Slammers run out of time in bronze-medal game
Published Monday June 29th, 2009
Saint John - The Kennebecasis Valley Basketball Association U-13 Slammers had a sluggish start to their Eastern Canadian bronze medal game, allowing the Moncton Hawks to hold on for a 37-34 win at the University of New Brunswick Saint John Sunday. "Our girls just didn't come out very inspired in the first half, and the Moncton kids played very well. They shot the lights out," Bruce Nicholson, head coach of the Slammers, said.
Sara Simkins had 10 points for Moncton while Courtney Bulman had nine in the winning effort. Emily Nicholson led the Slammers with seven points, while Julija Rans and Baily Cammack chipped in for six apiece.
The Slammers found their rhythm in the second half, outscoring the Hawks 17-4 in the final quarter.
"We had a big catchup, we got closer and closer but there wasn't enough time left in the game to get over the top," Nicholson said.
Gillian Grant entered the final 16 minutes of play with fierce determination, Nicholson said. Grant was named the Slammers' player of the game for being physical and moving the ball up the court when her team needed it most.
"She was the spark that got us going," Nicholson said.
He was disappointed in the loss since the Slammers had defeated Moncton twice earlier in the season, including a provincial championship bout, which qualified the two teams for the Eastern Canadian U-13 and U-14 boys and girls tournament.
Abby MacDonald was the Slammers tournament all-star while Hailey O'Blenes earned the honour for Moncton.
The Slammers ran their 10-week season record to 17-5 after going 3-3 this weekend at the Eastern Canadians, hosted by the University of New Brunswick Saint John.
Nicholson said having a chance to play competitive teams from the two larger provinces enriches the Valley girls' game.
"There's a whole level of basketball there that our kids don't usually get exposed to," he said.
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