Shenandoah's volleyball success has fueled the girls basketball team to perfect 11-0 start this season.
BYESVILLE − The Shenandoah Zeps haven't found a sport they can't dominate this year, and they certainly haven't found an opponent that can slow them down.
After a 23-5 volleyball season that took them to the OHSAA regional tournament, the core of that roster has returned to the hardwood and remains untouched. On Wednesday, Jan. 7, that dominance continued as the Zeps improved to a perfect 11-0 on the season with a commanding 60-25 victory over host Meadowbrook High in an non-league matchup.
Leading the charge was senior Brenna Leach, who proved she is just as lethal in the paint as she is at the volleyball net. Fresh off her historic fall − where she joined the elite 1,000-kill and 1,000-dig clubs − Leach turned in a team-high 19 points and 6 rebounds to lead the victory.
Thus far this basketball season, Leach is putting up some impressive numbers with nearly averaging a double-double with a team leading 16.5 points per game scoring average, along with 9.2 rebounds per outing with 1.9 assists and 2.5 steals per night.
Cashing in on volleyball 'good vibes'
The "winning habit" is palpable in Sarahsville. Head coach Roman Thompson attributes much of the basketball team's early success to the "positive vibes" generated during the volleyball team's successful run during the fall.
"We 100% got a lot of momentum to start the year off the successful run our volleyball team enjoyed," Thompson said. "Our girls who played together on that team and had all that success just carried it right over to our basketball team."
That chemistry was on full display Wednesday as the Zeps stifled the Colts (1-10) from the opening tip. While Leach provided the veteran scoring punch, the depth of the Zeps' multi-sport roster was the story of the night. Freshmen and volleyball standouts Emma Daily and Sophy McVicker contributed 11 and 6 points, respectively, seamlessly translating their athleticism from the volleyball court to the hardwood.
Unselfish execution
While the "volleyball girls" provide the defensive grit, junior Emma Moore − who did not play volleyball − has become the perfect offensive engine for the squad. Moore finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds, hovering right near her impressive season averages of 14.9 points per night and 5.1 assists per game.
"Right now we have a lot of girls playing unselfish, team basketball," Thompson added. "Everybody is contributing, whether on the boards, assists, scoring, or on the defensive end of the floor.
For Leach, the reason for the 11-0 start is simple: time served.
"With playing together in volleyball and now basketball, over half of our team has been together like 4-5 months and counting now," Leach said. "I think that really helps because we know each other's strengths and weaknesses, which means we are always pretty much on the same page."
"So just like in volleyball, that allows us to work really well together. Allowing us to play fast and loose without having to think so much," Leach continued. "We are all focused on the same goals, without egos getting in the way."
Looking ahead: A top-5 clash vs. Strasburg
The Zeps show no signs of slowing down, including a strong effort on the defensive end that held Meadowbrook sophomore Avery Kerns to 10 points in Wednesday night's non-league road victory.
"We care for each other and play for each other," Leach said. "And I think that just carried over from the volleyball season. And we are hoping for another extended tournament run, this time on the basketball court."
While the Zeps are enjoying their flawless start, the ultimate litmus test awaits them this coming Monday, Jan. 12, as Sarahsville will be the center of the OHSAA basketball world as Shenandoah − currently ranked No. 5 in Division 6 − welcomes Strasburg High to town. The Tigers bring an impressive 9-2 record and a No. 3 ranking in Division 7, setting the stage for a heavyweight battle between two of the state's most elite programs.
For a Zeps squad fueled by "positive vibes" and a "play-for-each-other" mentality, Monday's 7:30 p.m. tip-off offers the perfect opportunity to prove that their flight to the top is far from over.
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This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Shenandoah girls basketball coasts past Meadowbrook for 11-0 start
Category: General Sports
