A CURSE LIFTED Lady Trojans win first state title in school history

 

BY ERIC WILSON

The 2016-2017 Girard Lady Trojans will go down as the best basketball team in school history. As elusive as securing a state championship has been in any Girard team sport, the argument against that is useless chatter.

Saturday, March 11, was the day, Jefferson West was the opponent, the 4A DII State Championship game was at stake and the final was a 54-48 victory in favor of Girard, securing the first-ever team state title in Girard school history.

Sure the Trojans have seen their fair share of good teams throughout the years, perhaps some even more talented. But Girard’s performance in the fourth quarter on Saturday is what makes good teams great, and great teams elite.

In typical state fashion, the first three quarters flew by, with the fourth seeming to last an eternity.

As the contest started, the hundreds of Trojan supporters in attendance could sense a feeling of nervousness and excitement amongst the Lady Trojans. Tension was in the air.

While they battled nerves and a few errant first half passes, they were able to keep the ball game close, trailing by one point, 9-10 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second, Girard was able to jump out and take a 23-20 lead into the locker room for halftime.

A slight Jeff West advantage in the third made the score 32-31 in favor of Girard heading into the final quarter of play.

In the fourth, the Lady Trojans finally got over the hump, outscoring Jeff West 22-17, sealing the victory in an instant classic ball game.

Clutch, late game free throws from Calea Augustin, Sydnee Crain and Olivia Hanson proved to be huge for Girard. The Lady Trojans went 19 for 23 from the charity stripe that included 7 for 8 from Augustin and a perfect 8 for 8 from Crain, icing any comeback attempt by Jeff West.

Augustin led the Lady Trojans in scoring with 15 points and brought down nine boards. Ashley Ray followed suit with 14 points, Crain added 13 and Hanson chipped in 12 to close out the Lady Trojans scoring.

This game was won solely off the teamwork of the players on the court.

Besides the scoring of the four mentioned above, tenacious play from Kelli Cuthbertson and Gabbi Sands proved to be difference makers.

Known for her defense, Cuthbertson flew all over the court, forcing a key turnover late in the contest to help clinch the win and possibly the biggest play of the game.

Sands played like an upperclassmen. The sophomore collected some key loose balls, while holding her own out-hustling many Jeff West players.

Lauren Franklin and Jacey Murphy also chipped in and were able to create key plays in the contest to gather the victory.

With this historic win, the Lady Trojans are now the 2017 Class 4A DII State Champions. They finish the season with a 24-1 record, the best in school history.

Graduating seniors include Augustin, Ray, Hanson, Cuthbertson and Franklin, all of which have played key minutes since their freshmen years.

Regarding the wild ride of this season, coach Brad Herlocker said, “What a journey it has been with this group of girls. We were 7-14 when they were freshmen, and to watch them grow up, as not only basketball players, but people has been so satisfying.

“I love them like my own daughters and this is an accomplishment that can never be taken from them! This is a great day for the whole town. I think the whole community was either at the game, watched it online or listened.

“These kids were lucky over the last three years to have so much support. At the end of every season, there are always tears. I’m just glad today they were very happy tears! A storybook ending for our seniors!”

Complete coverage and reflection on the ride, the history, and teamwork of the 2016-2017 Lady Trojans will be the focus of our next print/online edition of Hometown Girard.

Thank you and congratulations Lady Trojans! It’s been a pleasure covering your team.