Bombers nail down fifth spot at Pitt Panther Classic
By The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The L.V. Rogers Bombers ran the early-season record to 3-1 after finishing fifth overall at the 12-team Pitt Panthers High School Girl’s Basketball Tournament Saturday in Vernon.
Tournament All star Sarah Fuhr poured in a game-high 29 points and Grade 11 power forward Samantha Einarson added 14 to lead the Bombers to a 50-46 victory over the Fulton Maroons in consolation round action at the Vernon Secondary School gymnasium.
“This team continues to impress me with its grit and determination to win,” said coach Bruce Fuhr. “We started slow against Fulton but once we started rolling we began making it difficult for the Maroons.”
The game was the fourth in five games for LVR, entering the season with only nine players. Fulton jumped to a 9-0 run and led 11-4 late in the quarter before the Bombers started bit of a run to only trail 14-9 at the break.
Despite getting behind 24-15 in the second, LVR ended the quarter on a 6-0 run to only trail 24-21 at the half.
In the second half a bizarre play occurred to swing the momentum into the Bombers’ favour.
After Fulton had been called for a travel violation the referee mistakenly gave the ball to Fulton to inbound. The Maroon player then fired a three-point attempt at the wrong basket that went in.
After consultation the officials gave LVR the three points, which tied the contest at 30-30.
LVR went on a 16-6 run after to lead 46-36 before holding off the late Fulton charge.
“That could have been the difference,” Fuhr said. “I didn’t actually see the play but I was happy we were able to get the points.”
Sarah Fuhr scored eight of her 29 points in the fourth period, including a pair of three pointers.
However, the key to this game may have been the play of Einarson. After struggling miserably in the morning contest against Princeton, the Grade 11 forward had a bounce back game, scoring most of the points slipping through the Fulton inner defence.
“It was nice to see Sammy have such a strong game,” said Fuhr. “She was un-Sammy like against Princeton but played her best game all season when it was needed against Fulton.”
Kyndle Doolan, with a strong game defensively, and Melinda Halstead each scored two points for LVR.
The Bombers outlasted Princeton 46-44 in the morning contest.
Fuhr, finishing with 23 points, sank two free throws with four seconds remaining in the game to snap a 44-44 tie.
Kiandra McLaren had six while Doolan added eight, including a six-for-10 average from the charity stripe.
LVR opened the 12-team tourney with a 52-42 loss to Kalamalka Lakers of Vernon Friday.
Fuhr led the Bombers with 17 points while McLaren chipped in with 10. Doolan added six and Rachel Moulson had four.
The Bombers return to action Friday in Cranbrook at the Mount Baker Wild High School Basketball Tournament.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
