Handsworth Sr. Girls Earn Spot in Final as Coach Cam Nelson Wins Family Bragging Rights Coaching Against Daughter Karyn

Handsworth Sr. Girls vs. Carson Graham (Girls Semi-Final)

(photo credit: Blair Shier)

Family bragging rights on the line

Coach Cam Nelson of the Handsworth Royals will take on his daughter, Coach Karyn Nelson of Carson Graham, in this afternoon’s first of the girl’s semi-finals in this year’s No Regrets Tournament. 

There’s a nice crowd gathering here as students, staff, and families come together to cheer on this classic North Shore rivalry game. 

#10 Gabby Sumner of Handsworth hits a baseline three to take Handsworth up with their biggest lead of the game, leading 9-2. Coach Karyn Nelson (CG) calls a timeout to try to slow things down for her squad while down 12 points. After some confusion regarding the timeout situation, and after some nice ball movement around the horn by Handsworth, HSS's Gabby Sumner (not to be confused with her sister, Maddy, who is also on the team) goes in for a nice uncontested lay-in. 

Coming out of the timeout, CG #17 Myah Issley gets the hoop and the harm but it will end as a 2 point play. On the rebuttal, Handsorth's #8 Maddy Sumner hits a beautiful three pointer that she knew was going in from the time it left her hands. CG #12 Rebecca Day has two big blocks in a row down low, preventing Handsworth from increasing their lead. 

Kailey Cheung, #6 for Handsworth, hits a three to take Handsworth up 38-10. Carson Graham will have to find a way to slow down Handsworth's fast break if they want a chance in the finals. Carson Graham's post, #3 Lilly Moody, throws up a prayer over her head from down low, sinking the short basket.  

At the half, Handsworth has a commanding lead: Handsworth 42- Carson Graham 16

Halftime Fact: Both of Carson Graham's coaches once played at Carson Graham. Both of Handsworth's coaches used to Coach at Carson Graham…

Halftime Fact: Adam Karmali, one of our referees here this afternoon, graduated from Handsworth in 2014. 

Handsworth comes out guns a blazin' with their full-court press back on. Coach Cam Nelson would like larger lead for his team! This doesn't stop CG's #12 Rebecca Day from going 2-for-2 from the line after being fouled down low. On the next possession she grabs a defensive rebound but her team is unable to benefit off this. 

A sub for CG brings #17 Myah Issley out of the game and #9 Kessa Weatherly into the game, getting some fresh legs on the court. CG has some good ball movement coming up the court, breaking Handsworth's press, leading them to an easy layup. This brings Handsworth's lead to 30 points with 6 minutes to go in the third quarter. Handsworth decides to switch things up with a zone defense, putting too much pressure on CG, causing a shot clock violation. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Maddy Sumner, HSS #8, hit 3 three-pointers this quarter!

Score after three quarters: Handsworth 58-Carson Graham 24

In the fourth quarter, Carson Graham starts out by going on an 11-2 run, bringing in some fresh legs off the bench. HSS #2, Avery Schmidt, heads to the line on a fouled three-point attempt, and goes 3-for-3 from the line, but Handsworth is having challenges scoring otherwise. 

It won’t be enough this afternoon for Carson Graham, although their girls battled until the very end. Coach Cam Nelson will take his Sr. Girls team to the finals of the 2024 No Regrets Tournament tomorrow at 2:15pm at Handsworth. 

Final score: Handsworth 68-Carson Graham 40