5 keys to Stewarts Creek's sweep over rival Smyrna

Stewarts Creek's basketball teams took a sweep over city rival Smyrna Tuesday evening.

The sixth-ranked Lady Red Hawks (16-3, 4-1) defeated the Lady Bulldogs (11-6, 3-3) 55-30 to remain alone in second in District 7-AAA.

In the boys game, Stewarts Creek (9-10, 2-4) defeated Smyrna (5-10, 1-5) 44-35.

Here are five keys to Stewarts Creek's victories.

Lady Hawks apply the 'D'

Stewarts Creek's girls hit Smyrna with a smothering full-court defense from the start of the game, and the Lady Bulldogs couldn’t handle it. They committed 14 first-half turnovers and the Lady Red Hawks capitalized by turning them into fast break opportunities and transition baskets.

The turnovers helped Stewarts Creek go on a 13-0 run in the second quarter to take a commanding 30-11 halftime lead.

“I knew that because of their size, they’re so much bigger than us, that if they got into a halfcourt setting it would be a danger zone for us,” said Stewarts Creek coach Lindy King. “I wanted to keep them on the run, and keep them in the backcourt.”

Smyrna coach Bud Brandon said his team didn’t react as well as it should have to the defensive pressure.

“They do play great defense, but I thought we were prepared,” said Brandon. “Because Riverdale plays good defense. Oakland plays good defense. We’ve played good competition to prepare for that. I’m not real pleased with how we handled the pressure.”

Attack of the Ferbys

Senior Briana Ferby had 10 first-half points during Stewarts Creek’s first-half run, 14 overall. Her twin sister Brandi Ferby had eight points.

Additionally, Jamya Rogers had 12 for the Lady Red Hawks.

Knocking down the 3s

After missing their first seven 3-point attempts, Stewarts Creek wound up with four 3-pointers in the game. Brandi Ferby and Taylor Vaughn each had two.

Three of them came during the second quarter, when Stewarts Creek went on its run and outscored Smyrna 18-4.

Slow start

Both boys teams started slowly. Halfway through the first quarter Smyrna led 3-2 after each team missed several shot attempts, including layups.

Stewarts Creek recovered to outscore Smyrna 7-0 to close out the first quarter and take a 9-3 lead.

But the slow start continued for Smyrna throughout the first half. The Bulldogs only managed seven points in the first half.

Free throws down the stretch

Smyrna cut Stewarts Creek’s 11-point lead down to four midway through the fourth quarter, but the Red Hawks converted 11 free throws in the final four minutes to put the game away.