CUMBERLAND — Led by the duo of Alexis Yanosky and Alexis Turner, Potomac State cruised to a 107-32 win to spoil Allegany College's opener at Bob Kirk Arena on Tuesday night.
The Catamounts bounced back in a big way from a 74-69 defeat to Penn State Fayette over the weekend, using a 28-1 start to the game and a 27-0 start to the fourth quarter to improve to 3-1.
"We've been waiting for this," Potomac State head coach Larry Kruk said. "We haven't played well yet, and we've kind of put it together finally this evening. I've got eight players right now that are playing really well.
Potomac State picked on the Trojans early in the transition game, cashing turnovers into easy points to the tune of a 49-23 halftime edge. The Catamounts dominated the fourth quarter 33-4 to put the finishing touches on an 85-point triumph.
"When we get out in transition we're really good," Kruk said. "We work on fast-break passing. I know that's something that's not common, but we work on that a lot. It's really starting to show."
Allegany College had no answer when Yanosky and Turner got out into open space.
Yanosky garnered a game-high 27 points on 11 field goals — two 3s — and 3 of 4 foul shooting. Turner, a Keyser graduate, delivered 22 on eight buckets — two 3-pointers — and a spotless 4 for 4 performance at the charity stripe.
"Alexis Turner has really stepped up this year, she's kind of controlling our pace," Kruk said. "When she's in the game we're a different team. ... When we play at a fast pace, she controls the show out there. Lexi Yanosky runs the floor. Them two run the floor amazing."
Frankfort alum Makenna Douthitt, who was the Times-News girls basketball Player of the Year her senior year with the Falcons, operated as the floor general to pick apart ACM's 2-3 zone.
Douthitt ended with nine points on four field goals, one a 3-pointer. The 5-foot-8 sophomore forward waited until the fourth quarter to look for her shot, delivering seven points in quick succession.
"I can't put into words what Makenna can do for our team," Kruk said. "She does a little bit of everything. She can handle the ball. She's kind of the unsung hero because she's very unselfish.
"She can actually be more selfish and do more out there, but she decides to do the little things. She's an outstanding rebounder. I never question her effort."
O'Neal, who also plays soccer for Potomac State, just rejoined the basketball team two weeks ago. She was playing catch-up at first, but she's just starting to hit her stride four games into the young campaign.
"Kelsey, she is high basketball IQ," Kruk said. "She makes that smart play when you're not even thinking about it. She does everything you ask and doesn't say a word. She doesn't give you any flak. ... She's starting to get her basketball legs and it's really showing."
The Catamounts received 24 points off the bench: 10 from Lynnell Landy, eight from Lindsey Rinker (Moorefield) and six by way of Latia McKenzie.
PSC is loaded with depth from top to bottom, and it'll only get stronger. Talented recruits Sierra Mulkey and Nia Bryant haven't been healthy yet and are out of the line-up. Bryant is expected to return as soon as Friday.
With a mixture of experience and youth, the Catamounts could be primed for a trip to the Division 2 national tournament after getting stopped in the district championship in 2020.
"I'm fortunate enough that, we had a good year last year, and probably our three best players from last year are back," Kruk said. "We have great freshmen around them and we still have people coming into their own. Tonight was some of the best games for some freshmen."
Allegany College was led by Tonila Jackson and Sophie Snyder, who both ended with 10 points apiece. Jackson made three field goals, one a 3-pointer, and buried 3 of 4 foul opportunities. Snyder made a pair of triples and shot 4 for 10 from the charity stripe.
Arissa Rouzer (Fort Hill) and Haley Malone (Frankfort) both ended with four points on two buckets. Jasmine McGee and Hailey Sharp tallied two points on a bucket each.
The Trojans (0-1) will look to get revenge when they visit the Catamounts next Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Potomac State (3-1) plays in the Garrett College Classic this weekend beginning with Harford Community on Friday at 1 p.m. and Jamestown Community on Saturday at noon.
"This weekend will be a teller on how we grew today," Kruk said. "I'm excited now. I wasn't a couple days ago, but we're definitely moving in the right way."