Fredericksburg Academy dominated the post with size and ball movement in their 19-12 win over the Quantico Middle School girls on Jan. 28.
In a game that revolved around defensive effort, the Quantico Middle School girls were defeated by the Fredericksburg Academy Falcons 19-12 on Jan. 28.
Both teams started out cold on offense, but the Falcons were able to create more opportunities by dominating the offensive boards. While the Warriors’ defense stayedorganized, the offense had a lack of fluidity. By the end of the first quarter the Warriors were down 6 – 2.
‘‘Stay on your girl,” said coach Morgan Pontius at the break. ‘‘When a girl passes, stay with her. We need to score, so spread out and get big.”
The Warriors got tenacious in the second quarter. They fought for every ball and created turnovers. By halftime they had 16 steals. Now they were getting more offensive opportunities than the Falcons, and were able to slow down the Falcon’s offense. The Warriors went into half down 10 – 5.
During intermission, Pontius encouraged her players to be more creative on offense.
‘‘We need to watch our passes,” said Pontius. ‘‘We need to penetrate and dish out to an open girl. The ball needs to move faster. That’s how we’re going to break their zone. Once we get it inside, take it up strong and make them foul you. Now keep with it on you defense. You’re playing great.”
The pep talk didn’t do much for the Warrior’s luck as it seemed every shot was an inch off. The offense sputtered in the third quarter and the period ended 15 -5.
In the final quarter, the Warriors tried for one last push. With two quick baskets and a made free-throw, themomentum seemed to swing to Quantico. With a new surge of energy, the Warriors pressed tight on defense. Quantico created chaos and in the confusion one of the Falcons players started dribbling toward the wrong basket.
The Warriors had 32 steals at the end of the game.
With a minute remaining, a Warrior was fouled and made one free-throw to cut the score to 15 – 12. But Quantico’s luck seemed to have run out and the Falcons were able to break the Warrior’s press and score two basketsbefore the final whistle blew, ending the game at 19 -12.
After the game, Pontius spoke about her team.
‘‘I have seen a huge improvement in the effort from the beginning of the season to now,” Pontius said. ‘‘They worked hard all game. They were amazing on defense.”
The final score was a testament to the Warriorsimprovement.
‘‘They beat us by more than 20 points last time,” Pontius said. ‘‘This time it was only five points, so the proof is on the court.”
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