Girls’ basketball goes 1-1 at Scituate tourney

Led by seniors Olivia Murphy and Alana Pitts-Anaya, the Canton High girls’ basketball team turned in a respectable showing at the four-team Scituate Holiday Tournament, held last Wednesday and Thursday at Scituate High School.

The Bulldogs finished 1-1 at the tournament, losing to Abington 65-53 in the opening round and then beating Belmont 53-46 the following day in the consolation game. The team is now 3-2 on the season heading into the meat of its league schedule, which includes six of its next nine games against Kelly-Rex Division (large school) opponents.

Head coach Caitlyn Jamiel said her team is excited to prove itself against some of the better schools in the Hock; however, she said they will have to cut down on turnovers if they want to remain competitive in the second half of the season.

Last Wednesday’s game against Abington was a prime example, as the Green Wave capitalized on numerous unforced turnovers by the Bulldogs and pulled away down the stretch for a comfortable win.

Abington led throughout most of the game, but Canton stayed within a few baskets until late in the third quarter, when the lead reached double digits. The Bulldogs pulled within seven in the fourth before another Green Wave run ended any chance for a comeback.

Murphy scored a team-high 19 points in the loss, and Pitts-Anaya added 15 while committing only two turnovers in an otherwise sloppy game.

Although disappointed with the result, Jamiel said several players demonstrated good leadership on the court and played hard right up until the final whistle. “They were trying really hard to get a W for us,” she said.

The Bulldogs continued to struggle with turnovers in the game against Belmont, but it wasn’t enough to derail them as they held on for a six-point win.

Murphy had another dominant outing with 22 points and was rewarded with an all-tournament selection. Pitts-Anaya, Kyshani Dummott, and Caitlin Hathaway each chipped in with a few baskets apiece.

Jamiel said Hathaway in particular has been a bright spot over the past few games. Although a natural guard, she was moved to forward out of necessity and seems to be thriving in the role.

“She’s just an all-around player,” said Jamiel of the sophomore. “She does everything we ask of her and does it with a smile on her face. She’s a silent contributor who makes everyone else on the team look good.”

After a week off from game action, the Bulldogs will return to the court Thursday night when they host Mansfield at 6:30 p.m. in the CHS gym. They will then travel to North Attleboro next Tuesday, followed by a home game against King Philip on Friday, January 13.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Jan 4 2012. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.