Simcoe Reformer: Sabres Strike Fast & Hard Against Raiders

By:  Jacob Robinson

Retrieved From:  http://www.simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2801817

When the Simcoe Sabres senior girls basketball team visited the up-and-coming Delhi Raiders last night, it was clear right from tip-off that the Sabres were looking to make a statement.


It began when Jade Ebdon drained her first two shots and helped SCS go on a 14-0 lead to open the game, and it continued all four quarters. For their efforts, Simcoe improved to 4-0 with a 50-18 victory.

"We just wanted to get out and just get a good lead, not so we could take it easy, but slow down," said Ebdon. "Because it's really hard going really fast all the time, and you're always trying to score, but you can't always score, so we wanted to get a good start and coast through the rest."

Ebdon was a blur throughout the contest, either scoring baskets getting to rebounds or registering steals. The steals came via one relentless Sabres press that kept Delhi to just six points in the second quarter and four points in the third.

"I think everyone was just slow getting going," said Delhi centre Mandy Mahler. "And then afterwards we started running around and getting our plays down and working together well. Then of course we started falling apart at the end because we were all getting tired."

Delhi used their entire new-look lineup in the game, and after a sluggish start, went on a 6-0 run to finish the first quarter down by just eight points. The blue and gold have an even six girls that were at DDSS last year and another six fresh from Norwich District. With two wins already in their pocket, Mahler said things are coming along nicely and the team should be a different bunch by season's end.

"In the beginning, it was just terrible, we didn't have chemistry. We're starting to build that now. We're working actually pretty good together, I was surprised," said Mahler. "I think it will be even better when the second half of the season comes along for sure."

The Sabres will now gear up for a showdown with their cross-town rivals and fellow undefeated competitors in the Holy Trinity Titans. With head coach Bill Macovik back in the fold, the team is looking to win another county title for him.

"We (the current Simcoe group) just want to bring NSSAA home for the fourth season (going back to junior) because Bill's been our coach for four years," said Ebdon.

"We just have to work on rebounds and just getting back (defensively) I think is a key to work on."

Delhi (2-2) will continue their home stand Tuesday when they host the Waterford Wolves. Mahler said her team would need some more dedication if they hope to make some noise come playoff time.

"Everyone needs to come to practice to learn plays, because there were quite a few times when people would be out there, we would call a play and some people didn't know what they were doing," explained Mahler. "That's how we lose points, because if no one knows what they're doing, that play falls apart, they'll steal the ball and get a basket."

In the junior contest, the tables were turned as it was Delhi earning the big lead. Led by Morgan King, the Delhi juniors beat Simcoe 45-14.