16u Firecrackers bounce back with big win at Blue Chip

Willerson turns in 11 points and 7 rebounds in winning effort

After a tough loss in the bracket final four Monday evening dropping the Firecrackers to 2-1, the Maine girls had a 6:30 wake up call for their match up with the Hudson Valley Knights. Amy Shaw, Krissy Wajer, Michelle Birkel, and Karen Esposito prepared a tremendous breakfast with a dozen double yoked Amish eggs for a protein boost.

In the first four minutes of the game it was clear the legal supplements worked as the Firecrackers got back the prior bounce and swag of the first two games. This was a team win with meaningful contributions from all 8 players but Emily Esposito went off in the first 6 minutes with 10 points on 5-5 shooting that featured 3 pull up jump shots and two close range finishes on passes from Sierra Tapley and Brie Wajer. Kelsey Shaw added another beautiful drive before Sierra Tapley drained a bomb 3 for a 15-9 lead.

Wajer switched from provider to producer on the next play thanks to a crafty ball fake and hand off from Danasia Fennie. Katie Butler snatched an offensive rebound and finished strong on the next possession before Hudson Valley made a run to make the score 25-16 but 2 strong post moves from Jess Willerson and another layup from Wajer put the Firecracker girls up 34-17.

In the second half Danasia Fennie scored twice immediately on assists from Willerson and Birkel. She also had several rebounds where she was 8″ above the next closest hand. Kelsey Shaw added 2 pull-ups and another drive to make the score 50-31. The lead extended to 22 on Katie Butlers sweet spin move and the Firecrackers closed out the game with a 54-30 win.

Esposito rested most of the second half in an effort to manage her swollen ankle but still led the team with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Jess Willerson scored 11 with 7 hard fought rebounds, while Kelsey Shaw contributed 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Danasia Fennie was a force in this game with 5 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists while Katie Butler stepped up with 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and outstanding post defense again. Sierra Tapley and Brie Wajer ran the show and continued their heady play and mindset of doing whatever it takes to win. Both had 6 points and Tapley hauled down 5 rebounds. Ironwoman Alaina Birkel was “tougher than a boiled owl” for the fourth consecutive game. She played 24 minutes and contributed 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and zero turnovers.

Game Five will be later this afternoon and will find the Firecrackers playing the huge and undefeated Team PA.