JV Portagers Uncaged

Onekama vs. Mesick – Game 4

Still hungry for a win going into game 4 of the season, but looking at this team you can tell that their spirits were still strong.  In a non-divisional match-up with the visiting Mesick Bulldogs we would look deep within ourselves for the strength to pull out a win.  Before the game I told the team that it was my Christmas wish to get a win. 

It seemed like business as usual during warm-ups, but after the tip-off it was like an animal was uncaged.  An offense that had been typically starting off very slow instead came out with intensity and purpose.  The Portagers produced their highest scoring output in the first 3 quarters of play for the season and led them to a 25-13 lead at the end of three quarters of play.  The offense slowed down slightly in the fourth quarter but the Portagers would play hard defense and hold the Bulldogs off for a 29-23 win.  Fantastic teamwork and determination led the Portagers to their first win of the season and an early Christmas gift for the coach!

The offense was fired up with 5 of the 6 active players scoring.  Kaylan led the team in scoring with 10 points.  Faith and Sami followed with 6 points each.  Nisha added 4 points and Elizabeth wrapped up the scoring with 3 points.  Good ball movement and playing big underneath were the offensive keys to winning this game.

The defense played excellent and was the biggest key to our victory.  We held them to 2 points in the first quarter, 6 in the second and only 5 more in the third.  Fouls assisted Mesick in the fourth, but they still only scored 10 more points.  Kaylan played big underneath and controlled the boards with 10 rebounds.  She also contributed with 4 steals, a block and an assist.  Elizabeth was next with 7 boards, 4 steals, a block and an assist.  Faith finished with 5 rebounds and an assist.  Sami had 3 rebounds and Nisha finished with 2 boards, 2 assists, and a block.

Every practice and every game this team shows improvement and this win was a wonderful prize to finish off the year.  I am so proud of this team’s determination and heart.  Lady Portager basketball will resume on January 5, 2011, when we host the Sabers of MCC.

Go Portagers! Coach Torrey