Wolverines topple Judges in overtime

View larger image Cassie Alamo View larger image Sadie Thomas

By Robert Edmonds - sports@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- Playing their second game in as many nights, Handley looked to avenge a season-opening loss when they played host to Woodgrove on Wednesday night in girls basketball action.

The Judges trailed for the first three quarters before finally taking the lead midway through the final quarter, only to see it slip away just as quickly. The Wolverines managed to erase a seven-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation to force overtime and used the swing in momentum to propel themselves to a 64-55 overtime victory.

"We haven't been in many close-game situations this season," Woodgrove coach Kevin Copley said. "Most of our wins have been by double digits and we haven't had much work in this situation. Practice is much different than a game. I think our girls did well, and hopefully this will help us we go forward."

While both teams struggled offensively for much of the game, the Wolverines managed to use second-chance points and take advantage of several Judges errors to hold a 36-32 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

Shooting poorly and erratically, Handley looked for a spark. Trailing 40-38, Sadie Thomas and Cassie Alamo ignited the offense with two consecutive 3-point baskets to give Handley its first lead of the night, 44-40.

After a Wolverines basket, Corin Scott scored for Handley by slicing through the lane, and then Alamo knocked down another 3-pointer to give the Judges a seven-point lead.

"I am proud of the fight our girls gave tonight," Judges Coach Marvin Scott said. "For three or four minutes during the fourth quarter, we played our game and showed our potential. We just had too many unforced turnovers and mental mistakes tonight."

Just as it appeared the Judges had finally found their rhythm, it suddenly disappeared. With less than two minutes remaining, Sarah Hardison and Stephanie Purnell gave the Wolverines life.

After Hardison scored on a jump shot, Purnell made a defensive steal and scored on a lay-in to cut the Handley lead to three. With time winding down, Woodgrove hit a free throw and then Hardison tied the game when she scored with just seconds remaining to knot the score at 49 and send the game into overtime.

"Sarah [Hardison] is an athlete," Copley said. "When things are close, she wants the ball. She provided us with leadership and our girls were resilient coming back after losing the lead."

The duo continued to lead the way for Woodgrove when the extra period began. Hardison opened the scoring with a drive through the lane. Then Purnell stole the inbounds pass and scored for the Wolverines. Hardison added nine more points, giving her team control and sending Handley to the showers after a valiant comeback.

"We have to learn to focus from the opening quarter of the game," Marvin Scott said. "Hopefully this will be a good learning experience and we will learn to sustain intensity from the opening quarter."