The Wallaceburg Tartans senior girls basketball team has once again triumphed their way to victory.
The Tartans defeated the General Amherst Bulldogs 51-31 in a hotly contested defensive battle, claiming the ‘AA’ SWOSSAA crown.
The victory secures them a spot in OFSSA ‘AA’ tournament, which will be held in Kingsville from November 26-28.
The Tartans used their roaring fans to their advantage, flying out of the gate and soaring to a 22-14 lead after the first quarter.
But, the Bulldogs fought their way back only allowing the Tartans 8 points in the second.
The Tartans led 30-20 at half.
Janine Day, head coach of the Tartans told the Sydenham Current about how important it was to own the court and come out strong.
“It gets the crowd and kids pumped up,” Day said. “It allows them to know that they can be successful.”
The Tartans struggled at the beginning of the third quarter, but they eventually found their game and scored 9 points and held the Bulldogs to only 5.
“We refocused our energy. You’re going to have up’s and down’s in a game,” said Day, when discussing the Tartans early second half miscues.
The Tartans entered the fourth quarter with a 39-25 lead.
With the taste of an OFSAA berth on their tongues, the Tartans had an offensive explosion, scoring 12 points and holding the Bulldogs to a mere 6.
The Tartans took the game 51-31.
Day said defense was the key to the win.
“We scored a lot of points but at the end of the day, the defense locked down on some of their key players and that’s what made the difference,” she said.
Grade 12 captain Sawyer Fischer led the way for the Tartans, putting 21 points on the board, including an impressive five 3 pointers.
Grade 10 players Brett Fischer scored 10 points, while Ashleigh LaBlance chipped in with 9.
“Our young players have had a great impact all year,” Day said. “A lot of people said our team is too young and that will be our downfall, but the young players bring a lot of energy to our team and that’s what makes them so good.”
Day added the Tartans will focus of what they have been doing and will continue to work hard in practice in preparation of OFSAA.
– Story by Zac Nicholson
– Submitted photo
