Girls Basketball Wrap-Up: 1/23-1/28

16402554_10155761721957586_4688738030987722608_o

16195901_10155761660067586_1974671021212559791_n

16179252_10155761664182586_8430037699625626482_o

Momentum: strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events (-Merriam Webster)

In sport, momentum is often referred to as an opposition's worst nightmare. It can be the x-factor for any game played. Momentum contributes to sport by providing lesser-talented teams with an ability to outplay their competition. Momentum has helped to provide athletics with David and Goliath storylines, as the underdogs often find themselves playing so well that their opponent ? (who on paper is a clear favorite) appears to be the weaker side. The deadly combination of momentum and passion creates historic moments throughout sport and enshrines certain individuals as heroes. Tracy McGrady, at the time a Houston Rocket, scored 13 points in 33 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs and was the difference maker in an 81-80 win. McGrady told his team to hop on his shoulders as he single-handedly won the game after being down 74-64 with under a minute to go in the game. McGrady had momentum and passion alongside him, as he was unable to miss a shot and secured a shocking victory And this is not the only example of momentum in sports history. In 1982, the Edmonton Oilers visited the Los Angeles Kings in a best-of-five playoff series. The Kings came out of the gate and stomped on the Oilers from the start and entering the third period, had a 5-0 lead over Edmonton. The game was all but over at this point, until the Oilers scored a quick two goals to start the final period. Momentum caught hold of the Oilers, and they went on to stun the Los Angeles crowd by tying the game and forcing it into overtime, where they emerged with a 6-5win.

Momentum can show up in one game or a series of games for any team. For our Trumansburg Varsity Girl's Basketball team, momentum is present after a hard fought battle on Friday, January 27th. The Lady Raiders were at home,hosting the Groton Indians for the first and only time during the 2016-2017 season. After being routed in the first quarter when Coach Flood and his squad found themselves in a 18-2 hole, they entered the second quarter of play with a much needed spark. The ladies came out with force that lasted for the rest of the game, outscoring Groton in each of the final three quarters. A valiant effort would come up short, as the Raiders would pull-up just shy of their first win of the season, losing 52-43 to the Indians. Senior Katelyn Artibee scored 24 points, showing her effectiveness as a post player, and Meredith Stilwell complemented Artibee by dropping 10 points as well. Despite the loss, the Lady Raiders now have momentum on their side as they enter the final four games of their season. The JV team lost another tough fight against Groton on Friday night, but played with a lot of heart. Coach Peterson and his team have grown a lot over the course of the season and have a lot of positive energy to work with. Next up for our determined girls’ basketball program is Lansing at home on Friday night. Go Raiders!