Colliers U14 girls advance to the Scottish Cup Final

 

March 2nd 2016 - It has been a long season for this group of girls who have competed in the U16 National League division 1, the SLBA U16 local league and the west U14 RDL. Competing at the top level (NL) has been tough as the girls have endured tough losses, however this hasn’t held them back. If anything it has made them stronger especially within their own age group.

 

As Falkirk Fury stepped on the court last night they wouldn’t have expected to be met with such tenacious defence and a blistering offense which set the tempo and gave the Colliers a firm hold on the game.

 

The combination of trapping, great help defence and team work made it really hard for Fury to find a way to the basket and the Colliers took command of offence with a relentless attack and high percentage of attempts made. Valentina Palli put her mark on the game early on with 8 first quarter points alongside some great finishing from Abigail Paterson and Carla Crowther.

 

With a lead of 16 points going into the 2nd quarter the Colliers looked to build on it through their tough defence and again Fury found it hard to get anything going at the offensive end. Colliers moved the basketball really on offence which resulted in some terrific open looks and fast breaks. 

 

Katie Burn was instrumental on defence with great help defence and 3 blocks to her name.  The front court defensive line of Crowther, McGee, Palli and Paterson sealed a half time lead for the Colliers of 32-9.

 

A more spirited Fury were on show early in the third quarter as they managed to score a couple of quick baskets, however the Colliers weren’t in any danger of losing their grip on the game.

 

The Colliers took their healthy lead into the fourth quarter and started off with a couple of made free throws by Katie Burn. Overall, the Colliers outplayed the visiting team and advanced to the final.

 

FINAL SCORE:   SL Colliers 54 Sony Falkirk Fury 29

 

Valentina Palli top scored with 20 points, Carla Crowther added 9 points, Abigail Paterson scored 8 and Katie Burn added 8 points.

 

Head Coach Ross Hutton commented: “Our defence was the key to the game tonight, everyone was on the same page and it was a terrific team display.”