Stags dominate Trojans in playoff-atmosphere
Thornton Academy Trojans battling the Cheverus Stags. Photo by Emily Bontatibus
The Cheverus Stags beat the Thornton Academy Trojans 53-40 this Tuesday night.
The Trojans, with a current record of 3-0, are a favorite for the championship this year. TA has potential award winners on their team, like Senior guard, Addisen Sulikowski, and her counterpart, Senior forward, Emma Lizotte. But, the Trojans are also backed by Sophomore guard, Kylie Lamson and her quick yet effective scoring.
The Stags, with a record of 2-0, are also a favorite for the championship. With high scorers like Senior guard, Maddie Fitzpatrick and Senior forward, Ruth Boles, Cheverus is stacked. But, it’s not all in the offense. Rachel Feeley, a Junior guard who sits at the top of the Stags lethal defense causes several turnovers for their opponents. Having just played another top tier team in their conference, Cheverus is surely tuned into playing a high level of basketball early in the season.
Therefore, it’s fair to say this game is a preview of what’s to come in the playoffs.
This game was very physical. Bodies were hitting the floor for the ball, and also due to a lot of contact. Luckily though, the refs allowed the players to play without too many stoppages. With three minutes left in the first quarter, Sulikowski hit a three from the top of the arch, allowing the Trojans to take the lead 5-3. Just thirty seconds later Rachel LaSalle, a Sophomore guard, made a layup to tie the game. Lizotte remained scoreless in this quarter due to the Stags tedious defense on their former teammate: but, TA's other offensive leaders were able to take the lead going into the second quarter 10-5.
The Stags were able to enter the bonus early in this game allowing them many opportunities to gain a lead. TA tasked Sulikowski with guarding Fitzpatrick very intently, especially in the post, but Cheverus’ lead scorer was able to convert despite the physicality. At the three-and-a-half minute mark Fitzpatrick faked to the baseline and made a beautiful hook over three defenders to get within one point, making the score 14-13. And just like that, Fitzpatrick started her impressive performance. Lamson drilled a three with three minutes left to further the Trojans lead. Fitzpatrick fired right back from the same spot just seconds later to keep the Stags in the game. After a few baskets from Boles and Sophomore guard Anna Goodman, Cheverus took the lead 26-22.
Finally, the Trojans found a way to break through the Stag’s wall around Lizotte, allowing her to contribute. Fifteen seconds into the second half Lizotte hit a quick shot from the block, cutting Cheverus’ lead 26-24. With four minutes left in the third quarter, Freshman guard Abby Kelly was fouled on the layup. Drilling both foul shots she regained the Stags lead 33-31. Cheverus was able to build a significant lead as they often do in the third quarter. But, Stag’s Freshman forward Addie Jordan felt that it wasn’t enough. Hitting a clean jumper from the elbow, Jordan extended their lead 44-32 with a couple seconds left.
Lizotte worked hard on the o-board in the final quarter. With multiple fouls on her putbacks she awarded the Trojans many baskets. However, Cheverus’ sturdy defense and continuous scoring from Fitzpatrick helped them secure the win. The Stags beat the Trojans with a final score of 53-40.
Both teams play again this Thursday, December 21st. Cheverus plays away against the Portland Bulldogs, and TA will battle on their home court against the Biddeford Tigers.
