The National District basketball tournament begins next week, and the defending girls champion Edison Eagles were in playoff form as they hustled to win 71-45 over Wakefield.
The Eagles went on a 15-2 run to start the game largely in part to the aggressiveness of Ruth Sherrill, who completely dominated the boards and was responsible for a couple first quarter turnovers. Wakefield had trouble scoring in transition and from the perimeter, but Edison's physical play also had a negative effect as they reached the foul limit early in the second quarter.
Up 15 points to start the second half, Edison continued to play physical and Sherrill earned her fourth foul, sending her to the bench for the rest of the quarter. Sherrill, who leads the Eagles in scoring averaging 15.9 points per game, will be a key player in helping Edison repeat as champions but coach Dianne Lewis is not worried about her star player missing minutes.
"We talked about paying attention to how the game is being called, and when it's being called that closely she has to alter her defense," said Lewis. "But, we've been fortunate because even when teams work to try and stop Ruth, other people have stepped up."
Sherrill finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
With Sherrill on the bench, the Warriors went on an 11-4 run in the third quarter and at one point cut the lead down to eight. As the fans of both teams turned up the volume, the players' emotions ran high. Edison seemed to lose their focus a bit and earned two technical fouls. Meanwhile, Wakefield center Erin Kelly caught fire from the high post and scored nine points in the quarter.
"Our kids are getting better and a lot of the girls are feeling more comfortable," said Wakefield coach Marcia Richardson. "Edison is an aggressive team, and I'm glad my girls didn't back down. They continued to play hard and showed some pride. I wished we played every quarter like that third."
In order for the Eagles to repeat as district champions, it will certainly take a team effort. Lewis talked to her team before the game about staying mentally tough and physically healthy. Ruth and her sister Sheila Sherrill are excited about the possibility of winning a championship together, but they try to stay grounded during practices and in games. The two train together in the weight room and on the court outside of school, and feel that they play better together than they do when one is on the bench.
Seniors Keirra Graham and Krystyna Watts, who were both on the team last year, believes that the championship is theirs to win and theirs to lose.
"We're pretty confident," said Graham. "We have to think like a championship team, play hard every game and work together, and we'll be successful."
Avery Collins contributed in a big way with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Christine Dua had 10 points and six rebounds.
Alison Bragaw-Butler led the Warriors in scoring with 15 points.
