The Oxford varsity basketball team dominated the court this past week with a 57-50 win over Lapeer West.
The Lady Cats came on strong in the first half dominating the Panthers with speed. During the first two periods, Oxford carried a ten point lead and worked hard to run down the clock by the end of the second. The ladies went into the half leading 19-29.
Coach Becky Graves said she likes to run down the clock when the team has a strong lead. The results are simple – stop the clock and force free throws.
‘Keeping a lead is very difficult to do,? she stated. ‘Nothing makes another team want to win more than being behind.?
After the half, the Lady Cats came back with some shaky moves and several turnovers that allowed West to catch up by the end of the third. However, Graves regrouped the ladies during a timeout and the Wildcats pulled ahead again to end the third 42-38.
‘The second half has been very tough this year for us to score and control the ball,? said Graves. ‘I know the ladies have the drive to win, I think sometimes they just can’t break it down to make that happen and so I have to remind them.?
Oxford took the lead in the fourth shutting down West’s top scorer. With just over three minutes left, the Wildcats began to wear down the clock and bring home the win.
High points for the evening included Megan Stumph with 20, including three 3-point shots; team captain Denise Spratley with 14; and Mykala Salquist and Ally Zonsius each with eight. Zonsius also led the way with 11 assists, followed by team captain Shannon Gerbe with 6.
Oxford, sitting 3-3 overall, hits the court again tomorrow (Thursday) against Fenton.
Graves said the true challenge though will be on Sept. 23 against Linden. The Lady Cats lost to the aggressive Eagles in a close match-up last year, and face another tough competition next week.