Lemorande’s big night carries Bay Port girls over Preble

SUAMICO – Behind 33 points from senior Melia Lemorande, the Bay Port girls’ basketball team easily dispatched Green Bay Preble in a Fox River Classic Conference game on Jan. 16 at Bay Port High School. 

Lemorande, a Division II commit to Maryville University in St. Louis, nailed six three-pointers in the Pirates’ 65-34 victory. 

The 6-foot-1 Lemorande had 15 first-half points and followed that up with 18 after intermission. 

“I think it was a great team win, and we worked the ball around well,” Lemorande said. “We rebounded and boxed out well – everything we focused on during practice this week.”

After hitting back-to-back threes late in the first half, Lemorande caught fire in the second half to help the Pirates (11-4 overall, 6-2 FRCC) extend their 28-16 lead at the break. 

“Coach [Lemorande] stresses that if you want to play, you have to play defense,” she said. “From our first game of the season until now, we’ve taken a big step forward with our defense.” 

Bay Port Assistant Coach Tom Simcik said when the Pirates pass the ball multiple times per possession, good things happen. 

“When we don’t pass much, we falter,” he said. “When we take the time to pass it around three or four times before taking a shot, we’re a very good team.”

Simcik gave credit to sophomore center Kailynn Thompson for her ability to pass the ball. 

“In my opinion, Kailynn should really touch the ball every time down the court,” he said. “She’s a phenomenal passer and finds the open girl. If there is no open, she can also drive the basket and score.” 

Junior Olivia Williams chipped in with 14 points for Bay Port, while Thompson dumped in 11. 

If there was any doubt of the outcome, the Pirates began the second half with an 18-4 surge to jump ahead 46-20. 

Sophomore Camille Konkol led the Hornets (7-8, 4-4) with 13 points in the loss.