Watkins Memorial girls basketball perseveres in rally against DeSales
PATASKALA — As the Watkins Memorial girls basketball team sat stuck on 14 points midway through the third quarter, Saturday’s game became far less about X’s and O’s.
The experienced Warriors found a second gear, turning up the heat on visiting DeSales. An 11-0 run breathed life into the Warriors (13-3), and a later 6-0 run finished off Watkins’ 35-33 victory against the Stallions (5-8).
"Just speeding things up really helped us a lot, making them turn the ball over. Putting the ball in someone else's hands really helped," senior Alyssa Haynes said. "We never gave up. We kept playing as hard as we could, and that's really what helped us get on top."
Watkins trailed 33-29 with less than three minutes left when junior Kalleigh Rennie hit a clutch 3-pointer. Rennie tried again on the next possession, and when the shot went long, Haynes grabbed the rebound and converted, giving the Warriors the lead for good with 1:30 left.
Watkins previously trailed 16-12 at halftime and 21-14 in the third quarter when the Warriors reached their breaking point.
"We had to move the ball and work together as a team instead of being selfish," Rennie said. "Once we speed them up, it makes the game go faster. We had to keep pressing."
Watkins coach Andrew Bobalik used just six players on Saturday, and the five starters all have been major contributors during what is now a 51-9 mark during the last three seasons. The Warriors are not going down without a fight.
Haynes, who was a sharp-shooting guard off the bench two seasons ago, has seen her role evolve and now is doing the dirty work in the paint with classmate Alexia Gartner. The two connected on multiple high-low passes Saturday against DeSales’ zone.
"I will do anything for my team," Haynes said. "I enjoy playing anywhere on the court. I really like just being able to help my team out."
Haynes totaled 11 points and eight rebounds, Rennie eight points and four steals and Gartner seven points.
Junior Cameryn Wheeler did not start the second half as she was nursing an injury, but she quickly entered and spearheaded the defensive charge with Rennie. Senior Olivia Perry hit an early 3-pointer and helped shut down the Stallions’ final two possessions when they were unable to get a clean shot.
Watkins, which reached the Division I district finals last season, increased the difficulty of its schedule this winter. The Warriors have battled in losses to Magnificat, Hilliard Davidson and Bishop Watterson and now seek a finishing kick during a stretch which includes both matchups with fellow Licking County League-Buckeye Division co-leader Granville.
"It really helps us gain confidence, and even if we don't get that win, it helps us learn to play hard and compete against any team we play," Haynes said.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Watkins Memorial girls basketball perseveres in rally against DeSales
