Dec 7, 2018 2 min read

CHARLEROI — Carmichaels, breaking in four new starters, had a tough draw in the Charleroi Tip-off Classic girls basketball tournament Friday night as it fell to a talented Beaver team, 55-11.

“Beaver is a good team,” said Carmichaels coach Ian McCombs. “There will be a process of learning for us as we have some girls back out who did not play last year.

“We have to get adjusted to pressure and build the mental toughness needed.”

The outcome was never in doubt as Beaver (1-0) limited Carmichaels to one basket, forced it into 14 first-quarter turnovers and took a 20-1 into the second quarter.

Although Beaver extended its lead to 33-6 at the half, the Mikes limited the Bobcats to a 13-5 advantage in the quarter.

“I saw great progression from the first quarter to the second at handling the press,” said McCombs in a positive tone. “We are learning to rely on one another and not try to dribble through the press.

“We did a good job of getting through the press in the second quarter and into the second half.”

In the first half, Carmichaels did not make a basket and committed 26 turnovers.

Gina Ranieri made the lone Carmichaels basket of the contest with 4:43 to go in the third quarter and the team finished nine of 14 from the foul line in the contest.

For the game, Carmichaels finished with 36 turnovers and forced Beaver into 17.

“This is really the first time this group is playing together and they have a lot to learn about each other’s play,” McCombs said. “They have to get chemistry with one another and I will take the effort we put forth and I am looking forward to the next game.”

Emma Hyatt led Carmichaels with four points, Emma Pavelek led Beaver with 18.

The Mikes are back in action Saturday night as it plays Charleroi.