13U Nationals Tournament – Day Three
After winning their pool by beating teams from Orlando and Texas the 13u Maine Firecrackers advanced to the final 32 for a showdown with the Tennessee Pride, 2011 Tennessee State Champions.
The Firecrackers jumped out to a 13-8 lead in the first half behind seven points from Sparky Giardina and 5 from Sarah Clement. This lead was extended to 22-14 at the half with 7 players scoring in the second highlighted by a great effort from Alexis Redmond.
In the second half the Firecracker’s conditioning showed as they scored on 4 fast break opportunities. The highlight of the day came on a coast to coast drive from Bailey “Big Foot” Adams over a taller defender as the buzzer sounded. The Firecrackers and their fans (parents and 14u players) went into frenzy and this energy carried through into the 4th, where the Maine kids stretched the lead to 21. Final score was 63-51 Firecrackers. Soul sisters, Sarah Clement and Camille Giardina paced the scoring again with 17 and 15 points respectively.
Vic Lux added 12 points and was a force inside with 13 rebounds. Sam “Bonecrusher” Sparda played great interior defense and Katie McCrum (Saco) once again neutralized the other teams best perimeter player while ripping down 8 rebounds. Ashley Storey was solid again with 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 spectacular blocked shots. Abby Hamilton continued her sharp shooting with two beautiful long-balls while Casey Simpson was solid overall once again.
Today’s win sets up a showdown with the Germantown Lady Panthers of Maryland with the winner advancing to the Elite 8.
Thanks to our family and friends who have been so supportive with texts, emails, and calls. The girls are having a great time, competing well, and gaining valuable life experience.
8th Grade Firecrackers Stay Hot, Advance to Elite 8
The 13u Maine Firecrackers surprised the AAU faithful again this afternoon by knocking off the Maryland State Champion GT Lady Panthers 36-28. With the win the Firecrackers advance to the final 8 from the original 61 team Division 2 National Tournament in Orlando Fla.
Once again, great defense was the story as the Lady Panthers struggled with the Firecrackers pressure and got few easy baskets the whole game. The game was intense and very physical, with hard fouls on every breakaway, including 2 intentional fouls. Camille Giardina set the tone in the first quarter with 3 steals and 2 baskets while Vic Lux also had two nice baskets but the Lady Panthers 6’3″ center answered and the score was knotted at 11 at the end of one. Ashley “Stretch” Storey and Sarah Clement added second quarter hoops but the Firecrackers couldn’t convert other good shot attempts and the half ended a defensive struggle at 16-14 Firecrackers.
In the second half the Maine girls went with a smaller and more defensive lineup of Katie McCrum, Giardina, Sam Sparda, Storey, and Bailey Adams and took the Panthers out of their offensive rhythm. McCrum and Giardina each had 3 steals. Nursing a 23-21 lead, Katie McCrum hit a long 2 and added a foul shot after a strong drive to push the Firecrackers further ahead. The Firecrackers closed the game out with baskets from Sparda and Lux. Camille Giardina was terrific again and elevated her game on the big stage as the Lady Panthers resorted to double teaming her but she still ended up with 14 points, 5 steals and 4 assists.
Ashley Briggs contributed a few key minutes and went 2-2 from the line. Storey blocked 3 shots again and with help from Sparda and Lux neutralized the huge center of the Panthers. Lux ended up with 7 points and 6 rebounds.
Today’s win sets up a showdown Wednesday with the Stamford (CT) Peace with a trip to the Final Four at stake.