Tewksbury 5th Grade Girls Win Pelham Tournament

(Editor's note: The following information and photo were submitted by the coaches and administrators of the TGBL.)

Tewksbury Girls 5^th grade Travel team ended the 2011 calendar year with their second tournament championship in as many tries.

This time they won the “Pelham Basketball Winter Slam 2011 Basketball Championship”. They remained undefeated on the season, while surviving their first test with a 28-27 heart-stopper in the tournament finale. Down 27-26 with under a minute, Center Isabella DeRoche stepped to the foul line and calmly knocked down two clutch free throws.

In a frenetic final 30 seconds Tewksbury’s season long tight defense was on full display as they stopped Pelham to win the tournament championship. Lizzy Gallella finished with 12 points, including 8 in the second half. Haley Mignon was her usual terror on both offense and defense pressuring Pelham all over the court with and without the ball.

Christine Santos had a solid all around game and added 4 points. Hanna Knoops may be the shortest player on the team, but don’t tell her. She is among the leaders in rebounds and shots blocked as she has caused havoc with the bigs all season.

Devyn Veits continues to play great defense and clean up the boards. Jessica Caredo was kept off the scoring column, however, her efforts were key in breaking Pelham’s press defense down the stretch. Jessica Pottitto also provided a great all around game.   Overall they were 4-0 in the tournament and overcame a very talented Hudson, NH, Salem, NH, Dracut, and Pelham NH team.