The Marian University Ancilla Women's Basketball team was within one game of qualifying for the NJCAA Division II National Championships for just the second time in program history, but Sunday's matchup with St. Clair County Community College went the way of the Skippers, as the Chargers fell, 79-55.
The Skippers jumped out to a 14-2 lead in the first quarter, thanks to their intense work on the boards. By the end of 10 minutes, St. Clair County had collected 18 rebounds, 9 of them at the offensive end of the floor, but the Chargers trimmed their lead to 18-10. Marian Ancilla carried that momentum into the second period, using sheer guts to fight back and tie the game at 30-30 as the two teams left the floor for their respective locker rooms.
While the Chargers did a nice job of sending "help" to the Skippers' sizeable post players, St. Clair County responded by changing passing angles and doing a nice job of force-feeding their posts, either earning them short shots at the basket or funneling the offense through them to open shooters on the opposite side of the floor.
Marian Ancilla allowed a 27-14 third quarter, and even though at times they cut it to single digits early in the fourth, they could not overcome that last push by the Skippers and lost, 79-55. Once again, St. Clair County was strong on the glass, out-rebounding the Chargers, 44-32, resulting in 12 more shot attempts. Additionally, they won the turnover battle, 17-11.
Sophomore wing De'Mour Watson was named to the all-tournament team following her 23-point performance. She added 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and a pair of blocked shots as well. Sophomore guard Nasiya Gause was the only other double-digit scorer, contributing 10 points, plus she assisted on 3 plays and pulled in a couple of caroms. Freshman forward Santana Eubanks led the team in rebounding with 8, including 6 at the offensive end, while Freshman post Jadyn Harris blocked 3 shots.
The Chargers' season has come to a close, but their 27 wins now stands as the high mark for an up-and-coming program in the MCCAA. Head Coach Ryan Gould wanted to thank all involved for their efforts. "This Sophomore group who has been with us for each of the last two years has been an absolute joy to be around. While it sounds cliche, not only are they good ballplayers, but they are incredible young women and will undoubtedly be successful after their playing days are over. They will be missed." As for those new to the program this year, he added, "I really enjoyed learning and getting to know our Freshmen and Maykayla (Sophomore transfer Maykayla Washington-Cobb). I felt like they brought a lot of energy, talent, and skill to the program, and they were also a huge part of our success this season. I look forward to the Freshmen returning next year, because I feel like they are driven to improve upon this season."
The entire Marian University Ancilla family would like to thank the ladies for representing the program well and for their efforts this season. And to those who will be leaving us at the end of the school year, we appreciate all you have brought to our community, and you will be missed! Good luck to you in your future endeavors!
