SOUTH PARIS – By the time the play ended and the sprawled bodies picked themselves up off the floor, at least three different Oxford Hills players rubbed bruised elbows or knees after an aggressive pursuit of a loose ball.
That intensity didn’t produce a turnover in that instance in the second quarter, but it was one of the few times that Oxford Hills extraordinary efforts didn’t produce something.
“We’re not the most talented team in the league but our hustle makes up for that,” said junior guard Terry Bunce. “We have a couple of really talented players, and when you add hustle to that, it takes us places.”
With a 62-43 victory over Gardiner Friday night, the Vikings continue their pursuit of team history. With two games to play, the Vikings (13-3) are closing in on one of their best seasons ever. Oxford Hills went 15-3 in 2001 and 2002. Their highest seeing ever was second in the Southeastern brackett during an open tournament year.
“The girls have an opportunity to tie the best record we’ve ever had and have a chance to get a three-seed, which is the highest they’ve ever had (in the Heal Point system),” said coach Nate Pelletier. “So they really want to win the last three games.”
The Vikings showed that against the Tigers with a strong opening quarter. Oxford Hills aggressiveness produced seven Tiger turnovers and helped open a 14-2 lead.
“Most of us have played together for a really long time,” said Bunce. “We come out and play a really strong team defense. It’s a team effort, and we’re all phenomenal defenders. When you put us all together, it’s hard to get past it.”
Bunce led the way with eight points, including seven straight during a 14-0 run. Bunce converted steals into transition baskets or foul shots, and Kari Pelletier added back-to-back steals for the 14-point lead.
Bunce finished with 21 while Kari Pelletier added 13 and Kelsea Pelletier chipped in 12. Gardiner got 12 points from Amanda Cray.
In the second quarter, the Vikings mixed in its halfcourt offense and heated up its shooting touch. Bunce and Kari Pelletier each hit 3’s while Kelsea Pelletier and Kate Martin also hit shots from the outside.
“We haven’t shot very well,” said Pelletier, whose team beat Gardiner by 10 last month. “I knew we were a good shooting team, and it’s finally come on, which is good.”
Gardiner, playing without injured forward Becky Dixon, trimmed the lead to eight early in the third, but the Vikings shifted into high gear again and led 49-20 by the end of the quarter.
Comments are no longer available on this story