November 29, 2003 - New Madison

What a difference 24 hours makes as the Lady Patriots win the consolation game of their very own Bill Burkett Tournament. Tri-Village was in unfamiliar territory usually playing in the tournament championship game. "We were worried about our girls not being motivated and ready to play," commented Coach Maples. "We also worried about Ansonia, they are athletic play an aggressive trapping defense and apply a lot of pressure."

Those worries were quickly removed for Coach Maples as the the Lady Patriots got off to a quick start scoring 22 points in the first quarter to Ansonia's 15. Tri-Village was paced by the hot hand of Mattie Burns who scored a basket at the buzzer to end the quarter with 6 points giving the Patriots an outside threat.

In the second quarter the Patriots again controlled the tempo and started to pound the ball inside. The Tigers picked up their intensity on defense and tried to claw their way back into the game. They turned Tri-Village away two trips down the floor midway through the quarter even though the Patriots had 10 attempts from close range. However, the inside game started to take effect and the lead grew to 35-23 at the end of the first half.

The second half started quickly for Tri-Village as they came out running, off rebounds and steals, the transition game enabled their lead to grow to 26 points. Holding a 55-29 advantage by the end of the 3rd quarter. The Patriots were again paced by Mattie Burns along with Samantha Coomer with 6 points each.

In the final period Coach Maples tried to spread the wealth of playing time to reserve players, seeing action were Brittney Bailey and Mollie Shane. Ansonia used this opportunity to work on their press to try and get back in the game but it was too little too late as the Patriots ended the game with a 71-42 victory.

"This was a good win for us to come back tonight and score 71 points," said Maples. "You can't be upset at scoring 71 points in a game against anybody." "I thought our defense played real well especially in the 2nd and 3rd quarter." "On offense we were unselfish spreading the ball around, and played the way we expected the girls to play coming into the season, using a lot of balance."

Leading the Patriots in scoring were Olivia Frazier with a quite, yet effective 18 points, most of the damage from the inside. Mattie Burns finished with 16 points and really got the Patriots off to a fast start with her good shooting. Samantha Coomer scored 11 points. Brennan Moore had 9 points, 9 assists and 12 rebounds, nearly a triple double. Heather Deaton scored 8 points with 9 rebounds, Sara Burkhart 6 points and Karli Dill entered the scoring column with a 3 late in the game.

Although the loss yesterday to Arcanum was a disappointment the Lady Patriots can take solace that the Lady Trojans also pinned a loss on a very tough and experienced Franklin Monroe Lady Jets team 47-43. They are the 2003 Bill Burkett Lady Patriot Classic Tournament Champions. Mattie Burns had a nice tournament and was the lone Patriot chosen to the all tournament team.

The win today for the Patriots is a good momentum builder and gives reason for optimism that this team can compete as they look to their next challenge against Newton at home on December 4th.