Packed Handsworth Gym Sees Churchill Bulldogs Top Handsworth Royals in Opening Girls Spirit Game
Handsworth Royals Girls vs Churchill Bulldogs
Written by Devin Delany, Handsworth ‘06
Good luck finding a seat in the gym!
The spirit was high for this one right from the opening tip. Seeing the brand-new Handsworth gymnasium packed was a beautiful sight that even lit up the visiting Bulldogs. With jam packed rafters and hundreds of additional chairs brought in for the fans it was no surprise to see the Royals come out hot. The Royals were fuelled off the home crowd and sunk a couple quick jumpers that had the bleachers rocking!
The one constant you can always count on during the No Regrets tournament is photographer Blair Shier shooting photos while laying courtside in the oddest positions just to get that perfect shot!
During the second quarter the Bulldogs seemed to find their rhythm and quiet the home crowd. The Bullgdogs were struggling to hit jumpers, however they pulled down offensive rebounds on multiple possessions for easy put backs in the paint. Both Royals’ coaches were becoming frustrated with the lack of boxing out on the defensive end leading them to call out some stern direction from the sidelines.
Eight minutes into the second frame and the Royals are still searching for their first points. This was the not the second quarter the team or the fans had envisioned. Despite this, ‘Crazy P’, the iconic Vancouver sports super fan, was doing his absolute best during whistles to get the crowd back into it.
At halftime following a 3-point buzzer beater the visiting Bulldogs held a commanding 30-13 lead at half.
In second half Royals point guard Alejandra Delgado came out with a purpose of trying to get her team back in it. With steals on back to back possessions and driving the fast break, Delgado was clearly taking charge on both ends of the court for her Royals. Delgado was giving it her all, but the Bulldogs simply had too many threats on offense and more height in the defensive paint which was a problem all game for the Royals.
With the scoreboard becoming a little lopsided both coaches were rolling their benches and getting all the girls’ minutes in the tournament opener. Churchill’s number 10 seemed to be a constant threat on the floor and was causing havoc all afternoon for the Royals. On the defensive end 10 sat in the low post blocking countless shots, while on the offensive would play as a wing looking like a young Sheryl Swoopes.
Final Score: 54 Churchill Bulldogs- 34 Handsworth Royals.
Best of luck to both teams moving forward in this fantastic tournament!
Postgame afterthought…
What happened to Rob Sacre’s Los Angeles Lakers jersey hanging from the rafters?!