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ISLAND TREES DEFEATS WHEATLEY |
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In the Wheatley Girls Holiday Basketball Tournament championship game, Island Trees came out firing on all cylinders as they opened a 20 - 8 1st quarter lead. Meghan Biondolillo connected for 11 points, while Valerie Ahrens added 6 points. Island Trees did a really good job moving the ball finding open teammates. In the 2nd quarter, Wheatley scored the first 11 points to close within 20 - 17, most of these points coming off their defensive pressure. Wheatley's Morgan Laverty seemed to be everywhere, as she ignited the defensive pressure and then constantly found Amanda Affigne, who scored 9 of the 11 points. Island Trees inability to handle the press resulted in Wheatley taking the lead 23 - 22 with 3:20 to go. Island Trees Ahrens would eventually settle her team down. Angelica Paskins scored the games next 4 points as Island Trees woud regain the lead never looking back. Biondolillo dropped a big 3 to close out the half with Island Trees up 31 - 26. In the second half, Island Trees wore Whealtey down as they gradually opened their lead to 15 at the end of the 3rd quarter and the final deficit of 19 points. Wheatley's Morgan Laverty (All-Tournament) was outstanding at both ends of the court, Amanda Affigne had a solid 1st half, while Erica Melchione (coming back from ACL - 2006/07) should provide an outside threat as the season progresses as her leg and confidence get stronger. Island Trees Meghan Biondolillo (Tournament MVP), when left open can shoot with the best of them, while Valerie Ahrens (All-Tournament) must continue to control the pace of the game while being asked to score also. As they did yesterday, Ashley Moore, Angelica Paskins and Kristen Walsh do the little things while scoring when Biondolillo and Ahrens find them open. Island Trees: 20 - 31 - 48 - 65, Wheatley: 8 - 25 - 36 - 46.
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