TA overcomes Sanford 58-42 in season opener

McBarron making a move in front of Lizotte and Sulikowski. Photo by Emily Bontatibus

The Sanford Spartans battled the Thornton Academy Trojans on Friday night, this was both teams first conference game of the season.

Sanford has seven returning players this season four of which were starters. The Spartans should have a strong defensive team, with Senior guard Julissa McBarron leading them in scoring.

Former Cheverus center, Emma Lizotte, recently transferred to TA for her last high school season. Along with breakout Senior guard Addisen Sulikowski, the Trojans are stacked. The two were voted frequently in the Big Time Hoops player survey as potential victors in several categories.

The Trojans came out strong in the first quarter, scoring a layup just five seconds in and keeping the Spartans scoreless until the five minute mark. TA Sophomore guard, Kylie Lamson, stole the ball and made the layup, putting her team up 9-0. McBarron was fouled on a layup and hit both foul shots putting Sanford on the board. The Spartans dominated the offensive boards near the end of the quarter, but the Trojans still held them 19-8.

After examining McBarron’s skills, the Trojans tasked Sulikowski to faceguard the Spartan’s threat. Two minutes in, Sanford Junior forward Sadie Sevigny hit a three pointer, cutting TA’s lead to 8. Lizotte blocked multiple scoring attempts on the defensive end and also hit a couple impressive post moves. The Trojans stayed ahead 34-20 going to the second half.

The Spartans rotated McBarron through the key in the second half, creating open three pointers for Seveigny. Lizotte ruled the third quarter for the Trojans. With four minutes left, Lizotte drove from the elbow and easily scored over three Sanford defenseman. Along with hitting her foul shots, Lizotte kept TA ahead 45-31.

Trying to catch up, the Spartans took every opportunity they had for open shots. Seveigny hit a few more three pointers, along with Sophomore guard, Addie Fiandaca, showing up at the arch. Sanford showed promise in the final quarter on offense, but they were not able to shut down Lizotte. TA ended up winning 58-42.

According to Sanford head coach, Rossie Kearson, to prepare for Thornton Academy his team focused on guarding Lamson and Sulikowski’s lethal three-pointers. Which left Lizotte with free room to work in the post.

Looking forward, Kearson has a steadfast philosophy on losing.

“You gotta have a short term memory,” Kearson stated. “It happened, okay, now we correct the things we have to correct.”

Sanford faces Marshwood at home on Tuesday, December 12th. While Thornton Academy plays at Noble on Wednesday, December 13th.