The ultimate goal of any Walpole High School team is to make the playoffs. Each athlete wishes to secure themselves a team banner that will be admired along with the other greats of Walpole High School athletics. This is no different with the Lady Rebels basketball team, as they took one step closer to the state tournament last Tuesday, dominating Milton in a 63-38 victory. Senior captain Molly Grimes stepped up her game for the victory, dropping 20 points. The Rebels now only need one more victory to clinch a spot in the tournament.
The first quarter was slow for both teams, as both Milton and Walpole had a hard time making shots, and setting up good shot opportunities. Both teams were not, however, lacking in effort as they both created numerous turnovers on defense. The impressive display of defense led to the quarter concluding with the score at 10-8 with only 9 shots being made between both teams and Milton in the lead.
Grimes sparked a run to start the second quarter with a two-point jump shot. Following her up was freshman Bridget Nicholson with a three-pointer and sophomore Shannon Cullen putting up two more. The tight Rebel defense persisted creating steals as well as preventing the Wildcats from getting shots up before the shot clock ran out. The quarter ended with the Rebels overtaking the Wildcats for a slim 17-14 lead.
Although the Rebels had been playing well all game, it was not until the third quarter that Walpole kicked it up a notch and stretched the lead to double digits. Nicholson incited the offensive clinic with 5 points off a three pointer and jump shot. Senior Captain Brooke Waite then added to insult to injury with a drive to the hoop and a foul shot for a three point play. Waite, Grimes and senior Liz Malone then led the team to a total of 24 points to Milton’s 7. The Rebels made a comfortable cushion going into the fourth quarter with the score at 41-21.
The fourth quarter gave coach Stacy Bilodeau a chance to get some younger talent in the game. Continuing their offensive production the game concluded with the score at 62-38 a solid, dominant win for the Rebels. The Rebels only need one more win to propel themselves into the state tournament.
