Storm VG @ Wake Christian

New Life Storm 38 Wake Christian Bulldogs 25

The New Life Storm bounced back from a 2-game losing streak with a strong game at Wake Christian School. The Storm came out moving the ball well, taking good shots, and playing with great intensity on defense. They forced the Bulldogs into 11 turnovers in the first quarter alone and held a commanding 15-2 lead at the end of the quarter. The lead stretched to as much as 19-2 before going into halftime up 24-13. In the second half the Bulldogs were able to close the gap to 8, but this time the Storm responded with 7 straight points to go back up by 15 and were never threatened again. The Storm had balanced scoring, as Hannah Grace led with 7 points, to go with 4 assists and 4 steals. Shelby had 6 points and 10 rebounds, and Mary also scored 6 points.

Storm VG vs Frankston (Aus)

Frankston Blues 52 New Life Storm 50 (OT)

The Storm girls kicked off 2012 by hosting the Frankston Blues, an Australian team touring the US. The teams spent the afternoon enjoying lunch and gift-exchange together, followed by the game - which ended in a tough overtime loss. The Storm got off to a good start in the first period - Shelby scored 6 of the first 10 points to put the team ahead, then a 3-ptr by Emily and two by Hannah Grace stretched the lead out to 19-9. In the 2nd period Katie Patrick provided a spark off the bench with 3 baskets as she and Emily beat the Blues down the court repeatedly on the fast break, and the Storm lead stretched out to 35-19 at halftime. In the 2nd half the Blues upped the defensive pressure and the Storm had too many quick jumpshots and turnovers. Frankston began getting fast break points and took advantage of poor defensive rotation by NLC. The Blues roared back to take a 3-point lead late in the game. Hannah Grace nailed a clutch 3-pointer to tie the score with 28 seconds left and both teams missed chances to win in regulation. In overtime again the Blues had a 4-point lead with 5 seconds left when Sarah Suffridge was fouled on a 3. She hit the first two and missed the 3rd intentionally. A violation gave the ball to the Storm but their final attempts to tie were unsuccessful. Hannah Grace and Emily finished with 11 points each, and Katie had 9. Shelby pulled down 16 rebounds and Sarah S. had 4 steals.

Storm VG @ St. Mary's

St. Mary's Saints 46 New Life Storm 38

The Storm took on the Saints and St. Mary's School - only the 2nd time in the 5+ seasons of the program that they have faced a 3A school. The Saints came out strong and jumped out to a 12-2 lead. The Storm fought back and tied the game at 15-15 early in the 2nd period. St. Mary's quickly regained control of the game, holding the Storm to only 7 points over the next 15 minutes. They limited Storm fast break opportunities and played their halfcourt zone defense well, while the Storm lacked patience resulting in turnovers and forced shots. Hannah Grace's 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists; and Shelby's 7 points and 9 rebounds led the Storm, while Emily also chipped in 7 points.

Storm VG @ Sanford Grace

New Life Storm 55 Grace Christian Crusaders 51

The day after winning in Asheboro, the Storm girls were back on the road in Sanford to face the Crusaders of Grace Christian School. The first 3 quarter were close, with the Storm leading by 2 at halftime and 6 at the end of the 3rd quarter, but the Storm depth made a difference and NLC pulled away in the 4th period. The lead stretched to as much as 15 points with under 2 minutes remaining before a late flurry of Crusader points made the final margin closer. The Storm was led by Hannah Grace had 14 points and 4 assists, Emily with 12 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals, Mary with 10 points and 13 rebounds, and Shelby with 17 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Storm VG @ Fayetteville St. Christian

New Life Storm 50 Fayetteville St. Christian Patriots 47

The Storm traveled to Asheboro to take on the Patriots of Fayetteville St. Christian School, the alma mater of coach Aaron Miller. The game was very close and competitive throughout, with the Storm pulling out a narrow victory. Mary scored 14 points to lead the Storm, while Shelby and Hannah Grace had 11 and 10. Shelby also pulled down 20 rebounds, while Emily had 12 and Sarah S. had 4 steals.