(GIRLS) Walnut Grove Gators fight way past Archbishop MacDonald (Edmonton)
December 7, 2019
Archbishop MacDonald Marauders v. Walnut Grove Gators
Written by Scott Leigh, Handsworth Grad ‘06
You could not ask for a better script leading into this game - the jersey colours of each of these teams has this looking like a classic Lakers v. Celtics matchup - we are in for a good one.
The Edmontonians are back at it up at the base of Grouse Mountain, against the Walnut Grove Gators. Both teams have come out full of energy to start this game, executing on offence and challenging each other on the defensive end. One aspect to keep an eye on is Walnut Grove’s short bench. With only 1 sub, you would think the fast pace of this game will eventually take its toll on the squad. The back and forth nature of this game has kept it tight, with Archbishop finishing the quarter with a mere 4 point lead.
Archbishop has been feisty on the defensive end, attacking the ball handler with aggressive on-ball defence and making it difficult to find the open teammate. #5 for Walnut Grove, Sophia Wisotzki, is making the deep ball look easy, as she finds herself wide open in offensive rhythm, and makes no mistake. Walnut Grove certainly has the height advantage in today’s matchup, which has been beneficial on the defensive end with a significant rebound differential in their favour. A little cherry picking by Fania Taylor, #4 on Walnut Grove, leads to an easy uncontested layup, and ties this game at 29 a piece with 2 minutes to go in the half. A late run by Archbishop has them up by 5 at the half, 36-31.
Halftime Fact: Archbishop’s coach is coaching both the boys and girls teams here at the No Regrets Basketball Tournament.
Halftime Fact: It frequently gets so cold in Edmonton that your eyelashes will freeze.
An arrival by a player mid-game has the Gator’s roster at a solid 7 for the second half. That extra player may come in handy down the stretch of this marathon. Wisotzki, the late arriver in the second quarter, knocks down another three to extend her team’s lead to 11 early in the second half. The late arriver is making her presence felt quickly. Taylor is working hard, sprinting back on D and is rewarded by coming up with a monstrous block to prevent what appeared to be an easy 2 points for her opponent. The Edmontonians are not going to go down without a fight, like any good Albertan. They have pulled themselves back into this game and are only down 4 with 2 minutes to go in the third quarter. Another big 3 by #3, Leah Isaac, gets her squad to within 1. A nice run by the Marauders to finish off the quarter has given them a one point lead entering the final Q.
The Gators’ coach has sparked some fire in his squad, starting the quarter out with another step up in energy levels. The big push in the beginning of this final quarter has earned the Marauders a 4 point lead with under 7 minutes remaining. The Gators have amped up the full court press, which has caught the Marauders off guard and resulted in extra possession off turnovers for the Gators. The increase in energy has earned the Gators a 13 point lead with 4 minutes to go. Archbishop is going to need another big run here, and soon, to give them a chance at ending this tournament with the result they are hoping for. Walnut Grove was the hungrier team, when it mattered most. They executed well down the stretch, which gave them a healthy sized victory at the time of the final whistle. The score is not necessarily a reflection of the game, as this was a tight matchup with both teams fighting hard and sharing moments in the lead.
Final Score: Heritage Woods 80 : Archbishop 57.
Great tournament from both teams - thanks for taking part!
No Regrets.