By CHRIS BROOKS, sports editor, wellsvillesports.com
HORNELL — The first half was utilized in full by the Hornell Lady Red Raiders on Monday against visiting Canisteo-Greenwood. Propelled by a nine-point quarter from Jordyn Dyring, a lead in the first eight minutes came to fruition.
In the second, a massive run to close out the half was on deck, as the rest of the offense came together to cement the victory for the hosts in the Maple City to claim a 57-30 win over the Lady Chargers.
The Lady Red Raiders were red hot right out of the gate, igniting a fire that saw them score eight of the game’s first nine points to set up shop. With a 14-6 first quarter lead over the Lady Chargers (8-5) in hand, the offense for Hornell provided a big first half exclamation point with five different scorers all aiding a 20-point while the defense used a megaton of pressure to hold their opposition to just four points in return.
Hornell coach Jim Dagon was impressed with Canisteo-Greenwood and said don’t let the final score fool you, as the Chargers worked hard against the No. 1 team in the state.
“Regardless of the final score, we were out-worked tonight. Rebounds and hustle plays all went Canisteo’s way because they earned them,” Dagon said. “Tough shooting nights happen, and sometimes you just go up against a team that’s better than you are, but giving a good effort is a choice, and we chose to take a night off in that category.
“We set the bar very high for ourselves night in and night out, so there’s bound to be nights where we don’t live up to those standards,” Dagon continued. “I care too much about this group of players to let them off the hook, whether we win or lose, I want them to strive to be their best, and to play with passion and enjoyment each night.”
Dyring helped pace the offense towards a 34-10 halftime lead of Canisteo-Greenwood — a lead they never looked back on, as she finished with a game-high 18 points. Behind her was Lillian Hoyt and her hot hand from downtown, netting four of the team’s eight triples for 12 points. Raegan Evingham chipped in with 11 points.
The Lady Chargers saw Bailey Mullen and Peyton Peters take charge with eight team-high points each, with Mullen scoring six rebounds and four steals, while Peters grabbed 10 boards. Furthering the special teams efforts was Paris May, who led the Lady Chargers off the glass with 12 big boards, while Harlie McCaffery added eight more of her own.
Canisteo-Greenwood will look to get back into the win column tonight with a 7 p.m. contest against Wellsville in Canisteo.
Canisteo-Greenwood 6 4 17 3 – 30
Hornell 14 20 12 11 – 57
CANISTEO-GREENWOOD: Kora Button 1 1-2 3, Bailey Mullen 3 1-2 8, McKenna Ferris 2 0-0 4, Harlie McCaffery 2 1-4 5, Paris May 1 0-0 2, Peyton Peters 3 1-1 8. Totals: 12 4-9 30.
HORNELL: Mia Nasca 1 0-0 2, Jordyn Dyring 7 2-2 18, Lillian Hoyt 4 0-0 12, Payton Bentley 3 1-3 7, Selena Maldonado 3 0-0 7, Raegan Evingham 4 2-2 11. Totals: 22 5-7 57.
3-point goals: C-G 2 (Mullen, Peters), Hornell 8 (Hoyt 4, Dyring 2, Maldonado, Evingham).
Total Fouls: C-G 10, Hornell 9. Fouled out: None.
