When asked how this win would improve team spirit, Williamsport assistant coach Randy Smith noted, “I think it’s going to help us now. It turned things around. We’ve been playing pretty tough lately, and I think it’s only going to get better. The more time you play, and you’re playing good competition and playing well, that makes a difference (in team morale).”

Williamsport secured their lead in the first half of the game and lead 15-9. Jaelynn Helmrich from Williamsport scored seven in the first quarter alone. Cece Coombe from Danville ensured that she would have some tough competition with five in the first to keep Danville close.

By halftime, Williamsport led 25-13 and Helmrich played a huge part in expanding the score with two 3-pointers and two foul shots. Laylah Martin scored two from the foul line as well. Amelia Hoffman from the Danville Ironmen also scored one two-pointer, but it wasn’t enough to put Danville in the lead.

Helmrich ended the gameby scoring an impressive 21 points. Supporting team members were Zaelana Minor, who scored nine points, Martin with seven and Clara Fabian, who scored five points.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Laylah Martin(15) drives the lane around Danville's Olivia Poe (10) in the second quarter.

For the Ironmen, Coombe led the scoring with 11 points and Hannah Merrell followed with four points.

At half time, coach Smith gave his team some advice that carried the Millionaires to their victory.

“Shoot No. 11 [Coombe] down,” Smith joked. “She was the best shooter. Other than that, we mainly just wanted to see more teamwork for these guys. And they did. They came out, made the extra passes when they needed to, and looked to score. It was good to see.”

Even though Danville brought strong defense, Williamsport heightened its lead in the second half. Zaelana Minor, Clara Fabian, Martin — and of course Helmrich — all scored in the last two quarters Despite the only 3-pointers for the Millionaires being shot in the first half of the game, consistent baskets from inside the arc and shots made from the foul line carried the team into 34-19 lead after the third.

After the game, Smith was proud of his team after securing the win.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Laylah Martin (15) shoots over Danville's Olivia Poe (10) in the third quarter.

“I have all the faith in the world in the girls. They prepared for this game, and they came out and did an excellent job,” Smith said.

Despite Danville’s strong efforts and Coombe’s shooting abilities, the Ironmen were no match for the Williamsport Millionaires and their strong teamwork.

Williamsport 46, Danville 21

WILLIAMSPORT (46)

Brynlee Engel 0 0-0 0, Kinsley Cannode 0 2-2 2, Zaelana Minor 4 1-4 9, Jaelynn Helmrich 8 4-4 21, Laylah Martin 1 5-6 7, Rylee Valencia 0 0-0 0, Clara Fabian 2 1-2 5, Kylee Solomon 0 0-0 0, AB Woodford 0 0-0 0, Antonella Erby 0 0-2 0, Laylah Drummond 0 2-5 2, Payton Pennycoff 0 0-2 0. Totals 15 15-27 46.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Jaelynn Helmrich (14) shoots over Danville's Brynn Wilson (2) in the third quarter.

DANVILLE (21)

Brynn Wilson 0 0-0 0, Olivia Poe 1 0-0 2, Cece Coombe 4 2-2 11, Hannah Merrell 2 0-0 4, Myleigh Seese 0 0-0 0, Emilee Dalton 1 0-0 2, Addie Hafer 0 0-0 0, Izzy Gajkowski 0 0-0 0, Amelia Hoffman 1 0-0 2, Carly Zimmerman 0 0-0 0, Anna Blasick 0 0-0 0. Totals 9 2-2 21.

Williamsport 15 10 9 12 — 46

Danville 9 4 6 3 — 21

3-point goals: Williamsport 1 (Helmeich 1), Danville 1 (Coombe 1).

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Kensley Cannode (4) keeps an eye on Danville's Cecelia Coombe (11) in the second quarter.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Jaelynn Helmrich shoots a free throw in the second quarter.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Laylah Martin (15) shoots around Danville's Cecella Coombe (11) in the second quarter.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Laylah Martin (15) drives the ball down court ahead of Danville's Brynn Wilson (2) in the second quarter.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Laylah Martin (15) shoots from the paint in the second quarter.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Jaelynn Helmrich (44) looks for a shot around Danville's Olivia Poe (10) in the third quarter.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Williamsport's Jaelynn Helmrich (14) shoots over Danville's Hannah Merrell (23) in the second quarter.