QUINCY — The Ephrata Tigers girls basketball team leveraged their height, experience and an aggressive defense to run their record to 5-0 with a 64-23 win over the Quincy Jackrabbits on Thursday night in Quincy.

The Tigers used a pressing defense and good outside shooting to build a 17-2 lead in the first five minutes of the first quarter. Ephrata coach Alain Black said the team used its defense to make offensive opportunities, and that’s been a focus of the early season.

“That’s kind of been our goal this year, is to start out strong, get a jump on it and go from there,” she said. “So I was impressed with that.”

Ephrata senior guard Molly Evenson hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter, and Black said the outside game has improved.

“I think we had eight 3s in the first half, which last year we would not hit that in two games combined. So that’s a huge change for us this year - we’re outside shooters now. We have an outside threat,” she said.

Ephrata’s defense kept Quincy outside, and forced the Jacks into a 30-second violation; neither Quincy’s outside shots or attempts from the foul line were falling. Ephrata had a 39-7 lead at the half. 

Johan Farias is serving as the Quincy girls coach while coach Micaiah McCreary is on maternity leave. Farias said the Jacks start four freshmen and a sophomore. On the other hand, Black said the Tigers return most of the team. Farias said that makes a difference. 

“We lack experience, obviously, we’re a young team,” he said. “I told them, we take this and we try to learn and try to grow up fast, especially if we want to compete.”

The Jacks have been working in practice, he said, but practice in the gym without a crowd and everything that goes with a game is not the same. 

“The game is different,” Farias said.

“Experience does a lot for you,” Black said. “Just (knowledge) of game situations — knowing when to go, when to slow down, (situations) like that.”

Farias said the Jacks have played tough against some tough teams, citing the game against Cashmere on Dec. 12. The goal is to get some consistency, he said.

“The potential is there, definitely,” he said. “We are a young team, but these girls have been playing together for a long time. We’re excited for them, to see them. They’re going to grow, and they’re going to learn quick. They have to. It’s the only way.”

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].

    Ephrata Tigers guard Emily Ellsworth (34) puts the ball up against Quincy.
  

    Quincy’s Penelope Thorsen (3) goes for the basket against Ephrata’s Molly Evenson.
  

    Ephrata guard Alessa Soto (14) splits the Quincy defense in Ephrata’s win Thursday.
  

    Ephrata Coach Alain Black said the Tigers’ defense was crucial in the win over Quincy. Center Addison Mills (30) forces the pass by Quincy’s Emily Thorsen (3).
  

    Chloe Medina (32) heads toward the basket against Ephrata Thursday.