Madison registers double-double in Legends Classic defeat

By BENJAMIN BRUNNER

BALTIMORE – Freshman forward Shahra Madison posted a double-double of 21 points and 21 rebounds Sunday afternoon, helping Chesapeake College stay competitive in a 74-58 women's basketball loss to Monroe Community College during the second day of the Legends Classic at Baltimore City Community College.

"She [Madison] really battled on the boards for us and that kept us in the game," said Chesapeake head coach Gwen Barnes, whose squad stayed close until Monroe used a late, 8-0 run to open up a 39-27  halftime lead.  "All of the girls worked extremely hard.  I think our turnovers [11] were what hurt us the most.  We're going to have to work on limiting our turnovers."

Chantelle Gross (15 points, nine rebounds, four steals) also scored in double figures as Chesapeake held Monroe to a 16-16 tie in the first quarter, despite intense defensive pressure by the Tribunes. Madison, Gross and Emily Truitt each recorded three-point plays in the second period to keep things close, but Monroe used the 8-0 run to take command.

"Most of our turnovers were in the second period," noted Barnes.

Deondria Wimber (seven rebounds) contributed nine points while Janice Ladson (four assists) added seven for the Skipjacks.  Chesapeake shot just under 36 percent from the field, compared to 43 percent for the Tribunes (8-2).

"We took really good shots, but they just weren't falling," said Barnes.  "If we had shot really well from the floor and limited our turnovers I think the outcome would have been a little different."

Sierra Green and Ellease Billings-Harrison lead the offensive charge for the Tribunes with 11 points each. Torrie Cash contributed 10 points, including a trey.

The Skipjacks – now 6-4 overall and 4-1 in league action – return to conference play Tuesday at 5 p.m. against visiting CCBC-Dundalk.

"We have a very young team, but overall they have the passion and they have the drive to win," said Barnes.  "I feel pretty good about our team."