(GIRLS) Out-of-towners Archbishop MacDonald's press too much pressure for Handsworth Royals

It’s Friday afternoon here in the Handsworth Gym and the home team Royals are facing off against the Archbishop MacDonald Marauder’s from Edmonton. Though the Royals are the home side, the Marauders must feel a slight home advantage as the current temperature of the gym is likely the same temperature as a winter night in Edmonton.

Mac starts the game with a full court press that the Handsworth girls are struggling to get through. Handsworth turns the ball over several times to start the game, while Mac is capitalizing on their chances. Handsworth is sitting back in a 2-3 zone, but some great shooting from Mac’s #4 Graham puts Mac up 15-5 at the end of the first.

Handsworth found some success through the post play of #23 Chubb, and that success would continue into the 2nd quarter. A few great athletic assists from Mac #11 Stocco keeps the lead for Mac. Handsworth #23 Chubb continues to battle in the post, pulling down rebound after rebound, but the lights-out shooting from Mac #4 Graham keeps them in the lead. Handsworth continues to struggle to break this stingy full-court press as the turnovers continue to tally. Mac is up 39-20 at the half.

Halftime Story: The classic game of cup-and-ball seems to be making a comeback as several members of the crowd are keeping themselves entertained with these classic toys. Parents: take note for your gift shopping.

Archbishop MacDonald starts the 2nd half in their signature full-court press. The third quarter starts with a turnover from Handsworth on the press break, leading to the and-one layup for Mac #5 Berezowsky. The story continues with the Royals turning the ball over on the press, and the Marauders raining 3’s on the other end. Some great post play from Royals #23 Chubb keeps Handsworth alive, but buckets are hard to come by with this stingy Edmonton defence. Mac up 52-32 through three quarters.

Despite the strong play from Handsworth #10 Sue, #14 Rumsby, and #23 Chubb, the Royals can’t seem to fight their way back in to this game. The Royals will be having nightmares about this Marauders press as it has stymied any chance for momentum. Marauders hold on for the 71-41 win.

Congratulations to the Player of the Game Makenna Graham from Archbishop Macdonald.