Trinity Catholic Defeats Dunnellon 59-21

Trinity Catholic placed three players in double figures, led by freshman point guard Ja’Niya Corbin’s game-high 13 points, and the Celtics’ defense forced 23 Dunnellon turnovers in a 59-21 win over the Tigers on Tuesday night.

The convincing win improved Class 2A Trinity Catholic to 9-5 on the season.

“We’ve been working hard at both ends of the floor trying to get out in transition and putting up 70 to 80 shots a game,” said Celtics first-year coach Adam Boomhower. “We set the tone with our defense, which is a staple for us. We want to be balanced on offense with guards that can handle and shoot the ball, and a couple of bigs that can run the floor.”

The loss was the fifth in a row for Class 4A Dunnellon, which dropped to 7-6 overall.

“They (Trinity Catholic) hit shots and we didn’t,” said Tigers coach Melissa Mosby. “The more shots they hit, the more our energy started leaving us. Once we get some things worked out, we’ll be all right.”

Trinity Catholic started slowly to open the game but picked up the pace thanks to a swarming defense that forced several Dunnellon turnovers that were converted into baskets. Junior guard Alessa Washington scored four of her 12 points, Corbin added three and senior forward Angelina Nunez buried a 3-pointer from the right baseline to give the Celtics a 14-2 lead heading to the second quarter.

Dunnellon fought hard to stay close as Joseleen Malave scored in the paint for two of her five points and forward Myah Roof added four of her team-high six points. Trinity Catholic answered with a run sparked by junior center Lilliana Rosario’s four points in the paint, Washington’s six points and a 3-pointer from the right wing by Destiny Lewis to give the Celtics a commanding 35-10 lead at the half.

Trinity Catholic extended its lead in the third period as Corbin exploded for 10 points, including a pair of treys from behind the arc, and Sadie Garrett powered her way to the basket on a strong drive as the Celtics took a 35-point lead midway through the quarter, which initiated a running clock for the remainder of the contest.

Both teams went to their bench in the final eight minutes. Trinity Catholic’s Brionie Leahmon scored four of her 10 points and Jayhanna Owusu added a put-back as the Celtics eased to the victory.

Trinity Catholic, which has played a demanding schedule, is back on the hardwood on Thursday night with a home game against Oak Hall.

“We’ve played one of the toughest schedules in the county, so we’re prepared for any situation in the postseason,” coach Boomhower said. “Everything we’re doing is getting us ready for the playoffs.”

Dunnellon hosts Fivay High on Friday night.