WOLFSON – With 42 seconds remaining in the game and Sandalwood trailing 49-48, Caitlin McGee grabbed the defensive rebound and took it coast-to-coast for the go-ahead layup giving the Lady Saints a 50-49 lead allowing Sandalwood to upset #15 ranked Miami Norland 52-49 at Wolfson Friday night.
Sandalwood takes the 50-49 lead over Miami Norland with 42 seconds left in the 4th @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/t6Pz4JfpoL
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) December 22, 2018
Sandalwood (7-2) came into the game riding a six game win streak, however they found themselves severely undermanned in their contest versus Norland, who came into the game with only one loss on the season.
Senior guard Auriyah Stewart (10 points) said after the win, ” the motivation was to believe in our teammates, we had many players hurt; we only had five players, but we practice like we play,”.
The Saints did just that, playing fast and alert on Friday night as they overcame an early injury to junior guard Nayda Matthews.
Sandalwood’s Coach Chatori Major , Amari Wright, Auriyah Stewart and Caitlin McGee talk about the win against Miami Norland @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/loCWwKECgK
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) December 22, 2018
The first quarter action saw both teams trade buckets, as Norland built a 17-16 lead after one period. The Lady Vikings were able to withstand hot shooting from Sandalwood, who hit two consecutive three-pointers at the end of the period.
The second period saw Sandalwood take a 28-25 lead late, however Norland was able to capitalize on fouls committed by the Lady Saints, by hitting their free throws to tie the game 28-28 at halftime.
Sinking a 3 pointer Miami Norland takes the 33-30 lead over Sandalwood. Shortly afterwards Sandalwood would sink another to tie it up to 33-33 with 3:39 in the 3rd @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/2duSlQSBSx
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) December 22, 2018
In the third, both teams kept it close due to their hot shooting, Jayiah Smith hit a big three pointer to give the Lady Vikings a 33-30 lead. She and her teammates would light up the night with shots from the outside.
However, the Saints would set off their own fireworks thanks to the sparks set off by McGee. The talented 6’1 junior would dominate the offensive boards and hit high percentage shots down low. A big three pointer by guard Racheal Jackson gave the Lady Saints a narrow 38-35 lead going into the fourth.
Sandalwood and Miami Norland are lighting up the night. The score is tied 35-35 with 1:07 left in the 3rd @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/0iJZOZavrK
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) December 22, 2018
The final period saw the pace pick up as both teams desperately played hard for the victory. Smith, 17 points, would continue to hit big shots down the stretch giving her team a lead late. Yet it wouldn’t be enough as Amari Wright sank clutch free throws at the end to give the Saints the win on the nippy Friday evening.
Miami Norland Girls basketball played a good, tough and close game tonight against Sandalwood @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/nxEgK0j9Gu
— Makeda Lawton (@adekam1976) December 22, 2018
Caitlin McGee finished with 23 points as she willed her team to the victory.
“Our motivation was to beat a team we weren’t familiar with, a team that’s not from this area,” McGee said.
The Saints were able to deconstruct Norland’s defense by executing quick offensive plays. The game plan of their head coach Chatori Major worked to perfection as her team’s speed led to them outscoring and out rebounding their opponent. A strategy that was key to the Saints continuing their winning streak heading into the Christmas holiday.
