Orioles take tourney title at Iroquois

It was quite the trip to Erie County this week for the Rocky Grove girls basketball team. They took the trophy at the Iroquois Christmas Tournament, going 2-0 with wins over the homestanding team and Youngsville. 

"Such a great tournament for the whole team," second-year coach Brad Clayton said. "The girls are really coming together as a team and learning how to gel."

"We have different girls stepping up every night and they executed the game plan both nights in the tournament to near perfection." On Thursday, the team recorded a 41-26 win over Iroquois. 

In the championship game Friday, they were fueled by a 15-point second quarter and held on 29-20 victory against Youngsville.  

Senior Rae Lynn Montgomery, who scored 10 points in each game, was named the tournament’s MVP. Lydia Kennedy, who had eight points on Thursday and three on Friday, was picked for the all-tournament team. 

Also contributing to the Orioles' offensive attack was Emily Rice with 12 points in the tournament, Faith Copley and Aislynne Anderson with nine each, Paige Cresswell with five. Regular starter Zoe Cresswell, who was unable to play Friday due to an injury early in Thursday's game, had four points.

The wins put the team at 6-3 for the season so far. 

Clayton says he has seen a lot of growth in the team already this year. "They are supporting each other on and off the court," he said. "I am excited to have the privilege to be called their coach."

File photos