(GIRLS FINAL) STA's twin towers too much for Argyle Pipers, take 2019 championship

December 7, 201

STA Fighting Saints v. Argyle Pipers

Written by Scott Leigh, Handsworth Grad ‘06

We are gearing up for an all North Shore matchup in the girls championship game, and a battle of the bigs; with at least 4 starters, 2 from each team coming in at 6ft+. 

A slow start as both teams look to get comfortable in the biggest matchup of their seasons thus far. STA has used their height and hot shooting to sneak out a 7-2 lead to start the game. Jessica Clarke, #14 for STA, has picked up a quick foul with the block attempt down-low. STA will surely be keeping an eye on that, as they will be needing her for the duration of this game. Holly Brewer, #4 for the Pipers, is making the game look easy as she drains a deep three to bring her team to within 1. Clarke picked up her second foul, but STA’s coach has decided to keep her in the game in this early juncture - just too soon to be removing such a vital player from the game. A nice run by the Pipers has them up by 4 with a few minutes left in the quarter. A great first Q with both teams making individual runs - heading into the second we are all tied up at 15.

One thing is for sure, Argyle should not run into any issues with players getting fatigued - they have about 10 players on the bench, all looking ready to enter the game and help their squad. This twin towers, David Robinson and Tim Duncan circa 2000 lookin’ like, Fighting Saints squad will be looking to work the high-low post passing combo to get ahead. The hoop and the harm for Argyle has reduced STA’s lead to 2 early in the Q. Brewer hits a three from the corner, but not to be outdone Clarke comes down the other end and matches the effort with a 3 of her own.  The Fighting Saints have taken the momentum from that three and riden the wave to a 10 point lead, up 35-25. A big second quarter by STA has given them a significant lead at the half, up 39-27.

Halftime Fact: Jessica Clarke has committed to Washington St., home of the Cougars, to play Div. 1 basketball next year. 

Halftime Fact: STA has recently moved into their new school and gym at the start of this school year, and Netflix is currently filming a show in their old school.

As the second half starts, it really feels like a now or never time for the Pipers. They cannot let this lead get too much bigger - now is the time to put a dent in it. A couple clutch buckets by the Pipers is exactly what the doctor ordered - they have the Fighting Saints in range, now only down 7. Pipers are looking like a bunch of cookie monsters with all the steals they have early in the half - Coach Beyrouti must have delivered quite the motivational halftime speech!  STA is looking to get back to the basics, using their height and letting that advantage get them easy buckets. A classic mouse in the house situation, with Clarke towering over her opponent and finishing inside with ease. With 3 minutes left in the third quarter, #11 for STA, Gemma Cutler, commits her 4th foul with plenty of game time left. The Pipers are taking a page out of STA’s book, dropping back into the zone D and forcing their opponent to adjust. The intelligent passing from the Fighting Saints both in transition and in the half-court set has extended their lead, giving them a 9 point lead entering the final frame. 

The Pipers have struggled to score in the beginning of the fourth, and are finding themselves in a hole that is starting to become daunting to come out of. STA keeps sticking to what works; high-low post plays that take advantage of their height and the incredible chemistry between Clarke and Cutler. With three minutes to go, the Fighting Saints have pushed the lead to 15. Argyle has fought hard continuously throughout this game, they have made some great runs and proven their spot in the final the championship game is well deserved. Both of these teams have promising seasons ahead.

Congratulations to both teams making the final, and a special congratulations to our 2019 No Regrets Basketball Tournament girls champions, the STA Fighting Saints.

Final Score:  STA 64 : Argyle 52.