Junior Mariners drop home games to ARRA Royals

Published on January 10th, 2010

Published on January 31st, 2010

By Karla Kelly FOR THE DIGBY COURIER NovaNewsNow.com Junior girls and boys basketball teams at Digby Region both dropped their home games Thursday in doubleheader action with the Annapolis Royal Regional Academy Royals.

The Lady Mariners fell 36-19 to the Lady Royals in the first match, while on the boys’ side, the Mariner let a 16-12 half-time lead slip away in a 40-23 loss to the visitors.

The Lady Mariners trailed 17-7 at the half and although they played a closer second half, Digby was unable to close the gap.

Coach Christine Kelly said the girls showed improved play from the previous game against the Royals. “We were able to break the Royals’ press in tonight’s game and that gave the girls more confidence in their play against Annapolis,” said Kelly. “We need to work on following through on our fast breaks to make the shots count.”

Mallory Francis led the Mariners with nine points while five of her teammates netted a basket each.

Kendra Fitzgerald had a game high 12 points and Katina Gennette netted 11 for the Royals.

In the second game, both the Mariners and Royals got off to a slow start with a 9-5 first quarter score in favour of the host Mariners.

The home team led 16-12 at the half but the Royals pulled ahead 25-19 in the third quarter on forced turnovers.

A tiring Mariner squad was unable to keep pace with the Royals as the visitors surged ahead for the win.

Mariners’ coach Kelly said the boys were uncharacteristically sloppy at the foul line, going three for 14, and as well missed what should have been routine layups. “The three week layoff did us few favours in tonight’s game and it was especially evident in the last quarter,” Kelly said.

Logan Hebb and Zane Lynch led the Mariners with 10 points each.

Alejandro Melendez scored 10 points for the Royals and Greg Sanford netted nine.

The junior Lady Mariners have a slate of games this week beginning with a home game against Middleton on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. They then travel Wednesday to Islands Consolidated for a 5:15 p.m., and then play at home again Friday at 6 p.m. with the Stingrays from St. Mary’s Bay Academy.

The junior Mariners also see action Friday, hosting the Stingrays at 4:30 p.m.