South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Mehlville girls’ basketball coach credits 54-50 win over Oakville to free throws

Shots at the free-throw line either can win you games or lose you games.

The girls’ basketball team at Mehlville Senior High School realized last Thursday evening that free throws can win games.

For Panthers’ head coach Ed Feibig, it was a sure sign that things are turning around for his team in its 54-50 thumping of Oakville.

“It’s nice to see,” Feibig told the Call. “We’re starting to play a little bit better. In fact, I told the kids that I think we’re starting to make the turn and they agreed.”

Shots from the charity stripe were the deciding factor in the Panthers’ battle against their sister school. Mehlville was 31-41 (75.6 percent), while the Tigers had five players in foul trouble.

“One of the big things in the Oakville game was that they kept fouling us and we kept hitting our free throws,” Feibig said.

Mehlville sophomore forward Michelle Senf racked up 15 points and nine rebounds, while creating two steals in the Panthers’ win over Oakville.

“We’re keeping her inside more where she’s more productive,” Feibig said. “As long as we can keep her in the post, she’s hard to stop.”

Also having a solid game for the Panthers was Alyse Gordon with 11 points, 10 rebounds, two blocked shots and one steal.

Along with Senf, the freshman forward has created a dynamic duo that has the potential to give opponents fits.

“That was her first double-double in her high school career,” Feibig said. “Alyse’s strong points are that she’s aggressive and strong. They give her a little bit of cover age and then Michelle’s open.”

Senior guard Carissa Pratt is normally known for draining three-point shots during one of the Panthers’ games. Yet against Oakville, it was her solid performance at the free-throw line that drew rave reviews.

Pratt finished the game with 9 points, two rebounds and one steal. Of Pratt’s 9 points, 6 points were from the free-throw line.

“She’s my best free-throw shooter,” Feibig said. “That’s almost like money in the bank.”

The Panthers will travel to Washington this week to participate in the St. Francis Borgia Invitational. Mehlville opens up the tournament on Wednesday evening against Washington.

“It’s a great tournament that’s fun and well run,” Feibig said. “Washington’s a pretty good team that’s quick, aggressive and well coached. In order to win, we’ve got to go out there and rebound and not have turnovers.”

The Washington contest is slated for a 5:30 p.m. start.

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