Girls Basketball: Merrillville shuts down LaPorte

Updated: December 10, 2011 12:04AM

LAPORTE — Merrillville’s undefeated campaign added another impressive win, this one at the cost of Duneland Conference rival LaPorte. The Pirates were sluggish in the first quarter, opened things up in the second, and rolled to a 57-30 victory.

Merrillville (7-0, 4-0 DAC) has been holding opponents to less than 40 points so far this season, and Friday was no different thanks to the attacking defense displayed primarily in the second half.

Although the Pirates took the lead early, LaPorte battled throughout the first half to stay close. LaPorte took advantage of early Merrillville mistakes to cut into the lead and get within three points. But Raveen Murray was the floor leader keeping the Pirates ahead at 25-20 at the half.

After a spirited halftime talk from coach Amy Govert, the Pirates came out like they have been of late with a tenacious defense that held LaPorte to only three points in the quarter.

Pressure, coupled with the hot shooting of Dariynn Morris, allowed the Pirates to outscore LaPorte 23-3 to take a commanding lead.

“We had an interesting talk and the girls knew they did not play with the intensity they needed in the first half,” Govert said. “Give LaPorte credit, they play hard and are a solid team.”

Merrillville had a balanced offensive showing Murray’s 16 points leading all scorers, followed by Morris with 13 and freshman Victoria Gaines with 12.

LaPorte (5-3, 1-3 DAC) was led by Jaclyn Heath’s 11 points.

“We know we need to play a consistent game from start to finish in our conference,” Govert said.

“Upcoming games aren’t going to get any easier. The girls are starting to see that and I’m confident they will succeed.”

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