Lonergan Leads Lady Cyclones Past Plainedge, 51-34

South Side's Megan Lonergan is quickly becoming one of Nassau County's most feared and versatile basketball players.

With 17 points, nine assists and countless contributions on defense, Lonergan was the centerpiece in a 51-34 Lady Cyclones victory over Plainedge on Tuesday night at South Side. 

Lady Cyclones Head Coach Katelyn Dunn used three forwards for most of the game, positioning Lonergan at the top of the key. The offensive strategy allowed her to run the offense, using her size in the paint to score with ease, and distribute the ball to open teammates when she was double-teamed.

"The defense they were playing allowed us to put Megan on the foul line," Dunn explained. "She's probably the best passer on the team; she sees the court very well. This offense allowed us to open the game. She's a triple threat, she can pass it, take the shot if it's open, or drive to the basket."

South Side's triangle offense, combined with a stifling defense that created turnovers, helped the Lady Cyclones jump out to an early lead. The Lady Cyclones allowed just one point in the second quarter, and finished the first half up 30-10.

With South Side's defense frustrating the Lady Red Devils, the Lady Cyclones offense seamlessly moved the ball around the perimeter with quick passes. In the middle of a 16-0 run that spanned nearly ten minutes, everything gelled for South Side's offense. On one play, guard Allie Bannon drove the lane, passed the ball baseline, where it was then touched to Lonergan, who tapped it to a cutting Maggie McGowan for an easy lay-up.

Dunn said she was happy with every facet of her team's game in the win, and was pleased with some of the contributions she received off her bench, especially from McGowan.

"I'm proud of our defense today, we guarded the shooters and were able to set up on offense," Dunn said. "Maggie was huge for us. She was a sparkplug. I think she had seven rebounds in the first half and only played about six minutes. That was huge for us."

After its dominant first half, South Side let up in the second half, allowing the lead to be pared to the eventual final score. Plainedge did its best to cut into South Side's lead, making adjustments on defense and burying eight of their 22 three-point attempts.

"Plainedge adjusted well, and moved the ball well in the second half," Dunn said. "To their credit, they made some good adjustments, and we were slower to get out in the second half."

The Lady Cyclones will be off until after the Christmas holiday, when they will face Wantagh in the first round of the Freeport Holiday Tournament on Dec. 28.