It was a bittersweet night for the Seniors on the Wildcat Girls Varsity Basketball team as they played the final home game of their high school careers, defeating Holly 48-43 on Friday night.
The girls finished with a record of 12-6 in the Flint Metro League, which placed them third in the conference, and had a 12-8 overall record.
Oxford Head Coach Al Poynter was pleased with his teams effort not only in the game, but throughout the season. ‘While we are disappointed that we didn’t win the FML, we have won 4 of our last 5 games going into the state tournament, and we have a few days to prepare for the biggest game of the season.?
Seniors Jessica Rasich and Brooke Bocquet led the way for the Wildcats with 10 points each.
?’I was proud of how our players stayed tough during not only a great Holly 2nd half comeback, but also through all of the emotions of playing their final home game,? said Coach Poynter. ‘In general, I am proud of our team for staying tough through some difficult stretches of the season, and hopefully it will make us tougher and better for Wednesday and beyond.?
The victory capped off the week in which the girls finished 2-0 after defeating Linden 46-44 on Le’Essa Collier’s lay-up with three seconds left.
Raisch, Collier and Taylor Medel each had 10 points for the Wildcats, and Collier and Medel had six and seven rebounds respectively.
After leading 26-19 at halftime, the Wildcats were able to withstand an excellent third quarter which saw Linden pull ahead by one entering the fourth quarter. Linden outscored the girls 16-8 in the quarter to take a 35-34 lead.
‘We overcame an excellent run by Linden in the 3rd quarter and stayed strong down the stretch.? I was very pleased with our teamwork and execution offensively in the last 1:15 of the game, which led to our winning basket off of a great drive and pass from Brooke Bocquet,? said Coach Poynter.
Their next game is in the Michigan High School Athletic Association District #31 Tournament play against the winner of the Waterford Mott/Waterford Kettering on Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m.