by Derek ToneyWhen asked what's been the biggest highlight for Towson High girls' basketball team this season, Patty Reilman said a loss to Dulaney.
"Last year unfortunately, we couldn't score in the first half," said Reilman of the 45-32 loss to the defending Baltimore County champions. "This year, we were up 21-20, and we worked really well. It was a good moral victory."
The Generals are getting their share of victories this season. They opened the second half of the regular season with a 48-36 decision over Loch Raven in a Baltimore County matchup Thursday evening.
Sophomore forward Ava Parham led all scorers with a game-high 16 points for the Generals (5-2), and Reilman added 11. Buxbaum scored seven points to lead Loch Raven (3-6).
Towson led by as many as 21 points in the second half as it equaled its win output from a year ago. Reilman, a senior guard, said the Generals have responded for second-year coach Clyde Hsu.
"Everyone's working a lot better," said Reilman, whose team posted a 5-15 mark last season. "We're meshing a lot better."
"They come into practice and looking to working hard," said Generals coach Clyde Hsu. "If we lose by 30 points or win by 20, it's the same attitude everyday. They have a great approach to the game."
Senior starters Tamara Lovelist, Reilman and Allison Ross have been providing leadership for Towson, which has beaten Dundalk, Pikesville, Hereford and Kenwood. Parham, a transfer from St. Frances Academy has been a pleasant surprise along with junior Julia Myers and sophomore Annie Farren.
Lovelist and Parham combined for eight as Towson outscored the Raiders, 14-4, for a 25-11 halftime lead. Loch Raven scored the first two baskets of the second half, but Reilman responded with two free throws and a basket, pushing the lead back to 14 points. A layup by Reilman late in regulation extended the Generals' advantage to 48-27 as Hsu used most of his bench.
"We played full court press until the very end," said Hsu. "We tried to mix it up between zone and man to try and confuse them a little bit."
"We had too many unforced turnovers," said Loch Raven coach Jermaine Thomas, whose team reached the finals of the CCBC-Dundalk Holiday Tournament last week. "They [Towson] were very disclipined, they had a lot of cuts and backdoor screens. They made solid passes and we didn't react."
The Generals will attempt for their sixth win Wednesday evening at home against Carver A & T. Reilman said she's having fun in her final varsity season.
"I've been looking forward to this season. I think we can go far in the postseason," said Reilman. "We're doing well and showing everyone how much we've improved from last year."
Towson 48, Loch Raven 36
Towson: Farren 4, Parham 16, Lovelist 6, Myers 5, Shimek 2, Reilman 11, Durkin 4. Totals 18 12-18 48.
Loch Raven: Buxbaum 8, Weber 2, Handler 2, Fairfield 3, Moxer 4, Hafford 3, Habicht 4, Buckness 4, Swenson 6. Totals 16 2-6 36.
Towson 11 14 14 09-48
Loch Raven 7 4 14 11-36
