8th grade girls win tournament title
By Donnie A. Lucas
The eighth grade basketball girls were busy during the last week, winning three games at an area tournament and posting a win at home Monday.
The seventh grade and the 7th combined B team also played Monday against Stamford with mixed results.
The Lady Cubs will host Hawley next Monday starting at 5:30 p.m.
8th Grade Results
Albany’s eighth graders beat Stamford 22-16 on Monday, improving to 5-3 in district and 8-6 overall.
“The girls came out a little slow, but they were able to pull out a win,” coach Jamie Wilson said. “They did a great job using the press and forcing turnovers.”
Ashlyn Holson was the offensive standout with 11 points. Also scoring were Robin Lucas 3, Jaci Chapman 4, and Kiana Roberson 4.
The eighth graders also won all three games at the Throckmorton tournament played last Thursday and Saturday, winning the eighth grade division championship.
Albany defeated Baird 41-2 in the first round on Thursday.
“This game gave the girls a great boost in confidence,” Wilson said. “We really looked like a team.”
The coach said that the girls moved the ball and took good shots on offense, including running several new plays. They also worked on their zone press and zone play.
Scoring were Holson 14, Lucas 2, Brooklyn Abbate 2, Kaedyn Nowell 5, Callan Edgar 2, Braylyn Abbate 2, Chapman 4, and Roberson 10.
The Lady Cubs easily won the second round Saturday against TLCA, 55-9.
“The girls did a great job adjusting to the different offenses and defenses we threw at them throughout the game,” the coach said.
Holson and Roberson were tapped on offense.
Scoring were Holson 15, Lucas 9, Brooklyn Abbate 3, Edgar 4, Braylyn Abbate 2, Roberson 14, and Chey’Anne Weaver 2.
The Lady Cubs played their closest game against the host team, beating Throckmorton 25-24 in the third round to win the championship.
“This was a great win for our girls,” the coach said. “We played a tough team and did a great job defensively by shutting down their good players.”
The Lady Cubs had three players named to all-tournament team including Roberson, Lucas and Holson.
Scorers were Holson 10, Lucas 2, Brooklyn Abbate 2, Edgar 2, Maci Hatchett 2, and Roberson 8.
7th Grade Teams Split
The 7A girls edged out Stamford on Monday, 10-9.
“We started off in a slump,” coach Dakota Fowler said. “We were able to come back in the fourth for the win.”
The coach said Caroline Holson made the winning shot with 45 seconds left.
Scoring were Caroline Holson 5, Abi Grace Hale 2, Makenna McNeill 2, and Ann Davis 1.
The seventh grade combined team lost to Stamford 15-6.
“We only had six girls against their 11, so we were tired,” the coach said.
Scoring were Averie Burns 2 and Emily Schedule 4.
