Contact: Jenni Brockman
Telephone: 804-443-3357
Fax: 804-443-6781
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Scotty Sports Corner
By Hollis Duncan
St. Margaret's School Staff Writer
JV Squad Shows Athleticism and Spunk, Beats BSH
St. Margaret's junior varsity basketball team (2-1 overall; 1-1 League of Independent Schools) showed their fans what they're made of in a 27-19 victory over Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot at Ball Memorial Gymnasium on Friday, December 15. Thanks to an intense week of practice, the Scotties committed only 6 turnovers, a dramatic comeback from the 21 that SMS jayvees made in their two previous games.
Freshman Graham Barlow (21) fought off the Knights' defense so she could pass to teammate Jennifer Stuart (13) in St. Margaret's December 15 win over Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot of Petersburg.
"We were a good team in a bad slump," explained Head Coach David Cook. "For a couple of games we struggled with ball control, but now we're back on track."
Their spunky play has made the Scotties increasingly popular with local fans. Win or lose, the girls have consistently maintained their focus and had fun competing.
"What sets these girls apart is their love of basketball and how much they enjoy playing together," Cook said. "Winning is a byproduct of that mindset."
Margaret Moncure of Tappahannock led the offense against BSH with a 12-point, 10-rebound performance. However, the play that everyone talked about following Friday's win was the 3-point shot made by freshman boarder Jenny Jackson- O'Toole at the end of the third to ignite the team heading into the final quarter. Her clutch three brought the Ball Gymnasium crowd to its feet and many remained standing for the remainder of the game.
Sarah Copeland of Tappahannock and boarder Jennifer Stuart led the Scotties down the stretch, as St. Margaret's outscored BSH 9-6 in the fourth quarter. Copeland hit two key baskets, including a 3-point field goal, while Stuart awed spectators with a Sheryl Swoopes-like spin into the lane for a basket. Copeland finished with 5 points and 3 assists, and Stuart added 3 points, 5 assists, 3 blocked shots and 9 rebounds.
Other players contributing to the winning effort included boarding student Paola Peralta of Mexico, who played outstanding defense in her second straight start for the Scotties, Jacky Sydnor of Tappahannock, and boarders Graham Barlow, Elisha Cooper, Shu Jin and Nadia Jarrar.
The Scotties' next home game is with St. Catherine's School on Friday, January 4. The JV will play at 4:00 p.m., followed by the varsity at 5:00 p.m.
