SG Basketball: Consolation Hardware

 

Friday vs BCS  

This tournament was a classic 8-team champion/consolation-style event where if you won your first game you went to the right (championship) side and if you lost your first game you ended up in the left (consolation) side. Winning your second game put you in a final on either side, while losing your second game put you in a semi-loss extra game. The other format rule for this tournament was instead of four 8-minute stopped-time games we normally face, the BCS Tournament involves two 20-minute running-time games.

 

With a field of 8 Montreal teams and 2 Eastern Townships teams, it seemed a little ironic that we were placed against our ET rivals, BCS, in the first game, while the Montreal teams played each other (granted they may have been in other divisions locally). We had played BCS a week earlier, so we knew we would have to play very well to compete and have a chance to beat them on this day. We planned on using the clock to our advantage which meant lots of substitutions, going to the basket to get fouled for free throws and calling no timeouts. Each of these would keep the clock ticking, which would be to our advantage.

 

The first half started well in terms of timing, scoring and overall result. We led or were tied with our opponent 4-4 through the first 14 minutes of this low-scoring game. After a timeout and change in momentum, BCS went on an 8-1 run to end the first half. We had points from Clara (4) and Elizabeth (1).  1H Score: SC 5 - BCS 12   

In the second half, their player #1 Kate took over, scoring 11 points in the second half, and 15 overall in the game. She alone outscored the Spartans in this game! We chipped in 8 points in the second half with contributions from Erika (5), Julia (2) and Olivia (1).   Final Score: SC 13 - BCS 28 This loss put us in a 6:00 pm consolation semi game against St. George's.                                                                                                       

The winner of this game would advance to the consolation final on Saturday. After watching the senior boys play and a team supper at the BCS dining hall, the Spartans were primed and ready for their next challenge. We seemed to be on track during this game, but St. George's seemed to shoot and hit from everywhere, keeping the contest fairly close throughout.  We were up 18-9 in the middle of the half, but then they went on a 9-5 run to narrow our lead to only 5 points. And with one of their players hitting two 3-pointers already in the game, nervousness still existed and would continue into the next period. Lots of Spartan scoring in this half spread across several players, Miranda left with 6, Erika 5, Clara and Olivia 4, and Julia and Elizabeth 2.   1H Score: SC 23 - SG 18  

 

In the second half, St. George’s scored the first 5 points to tie the score at 23-23! Over the next few minutes, baskets were traded, and we had a 4-point lead at 31-27, but from there we went on a 14-6 run, although they scored the last 5 points of the game as we tried to get more substitutes into action at that point. Lots more points were scored in this half. Julia went on fire, torching her opponent for 10 points in the half with several terrific runs for lay-ups. Clara chipped in 7 and Erika equalled her first-half contribution with 5 more points and a memorable scoop lay-up. Final Score: SC 45 - SG 38 It is hard to believe that we scored 13 total points against BCS and 45 in this game. This win put us in the consolation final on Saturday at 1:00pm.

                                                                                                                                                 

 

The win over St. George's still gave us an opportunity to win a plaque and to go 2 wins and 1 loss.  The play at the start was a harbinger of things to come: tip from Clara to Erika, a run downhill toward the basket by her and then a quick assist pass to Julia running with her to score the first basket of the day. It took about seven seconds and was, well, perfect. The game carried on from there and was not particularly tough early, with the Spartans going on TWO 12-0 runs within the first half. Our scorers were Erika and Clara who led with 7 each, SarahL with 4, Miranda 3, Julia 2 and Olivia 1. 1H Score: SC 24 - TRAF 5   

In the second half, we removed many of the starters and played balanced groups for several minutes each. As a result, Trafalgar went on a 7-0 run to start the half. Then the Spartans took over. Actually, I lie; Julia took over. She scored ALL of the 7 points we scored in the second half. Once again, she has only one speed – extra-fast – going to the basket with finesse and authority. And she was rewarded with "and-1" opportunities not once but twice. "Spice" may have another nickname: "and-1-girl". We had to explain that basketball expression to Julia. She was very happy with the explanation.  Final Score: SC 31 - TRAF 17  

 

Spartans win the BCS Tournament Consolation Plaque. Julia Lee was deservedly chosen a BCS Tournament All-Star.

 

Thanks to Mr. Bray from BCS and his staff and to Mia the BCS student photographer.

 

AS