Leesburg, Va. — Coming off of a tough loss to Freedom High School on December 7, the Tuscarora High School girls basketball team was ready to get back into Potomac District play against Stone Bridge High School on December 11. The Bulldogs were coming off a tough loss against Woodson on December 10 and were also looking to rebound. However, with Tuscarora’s defensive play and aggression, the Huskies were able to cruise by Stone Bridge, 50-33.
“I think, as a team, we played really well,” Tuscarora guard Isabellah Middleton said. “I think we still have room to grow, but anytime you win, it’s a good feeling.”
[adrotate banner=”19″]The game started quick, with the Huskies winning the opening tip as Tuscarora looked to jump out to an early lead. It was the Bulldogs, however, that jumped out to a 6-point lead in the first couple of minutes, led by sophomore guard Taylor Hafer, who had 6 points in the first quarter.
However, from that point on, it was all Tuscarora. The Huskies responded to the sudden start with 12 points in the first quarter, led by senior guard Rosi Santos and Middleton. By the end of the first quarter, it was 12-6 Tuscarora.
“I think that we had really good chemistry,” Middleton said. “I think that as the game went on, we were able to blend.”
As the second quarter began, Tuscarora just kept pushing and playing well on defense. The Lady Bulldogs continued to pressure and tried to keep pace with the Huskies, but with Middleton’s 7 points, it was hard to keep up. The first half ended 22-14 in Tuscarora’s favors.
“Defense is something that we take a lot of pride in,” Santos said. “We have chemistry and the communication that makes us do well defensively.”
Tuscarora continued to dominate the second half, taking advantage of fast break opportunities and offensive rebounds. The Huskies also got scoring from all around the court in the third quarter, as sophomore guard Claire Troiano contributed five of her eleven points on the night.
With the offensive production in the third, Tuscarora scored 15 points to lead 37-21 after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, Stone Bridge made a push to try to start a comeback. Filled with foul shots and offensive momentum, Stone Bridge proved that they were not out of it just yet.
Tuscarora still continued to play their game despite the late push, and their unstoppable offensive power proved to be key as the Huskies held on 50-33.
Tuscarora (1-1, 3-1) is back in action on December 14 when the Huskies travel to district foe John Champe (1-1, 5-2). Stone Bridge (1-1, 3-3) will look to bounce back when the Bulldogs host Briar Woods (1-1, 3-2) on December 14.
“This win really boosted our confidence,” Troiano said. “It’s good to have energy and to be all hyped up moving forward.”