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By CODY LEIST

PDT Sports Writer

In order to get easy shots, forcing the opponent into turnovers is essential.

Portsmouth proved that in Monday night’s non-league girls basketball tilt with visiting Minford. The Trojans forced the Falcons into 19 turnovers and were able to come away with their second victory in as many outings with a 57-30 decision.

“Offense is fun, (but) turnovers create that,” Portsmouth coach Tyson Phillips said.

Three Trojans were in double figures on the night and were led by Kayleigh White’s 20 points and eight rebounds. According to Minford coach Scott Cayton, he felt his team was hurt by rebounds.

“Early on, (we weren’t) able to get them off the boards,” Cayton said.

Portsmouth (5-3) jumped out to an early 7-0 lead before the Falcons (2-6) attempted their first shot.

“Overall I thought our defense played well,” Phillips said.

For Cayton, empty possessions need to be minimized in order for his team to have any success.

“We’ve got to do the little things to keep the possessions even,” Cayton said.

The two teams combined to be shutout from the perimeter in the first half off 18 shots. That changed in the second half when the squads made a combined seven 3-point shots.

Four of those triples came off the wrist of Trojan senior Shanice Rollins, who finished with 14 points.

“We had a horrible time of finding her in our zone,” Cayton said.

While his team missed 12 of the 18 3-pointers attempted in the first half by either side, Phillips stated his team does not shy away from the deep ball.

“It’s fun to shoot the threes,” Phillips said.

The Falcons were led by Sara Simpson with seven points. Minford will have over a week before its next game, a Dec. 29 home encounter with Jackson.

Portsmouth plays its final game before Christmas Thursday when South Webster makes the trip into town.

“South Webster is going to be a tough challenge for us,” Phillips said.

CODY LEIST can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 242, or cleist@heartlandpublications.com.

Minford 4 5 11 10 — 30

Portsmouth 15 10 11 21 — 57

Minford — Thoroughman 0-1-1, Bender 1-1-3, Wynn 2-0-6, Gampp 3-0-6, Berry 2-0-4, Simpson 3-1-7, Fuhrmann 1-0-3, Totals 12-3-30.

Portsmouth — I. Sturgell 1-0-2, Williams 3-7-13, Kennedy 1-0-2, McGraw 3-0-6, Rollins 5-0-14, White 9-2-20, Totals 22-9-57.

3-Point Goals — Minford 3 (Wynn 2, Fuhrmann); Portsmouth 4 (Rollins 4).

Records — Minford 2-6; Portsmouth 5-3.