Elmont cools down V.S. Central

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After coughing up the basketball 21 times in dropping their conference opener, the Elmont girls were on the positive side of the turnover ratio by a large margin and got a game-high 22 points from senior Amaya Richberg to defeat Valley Stream Central, 44-23, on Dec. 20.
“We spent all of yesterday’s practice working on offense, so I was really happy with how well we played defensively,” Elmont head coach Tom Magno said. “Janay [Legagneur] is an All-County player and we did a great job containing her. We also protected the ball much better this game and forced turnovers.”
Playing without starting point guard Farrah Pitt for a second straight game due to concussion protocol, Legagneur and the Lady Eagles never found a rhythm in what was their A-2 opener. They were held to single digits in all four quarters and head coach Malyssa Thorngren estimated they committed over 30 turnovers.
“There were so many things we did poorly,” Thorngren said. “You’re not going to win a lot of games when you make only six shots. From the time our bus was an hour late to get us here, the day went downhill. It was anomaly to our season so far and hopefully it stays that way.”
Central (3-2 overall) won its first three non-conference games out of the gate and also played a talented South Side team tough — without Pitt — before losing by eight. “I was very happy with what we were doing,” Thorngren said. “Elmont just had us from the start.”

Legagneur, who had games of 27, 15, 19 and 28 points to open the season, was held to nine and seven of those came in the fourth quarter with the outcome never in doubt. Senior Frances Brown chipped in eight points.
Elmont opened the game on a 7-0 run and didn’t allow a point until 1:15 remained in the first quarter. Central’s defense and rebounding weren’t lacking, however, and its deficit was only 7-6 heading into the second.
The Lady Spartans took control in the second behind the backcourt play of Richberg and sophomore Rae Sawyer. Richberg sparked a 13-point run by scoring three baskets, including two set up by Sawyer who also hit a trey. Sophomore Keilah Watkins and senior Brianna Moore also found the bottom of the net during the spurt and Elmont led 26-11 at halftime.
Richberg, who’s continued to play at a high level, had 15 points in the first half. “She’s been impressive all season,” Magno said.
Elmont defeated Valley Stream South, 46-24, the following day in non-conference action for its fourth win in seven games overall. Moore led the way with 13 points.
Central, meanwhile, was looking to get Pitt back in the fold prior to the New Year and be at full strength for its next conference game next Monday at Carey. Pitt averaged 10 points in wins over Plainview, Mineola and Mepham. “She’s a real student of the game and keeps us grounded out there,” Thorngren said.