Firecracker 15u/16u in Richmond – Day 1

The Maine Firecrackers took a combination16u/15u team to play at the Blue Chip Pre-Season Challenge Friday in Richmond Virginia. With 132 teams from all over the East participating, the Firecrackers were invited to play (for free) in the Center Court Showcase, reserved for the top 12 teams. The team was chosen on the recommendation of many division one and two college coaches but it presented a monumental challenge playing in the 16u (HS juniors) division as the Firecracker team was comprised of just 2 juniors, 6 sophomores, and 2 freshmen.

Game one pitted the Maine kids against the ABGC Lady Bulldogs of Fairfax County Virginia. After 4 minutes of struggling against a 3/4 court press, the Firecrackers found themselves down 11-1. Showing great resolve, they battled back with Ashley Storey, Olivia Smith and Victoria Lux combining for 16 points. Unfortunately the beginning of the second half found the girls in orange unable to score. With Bulldog, Daisy Hattric netting 4 consecutive 3’s on the other end the Firecrackers faced a 14 point deficit. However their pressure defense forced some turnovers and the Maine girls cut the lead to 5 with 2 minutes left. In the end though, the Bulldogs hit their free throws and pulled out a 48-40 victory. Lux led the team with 11 points (6 rebounds) while Storey added 10 (5 rebounds), Olivia Smith 8, Sarah Clement 6, Ashley Briggs 3 (4 assists), and Jess Willerson 2.

Game two was a rematch against the Connecticut Starters, who upended our oldest team in a very physical and emotional contest last July. The Firecrackers jumped out to a 17-12 lead behind 3’s from Olivia Shaw, Abby Hamilton, and Sarah Clement(2). After a beautiful Hamilton assist to Victoria Lux followed by 2 Jess Willerson foul shots, the Maine girls led 34-26 at halftime.

Pressure defense by Olivia Dalphonse and Katie McCrum caused two quick Starters turnovers that led to baskets by Lux and Smith to begin the second half. Connecticut made a late run, but in the last three minutes the team showed great poise in taking 45 seconds off the clock, ending with a Lux power layup to extend the lead to 8. Briggs went 4-4 from the line while Sarah Clement went 4-5 as the Firecrackers prevailed 61-53.

Briggs led all scorers with 13, Sarah Clement had 12, Olivia Smith 10, Lux 9 (10 rebounds), Hamilton 5, Storey 4 (8 rebounds), McCrum added a beautiful 3 along with excellent defense, Olivia Shaw a long 3 with 8 rebounds, and Jess Willerson 2 while having a strong overall game. Dalphonse only attempted 2 shots but as usual took care of the ball and played very good on-ball defense.

Tomorrow the Maine girls continue pool play against the Long Island Renegades (11:30) and Connecticut Premier (5:20).