Knights defeat Senators

STAMFORD — The calendar has turned to 2019 and the New Year has brought good fortune to the Stamford girls basketball team.

The Black Knights earned their third win in the past four games Monday as they defeated McMahon 38-17 at SHS’ Paul

Kuczo gym.

The return of junior Megan Landsiedel from injury (missing 41⁄2 games during which SHS was 1-4) has propelled Stamford High (4-6 overall, 3-4 FCIAC) in a positive direction.

Landsiedel poured in a game-high 22 points, including five 3-pointers, as Stamford led from start to finish in the home triumph.

“Any team that has a shooter like her, that’s a blessing,” McMahon coach Derek Sellers said. “She is a terrific outside threat.”

DEFENSE RULES NIGHT FOR KNIGHTS

Stamford never allowed McMahon’s offense to get untracked. The Black Knights used their press and an 11-player rotation to wear down the Senators.

“Our defense has improved,” Stamford coach Diane Burns said. “Everyone is on the same page. And the communication during the press is very good. We just have to turn the steals and turnovers

into points at the other end.”

Stamford led 17-11 at halftime and 24-13 after three quarters. In the last 4:35 of the third period and opening five minutes of the fourth quarter, SHS fashioned a 17-2 surge to ensure its third straight home triumph.

“Stamford is a good team. We’re not as deep as most squads,” Sellers said. “We can run out of gas.” STAMFORD CONTINUES GROWTH

With just one senior (Claudia Moses, six points), Stamford is relying on four freshmen along with three sophomores in its rotation.

The Black Knights have a solid scheme to create 3point opportunities, but Landsiedel was the only player knocking them down Monday.

Stamford also overcame shooting 5 of 15 on free throws.

The good news is that Landsiedel has adjusted to playing with a shoulder harness and has knocked the rust off her game.

“Megan looked smooth and played aggressively

tonight,” Burns said. “Sometimes we settle for things. But that’s part of having a youthful group and part of their learning process. The key for me is the kids are working hard. We just need to turn the corner collectively.” MCMAHON KEEPS FIGHTING

It was the fourth straight loss for the Senators (3-7, 2-5 FCIAC).

Senior Michelle Perea had a team-high eight points while senior Meagan Bombace added seven. McMahon was just 3 of 8 from the foul line.

“The name of the game is scoring. And we’ve struggled at scoring lately,” Sellers said. “The FCIAC is the toughest league in the state. We just have to keep working.”