MONROE - Monroe High School girls basketball coach Sam Mathiason talked with his team about limiting the easy baskets of Fort Atkinson's top-three scoring threats.
The Cheesemakers delivered on their coaches' wishes and stifled Fort Atkinson on Tuesday, rolling to a 54-20 win.
Monroe (13-1, 8-0 Badger South), ranked fourth in the Associated Press Division 2 state poll, remains unbeaten in the conference and controls its own destiny in the quest for a conference championship.
"We talked on defense about how we needed to limit their three scorers - Evie Coleman, Mia Garant and Sarah Pfeifer," Mathiason said. "We had to be in a good position to make it tough on them. We did a good job of limiting them to one shot. Offensively, we did a good job of sharing the ball and getting some high-percentage shots."
Coleman, a freshman, came in averaging 10.6 points per game for the Blackhawks. Coleman scored a team-high nine points against Monroe.
Monroe sophomore Sydney Hilliard scored a game-high 15 points. Sophomore Emily Benzschawel added 11 points, and senior Jordan Hirsbrunner had nine points.
The Cheesemakers opened the game with a 17-3 run and led by 26 points at the half.
Monroe shot 71.4 percent from the free-throw line (10 of 14). Monroe junior Rachel Meier and Benzschawel each hit one 3-pointer.
All 10 of Monroe's players got significant playing time against the Blackhawks.
"You just continue to work hard and develop your skills," Mathiason said. "Tonight was an opportunity for everyone to do that. Everyone was able to get some opportunities. You just have to take advantage of it and make the most of the moment."
With four conference games left, the Cheesemakers are in the driver's seat to win the Badger South title.
"There is a bigger picture of a conference championship out there," Mathiason said. "As the season has gone along, we just talk about the next game. That's all we can worry about. We have a few days to get ready for Milton on Saturday. All we can do is look toward the one against Milton and hope we continue playing the great team basketball we have been playing."
Monroe also has games remaining at Stoughton, at home against Monona Grove and at Madison Edgewood.
The Cheesemakers delivered on their coaches' wishes and stifled Fort Atkinson on Tuesday, rolling to a 54-20 win.
Monroe (13-1, 8-0 Badger South), ranked fourth in the Associated Press Division 2 state poll, remains unbeaten in the conference and controls its own destiny in the quest for a conference championship.
"We talked on defense about how we needed to limit their three scorers - Evie Coleman, Mia Garant and Sarah Pfeifer," Mathiason said. "We had to be in a good position to make it tough on them. We did a good job of limiting them to one shot. Offensively, we did a good job of sharing the ball and getting some high-percentage shots."
Coleman, a freshman, came in averaging 10.6 points per game for the Blackhawks. Coleman scored a team-high nine points against Monroe.
Monroe sophomore Sydney Hilliard scored a game-high 15 points. Sophomore Emily Benzschawel added 11 points, and senior Jordan Hirsbrunner had nine points.
The Cheesemakers opened the game with a 17-3 run and led by 26 points at the half.
Monroe shot 71.4 percent from the free-throw line (10 of 14). Monroe junior Rachel Meier and Benzschawel each hit one 3-pointer.
All 10 of Monroe's players got significant playing time against the Blackhawks.
"You just continue to work hard and develop your skills," Mathiason said. "Tonight was an opportunity for everyone to do that. Everyone was able to get some opportunities. You just have to take advantage of it and make the most of the moment."
With four conference games left, the Cheesemakers are in the driver's seat to win the Badger South title.
"There is a bigger picture of a conference championship out there," Mathiason said. "As the season has gone along, we just talk about the next game. That's all we can worry about. We have a few days to get ready for Milton on Saturday. All we can do is look toward the one against Milton and hope we continue playing the great team basketball we have been playing."
Monroe also has games remaining at Stoughton, at home against Monona Grove and at Madison Edgewood.
