Minford's bench keys win
Stephen Ellsesser, PDT Sports Writer
Minford’s starters hurt Portsmouth with defense, and the Lady Falcons’ bench hurt the Trojans with scoring.
Once Minford erased an early 4-0 deficit, the Lady Falcons adapted to their roles nicely in a 63-46 win Monday at Portsmouth High School.
Kristin Martin and Shaye Berry came off the bench to score 24 points for Minford. Martin’s 14 points were a team high, and the senior added seven rebounds. Berry had six boards to go with 10 points.
“ It can come from anyone,” Minford coach Kim Conley said. “Tonight it was about matchups. We got some nice play off the bench. The girls accept their roles.”
While Berry and Martin were able to open the Minford offense in the low post, Minford also feasted on Portsmouth turnovers, including 12 in the first half.
The Lady Falcons’ diamond press did the most damage in the second quarter, keeping Portsmouth at bay, as Minford opened the period with a 16-0 run.
“ I think that was key,” Conley said. “They started breaking it later when we got sloppy, but it did the job. We started making our shots in the second.”
For Portsmouth, it was another case of the quarter from the abyss. Minford outscored Portsmouth 20-6 in the second quarter.
“ The second quarter just killed us, and that’s what’s been happening,” Portsmouth coach Albrecht said. “In games we lose, we’ll have one really bad quarter where we just fall off. Usually it is the first quarter, but tonight it wasn’t.”
After losing the lead, Portsmouth still kept it close in the first quarter, trailing 11-10 at the end of the period. In the first quarter, the Trojans’ shots weren’t falling, and in the second quarter, they struggled getting past half court.
The game was physical at both ends of the court, and Minford’s size made a difference. The 6-foot-2 Martin took full advantage of being the tallest player on the court.
“ It did look like football out there,” Albrecht said. “Their big girls manhandled us. Our little bodies got thrown around. We’re just not as big as they are.”
Brya Coleman scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Trojans, but she didn’t find her stroke until the fourth quarter, when she scored 10 points. Sarah Barney added 10 points for Portsmouth.
“ We missed some easy shots, and I think there was some confusion on the court,” Albrecht said. “The girls got frustrated, and I think they are a little down after this one. We have the tournament to prepare for, so we can’t let this affect us.”
Minford (13-3, 8-3) travels to South Webster on Wednesday. The Trojans will play host to Oak Hill also on Wednesday.

Minford 11 20 11 21 — 63
Portsmouth 10 6 12 18 — 46
Minford — James 3 2 8, K. Donahoe 3 1 7, Brigner 2 1 5, M. Donahoe 2 0 6, Berry 5 0 10, Cayton 4 1 11, Martin 7 0 14, Roberts 1 0 2. Totals — 27 5 63.
Portsmouth — Browne 1 0 2, McKenzie 3 1 7, Coleman 7 0 17, Barney 3 4 10, Bendolph 2 1 5, Nelson 1 0 3, Jordan 1 0 2. Totals — 18 6 46.
3-pointers — Minford 4 (M. Donahoe 2, Cayton 2); Portsmouth 4 (Coleman 3, Nelson).
Records — Minford 13-3 (8-3); Portsmouth 7-8.

STEPHEN ELLSESSER can be reached at se350699@ohio.edu