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Saturday, Feb. 06, 2010

Stratford tops Mount de Sales in overtime

Stratford head girls coach Ed Smith knows he can pretty much count on Mallory Long to get her points. But when someone else steps up and gives some offensive punch, the Eaglettes can be a pretty dangerous team.

And that is exactly what happened Friday night against Mount de Sales.

Freshman Lexi Rouse came off the bench to score 14 points and grab 13 rebounds to key the Eaglettes to a 46-40 overtime victory.

Long led Stratford with 16 points, as they were able to withstand a woeful fourth quarter at the free-throw line.

“The one thing that is consistent about us is our inconsistency,” Smith said. “That is to be expected with a team that doesn’t have any juniors or seniors. Every night is difficult for us, but I am beginning to see us take some steps in the right direction. “

The inconsistency showed up for a spell Friday night. A seven-point halftime lead disappeared quickly whey they only scored three points in the third quarter. Emmalee Reynolds and Jocelyn Williams both scored four points for Mount de Sales, and Liza Hardison tied it with a basket heading into the fourth.

Stratford jumped back ahead, taking a five-point lead on Long’s two free throws. But the Eaglettes could not put it away at the line, missing four straight free throws.

Hardison’s two free throws sent it to overtime, but the Eaglettes made 5-of-8 free throws in the extra period to seal the victory.

Rouse, who stands 6-foot-1, said she was pleased to have one of her better games of the year.

“It was good to play well (Friday),” Rouse said. “My teammates were getting me the ball in great position to score. I know that my job is to come in and rebound, but it was great to help my team win (Friday).”

With the win, Stratford grabs the No. 3 seed in the region and avoids top-seeded Tattnall Square.

The boys game was also a thriller, with Stratford rallying from a 14-point deficit to take a 50-49 victory. Tyler Gibson’s driving layup with five seconds remaining gave the Eagles the win.

Gibson led all scorers with 22.