Freshmen Girls Basketball Take 3rd Place in Judge Tournament

After star player Lana Olevao fractured her ankle during a game against Bountiful last week, the Freshmen Girls Basketball team entered the Judge Memorial Tournament with a key player down.

Two important players, however, stepped up to fill the gap.

After a victory against the Wasatch Wasps and a loss against the Sky View Bobcats, Paige Koeven and Misini Fifita played an incredible game against the Juan Diego Soaring Eagles, fighting hard for the 3^rd place trophy.

The game was close from the very beginning, with only a two point spread.

After the initial zone defense strategy didn’t produce the desired results, Coach Gil Maestas switched to a full court press, slowing the Soaring Eagles down.

Ending the first half with 20 – 21 (In the Soaring Eagles favor), it was still anybody’s game.

But it was in the second half that Fifita and Koeven really showed their full potential.

Fifini, serving in the post position, was a major rebounder and defender, while also scoring 10 points.

“She woke up in the second half,” Maestas said “She is a great athlete with amazing jumps and shots.”

But without Koeven, the game would have been lost.

“She is by far our best ball handler; she has worked hard and made our team.” Maestas said.

With 12 points and amazing defense, Koeven reached her full potential during this match.

The game concluded as 46 – 43, a victory for the Lady Rams.