 and forced 27 turnovers.

"The kids are having fun with defense and are starting to take pride in our pressure defense," Megyese said. "They know it can turn into offense.

"I think our future is bright."

City (8-5) forced 11 turnovers in the first quarter and got six points from Ashleigh Ellenwood to jump out to a 20-6 lead. In the second quarter, Gigi Moore had six points to give City a 40-15 halftime advantage.

The Wolves didn't look back from there, using ball movement and dribble drives to score seemingly at will. City didn't even attempt a 3-pointer in the second or third quarter and made 1-of-3 attempts for the game.

City has now won seven of its last nine games. Those losses were to Class 4A No. 6 Merrillville and Class 4A No. 11 Elkahrt Memorial.

Next up for City is a Jan. 6 date with Lake Central at the Wolves Den, where the Wolves will look to avenge an embarrassing 63-36 defeat at Lake Central on Nov. 20.

After that game Megyese talked about leadership, and since then the freshman group has stepped up into that role right alongside the upperclassmen.

"They've taken that role and the seniors have jumped on with them," Megyese said. "Now they're all doing it together."

In the morning game, City beat Bowman Academy 73-64 to finish up pool play at 2-1. Murphy had 20 to lead the Wolves, Robinson had 18 and Edwards 17, Gigi Moore chipped in 10.

The Wolves led throughout, turning a 42-30 halftime score into the win despite a game-high 27 points from Bowman's Princess German.

Contact Sports Editor Adam Parkhouse at aparkhouse@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 461.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=51779.85

REVENGE TIME
By Drew White

Staff Writer

After being thoroughly dominated by Lake Central during its second game of the season, Michigan City's girls basketball team knew that its Wednesday night rematch would prove a worthy measuring stick of just how far the team has come.

The Wolves not only cleared that stick, but made it look like a mere toothpick with a convincing 70-56 win over the Indians at the Wolves Den.

Losing in St. John 63-36 back on Nov. 20, Michigan City made 41 points' worth of improvement with the 14-point win over Lake Central.

"Needless to say, we've switched a lot in our lineup since the first time we played them," said Michigan City head coach Mike Megyese. "We're getting better day after day."

Senior Essence Robinson led Wolves' scorers with 17 points, followed by 14 points from freshman Tica Murphy.

Murphy scored 10 of her points in the first half, helping lead Michigan City (9-5, 4-4 DAC) to a 17-point lead at halftime, 40-23.

Though a 17-point lead at halftime would seem to be a healthy cushion, Megyese knew that Lake Central was the type of team that may be prone to make a run.

His fears looked valid in the third quarter. After tacking onto their lead early in the third, Lake Central hit 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to shrink what had been a 21-point lead to a 15-point lead at 44-29.

That was as close as the Indians would pull, however, as the Wolves eventually built the lead back up to as much as 20 points before winning by 14.

"We didn't think a 17-point halftime lead was going to be enough," Megyese said. "We didn't necessarily want to slow it down, but we wanted them to make good decisions. If you build the lead, you've earned the right to go ahead and play your game and make them catch you."

After controlling the first game, Lake Central head coach Leslie Iwema was disappointed by her team's performance, pointing toward a poor effort on defense as the culprit.

"I'm utterly disappointed in our effort tonight," said Iwema. "We came out flat and never got in a rhythm. Our defense killed us.

"If that's the defense we're going to play the rest of the season, it's going to be a long, but short, season."

To make the win even more amazing, the Wolves had lost to the Indians in November despite Lake Central being without 6-6 senior Andrea Kras, who is the tallest player on either team by six inches. Kras was in the lineup on Wednesday.

Kras scored 14 points for the Indians, but the Wolves' pressure on defense helped negate her height advantage. Megyese also thought the pressure wore out Lake Central in the second half.

"I think the pressure took its toll on them. They didn't have their legs," said Megyese. "They got a couple of layups on the press, but at the half, we felt they got tired."

Lake Central's Carolyn Sandrick scored a game-high 18. The Indians fall to 7-6 overall and 4-3 in the DAC.

"Michigan City has improved immensely," said Iwema. "We didn't play our game tonight."

For Michigan City, Megyese was pleased with his team's performance, but still sees room for improvement.

"I know I sound like any coach, but we're not where we want to be yet, but we're getting there," said the first-year Wolves' coach. "I'm proud of our kids. I think they know where we are right now."

Michigan City will host Valparaiso at the Wolves' Den Saturday night.

[Southsider2k12]

Don't look now, but the girls team is HOT. They have won 4 in a row, and 7 out of their last 8.

http://nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/ind...5f43d8ffe2.html

Michigan City uses press to defeat Valpo in girls hoops

Wolves' full-court press leads to 24 Vikings turnovers


MICHIGAN CITY | Michigan City's defense prevented Valparaiso 6-foot-4 senior center Stefanie Lang from a repeat performance.

Lang cashed in from the low post for a career-high 31 points in a 60-50 Vikings win over the Wolves on Nov. 27.

But the Wolves employed a smothering full-court press in the rematch Wednesday night, limiting Valpo's half-court sets and leading City to a 69-55 Duneland Athletic Conference win.

"We did much better with our pressure tonight," Michigan City coach Mike Megyese said. "Lang didn't get as many touches."

Lang had eight first-half points, 10 less than she accumulated to that point in the opening contest. The Vikings also had 15 first-half turnovers.

City made seven steals in the first half to build a 30-22 lead at the break.

"We just did a poor job of execution," Valparaiso coach Jeanette Gray said. "We let (the press) get to us."

The Wolves (10-5, 5-4) were led by the guard trio of freshman Jameka Collins, sophomore Ashleigh Ellenwood and senior Essence Robinson, who combined for 36 points and 11 steals. Robinson had a team-high 17 points.

"That's our bread and butter," Megyese said. "Essence and Ashleigh played well. Then you look at Collins."

Collins had 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

"She's the best athlete I've coached," Megyese said of the 5-5 guard. "She gave us a spark."

Lang, a Valparaiso University recruit, fouled out with 5:11 left, finishing with a game-high 20 points for the Times No. 8 Vikings (8-7, 5-4).

Michigan City helped keep the final result in doubt by hitting just 9-of-18 free throws in the fourth quarter.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Michigan City 69, No. 8 Valparaiso 55

Valparaiso's Stefanie Lang led all scorers with 20 points.