Slow Start Costs East Hampton

With the season nearing the halfway point, wins have been few and far between for the East Hampton girls' basketball team. The Bellringers have been plagued by slow starts and poor shooting, and Friday night in North Branford, it was that recipe that cost them.

East Hampton (2-7) fell behind 18-5 after the first quarter and could not catch the Thunderbirds, losing 38-31.

"We played a very spirited and gustsy second half, but the hole we dug in the first half was too deep," East Hampton coach Shaun Russell said.

The Bellringers' problems on the offensive end contributed to that hole, as East Hampton scored only 10 first-half points to fall behind by 15 at the break.

"Again, I thought we got and took good shots, we just could not convert, including several layups and shots in the paint," Russell said. "We showed good agressiveness, getting to the free-throw line 16 times but only making eight of them."

East Hampton got things turned around some on offense after the first half, but it was too little too late. There were other aspects to the game, however, that Russell liked.

"Aside from the first quarter, the defensive end of the floor was good team defense and we also rebounded the ball well," he said.

Leah Coughlin continued her steady improvement and led East Hampton in scoring with seven points. Ashley Chasse and Sarah Denihan had six points and Taryn McCabe chipped in with five, including a three-pointer.

There was other good news for East Hampton. Senior Colleen Owen returned to the court after missing the first eight games with an injury. Russell said Owen gave the team some good minutes late in the game. He also pointed out contributions from freshman Taylor Muncy and praised senior Becca Gustine for another solid effort defensively and energy wise.

After losing its first seven games, North Branford (2-7) has, for the most part, been competitive this season, losing close games to Hyde and Haddam-Killingworth before finally beating Westbrook 41-21 on Tuesday.

Melissa Sola had 16 points and Justine Johnson 11 for the Thunderbirds.

East Hampton will next play Old Lyme at home on Tuesday.

"Plenty of good to draw on from this game and there is still work to do in many areas, but we definitely took steps forward tonight," Russell said.