Over recent weeks, the Canton Girls Modified Basketball players have continued to gain valuable experience despite match-ups against strong league opponents. Coaches Carla Wentworth and Emily Pinckney praised both teams noting “each game will help them as they move forward.”
On January 22, the girls traveled to Norwood-Norfolk for a two-game match-up. In the end the Bears suffered two tough losses, but the eighth grade team looked strong trailing by just two points at half-time (16-18).
The girls were on the road again in Gouverneur on Monday, January 29. The seventh graders played a heartbreaker, losing 24-25 in the final seconds after a game-tying shot by Grace “Bulldog” Dollman late in the fourth quarter. The girls were strong under the basket and took advantage of multiple fast-break options throughout the game.
“They played so well and did so many little things right,” said Coach Wentworth.
Lily Todd led the scoring with eight points, followed by Bulldog with six. Rounding out the scoring contributions were Lily Abplanalp, Aeva Richard and Hallee Bullock.
The eighth grade game was another battle, with the girls taking the loss but showing heart and playing hard until the buzzer. Areianna St. Andrews had the hot hand scoring eight points, while Gracelyn Webb pulled down several rebounds and played strong in the post position. Overall it was a balanced performance and full of positive energy after a long layoff due to weather.
On February 1, the girls returned to their home gym in a combined effort vs. Potsdam. Despite a 10-24 final, the defense played well, limiting total points and staying aggressive. The team worked the ball inside which helped open up the offense.
“Everyone contributed in some way which is what you look for at this level,” noted Coach Wentworth.
A special thank you goes out from the team to Mr. Meyers and Cedric Harper for broadcasting the game on the NFHS network!
The team’s remaining match-up is against Massena Tuesday afternoon.