BY GENE NARDI
On Friday, Jan. 29, the Wellington High School girls basketball squad hosted Palm Beach Gardens High School in the District 9-8A title game and lost to the Gators 59-54.
The top-seeded Gators had to rally from a 10-point deficit at the half. Second-seeded Wellington (19-8) held onto a 34-24 lead going into the second half.
A sluggish third period contributed to the Wolverines’ demise. They could not seem to recover from several turnovers in the third, and that proved the difference in losing the lead and, eventually, the district crown.
Credit must go to the aggressive Palm Beach Gardens defense, which caused many of the turnovers. The Gators outscored Wellington in the third period 18-7 to take a 42-41 lead. Despite a valiant effort, the Wolverines were unable to regain the lead.
Wellington did battle back in the fourth period, however, putting together a late rally. Senior Latoya Ashman led the Wolverines to within one point with just 47 seconds left on the clock. Ashman then dropped in three free throws with only seconds remaining.
But another Wellington turnover with an aggressive Gator offensive surge stifled the Wolverines’ flame. The Gators only had to pass the ball for the remainder to seal the district championship.
Ashman had a career-high 25 points and one three-point score on the night. Aurella LeBron recorded 11 points and three three-point baskets, and McKenzie Steuerer added eight points and one three-point basket for the Wolverines.
Wellington earned the district runner-up post, qualifying them to advance to the regional quarterfinals. The Wolverines traveled to Boca Raton to take on the Bobcats this week, but results were not available by press time.
ABOVE: Wellington’s Gwen McCoy is fouled as she attempts a layup in the second half.
