Walnut Grove Girls Start Out Strong, Prove Too Much for Carson Graham

Carson Graham Eagles vs Walnut Grove Gators

Jeff McCutcheon, Handsworth ‘06

The girls’ No Regrets tournament kicks off at Carson Graham Secondary. The Walnut Grove Gators will look to defend last year’s championship against the hometown Carson Eagles. As the ball is tipped off it’s easy to note that the Carson bench rolls deep. There must be 15 players on the squad while the visiting team from Langley has only 9. We’ll have to wait and see whether having fresh legs plays a part in this one. Early on it’s the visitors who are off to a great start up 8 - 1. As the quarter marches along both teams get some points off fast breaks with but it’s the Gators who are able to capitalize off set pieces. So far that’s been the difference in this game. After this first quarter it’s 19 - 8 Walnut Grove.

Gators #7 Kyanna Knodel opens the second quarter with a couple of free throws to increase her team’s lead then drains a beautiful three to fire her team to five points in under a minute. As Alicia Keys would say “This girl is on fire.” Eagles #12 Day has her own answer with a rainbow bucket that brings a smile to her and also the faces of the home crowd. At halftime the score is 39 - 20 for the Gators and they look well on the way to defending their championship.

The second half starts with a couple of turnovers by both teams. It’s the Gators who are able to get things settled down first with a great pass by #10 Sarah Courlay to #7 Knodel for an easy basket. Courlay has been great all game and that was the cherry on top. Eagles #1 Pizzato answers with a beautiful drive to the net and finish while being fouled. Unfortunately for her and her teammates Gators #3 Emily Clark quickly got those points back and then some with a three pointer. Heading into the fourth quarter the Eagles trail 51 - 27.

Year after year Walnut Grove seems to produce top notch teams and this year is clearly no different. A very well rounded team that will prove to be too much for the Eagles today but certainly not for a lack of effort. Kudos to the Carson coach for having his girls work to the very end and never giving up. Unfortunately for them this game ends 63 - 31 for the defending champs though. Goodluck to both teams the rest of the way!