Girls JV Basketball: West beats East

Cranston East hosted Cranston West in JV Basketball on Saturday, writing another chapter in the storied city rivalry. Cranston West had the advantage on the boards and limited second chance opportunities for the Thunderbolts, while giving themselves fast break opportunities and easy baskets. Their success on the boards was a recipe for victory, as they defeated Cranston East 61-21.

The Falcons surged to a fourteen-point lead from tip-off, on a 16-2 run. Tara Okolowitcz and Lauren Salisbury combined for ten points in the early run, as the Falcons were able to get out in transition.

The defense of the Falcons continued to stifle the offense of the Thunderbolts. West would surrender a foul shot to make it 16-3, but then upped their lead to 23 with another 10-0 run, which consisted of more fast break point and some offensive putbacks. 

The Bolts went on an 8-4 mini-run at the end of the half but still trailed 30-11 at halftime. 

It was more of the same in the second half, as Cranston West continued to get to the rim and create lay-up opportunities. The Falcons outscored the Thunderbolts 31-10 in the second half and went on to win 61-21.

Okolowitcz and Salisbury led the Falcons in scoring with 16 and 10 points respectively.

"Tara and Lauren really stood out today. They both played excellent and allowed us to jump out to a big lead with their play in the open court," Cranston West JV Coach David Fontes said.

West is now 1-1 on the season and will play its first league game on Tuesday when the Falcons match up with the LaSalle Rams.

East is now 0-2 on the young season and will play its first league game on Wednesday against Tiverton.