The Rossland Royals were able to hold off Stanley Humphries Secondary grade 8 girls in basketball action Thursday afternoon at SHSS. The Royals started strong and were up 16-2 in the second quarter before the SHSS Bulldogs woke up.
The 'Dogs relied on quick hands and feet on defence to pick up steals that led to easy baskets as Rossland saw their once giant lead evaporate.
"It looked like there might have been cellophane on the hoop in the first half for us," said SHSS coach Craig Lindsay. "We just couldn't buy a bucket. Our passing in the first half was also not great. We kept throwing the ball to the wrong jerseys. But the girls hung in there and battled back and we came really close to the upset win."
With a strong third quarter, led by six points each from Maddy Gibb and Ashley Fitchett, the Rockers were able to cut the Rossland lead to three. However, SHSS would fall short and a late basket from Rossland made the final score 24-19.
"Considering we lost to them by almost 20 last time, I think it was a great effort by our girls," said Lindsay. "Our defence has really improved recently. We got steal after steal from our guards. Once our shooting comes along, we'll be right up there with any team."
The Rockers are 0-4 on the season but are getting better each game.
"It's coming," said Lindsay. "We're improving. Our guards are getting better at getting their heads up and seeing the floor. While our forwards are improving at rebounding and scoring down low. By the time play-offs role around (Feb. 27), we'll be in the mix."
Leading the Rockers on defence were Emilie teBulte, Cameran Miller, Simone Chernoff and Sime Kang. Top rebounders were Emily George, Emma Lloyd and Gabby Hanvold. Chernoff and Fitchett both did a great job running the offence at the point guard position.
The grade 8's next game is Feb. 21 at home against Mount Sentinel.