School was in session at Sacred Heart on Wednesday night as the Grandview Spartans roared into the Halo Dome and taught the host Senior Lady Saints a basketball lesson, stomping the home side 57-24 in exhibition basketball action.
The Saints got off to a horrible start, scoring just nine points in the first half; by far their lowest point total in a half this season. "We just came out flat," said Senior Lady Saints head coach Chris Hansen following the game. "Poor passing, average defence, terrible shooting, everything. We looked flat and our communication just wasn't there."
Hansen then offered up a reason as to why his team didn't show up mentally in the first half. "We've been practicing five nights a week. I don't know if wit's because of that, or maybe because we didn't know what to expect from them (Grandview)."
Combined with the lackluster effort by the Saints was the aggressive play by the Grandview team. Grandview's style of play was eerily similar to the 'havoc' style played by the NCAA's Virginia Commonwealth University Rams, something that Hansen and crew have not seen so far this season. "Grandview is a really good team, not only do they have the height but they are really fast," said the Saints bench boss, continuing, "Defensively they're quick on the ball and aggressive meaning we didn't get a lot of time to turn and aim our shots. We haven't seen that from most of the teams around here but it's a good learning experience and something we hope will help is later on this season."
Jr. Lady Saints
The Junior Lady Saints were also in action on Wednesday night against Grandview at Sacred Heart.
The game was shortened by eight minutes, with the two teams playing eight minute quarters, due to Grandview arriving at Sacred Heart late.
The Juniors put forth a strong effort but could not handle the offensive and defensive pressure of Grandview, losing 44-20 to the Junior Spartans despite a solid performance by Debbie Ojo.
The Junior Spartans led 9-2 after one quarter and 19-6 at half time before pouring on the offensive pressure to make the final 44-20.
Both the Junior and Senior Lady Saints will now take a well-deserved break for Christmas before getting back to practice once the New Year is underway.
