Royals Hold Their Ground as Jokers’ Late Surge Falls Short
Handsworth Royals vs John Oliver Jokers
No Regrets Girls – 3rd/4th Place Game
December 13, 2025
In the No Regrets Girls 3rd/4th place game at Handsworth, the host Royals faced off against the John Oliver Jokers in a matchup defined by defensive pressure, long scoring droughts, and a dramatic late comeback attempt.
Both teams took time to settle in offensively, with early possessions marked by strong defense and cautious ball movement. Handsworth’s #6 Aaker broke the rhythm with a breakaway layup to tie the game at 4–4. Moments later, Royals #8 Adefowokan sparked the home crowd with steals on back-to-back possessions, converting one herself to swing momentum Handsworth’s way.
John Oliver responded by settling into a 2–3 zone that forced a Royals turnover and led to a fast-break opportunity for JO’s #3 Domingo, who calmly knocked down two free throws. Handsworth answered through crisp ball movement, as #12 Shannon attacked the middle of the zone and floated in a smooth runner. While the Jokers searched for their range from outside, the Royals continued to capitalize in transition.
An 8–2 Handsworth run was briefly halted when JO’s #2 Banger finished a tough drive off the glass. But Aaker quickly responded with another steal and coast-to-coast layup, pushing the Royals’ lead to eight. Domingo knocked down a baseline three to keep the Jokers within striking distance, only for Royals #10 Schmidt to answer immediately with a triple of her own. Handsworth’s ball movement and fast-break execution set the tone as they closed the quarter ahead.
End of Q1: Handsworth 21, John Oliver 11
Schmidt opened the second quarter with another basket, extending the Royals’ lead to 12. John Oliver mixed defenses, keeping Handsworth guessing, but the Royals remained composed. JO’s #8 Malli buried a three, again met with an immediate response from Schmidt beyond the arc. Domingo found Mohibi under the hoop for an easy finish as both teams traded brief scoring bursts.
A pair of timeouts reflected the game’s frantic pace, with few substitutions and mounting fatigue on both sides. Turnovers piled up for each team before Schmidt finally broke a brief drought with yet another three. Adefowokan capped the half by jumping a passing lane and finishing on the other end, sending Handsworth into the break with a commanding lead.
Halftime: Handsworth 32, John Oliver 18
The Royals carried their momentum into the second half. Schmidt picked up her first foul of the game early, but it did little to slow Handsworth’s rhythm. Adefowokan opened the scoring at the line, knocking down both free throws with confidence.
Handsworth’s zone defense proved suffocating in the third quarter, completely stalling the Jokers’ offense. The Royals ripped off a 12–0 run, holding John Oliver scoreless for the entire frame and stretching the lead to 44–18.
End of Q3: Handsworth 44, John Oliver 18
Just when the game seemed out of reach, John Oliver flipped the script. The Jokers stormed out of the gate in the fourth quarter with a stunning 20–2 run, fueled by defensive pressure and timely baskets. Even after Domingo fouled out, JO continued to chip away, cutting the deficit to just eight with two minutes remaining.
Sensing the momentum shift, Handsworth reinserted several starters to steady the game and close out the final possessions. The Royals did just enough down the stretch to hold off the comeback and secure third place.
Final Score: Handsworth 46, John Oliver 38