FeedsImproved Wayne falls short against Churchill
The bottom four round-robin bracket of the Western Lakes Tournament isn’t where any team wants to be at the end of the year.
Unfortunately, that’s where a one-win season will land a struggling team.
The Wayne Memorial Lady Zebras made the most of its final regular season game at home on Tuesday night. Despite a strong effort, they fell shy against Livonia Churchill, 54-38.
Although Wayne lost, Head Coach Kelly Kaminski was pleased with the results her improving team supplied.
“I’m so happy about tonight,” she said. “Everyone went all out. My seniors had a good last game. There were really no concerns I was worried about. We played much better. Offensively we got confidence and we played much better in our man-to-man that we have in a while so I’m real proud of their effort tonight.”
Churchill went on a 12-2 run to close out the first quarter with an 18-7 lead.
Wayne junior Nastassia Goines nailed a triple to open the second frame but the teams went back and forth for the remaining eight minutes, allowing Churchill to keep an 11-point advantage.
The Lady Chargers carried the 26-15 margin into the second half, but with some big plays from Trenia Barbee and a huge triple from Krystal Nelson, Wayne closed the gap to six, 36-30.
Wayne got into foul trouble in the fourth session where Churchill outscored Wayne 14-8 to finish off the game.
Barbee led all scorers with 18 points. Goines and Nelson each added seven. Hilary Antal scored 11 to lead Churchill. Stephanie Bradshaw added 10 and Chelsea Monasian nine.
Wayne’s 1-19 record will evaporate come Monday when it enters the district tournament at Romulus Senior High School. The Lady Eagles will have their work cut out for them in the first round against Ypsialnti. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
“We’re excited about districts,” Kaminski said. “It’s a fresh start for every one. (The girls) know that starting Monday it’s 0-0 for all of the teams and I think they’re ready. I’m confident. I think they are prepared. I think they are mentally prepared and we’ll play basketball and have some fun.”
Churchill improved to 7-12, winning two of its last three games.
