Saturday marked the fourth time in as many years that the host Huskies and Birchwood met in the final of the Hernewood tournament. It is Birchwood’s second victory in that time span.
Edna Nina Esparza led Birchwood’s attack in the final, netting 18 points and hauling down her team’s offensive all-star award. Sarah Peters chipped in with 14 points.
The Huskies’ leading scorers were Sami Sentner (8) and Sarah Woodside (7).
Hernewood only trailed Birchwood by four points at the half, 23-19, but a disastrous third quarter put them out of the running. That’s when Birchwood outscored Hernewood 17-2.
Pool play
Teams played in two pools of four, with the top team in each pool advancing to the championship final.
Both finalists breezed through pool play undefeated.
Huskies coach Lincoln Rix said he was pleased with his team’s play. The Huskies had lost to Springhill in an earlier tournament, and are behind Kensington in league play.
“That was a big game for us to win, to get to the final,” Rix said of the Huskies’ 39-34 preliminary-round win over Kensington. “Everyone played important roles in the successful weekend.”
Rix selected Lexi Getson as his team’s offensive star. “She was really shooting the ball well from the outside,” he said.
Kylee Wallace was the Huskies’ defensive star, establishing herself as a strong rebounder.
“Her aggression and hard work was definitely seen by everyone,” Rix commented.
All-stars
Also chosen as offensive and defensive all-stars, respectively, were:
Springhill – Rachael Terris and Jadyn Tannahail.
Kensington – Brianna MacKay and Shannon McFadden.
Summerside Intermediate A – Kelsey Gallant and Jenna Gillis.
SIS AA – Carrie McGuire and Julie Campbell.
E.B. Chandler – Madison Bennett and Shae Hayden.
M.E. Callaghan – Nonie Lyon and Sadie Knox.
Birchwood – Edna Nina Esparza and Blendina Avdija.
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