Storm vs. Franklin Academy

Franklin Academy Patriots 52 NLC Storm 46 (OT)

(Thanks to Laura for the game report)
The New Life Storm suffered their third loss of the season to the Patriots of Franklin Academy in this season's final, regular season game. After a slow start that left the Storm trailing 9-5 at the end of the first quarter, the Storm picked up their defensive intensity as the second quarter progressed. Good defense forced 7 Patriots turnovers in the second quarter and shook the confidence of Franklin Academy as the game broke for half time with the Patriots leading by 3, 19-16. The Storm picked back up in the second half with the same defensive intensity and started the third quarter on a 10-1 run. The quarter ended with one team up by 3, but this time it was the Storm in front, 28-25. The Storm maintained a steady 6 point lead throughout the first half of the fourth quarter, but, beginning at the 4 minute mark, Franklin Academy began to slowly chip away at the Storm's leading margin. With Franklin Academy time outs after each made shot that closed the gap, momentum began to swing toward the home team Patriots. A series of poor defensive sets by the Storm allowed the Patriots to take the lead. Shelby hit 2 clutch free throws to put the Storm back within 1, and Hannah Grace hit the first of 2 free throws to tie the game at 40. With only a few seconds left, the game went into overtime. The Franklin Academy momentum that flourished in the last 4 minutes of the fourth quarter was just as present in overtime and propelled the Patriots to outscore the Storm 12-6 in the extra 4 minutes of play. This was a key game for this season's New Life Storm as it pointed out areas of weakness in their mental game and their decision-making under pressure just in time to address those issues before post-season play.

Hannah Grace lead the team in scoring with 17 points, and Daryl pulled down 10 rebounds in the Storm's effort against Franklin Academy.