Shelbyville (TN) vs. Sacred Heart Academy (Girls)
Marshall County Hoopfest
Benton, Kentucky
December 6, 2003
©2003 by Ron Harrison
Shelbyville (TN) vs. Sacred Heart Academy
The Shelbyville coaching staff started the following lineup: 5-11 Sr. Ashleigh Newman, 5-8 Sr. Abby Canon, 6-3 Sr. Alex Fuller, 5-5 Samantha Houston, and 5-9 Sr. Cherie Bailey. Sacred Heart Academy coach Donna Moir countered with 5-10 Jr. Taylor Kopple, 6-3 Sr. Crystal Kelly, 5-8 Jr. Carly Ormerod, 5-6 Sr. Connie Ferch, and Jr. Jordan Hess.
Sacred Heart overcame early foul problems, injuries, and a very talented (ranked #1 in the nation in pre-season polls) Shelbyville squad to gain a 52-51 season opening victory. Sacred Heart utilized a strong defense and its transition game to race out to a 16-9 lead after one quarter of play. The Valkyries held a 22-11 lead with over five minutes remaining in the half before Kelly and Kopple had to sit because of foul problems. The Eaglettes charged back to tie the game at 23 by halftime. Kelly got a quick foul early in the quarter and was whistled for her fourth foul late in the quarter. Ormerod and Newman took turns stepping up for their respective teams and the score was tied 38-38 after three quarters of play.
SHA took a 41-38 lead but Carly Ormerod severely turned her ankle going for a loose ball nd had to leave the game. Shelbyville took advantage and posted a 42-41 lead. Sacred Heart’s Ali Denbow then nailed a long three pointer to give Sacred Heart a 44-42 lead, an advantage they would not relinquish. Crystal Kelly was put back in and Carly Ormerod limped back on the floor with less than two minutes remaining on the clock. Sacred Heart took a late 52-48 lead and gave up a three point shot at the buzzer to make the final score 52-51.
This was a tough opening game for Sacred Heart because of early and continuous foul problems for Kelly. The Valkyries had already lost a starter, Jackie Distler, due to an injury in practice, then Ormerod went out for several minutes in the final quarter due to an injury. Shelbyville has two players who have already committed to play at major D-1 schools—Alex Fuller (Tennessee) and Ashleigh Newman (Maryland).
Sacred Heart outshot Shelbyville 50%-45.9% from the field and held a 29-23 advantage in rebounds. Sacred Heart scored 20 points off 18 Shelbyville turnovers, while Shelbyville could only manage seven points off 19 Sacred Heart turnovers. Shelbyville was 15 of 21 from the free throw line while Sacred Heart only visited the charity stripe nine times, connecting on four shots.
The victors were led today by Carly Ormerod with 18 points. Crystal Kelly added 12 points and pulled down and eight rebounds. Connie Ferch chipped in with 10 points, five assists, and recorded six steals. Shelbyville was led by Ashleigh Newman with 25 points including 12 of 15 from the free throw line. Alex Fuller added 12 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.
|
Shelbyville (TN) |
9 |
14 |
15 |
13 |
- |
51 |
|
Sacred Heart Academy |
16 |
7 |
15 |
14 |
- |
52 |
|
Shelbyville (TN) |
(51) |
- |
Newman 25, Canon 0, Fuller 12, Houston 5, Bailey 2, Snipes 7. |
|
Sacred Heart Academy |
(52) |
- |
Kopple 6, Kelly 12, Ormerod 18, Ferch 10, Hess 2, Denbow 3, McCarty 1. |
Acknowledgements
A very special note of appreciation to Bob Tonini of Sacred Heart Academy for providing the computer stats and a detailed recap of this game.
Please send your comments and questions to Ron Harrison at prephoops@yahoo.com.
Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other basketball events appear on http://www.angelfire.com/ky/prephoops.