The Avon View senior girls basketball team knew they faced a tough competitor heading into play Nov. 23 at home against Horton, a perennial basketball power-house in senior girls high school basketball. However, Avon View Head Coach Kevin Newcombe wanted his team to experience Horton first-hand prior to them competing in the Sydney tournament Dec. 3 and 4.
The Avalanche did not start strong and trailed 20-6 after the first quarter but it certainly was not for a lack of chances.
Breagh Newcombe drove inside on Horton on two or three different occasions and made what seemed like sure baskets before the ball would roll around the rim and refuse to go in. Avon View ended up with only one basket in the opening quarter, scoring their other four points from the foul line where they shot 4-9.
The Avalanche regained some strength in the second quarter and kept the powerful Horton team, who were coming off of a tournament win in Fredericton, to within six points. Horton had a 41-21 half-time advantage.
Sarah MacDonald scored 24 points for the Horton Griffins, including five three-pointers. Horton was sharp at the free-throw line going 12-14 while Avon View, despite their struggles in scoring, still went 17 for 29 from the free-throw line. Erika Orde sank four of her five attempts for the home team.
Newcombe managed only four baskets despite many valiant attempts but did go 3-3 from the foul line to finish with 11 points. Amanda Forsey played another strong game for Avon View, battling for every conceivable ball on the floor. Both Forsey and Allison Boyd scored eight points for Avon View.
Horton scorers were Sarah Macdonald with 24, Kelsey Young, 18, Candace Smith, 12, Katie Jordan, 11, Emily MacLellan, 9, Danielle Boome, 9, Grayson Parker, 4, Scarlett Smith, 2, and Hannah MacLellan, 1.
Avon View scorers were Breagh Newcombe with 11, Amanda Forsey, 8, Allison Boyd, 8, Erika Orde, 6, Sara Veinot, 6, Sam Chambers, 3, and Ashley Britten, 2.
Line Score:
Horton — 20 21 28 18 for 87 points
Avon View — 6 15 12 11 for 44 points
