Western wins on rebounds

Western's girls basketball team probably wasn't anyone's pick to secure a berth in the Sunset Region playoffs this season.

The Warriors haven't reached the postseason since 2004 and were welcoming in a new coach.

What most failed to realize, though, was the work ethic Western brought back -- and the Warriors put that on full display again Wednesday.

On a night when it couldn't hit a shot in the paint to save its life, Western crashed the glass to the tune of 43 offensive rebounds and held off host Clark 54-47 to improve to 7-3 and keep sole possession of third place in the Southwest League, inching closer to a spot in the Sunset tournament.

"We're opening up a lot of people's eyes," said first-year coach Annette Megown, whose team has only nine players, six of whom see the bulk of the minutes. "I think a lot of people are shocked, but it's just come from the dedication, the hard work, the teamism with the nine players we have."

Starters Mylasia Smith and Jocelyn Jordan never left the court for Western (7-14, 7-3), and teammate Aleya Ford-Wheaton sat for a total of 19 seconds -- all in the final minute -- yet the Warriors still outworked Clark (5-10, 2-8).

Western had five players with at least 10 rebounds, outrebounding the Chargers, 75-57.

On one fourth-quarter possession, Western grabbed five offensive rebounds before Smith finally converted on the sixth shot.

Smith finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds. Brittany Moreland, who played the final 22 minutes with three fouls, added 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Bobbi Floyd had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Clark.

Contact reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5230.