The team's collective play was, as always, its main strength, and the rebounding numbers speak for themselves: 48 rebounds for the red-clad side and 28 for the Malaga team, one of the keys to the game. If one player must be singled out, it is Ornella Bankolé. The Frenchwoman could hardly have done more in the nearly 17 minutes she spent on the court, contributing 8 points, 8 rebounds, an assist and a steal for 18 valuation points, making her the game's highest-rated player.
Mariona was applauded by the Red Tide before the game. Photo: Casademont Zaragoza
The worst aspect of the game, and one that needs improvement, was their shooting, as they made 23 of their 65 attempts. They must become more accurate because they will not be able to compete this way against better teams. Still, it was a superb debut for the Aragonese side, who move into first place after the opening round.
THE GAME
Carlos Cantero's first starting five left no room for doubt, as he opted for the old guard with captain Mariona Ortiz, who was applauded by the Red Tide during the team's presentation before the game. This, along with other signs, indicates that the Catalan player will be key until her departure in December. She was joined by Helena Oma, Veronika Vorackova, Nadia Fingall and Merritt Hempe.
The opening minutes were marked by uncertainty, especially in attack, with several mistakes in transition. Fingall kept the red-clad side ahead with her baskets, while the defensive level was extremely high, neutralizing the Malaga team. As a result, César Aneas' side had scored just four points with almost half of the quarter gone, although the Aragonese team needed to raise its offensive level to make the most of its quality.
Bankolé recorded 18 valuation points with an all-around performance. Photo: Casademont Zaragoza
But then Bankolé came onto the court, and her intensity spread to her teammates. An 11-0 run, including three-pointers from Hempe and Sheppard, increased the lead substantially to 14 points, and the opening ten minutes ended with the score at 22-8. Estepona was paying the price after a very eventful week within the red-clad camp.
The defense continued to make the difference in the second quarter, while three-pointers were the only thing keeping Estepona marginally alive in the game. But Zaragoza's physical strength prevailed, especially on the boards, and the Malaga players committed constant fouls to stop the red-clad team's attacks. Through free throws and set plays, Cantero's side extended its lead to 19 points and went into halftime ahead 38-19. It was a very serious first half from Casademont Zaragoza, underlining the potential of this roster.
SECOND HALF
The outcome had already been decided after the first half, and Estepona's offensive blackout, as it struggled to get past the red-clad wall, made the rout even heavier. The Malaga team went more than half of the third quarter without scoring, and the lead reached 27 points at 46-19. Cantero's players were putting on a dominant display.
But the opponent's lack of competitiveness also allowed Casademont Zaragoza to ease off, and its offensive disconnection was noticeable during the second part of the quarter. That lapse allowed Aneas' team to reduce the deficit, leaving the score at 49-28 with the final ten minutes approaching.
The fourth quarter was merely a formality for the Aragonese team, which enjoyed a dream debut to the new season and reaffirmed itself as a candidate to challenge for the achievements of last season. The final ten minutes were a stroll at the Príncipe Felipe, as the team enjoyed itself on the court before finishing with a 27-point victory.
GAME DETAILS
Casademont Zaragoza (68): Mariona Ortiz (5), Helena Oma (-), Veronika Vorackova (-), Nadia Fingall (7) and Merritt Hempe (12) -starting five- Aisha Sheppard (7), Ornella Bankolé (8), Laia Flores (4), Yarden Garzon (9), Kristine Vitola (2), Nerea Hermosa (6) and Carla Brito (8).
CAB Estepona (41): Melissa Gretter (-), Ainhoa Gervasini (3), Rachel Howard (2), Lucía Rodríguez (-) and Tinara Moore (9) -starting five- Alba Sánchez (-), Stephanie Watts (6), Cecilia Muhate (9), Umo Diallo (4), Marta Ortega (6) and Laura Westerik (2).
Quarter scores: 22-8/16-11/11-9/19-13.
Officials: Enrique López, Pol Franquesa and Alberto Lázaro.
Details: Game corresponding to Round 1 of the Liga Femenina Endesa, played at the Príncipe Felipe Pavilion in Zaragoza.
