New Madison – November 19, 2004
Four teams started off their season at the 17th annual Bill Burkett tournament hosted by Tri-Village. Franklin Monroe playing in the 7pm game easily handled Ansonia to get to the championship game tomorrow night. The Patriots got the night cap in a rematch of last years opening round game but… the result was the same, as Arcanum advanced to face FM tomorrow night with a 55-43 win over Tri-Village.
Both teams came out tight in part to first game jitters and a big crowd on hand. The Tri-Village pep band created an exciting atmosphere to play basketball and pumped up the fans as well as the players. Arcanum was first on the board with Ashley Falknor dropping in a field goal but… Karli Dill sank a three and gave TV a 3-2 advantage the only one of the night. Arcanum used a full court press and stifling man defense to keep the Patriots from getting into a half court offense and getting comfortable. It resulted in a number of turnovers and a limited number of shots on goal. Arcanum would end the 1st quarter with a 15-8 lead.
The Lady Patriots jumped into a full court press of their own midway through the second period slowing Arcanum and keeping even with them most of the way. A couple of TV turnovers in the final minute and a stick back at the buzzer gave the Trojans a 25-15 half time lead.
In the third stanza Arcanum widened their lead paced by Mollie Clark and Emily Printz with 2:30 left to play they had an 18-point lead 39-21. But back came the Patriots with inside scores by Heather Deaton, freshman Tina Allison and Olivia Frazier closing the gap to 39-28. Heather Deaton wasn’t finished scoring yet striking quickly with another inside basket. Then she stole the ball with 26 seconds and completing the 3 point play pulling TV within eight 41-33.
The stage was set and it appeared that the final quarter was going to be a barnburner. Two Mary Skidmore free throws brought them to 41-37. Both teams then started to trade fouls and free throw attempts. But is was Tri-Village who would lose this battle asTina Allison, Brennan Moore and Heather Deaton all fouled out as Arcanum would score their last 9 points from the line taking a 55-43 victory.
The team played with a higher intensity level in the second half and clawed their way back into the game showing that they will be a competitive team this year. Not many opponents will be able to throw out full court pressure the way the Lady Trojan did tonight but… handling pressure and cutting down on turnovers (20) is needed in order to win close game. Heather Deaton had a strong game on the boards recording 10 rebounds and a solid inside game with 12 points. Karli Dill exhibited a nice touch form the outside with two treys and 12 points as well. Olivia Frazier handed out 5 assists and added 7 points.
Tri-Village is back in action tomorrow night at 6pm.
