The Gators are the King of this Jungle - Walnut Grove Defeats Handsworth

December 9, 2023

Handsworth Sr. Girls v. Walnut Grove

Here in Collingwood’s beautiful gym, we have ourselves a lower mainland matchup between the Handsworth Royals and the Walnut Grove Gators. These teams may not be in the spot of the bracket they would have hoped for when this tournament started, but this is a great opportunity early in their seasons to build some positive momentum with a solid W to finish off their 2023 No Regrets Tournament.

All things point towards an even matchup, with the Gators boasting a noticeable size advantage but the Royals with a deep bench of girls ready to run in transition and full-court press. A back and forth first quarter is exactly what the doctor ordered, with both teams exchanging buckets throughout most of the opening quarter. After a big three to finish off the first, the Gators have given themselves a 2 point lead at the end of one.

Handsworth’ Coach Cam, of Nelson International - a long time platinum sponsor of the No Regrets Tournament-is looking calm, cool and collected on the bench as his girls fight for the W. Both teams have pushed the ball whenever the opportunity arises, and through that penetration they have found open teammates who are knocking down the three ball. Halfway through the quarter, the Gators have pushed that lead to 7. The Royals have turned to a full court press in hopes of switching the momentum before entering the half, and although this has forced the Gators into some turnovers, Walnut Grove has been taking advantage of all of their good opportunities offensively. As we head into the half, the Gators are up 39-23.

Halftime Fact #1: Alligators can go through 3,000 teeth in a lifetime and weigh over 1,000 pounds!

The Royals have started the half with an added notch of tenacity, sharing the ball around and applying a healthy amount of full court pressure. They have a good sized gap to overcome to make this close through to the finish, but they are taking all of the right steps to give themselves a chance. The Gators aren’t shying away from that full court pressure, countering it up the middle of the court and looking to turn that into easy buckets. With two and half minutes remaining in the quarter, Walnut Grove holds onto an 11 point lead. At the end of the third quarter, Walnut Grove is up 56-39. 

Handsworth is going to need to put together a special run here early in the fourth to get themselves close. A couple of back to back threes from the Royals gets them within 16 with 6 minutes remaining. In the end, the size of the Gators continually posed a challenge for the Royals and was the difference maker. Credit to both teams - they fought hard on every position and gave these fans plenty to cheer for. 

Best of luck to both of these squads during the rest of the season!

Final Score: Walnut Grove: 76 - Handsworth: 58.

Player of the Game: Walnut Grove #18 Avery Sorenson

No Regrets.