Samuels Wins Comeback Civl War Game

#3 posting 5.25.2008
your daily dose of girls basketball news & information

CIVIL WAR IN WISCONSIN
Team Wisconsin Select Samuels pulled out a gritty come from behind overtime win over in house rival Team Wisconsin Select Doucette to take the Memorial Day tournament in Menomonie today. A few weeks ago TWSS beat TWSD in the Wisconsin State AAU finals 65-40. This time TWSD was rested (no proms or other conflicts) and more than ready.

TWSS overcame a sluggish start and foul problems in the first half. TWSD led 24-11 at their widest margin in the first half. By half time TWSS narrowed that gap to 34-28. With 3:24 left in the game and TWSD holding a 48-43 lead things didn't look good for Samuels. But they held TWSD scoreless the last 6 possessions. The score remained 48-43 with less than a minute to go. Laura Peterson connected on a three after an out of bounds play to cut the margin to 48-46. Katie Wolff missed a front end of a one and one and Sam Price got the rebound. TWSS went into Nicole Griffin and she was jostled on her shot. The 6-6 center fought for the loose ball on the floor and put it home and was fouled. She missed the free throw and the last second heave by TWSD did not fall. So it was off to overtime at 48 all.

In the two minute overtime TWSD controlled the tip and scored a lay up. Griffin made one of two free throws to cut the margin to 50-49. TWSD missed on their next attempt. Laura Peterson again scored a 3 with under 41 seconds left to give TWSS the 52-50 lead. That held up the rest of the way for a dramatic come from behind win.

Earlier in the day TWSS beat HLC in the quarterfinals 55-36. TWSD beat Southern Minne Magic 19, a team that has collegiate first year players, in the semis 64-42.

I will report on these three games during the week in more detail.

Prior to the 17u championship game High Impact, a Minnesota boys basketball team coached by Jeff Buffetta, girls basketball coach at Mountain Iron-Buhl, also won in overtime similar to the TWSS situation. They trailed by 10 late in the game and tied it at the buzzer on a 3.

Also of note today...There was severe weather and the sirens were blaring around 6 pm. The severe weather was north of 94, a few miles from Menomonie. The odd thing was with the sirens just feet away from the gym door, the games continued on. There was no stopping the action, no rush to a safer place.

next up: tomorrow morning