LYNN — When asked what “English style” was, girls basketball head coach Travonne Berry-Rogers said the Bulldogs want to “suffocate your opponent” with up-tempo play and ball movement.
That was the case at English High on Thursday evening as the Bulldogs took care of Somerville (1-7) 65-26 to improve to 5-2 on the season.
“When we’re clicking on all cylinders, it’s hard to gameplan for us,” Berry-Rogers said. “That’s why I continue to push them to get to that potential.”
Sophomore guard Amara Flores led all scorers with 18, while freshman Jayleen Novas-Rivera had 13 and senior captain Jari Perez added 12.
“We’ve got guards who can shoot, guards that can attack,” Berry-Rogers said. “It’s good to have that.”
The Bulldogs allowed just 11 points in the first half. Somerville head coach Ricardo Bonhomme, who began coaching the Highlanders in April, pointed to English’s press that caused so much trouble.
“Their [Bulldogs] press is rock solid,” Bonhomme said. “They’re waiting for the next pass. If they don’t get that initial trap, they’re looking to intercept.”
Berry-Rogers said he saw improvement regarding rotations and communication, but still wants his Bulldogs to reach the next step on defense.
“We didn’t want to allow more than 20 points,” Berry-Rogers said. “ If we have that mindset in these types of games, it’s going to help us in those big games where we don’t take plays off and don’t get comfortable.”
Bonhomme said he wished his team got out of the zone and into man-to-man because, when the Highlanders did, “it rattled them.”
“If I could go back in time, I probably would’ve adjusted,” Bonhomme said.
Instead, English took advantage, scoring in numerous ways from start to finish. Eight Bulldogs scored, and English connected on eight three-pointers.
“They’re a lot of disciplined girls who know how to play the game,” Bonhomme said.
Some highlights included Perez drilling two corner threes to begin the game, captain Jaeleigh Perry tracking down her own offensive rebound after a jump shot before picking up an assist, and an off-balanced and-one from Perez in the second quarter – followed by a passionate scream in celebration.
In the fourth quarter, and with the game out of reach, the effort never left the gym. English continued to dive on the floor for loose balls, and every Bulldog cheered loudly for teammates after made baskets – just how Berry-Rogers likes it.
“I think we came out and did what we wanted to do,” Berry-Rogers said.
In their third of seven consecutive home games, the Bulldogs return to action Tuesday against Everett with tip-off set for 7 p.m.
English’s leading scorers (points)
Flores: 18
Novas-Rivera: 13
Perez: 12
Alisha Jean: 8
Matty Laurino: 6
Perry: 4
Rosetta Son: 4
