December 30, 2009
Latushko breaks through for Kards
Senior Ashley Latushko scored 21 points for Kearny in a win over Livingston.
Click Here for photos from Kearny at Livingston.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
LIVINGSTON – Finding a consistent second scorer behind Janitza Aquino has been a challenge for Kearny, particularly with injuries compromising the team’s depth. If yesterday’s game was any indication, the Kardinals may have found their answer.
Senior forward Ashley Latushko scored eight points in a span of just 59 seconds during the first quarter as Kearny cruised to a 55-17 victory over Livingston in the consolation round of the Lancer Holiday Basketball Classic.
“It was much needed and it was good timing on her part,” Kearny coach Jody Hill said. “I knew she was capable of it because she was doing it all summer long. In our summer league she was getting like 15 (points) a game.”
It only took a mere matter of moments for Latushko and the Kardinals (4-1) to take control of the game. After falling behind 2-0, Kearny went on a 14-0 run to put the game out of reach. Latushko started the surge with a basket in the paint to tie the game.
She added three more field goals within the next minute. The last one, a basket off an inbounds pass from Michelle Goncalves, gave the Kardinals a 9-2 lead just 1:22 into the game. Eight of those points came from Latushko who considers rebounding to be her “main focus” on the court.
“I think the biggest thing for her is having the confidence and wanting the basketball and getting good position so we can get her the basketball,” Hill said. “I think she did a real solid job of that, becoming a leader, knowing it’s her time to step up.”
Latushko finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds (both game-highs) for a Kearny squad that was once against short-handed. With four key players (Kelli Garner, Caitlin Gil, Stefanie Gomes and Missy Scarpa) out of the lineup, the Kardinals dressed just nine players for the game.
“I’ve never experienced this kind of adversity before,” Hill said about the rash of injuries. “We’re having a lot of bad luck. We really can’t afford anything else.”
Latushko, herself wasn’t immune from the injury bug. Two weeks ago her foot was in a boot and was forced to miss the entire preseason.
“It was difficult getting back and playing together with everyone,” she said. “It felt good to get back.”
Playing with primarily a seven-player rotation, Kearny was in complete control on the defensive end of the court. They forced 28 Livingston (1-3) turnovers and racked up 16 steals for the game. The Kardinals held the Lancers without a point during a nine-minute stretch in the second half.
Goncavles, one of six sophomores to see the floor, led the thievery with five steals to go along with five assists. Senior Alicia Weber had 10 points and six rebounds. Vanessa DaSilva and Aquino added eight points apiece. Aqunio also had seven assists.
“Right now all we can do is ask everyone to go out and try their best,” Hill said. “All you need is five on the court. If we have seven, if we have nine, all it takes is five, so they’re understanding it’s their time.”
Becky Knopf led the Lancers with nine points in defeat and Caroline Cole added seven rebounds.
Kearny returns to conference action when they host North Bergen on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Alicia Weber had 10 points and six rebounds for the Kardinals.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kearny Kardinals (4-1) | 14 |
14 |
13 |
14 |
55 |
| Livingston Lancers (1-3) | 4 |
6 |
1 |
6 |
17 |
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| Kearny: Latushko 11 rebounds; Aquino 7 assists, 4 rebounds; Weber 6 rebounds; Goncalves 5 assists, 5 steals; Lois 4 rebounds. Livingston: Cole 7 rebounds; Hawkins 5 rebounds; Pence 5 rebounds; Knopf 4 rebounds. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||