Blue Devils’ defensive dominance continues in another WB6 whitewashing

QUINCY — There is no quantitative goal the Quincy High School girls basketball players set for what they hope to accomplish defensively each game.

However, there is an emotional response they look to achieve.

“I guess the goal would be to kind of embarrass the opponent in a sense,” senior point guard Leila Dade said. “Our defense can be so good, and we’ve been playing amazing defense.”

The numbers back that up.

Saturday’s 52-29 victory over Sterling in Western Big 6 Conference action at the QHS gym was the Blue Devils’ fifth straight triumph and the sixth time in eight games they have held an opponent to fewer than 30 points. Five times the opponent hasn’t reached 20 total points.

Overall, Quincy (7-1, 3-0 WB6) is allowing just 25.6 points per game.

“The goal is to limit their shots,” Quincy freshman forward Jada Brown said. “We want to make sure they don’t get to the basket much.”

No one is. Opponents are shooting less than 20 percent from the field collectively, and the Blue Devils do a quality job of controlling the defensive glass. Senior forward Taylor Fohey and Brown each corralled five rebounds against the Golden Warriors.

“We just work really well together,” Dade said. “(QHS coach Brad) Dance has instilled in us since we were freshmen that your offense comes from your defense. All of us are really good defensive players individually. So when we work together, our defense is amazing.”

Plus, there is incentive to buckle down.

“They know I get mad every time the other team scores,” Dance said with a smile.

Inevitably, it happens. Limiting how many times it happens is crucial, but Dance never puts a defensive target on the dry-erase board in the locker room.

“We don’t really set a goal,” Dance said. “We talk about minimizing their opportunities and lengthening their possessions.”

Constant communication makes it possible.

“It’s hustle and talk on the court to make sure no one leaves an open man,” Brown said.

Playing with a lead helps, too. Brown scored two of the Blue Devils’ first four field goals and helped power them to a 15-3 lead. By halftime, the advantage had ballooned to 32-13 as the Blue Devils took advantage of their size.

Senior forward Taylor Fohey finished with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Brown had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Freshman guard Myley Longcor added 12 points.

“It feels like we’re connecting,” Brown said.