Sherwood squeaks by girls' JV basketball in shootout

By Avi Wolfman-Arent, Sportswriter

JAN. 14, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM -

The Sherwood Warriors defeated the girls' junior varsity basketball team 44-41 on Jan. 14, dropping the Blazers to 2-7 on the season and extending Blair's seven game skid. Although the Blazers had one of their best offensive performances of the year, the girls' effort was overshadowed by uncharacteristically poor defensive play.

Both teams had offensive spark from the get-go and Sherwood held a 28-20 lead at halftime. The Warriors extended their lead slightly in the third quarter, carrying a 38-27 advantage into the final quarter of the game. Sophomore co-captain Monique Eldridge, who had a game-high 20 points, led a furious fourth quarter comeback. The Blazers closed the gap to three at 44-41 with 29 seconds remaining, but freshman guard Helen Denbow's desperation three-pointer as time expired was off-target.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Coach Julia Nation praised her team's improved offense and unwavering efforts, even late in the game. "We played much better," she remarked. "We finally started hitting shots." The loss was in part due to the girls' defensive woes, said Nation, which allowed the Warriors to shoot a high percentage from the field. "There were too many points off of the press," she added. "The other team was quick."

In addition to Eldridge's dazzling performance, Denbow provided six points and freshmen guard Jessica Hallberlin came off the bench to deliver another six. The Blazers' next game will be at home against Richard Montgomery on January 16.