BY GENE NARDI
The Wellington High School girls varsity basketball squad hosted Spanish River High School on Thursday, Nov. 16 and fell 61-54 in overtime in a non-conference game.
The Wolverines (0-2) seemed to have it all together early as they built an 18-point lead in the first half. The Sharks then began their comeback.
Although the Wolverines led most of the game, Spanish River chipped patiently at the Wellington lead. Spanish River’s defense came up big, causing turnovers and winning rebounds. As the third period closed, Wellington managed enough offense to maintain an 8-point lead (42-34), but that would soon be in jeopardy.
The Sharks eventually tied the contest at 49 with just under two minutes to play in regulation. Wellington would battle back and retake the lead, but it was not to last.
Spanish River tied again at 51 with 24 seconds left. The comeback launched an overtime battle that revealed neither team was ready to quit.
Wellington struck first, but the Sharks responded, and eventually took the lead for the first time in the game with less than two minutes remaining in overtime. The Wolverines tried to reclaim a game that once appeared to be in the bag, but the Sharks did just enough to maintain the lead, and the overtime victory 61-54.
Latoya Ashman had 29 points, including two 3-pointers. Brianna Sabbat put up 11 points. Haley Thompson was three for four on free throws.
Wellington will host Glades Central High School on Tuesday, Nov. 26 for a 7:30 p.m. game.
ABOVE: Haley Thompson takes the ball up court.
