PLYMOUTH – Effort continues to be the key and Plymouth’s Lady Pilgrims gave no lack of that in a 46-24 home win over NLC foe Concord Saturday.

“I thought we were ready to go,” said Plymouth head coach Dave Duncan. “We want to build on that from here out. Obviously there is a few errors that we need to work on but I’m very happy with our effort here today.”

Plymouth jumped out to a 21-7 first period lead and never looked back on the way to the win. That makes two out of three for the Lady Pilgrims this week – a week that will likely be looked at as a turning point in the season. After a mid – season lull Duncan’s troops have hit the floor with a new intensity and dedication that has paid big dividends.

Hunter Stevens has led the way with a double/double on Tuesday at LaPorte, a big night against New Prairie on Thursday and 20 points and seven rebounds again on Saturday.

The theme of the fast start was also not lost on the Lady Pilgrims.

 

“We got out and shot the ball well that first quarter,” said Duncan. “I think that quick start was something that we’ve talked about and I think it definitely was the difference in the game today.”

Plymouth shot over 60 percent in the game’s first half and finished the day at 41 percent. Better news still was an 80 percent clip from the free throw line.

With a 34-11 halftime lead Plymouth’s emphasis in the second half became a facet of the game that has been up and down – rebounding. Plymouth ended the day with a 27-24 advantage but it was a point of emphasis at halftime.

We’re still wanting to watch the ball on shots instead of finding bodies,” said Duncan. “We have to keep working at it, and getting better on our communication.”

Plymouth’s defense continued to be outstanding, forcing turnovers on the first four trips down the floor without allowing a Concord shot. With sectional looming on the horizon it was an opportunity for the Plymouth coaching staff to emphasize the importance come tournament time. Nearly all sectional champs will have to win three games in a week to take that title.

“That’s the scenario and at this time in the season that’s a good time to have that third game and find out where you are mentally and physically.”

Plymouth is 11-6 on the year and will face Rochester on Wednesday.

Score by Quarters

Plymouth 21 34 43 46

Concord 7 11 16 24

Concord (24) – Iavagnilio 2 2-2 7, Clopton 1 0-0 2, Nisen 1 0-0 2, Warren 2 1-2 6, Warren 2 1-2 6, Wilhelm 0 0-0 0, Campbell 0-0 0, Emerick 0 0-0 0, Mochamer 0 0-0 0, Rutter 2 0-0 4, Seddon 0 0-0 0, Hahaj 1 1-2 3. Totals 9 4-8 24.

Plymouth (46) – A. Harrell 0 0-0 0, Stevens 6 8-8 20, Andrews 0 0-0 0, Fosler 3 0-0 6, Harrell 3 2-2 10, Wright 2 0-2 4, Morwood 0 0-0 0, Stephenson 1 2-2 4, Singleton 0 0-0 0, Horvath 1 0-1 2. Totals 16 12-15 46.

3 Pt. Fg. – Plymouth 2-14 (H. Harrell 2), Concord 2-13 (Iavagnilio, Warren).

Rebounds – Plymouth 27 (Stenvens 7), Concord 24 (Nisen 6).

Assists – Plymouth 9 (Harrell 3), Concord 2 (Warren, Seddon).

Steals – Plymouth 16 (Fosler, Stephenson 4), Concord 3 (Hahaj 2)

Turnovers – Plymouth 14, Concord 19

Fouls (Fouled out) – Plymouth 14, Concord 12.