McMath Wildcats capped a perfect run in the Richmond Bantam Girls Basketball League by clawing back to capture the city championship.
The Wildcats cruised to an 8-0 league record during the regular season and a had very little resistance dispatching Richmond High and McRoberts in their two opening playoff games. The host Hugh Boyd Trojans, however, came ready to play in the final which took place last Wednesday in front of a raucous crowd.
After a foul filled first half, neither team took control and the score teetered back and forth. As the game moved into the fourth quarter the Wildcats found themselves in very unfamiliar territory — behind on the scoreboard.
The hot shooting McMath guards, arguably some of the best outside shooters in the league, were able to clutch up and overcome the deficit.
Led by team high scorer Jayna Wilson, and co-guards Bella Lawson and Olivia Tweedlie, McMath hit crucial shots down the stretch when they needed to.
Guard Allison Azote was spot on making two free throws late in the contest, and upstart forward Madison Bigras hit a timely running lay-up and added another important free throw to seal the deal in a hard-fought 37-34 win.
The team also includes: Morgan Flynn, Leah Hillman, Leah Peacock, Kaylee Banks, Samantha Trueman, Jas Wijayakoon, Jas Tufnail, Allison Carver, Devon Downie, Kinsey McBride, Emma Wallace and Autaum Hilyer. The girls are coached by John Wilson and Sean Lawson.
The Wildcats now moved on as Richmond’s No. 1 seed at next week’s Vancouver and District Championships.
