By Steve Siniski
Along with an ankle injury to Melanie Gordon, Baldwin also had to deal with the loss of two other players for the game because of illness.
After a strong first quarter saw the Lady Bruins (1-4 in Conference II play) down by just 13-11, the Lady Knights erupted for a 17-2 run over the next eight minutes to take a commanding lead at intermission.
"We got worn down early," Coach Sherman Davis said, noting his shortened bench. "Uniondale's a strong team that started off slow [this season]. They're going to be a strong team going down to the wire."
The absence of Gordon hurt the Lady Bruins in the paint, where she's normally the anchor for the guard-oriented team. Amanda Rittenmeyer led the way with 10 points, including a pair of three pointers, while Jasmine Davis added nine.
"Most of our experienced [players] are all guards or two guards," Davis said.
The hope is to have Gordon back on the floor for this Friday's league match-up with Bellmore-Kennedy. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. It stands to be a game of contrasting styles, as the Lady Cougars (0-5 in Conference II) are strong in the front-court, led by the tandem of Starr Lederer, Alexis Pepe and Mallory Palmieri. The three combined for 24 points and 21 rebounds in Bellmore-Kennedy's 50-45 overtime loss to Freeport last Saturday.
For Baldwin, the production continues to come from the back-court, where Davis, Rittenmeyer and Jana Hampton have emerged as the top scoring options, along with Gordon. Prior to her injury, Gordon scored 10 points in a 53-43 loss to Freeport on Jan. 11, and her eventual fill-in, freshman Shainna Gatling added eight points.
Davis has become the target of every opposing defense and proven to be up to the task as they throw every type of trap and press at her in an effort to force turnovers. The results have been met with mostly frustration, as Davis has been able to cross mid-court and provide a steady hand for Baldwin.
"She can dribble [well] and see the floor," coach Davis said. "And there's not a team in the conference that can press her."
After a sweep at Baldwin's ChaneŽ Monique Brown Holiday Tournament, the month of January hasn't been result-friendly. But that hasn't changed the focus of the team, as its youthful roster continues to gain experience. The only thing missing is that first win of the year. "[Winning] gives the girls experience and confidence," Davis said. "Every win will be a help, because then the girls will know they can get the job done."
The Lady Bruins will be lending their support to the Baldwin P.A.L on Jan. 28, beginning at 5 p.m., where they will take part in drills with the younger players, and do so in front of what's expected to be a packed gym.
"It's a chance to give back to the community," Davis said. "We'll be in full uniform doing drills, shooting free throws and playing a game.
"It's [a way] to inspire [the younger players] and let them know they can make it to varsity [with hard work]."
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