SHELBY — Stylistically, at least, Monday's Whitehall/Shelby season opener bore some resemblance to the game the teams played a season ago: The Tigers pressing Whitehall ballhandlers from the opening tip, the Vikings hanging in there for much of the first half, and Shelby ultimately proving too much - this time in a 46-26 win.
However, senior Janie Fagan said it isn't quite that simple. She noted that her team allowed fewer points and scored more than in the same matchup last December, a 53-17 Tigers' win.
"I feel like our team this year is much better than last year," Fagan said. "We came out today and played better than we did than we did at the end of the season last year. Our defense is much better. We were able to hold them way more than we were in the first game last year, and I'm confident in our offense and defense going forward as a team."
Monday's game was certainly more competitive than some of the Vikings' tangles with top teams a year ago. Shelby started the game attacking Whitehall with its press defense, but the Vikes were able to keep it at bay enough to stay close throughout the first quarter. Kayden Johnson hit a pair of free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt to tie the score at 6, and Shelby led by a narrow 11-8 margin after one.
Whitehall's Kayden Johnson is fouled by Shelby's Michelle Peterson during Monday's game at Shelby. The Vikings dropped the game to the Tigers, 46-26.
Shelby created some separation by hitting a trio of three-pointers in the second quarter, building a 10-point halftime lead, then called off the press in the second half and instead came at the Vikes with an aggressive man-to-man defense. The switch led to several Whitehall turnovers and, in turn, easy Shelby baskets that helped the Tigers pull away.
Offense has been the area Whitehall has targeted for improvement for some time, and nothing about Monday likely changed that. The Vikings were solid defensively and played with admirable energy against a Shelby team that entered this season with sky-high expectations, but needed more points.
"If you know that 12-step process, we did the first 11 pretty well, but the whole putting the ball in the hole thing was problematic for us," Milliron said. "The energy level was very good. I thought our seniors came out - we had five returning girls from last year's team - and I thought they all did a really good job of competing tonight."
One good thing to see Monday was junior Clare Westerlund. After missing early practices while addressing a health issue, she was able to come back for the season opener and was a key part of the Viking attack, leading the team with seven points and seven rebounds. She entered the season poised to be one of the team's most valued leaders as a third-year varsity player.
"It was great to see her play," Milliron said. "She's a kid who's got unlimited potential when it comes to what she can do. She's stronger this year. She's faster this year, but she's a lot more of a leader this year."
"She plays with heart and emotion," Fagan added of her teammate.
Whitehall's balanced scoring meant a few players scored their first varsity points, which will no doubt pay dividends later in the season. While there remains much the Vikes will work on, Milliron was plainly pleased with the mentality his team showed in its opening game.
Fagan and Westerlund will be the focal points in the huddle as the season progresses, and that's been no secret.
"We talked about it in the offseason," Milliron said. "(We said,) 'Clare, we're going to be as good as you and Janie this season. Just bring everybody else along with you.' I felt we were all pulling the same way, pushing the same way as a whole tonight. I was pleased with everything except for the final score."
