SIMCOE - Executing strong offensive plays helped the Holy Trinity Titans dominate the Waterford Wolves in junior girls basketball action on Tuesday.
The Titans got a strong lead early in the game, scoring 29 points before halftime, while Waterford was unable to put a single point on the scoreboard.
“We started off strong, so that helps,” said Holy Trinity player Megan Kalliokoski. “Usually we start really trying after the half.”
The opposite seemed to be true in this match, with the Titans only shooting an additional 12 points in the second half of the game, still earning them the win.
It was the Wolves who found their groove following the half. They scored 12 to prevent a complete shutout.
While 12 points may not be enough to garner a win, it was a personal victory for the Wolves, said Grade 10 player Malaya Sheridan.
“We’ve been setting goals for ourselves,” she explained. The goal for last night’s game was to score 10.
“When the girls keep a smile on their faces, that’s what counts.”
The Waterford junior girls team has lost every league game they’ve played this year. The only game they did win was against Pauline Johnson Collegiate during a tournament in Brantford.
“We have a bunch of girls that are new to basketball,” said coach Meaghan Innes. “I’d say this is more of a rebuild year. We’re just focusing on fun.”
The lack of victories hasn’t deterred the girls’ efforts on the court.
“They try really hard every game and they have a positive attitude,” said Innes.
While Waterford has had a tough season this year, the Titans have fared better with four wins in seven games.
“I’m actually so proud as to how far our team has come along. We’ve improved so much,” said Kalliokoski.
The Titans have a bye on Oct. 25 but will face Valley Heights Secondary School on Oct. 30 before heading into the playoffs.
“We have to look at this game like a practice,” said Titans coach Bill Pargeter. “We put some new things on — for the most part I thought they executed them well.”
The girls focused on improving their passing and looking for open baskets.
“Our rebounding was a lot better,” said Titans captain Celine Atkins.
The game also gave the Grade 9 players an opportunity to have more time on the court, which will hopefully benefit the team during the playoffs.
“We have difficulty with the good teams, the Delhi’s and the Simcoe’s,” explained Pargeter. “You can’t take the pressure off.”
Kalliokoski led the Titans with seven points, while Atkins netted six. Taylor Watters and Raquel Pereira also scored six points for the Titans.
Retrieved From: http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2012/10/23/junior-titans-continue-to-improve
