FBC Defenders

Though they came out a little slow to start, the FBC Defenders (Frederick) picked up the pace as the game continued in their third match-up of the Tom Dowd Memorial Tournament.  Several turnovers, and a lack of foul calls, contributed to them being behind 12-16 after 6 minutes of play.  A steal and a basket by Shalette brought the Defenders ahead 17 to 15 and the team kept the momentum going after that spark.  Nay Nay grabbed a rebound after a missed foul shot and put it back up for 2!  Nina grabbed another rebound and put that back for 2 more.  Brittany had a steal and went coast to coast for 2, then grabbed a 2nd steal and scored 2 off of that as well.  All this in the closing minutes of the first half, with the Defenders leading by 28 to 16.

The Defenders came out a little flat at the start of the 2nd half, but picked it up again as Walker had a long pass ahead to Jackie who scored a basket.  The offense continued to be very balanced, with contributions from Aliyah, Nicole, Parris, and Karalyne to name a few.  They had a strong finish to close out the game 54 to 24.

High Scorer for the game was Shalette with 9.  Karalyne dominated the boards with 5 rebounds and Aliyah owned the paint with 2 blocked shocks.  In a true team effort, the assists were tied at 1 among 5 or so players.

FBC Defenders (Frederick) triumphed in an exciting game against the NJ Mavericks in their 2nd game of the Tom Dowd Tournament.  The Mavericks came out of the gate strong to take a 7 - 0 lead, in a game that would see several reversals.  We were down by 2 -12 when Walker hit a 3 to bring the score to 5-12.  That, coupled with a ratcheting up of defensive pressure, was the start of a huge turnaround for the team. The strong defense led to the offense firing up.   Jackie hit a foul shot with 13 seconds left in the half.  The team had an incredible 22 to 1 run finishing the half at 24 to 13.

The 2nd half opened with the Mavericks scoring 2, but Parris answered right away with a bucket.  Aliyah added with a jumper from the corner.  Still, the second half proved to be a nail-biter as the Mavericks chipped away at our lead, bringing the score to 29 to 27 with 9:22 left in the half.  We fought back, with offensive contributions coming from all around, including Parris, Nicole, Brittany, Walker, and Nay Nay(Janaysia) . The team got hot from the outside with 3 pointers raining in.  The team pulled together both offensively and defensively to secure a 61 to 51 win!

Shari was the high scorer with 18 points.  Aliyah had a strong performance on the boards, pulling down 6 rebunds.  Walker had 2 blocked shots.

FBC Defenders (Frederick) got off to a fast start in the Tom Dowd Memorial Tournament with 2 wins on Saturday. Defenders faced the Quakers in their 10:15 game starting off the tournament. Walker got the Defenders’ first points after sinking 2 at the line, following a foul on a layup attempt. Moments later she drove throught the lane for a two and one, to bring us to 5-7. Walker scored again on a fast break after a throw-ahead from Shari, tying the game at 9-9. Defenders also showed some strong defense, with Nay Nay (Janaysia) blocking what looked to be a sure layup by the Quakers. Defenders finished the first half with a strong 25 to 13 score.’The second half started with a 6-0 run from the Quakers to bring the game to 25 - 19. The momentum swung back to the Defenders after Brittany scored 8 points in a row! The Defenders closed out the contest with a final score of 53 to 41.

High Scorer was Walker with 16.  Shari had the high for assists, with 2.  Karalyne had an impressive 8 rebounds, and Nay Nay had that awesome blocked shot!

FBC Defenders (Stone) lost 35-70 today in the 1st round of the Rose Classic playoffs to Swagga Like Us. The game started off with Swagga sinking a 3-pointer, tying up a jump ball, and then hitting a 2-point shot to take a 5-0 lead. Janissa came back with a 3-pointer to bring the score up to 3-5, but after several aggressive steals by Swagga, the game started to get away from the Defenders. The 1st quarter ended with our team down 10 to 25. The 2nd quarter brought more impressive shooting from the other team, particularly from Swagga’s forward, who dominated the scoring. At the end of the half, the Defenders were trailing 15 to 36. There were some brief spurts of defense at points during the 2nd half, but it was not enough to hold off the onslaught from Swagga. The final score was a disappointing 35 to 70.

Walker was the Defender’s high scorer with 11. Jenean led with 7 rebounds, and Ashante had a high of 4 assists.

FBC Defenders (Stone) fell to the NE Exodus 27-41 on Saturday May 15th to bring their record to 5 wins and 1 loss in the Rose Classic. Even with this loss, Defenders still won their Division in the Brooklyn tournament. The game started with Walker scoring the Defenders’ first five points, and connecting on an assist to Shalette, leading 7 to 4 late in the 1st quarter. Janissa scored a two from the floor, bringing the 1st quarter to a close of 9 to 4. We didn’t fare as well in the 2nd quarter, falling behind 13 to 18 to end the half. When NE Exodus came out with a pressure defense, we had some difficulty getting the ball up the court. The team suffered another blow when Shallette went down hard with 3:53 left in the 3rd quarter and had to leave the game. The team was unable to rally, and went scoreless in the 3rd quarter while Exodus increased their lead to 18 - 26. The scoring drought continued in the 4th quarter although the team tried to battle back. The game ended with the team suffering their first loss, with a final score of 27 to 41.

FBC Defenders (Stone) beat Team Alexander in a late game on Saturday May 8th to bring their record to an impressive 5-0 in the Rose Classic. The offense got started with Walker putting up a 3, missing, but alertly following up her shot, grabbing the rebound, and sinking a 2. It was a low scoring 1st quarter, but the Defenders led 14 to 7. Team Alexander had already racked up 5 fouls, to our 2, in that first quarter, setting a tone that was to continue throughout the game. The scoring drought continued for both teams, but Team Alexander managed to tie the game at 18-18 with 18 seconds left in the 1st half. The teams continued to battle in the 3rd quarter when Jas scored to tie it at 24-24 with a minute 20 seconds to go. We were fortunate to finish the 3rd quarter with a 30-24 lead. The challenge continued into the 4th quarter, but Defenders managed to pull ahead to 34-24 with 4 minutes left. The atmosphere was getting tense, with trash talk that even the spectators could hear! Our team took a huge blow when Jas went down with an injury late in the quarter. Despite this, the team pulled together to finish out the win with a 40-29 final score. Shalette had a monster game with 16 points and 9 rebounds, keeping the team in the game. Walker led with 5 assists.

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Jaz, hoping for a speedy recovery for her! Situations like this remind us all of what’s truly important, and what team really means.

F. Dickerson University: FBC DEFENDERS (Frederick) vs USA, New Brunswick N.J. Game#1
5/2/2010 3:30pm

Today Frederick team had an boost, adrenaline rush from Stones team with Jasmine Walker scoring first 2 points of game, she made first 2 foul shots and first 2 steals of game. Defenders are working hard, making point for point, and leading game by 7 points. The first 3 pointer was made by Shari. What a competitive start. Going into half time, Defenders are up 2 points keeping the pressure on the defense. Jasmine Walker in the second half performed a coast to coast, stealing ball and running down court for lay up, WOW. Janaysia James with second 3 pointer helped set tone. Good Show Ladies!!!

Tip: Team, eye movement must rotate with ball at all times, using peripheral vision, know where the ball is at all times. Remember coach is your eyes off the court, he or she can see details that you can not, because they see the whole court and each player, AH HA. Learn fast to listen what coach says, because they are your third eye, seventh sense on the court, WOW. Remember you have an extra set of eyes with basketball knowledge built in, YOUR COACH!!! Do not be afraid to ask Questions!!!

Coach’s corner: Coach Nicole - Great intensity and energy in this game, good job pushing ball up court. More shots taken today then previous games, we did not defer to other teams ability. Over all improvement good, still lots of work needed. Practice, Practice, Focused Practice!!! Good Job Ladies!!!  Coach Frederick - We are playing better as a unit, we have some work to do. Very happy and proud of team, Doing a Good Job!!!

Game Stats: Final Score 41 to 34
Jasmine Walker - 11 pts. / 2 foul shot pt. / 1-3 pointer / 1 steal / 0 blocks
Janaysia James - 5 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 1-3 pointer / 0 steal / 1 blocks
Shari Jones - 5 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 1-3 pointer / 0 steal / 0 blocks
Shalette Brown - 4 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 1 steal / 2 blocks
Brittany Vick - 3 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 1-3 pointer / 0 steal / 0 blocks
Karalyne Brown - 2 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 0 steals / 0 blocks
Jasmine Lytle- 2 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 0 steal / 0 blocks

F. Dickerson University: FBC DEFENDERS (Frederick) vs FAST BREAK, Staten Island Game#2
5-1-2010 6:15pm

What a second game, defenders showed up with force like a Mighty Storm and as a team working the floor. The Fast Break was a very aggressive and physical playing team, defenders maintained cool attitude and focus in game. Defenders played competitive basketball scoring basket for basket at one point, it seemed to be a different team. Janaysia James scored first point of game at foul line and scored first 2 points of game. Defenders rallied keeping score within 5 points and advancing in second half.  Janaysia James led team at half with 5 points, half time score 10 to 18 Defenders trailing close. Brittany Vick scored first 3 pointer of game, setting the team on fire. Good Game Ladies, Your On a Streak!!!

Tip: Defenders zone into game, follow ball on offense and defense make sure you know location of ball at all times. The opponent never gives you time to think on offense, because they are in your face playing defense. Copy them, play in there face defense, when you return pressure it causes them to turn over ball, remember the game is also about strategy. Read your opponent, know who can dribble, shoot and pass on the opposing team, you can do this within the first 4 minutes of game. Once you know opponent, listen to coach and ATTACK!!! Janaysia James says the game was good and team played better, we did not give up, we are motivated to play, we are going to win together as a team because we are strong. We come very close to winning game. We need to continue working hard. My Team is Tough!!!

Coach’s corner: Coach Frederick - What a game, they have what it takes. All they need to do is continue working hard in practice. We know what to work on, we just need to work harder and consistent on those skills. Good job Team!!! I am Happy. Coach Nicole - They played a very good game, the improvement rate is very good. We have a lot to work on, but we are looking good. Good game Team!!!

Game Stats: Final Score 22 to 31
Janaysia James- 11 pts. / 4 foul shot pt. / 1-3 pointer / 0 steals / 0 blocks
Paris Branker- 6 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 0 steals / 0 blocks
Karalyne Brown- 3 pts. / 3 foul shot pt. / 0 steals / 0 blocks
Brittany Vick- 1 pt. / 1 foul shot / 0 steals / 0 blocks
Jackie Gura- 1 pt. / 1 foul shot / 0 steals / 0 blocks

F. Dickerson University: FBC DEFENDERS (Frederick) vs EXODUS New York Game#1
5-1-2010 4:15pm

Frederick team with only five players  started slow, digging themselves a deep hole, maintained there edge (Defense). The pace picked up on offense when high score Karalyne Brown received assists to score six points in a row on the inside. The team started working harder and more intense for a come back. Karalyne Brown felt game was good, there were times she thought team was giving up,  she said her team is strong and motivated to play basketball. Congratulations to Frederick team in the first game of day, they showed strength and will to play basketball running with five players. Jackie Gura scored first point of game at foul line. Brittany Hooks scored first two points of game. Continue  Working Hard Team!!!

Coach’s corner: Coach Frederick - said since Massachusetts we are looking good, progressing as expected. The leader brought them back as supposed to be. I do see improvement and hard work. Keep up the good work Team!!! Coach Nicole - said we showed a lot of hustle and played very well with only five players in game. We are taking more shots then previous , that is a plus, our team like other teams need to work on our shot proficiency. I do see improvement since Massachusetts. We are Progressing. Keep the progression moving team!!!

Game Stats: Final Score 31 to 20
Karalyne Brown- 9 pts. / 1 foul shot pt. / 0 steals / 0 blocks
Janaysia James- 6 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 0 steals / 0 blocks
Jackie Gura- 2 pts. / 1 foul shot pt. / 2 steals / 0 blocks
Brittany Hooks- 2 pts. / 0 foul shot pt. / 1 steal / 0 blocks
Brittany Vick- 1 pts. / 1 foul shot / 0 steals / 0 blocks

On a sunny, hot day, Coach Stone’s team rolled into May with another round at the Rose Classic in Brooklyn.  It was beginning to look like the team would not get a game in on Saturday morning, May 1st, as game time rolled around and only 4 Team CEO  players were in the gym.  The Defenders benefitted from the tardiness of the other team, as they were spotted 26 points — 1 for each minute that Team CEO was late. The game was also shortened by the same number of minutes, so the teams played a little over a full half.  At the start of the 4th quarter, the Defenders were leading 41 -4.  With one minute left in the abbreviated game, the lead was extended to 56 - 15.  We finished up with a 58 -19 final score.

Mrs. Stone commented after the game that “coach didn’t have to work as hard today, but the girls didn’t come in like it was a game!”  We need to see the same intensity despite the game situation.   High scorer of the game was Janissa at 8 points, with Jas pulling down 5 rebounds in the contest.  Shari had the high for assists, with 3.   Let’s keep those wins rolling in for the rest of May!