Lack of energy sinks Monessen against Beth-Center

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

A slow start and lack of intensity are just two ingredients for the Monessen basketball team’s woes right now.

The Greyhounds saw their losing streak hit three games Saturday as Beth-Center pulled into town and left with a 63-50 nonsection win.

It was the programs’ first meeting in 14 seasons.

“We just didn’t have the energy and we have to understand the things we need to do as a team,” Monessen head coach Dan Bosnic said. “We need to understand the kind of team we are, and I really think we need to give more effort, especially on the defensive end.”

Offensively, especially in the first half, the Greyhounds weren’t able to get anything going with Beth-Center packing up the middle in a 2-3 zone.

“We watched the film and we know how athletic they are,” Beth-Center head coach Bill Greco said. “We decided we wanted to pack it in and not give them those second- and third-chance points they usually get. We wanted to eliminate their dribble penetration and not let them get those rebounds.”

Beth-Center’s other game plan was to feed big man Cameron Palmer.

Palmer finished with 10 of his 17 points in the first half, getting easy baskets inside with good footwork and the help of his 6-5 frame.

“Cam’s been a starter for three years now,” Greco said. “This year, he’s able to finish at the rim better, and now, he’s playing through and scoring through contact. We’ve been teaching him all along, but this season he’s really doing a good job with it.”

The Bulldogs limited the Greyhounds’ opportunities offensively and allowed only 13 points in the first half. Beth-Center was willing to let Monessen take three-point shots, but the Greyhounds didn’t shoot them.

“We have to be ready to shoot,” Bosnic said. “We tried to force a lot of things inside and we turned it over and we didn’t take the shots we were given.”

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