Nail Biter In U/14 Girls VJBL

A nail biting game between Ballarat and Hawthorn in women’s U/14 VJBL where Ballarat controlled the game throughout, but a late charge by Hawthorne made things very interesting. Through the first quarter Ballarat used to full court defensive pressure to force Hawthorne in to bad passes resulting in turnovers. Ballarat would have been able to build a larger first quarter lead had it been able to control offensive rebounds. Hawthorn’s front line size limited Ballarat to just one shot per possession. In the second quarter both teams came out very sloppy with Hawthorn unable to capitalize on a number of Ballarat turnovers off mishandled passes. Ballarat was able to use its keen passing and solid ball movement to build 14 peat lead at the half. Ballarat was channelling their inner Atlanta Hawks with up to 10 passes per possession and ensuring everyone in the offence touched the ball. After halftime Hawthorn was able to cut the deficit to just 6 in the third quarter. Effectively getting to the hoop and scoring in the paint with no answer from Ballarat By the fourth quarter Ballarat looked gassed, their constant full court press defence was clearly taking a toll on the players and Hawthorne capitalized hitting unanswered  a 3 pointer, deep 2 point jump shot and layup to take a 1 point lead. Fortunately for Ballarat they were able to force a key turnover and draw back to back fouls and seal the game at the free throw line 52-48. Ballarat was led by Olivia Lefoe with 13 points