Uncharacteristic shooting hurts 16u in 42-33 loss

After shooting over 65% in game one and 55% in game two, the 16u Firecrackers struggled mightily to make shots in game three and fell 42-33 to the PA Running Rebels.The Rebels spread the floor and subbed five at a time to stay fresh but both teams were cold in a first half that ended with Pennsylvania up 15-13. The Firecrackers got many of the shots they wanted but couldn’t capitalize.

In the second half the Rebels caught fire with 6 three pointers (after making 3 in the first half) but the Firecrackers made a late run only to fall short 42-33. For the game the Maine girls only connected on 35% of their shots. Sierra Tapley led the team with 11 hard fought points, Brie Wajer had 7, while Emily Esposito and Jess Willerson each had 6. The Rebels did a nice job keeping Kelsey Shaw in check, as she finished with just 3 after two big prior games. Danasia Fennie (3 steals and 5 rebounds), Katie Butler (6 rebounds) and Alaina Birkel (3 steals) led the comeback late in the game but the surge fell short.

This was a very winnable game but credit the Rebels for their fundamental play and for shooting well from long range.

Game 4 will be 8:30 Tuesday morning vs. Hudson Valley Knights.