By Dave Mathieson
The Record
SPRINGHILL - While snow fell lightly on the ground outside Springhill High School last night, inside basketballs swished through the hoops as the Amherst Regional High School Vikettes did battle with the host Golden Eagles.
The Vikettes had a grip on the game at the half with a 19-point lead but the Golden Eagles sharpened their talons in the second half and nearly came back.
In the end, the Vikettes prevailed by a score of 59-56.
"We got the victory, but we have to learn to play under pressure a little better," Vikettes coach Gillian Ellis said after the game. "Springhill was getting hot with their shots in the second half but we have to learn to keep our composure under those situations.
"We need games like this as we get closer to the provincials because I'm sure there will be very close games there as well. So this was a good test for us."
Taylor MacDonald led the way for the Vikettes with 26 points and also made some crucial blocks with time winding down to preserve the win.
Also scoring for the Vikettes were Kaitlyn Peters with 14, Kelly Cormier and Jenna Embree with five each, Tina Leggett with four, Leah Patterson with three and Natasha Gouchie with two points.
With the second half of the basketball season well underway, Ellis is pleased with her team's performance.
"Our defence has improved a lot since the beginning of the season but, like I said, we need to keep composed under pressure," Ellis noted.
Scoring for the Golden Eagles were Shauna Ryan with 14 points, Kirsten Gogan with 13, Meaghan Moore with 12, Brittany Barton with 10, Leah Crowe with four and Jill Casey with three.
After the game, Golden Eagles coach Charlie Chambers had high praise for both squads.
