Storm VG @ Franklin Academy

Franklin Academy Patriots 49   New Life Storm 47

For the second year in a row, the Storm girls led virtually the entire game on the road at Franklin Academy, only to drop a tough one at the end to the Patriots.   NLC played a strong first half at both ends of the court, building a 30-16 halftime lead behind 14 points by Shelby.   The Storm lacked focus to start the second half, with 7 turnovers in the first 3 minutes of the half which swung the momentum and gave Franklin new life.  Foul trouble also kept Shelby on the bench most of the 3rd period.  The Storm maintained a slim lead mostly due to free throws, as Hannah Grace repeatedly drove to the basket and drew fouls, but the Patriots caught up in the last half of the 4th quarter, setting up a tense final 2 minutes.  A FT by Shelby with 45 seconds left put Storm up 47-46, but a long pass downcourt led to a Franklin basket to make it 48-47.  A jumper from HG then went halfway down and came out.  Franklin left the door open by missing FTs, but turnovers prevented the Storm from getting off another shot.  Shelby finished with 17 points and 15 rebounds, leading the team in both categories, and Hannah Grace was also in double-figures with 14 pts.