The Season Ends with Heads Held High

Katie Roth
A nail biter of a game, where the last 30 seconds determined the outcome. The Tigers lost 20-21 to the Panthers in a game worthy of a replay. The defense and offense from both teams were fantastic and both teams came out of the game proud of their efforts, hustle, and focus.  
Wow what a game by the Tigers. In their regular season match up the Tigers lost to the Franklin Road Academy Panthers 16-31. In this post season match up the Tigers came in more prepared and more determined to compete and be disciplined. The first half saw the Tigers and Panthers neck in neck. Neither team ever gained more than a 3 point lead, with each team stopping runs before they could get out of hand. The Tigers used their different motion sets to attack the paint and find their kick outs for open shots and the Panthers motion offense was crisp and executed to perfection. Both team’s defenses executed and weren’t giving up easy possessions all the while staying out of foul trouble. It was a low scoring first half, but not due to lack of offense, but due to the awesome defense and competition from both sides. The Tigers went into half feeling energized with the 10-10 score. 

The second half didn’t see a dip in competition or skill. Despite both teams being pushed to their limits. The hustle plays and focus had this game come down to the wire. The Tiger’s defense adjusted to the Panther’s cutting offense and were able to keep the Panther’s off the boards, but the Panthers also made strong defensive adjustments to the Tiger’s motion sets. The game came to the final minute and the final possessions. The Tigers were finally able to get a lead in the 4th quarter putting the Tigers up 20-19 with less than a minute left. The Panthers pushed the ball to get a quick basket, but the Tigers forced a chaotic scramble that threw them off their set offense, however, the Panther’s guard was able to find a teammate in the middle of the paint, and the Tigers closed out too hard leading to a shooting foul. The Panther’s made both. 20-21. The Tigers had another opportunity to take the lead and get the upset, but the drive and layup attempt didn’t fall. The game ended 20-21. 

It was a game of committee: Alexandria Manoukian ‘28 filled the stat sheet with 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals and played above her height, having to step into help-side often and having to guard the Panther’s post players. Johnsie Dawkins ‘28 had many great drives to help collapse the defense, earning 2 points, and then showed out on defense with 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. CC Cook ‘29 led the team with 7 points and 2 rebounds and commanded the Tiger’s offensive pace, helping the Tigers stay aggressive and keeping the gas on throughout the game. Yori Crozier ‘29 showcased her versatility with 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals and flexed her ability to guard 1-5.

Despite the loss, this game was one of the most well executed games the Tigers have had all season. We can lament that a few layups didn’t fall or that some calls weren’t called, but at the end of the game it felt like everyone was proud that they did their best and laid it all out on the floor. This loss doesn’t diminish the accomplishments, the progress, the growth that happened along the way. It was a brilliant season where everyone can say they got better every practice and game. As the season comes to a close we can be proud of this team’s successes and be excited for what the future holds for each of their new endeavors. Great job Tigers!
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