The Harwood Union girls’ varsity basketball team experienced both sides of the scoreboard in seven days, dropping a 40-28 decision to Thetford Academy on Janiary 19 after earning a hard-fought 47-41 victory over Lyndon Institute on January 16.
Against Thetford, Harwood stayed competitive for three quarters before the Panthers pulled away in the fourth. The game was tied 9-9 after one quarter and deadlocked again at 16-all at halftime. Thetford took a 28-22 edge into the final period before sealing the win with a strong finish.
Adelaide Chalmers led Harwood with nine points, while Maddie Grace Ryley and Roanha Chalmers added eight points apiece. Thetford was paced by Snider with 11 points, followed by Label with 10 and Perry with nine.
The game was tight through three quarters before the Panthers pulled away late. Harwood struggled offensively, shooting just 5 of 35 from the field.
“They made some shots and we struggled to shoot tonight,” Harwood coach Tommy Young said. “We shot five of 35 or 14% from the field. That makes it hard to win any game, but the kids are taking good shots, so we’ll live with it and move on to the next game.”
Young credited Thetford for its balanced effort, noting that five different players scored for the Panthers.
“They did a great job on all ends and deserve the win,” he said.
Three days earlier, Harwood earned a home win over Lyndon in a game that featured multiple lead changes and tight margins throughout. Harwood led 10-8 after the first quarter, 18-17 at halftime and 29-28 after three quarters before creating separation late.
Maddie Grace Ryley had a strong performance with 22 points, five rebounds and two steals. Adelaide Chalmers added 13 points and four rebounds, while Kendra Rocheleau finished with four points and three rebounds. Liv Kielich also scored four points and grabbed five rebounds.
Lyndon was led by Griswold with 17 points, including several key 3-pointers. Marshia scored seven points and Lawson chipped in five.
“It was a back-and-forth game most of the game,” Young said. “We made some adjustments going into the fourth on defense, which helped us get a little separation.”
Young credited Griswold’s shooting for keeping Lyndon close.
“I give the Griswold girl credit. She had 17 points and was lights out from threes,” he said.
Adelaide Chalmers proved pivotal at the free-throw line, going 9-for-12 in the fourth quarter alone. All 12 of her free-throw attempts came in the final period and helped Harwood protect its narrow lead.
“Those free throws were obviously huge in the win,” Young said.
Ryley continued her strong play on both ends of the floor.
“Maddie Grace Ryley had a big night with her shooting again,” Young said. “She also got some good rebounds tonight.”
Young also highlighted Rocheleau’s contributions.
“Kendra Rocheleau had some nice buckets too,” he said.
Overall, Young was pleased with his team’s ability to grind out a close win.
“It was good to grind out a win,” he said. “We got lucky that we were able to adjust and make some shots in the fourth to give some separation. Otherwise, it’s a really equal game back-and-forth the whole time.”
You might also like
