16u rides defense to Game 1 victory in Amish country

Wajer and Shaw push Firecrackers into winner’s bracket at Blue Chip Invitational

The 16u Firecrackers were contrarian in their travel patterns over the Fourth of July weekend as they headed Southwest from the Atlantic to Amish country in PA. Passing several horse-drawn buggies through farmland on the way on the way to the Blue Chip 3 Stripe Invitational.

The Maine girls were slated to play the Maryland Hurricanes in game one on Sunday afternoon. Emily Esposito got the party started with two foul shots followed by a nifty Kelsey Shaw eurostep and a Jess Willerson steal that led to Brie Wajer’s layup for a 6-0  lead. The Hurricanes responded to hit 3 treys to take an 11-10 lead at the 9 minute mark, however. Sierra Tapley, Wajer, and Alaina Birkel then wreaked havoc on the Maryland guards leading to baskets by Wajer (assist from Esposito), Tapley (assist from Wajer), and Shaw.

Defense leading to offense was the story here as the Firecrackers went on a 28-3 run capped off with a brilliant drive at the buzzer by Kelsey Shaw to secure a 38-14 halftime lead. At 68%, this was one of the better halves of shooting this season but much can be attributed to 12 steals leading to easier offense. Willerson, Shaw, Fennie, and Katie Butler all had at least 2 steals but the tenacious pressure from Alaina Birkel, Sierra Tapley, and Brie Wajer made it possible.

In the second half Emily Esposito got extra time on the bench to rest her sore ankle but the Firecracker express didn’t miss a beat. Jess Willerson started the half with a beautiful spin move and then Shaw and Wajer picked up where they left off in the first half with 2 buckets each. Alaina Birkel found nothing but net on a long 2 off a nice assist by Tapley, who chased down a highlight blocked shot by Danasia Fennie. Katie Butler’s drive and left handed bank shot made the score 58-28 and the Firecrackers cruised to a 60-31 victory.

Kelsey Shaw put on a clinic in attacking the rim and finishing soft, good for 17 points. Esposito scored 8 of her 11 in the first half and showed again why she is one of the most heavily recruited players Maine has ever seen. Tapley (7 points and 6 assists) and Birkel (4 points, 3 assists, 4 steals) each played well and Brie Wajer played a brilliant all around game, stuffing the stat sheet with 10 points (5-5 shooting), 4 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Willerson finished with 8, 4 steals, and 5 rebounds while playing stellar post defense. Danasia Fennie (5 rebounds and 3 blocks) and Katie Butler (4 rebounds)  each finished with a basket but provided their normal unselfish and energetic team play while doing the important little things.

On Monday, the challenge gets greater as the Firecrackers play at 11 AM, on Court 13, against the Jersey Cardinals, who are big, deep, and athletic.