Outscored, But Undeterred = Crusaders Fight for 24 Minutes!
The Crusaders started RRAC play off with a tough one, taking on a talented Las Vegas Day School team in the Scorpions Den, and while they did come away with a loss on the scoreboard, many small victories happened along the way, and the girls continue to trust the process and improve.
Vari made a couple of excellent passes in the first quarter, one of which led to an excellent scoring opportunity. Lisa played excellent and aggressive defense in this stanza and even got a blocked shot along the way, while Kali'a had a couple of steals & a rebound in the first period. LVDS relied on a height advantage to account for six points off of rebounds and putbacks, adding a free throw, and led 7-0.
The best Faith defensive quarter was the second one, as Alexis (couple of big rebounds), Grace (two steals) and Lauryn (ball pressure) did quite well. Katelyn made another of her now patented hustle plays, and that was contagious, as soon after that Kali'a was "first to the floor" to save a possession as well. The team also executed an inbounds play perfectly, and drew a shooting foul. The Crusaders held LVDS to only four points in the second stanza to trail by 11 at halftime, a very solid showing.
The Scorpions showed some sting in the 3rd quarter, posting 14 points while holding Faith scoreless, thus taking a 25 point lead heading into the final frame. Still, there were highlights, as Vari ran the offense perfectly a few times, Grace played perfect help side defense on more than one occasion, and Alexis read a passing lane to get a steal as well. Grace also had what Coach Angel called "an aha moment" after working hard for an offensive rebound, and she drew a foul to earn two free throws. The other big moment was Lisa ULTRA aggressivley defending a much taller player, jumping around and doing anything and everything she could do to keep the girl from scoring...and it worked for a stretch - great effort and attitude Lisa!
The fourth quarter was...intense. LVDS, utilizing of a halfcourt pressure defense, scored the first eight points of the quarter. Faith refused to quit, however, as Lauryn forced two turnovers and made a nice pass, Katelyn also forced a turnover and WORKED her way for a rebound, and Grace played tough defense despite not feeling great. Hana added a 4Q rebound as well. With under 90 seconds left Kali'a came FROM NOWHERE and jumped right in front of a Scorpion starter and got a steal, drove to the basket and almost got a bucket from that. Less than a minute later and at a different spot on the court Kali'a got another steal, made a sweet pass to Vari who made the shot and got fouled in the process, earning a basket and a free throw! The crowd - LVDS supporters as well - applauded loudly, recognizing the effort and attitude of the Crusaders!
Lessons will be learned from this, and the team continues to make strides, which is what this season is all about.
Go Crusaders!
