Despite score, many positives in first game

Heading into the first game of any new season always presents players and coaches with many unknowns. While there are always many questions going into a game like this, the hope is that by the end of the game we will not only have gotten some answers but also some new questions as well!

Due to rehearsals for our school musical and other commitments the girls had, we only had three solid practices as a team under our belt for this game, but our girls were eager to play. We were definitely in tough in the first game of our annual Tip-Off tournament as we faced off against the perennial power-house and cross-town rival Sabres from West Hants. While our opponent was well drilled and organized, our girls played tough and we only down by 2 points at the end of the first quarter. Although the lead stretched to ten at the half, our girls showed that they could play some good basketball. As the game wore on, West Hants' depth and execution proved too much and we weren't able to get any closer on the scoreboard.

Despite the loss, however, there were so many bright spots that it was hard for us, as coaches, to be upset. From grade 7 Georgia MacKinnon's speed and tenacious defense to grade 9 Tyra Alleyne's athleticism and defensive presence (despite it being her first ever basketball game!) it was clear that we had many girls ready to step up. 

Speaking of stepping up, there was no doubt that we were led in this game by a few of our more experienced players as Maya Faucher, Gabby Strickey, and Lily Gale were consistent throughout the whole game. In the end, though, the player that stood out the most and earned player of the game was Doja Mercan who seemed to be in all the right places defensively and paced our squad with 6 points.

The girls get a chance to bounce right back as we play back to back tomorrow on day two of the tournament where we hope to build on the successes we had this afternoon.

Final Score: KES 19- WH 49

Player of the Game: Doga Mercan