Rattlers Redeem in Win Over Lions
The Ambrose Lions headed south to Medicine Hat to face the Rattlers on home court. Medicine Hat was coming off a loss to the Olds Broncos the night previous, and hoped to turn things around. The game started with a 3 point shot made by Medicine Hat's Kendell Kuntz. The Rattlers followed this up with a steal and a trip to the line to start the game 5-0. As play settled in the Lions started to chip away quickly at this early lead. Medicine Hat, Failing to convert on 3 trips down the floor allowed the Lions to tie it up at 7. With 4:15 on the clock Ambrose took a timeout in an attempt to settle the frantic activity they were showing on the court. This seemed to help as they were once again able to tie the game. Ambrose grabbed their first lead of the game off a deep 3 from Guard Teagan McArthur. This lead was short lived as the Rattlers tied it on a free throw. The Lions took the lead again on their next trip down the court. Followed by a defensive stop increased the lead to 4. Rattlers Abby LaRochelle earned a trip to the line at the buzzer making one and reducing the Lions lead to 3, 18-15.
A steal on the inbound to start the half, and a quick bucket from Medicine Hat's Kate Rozdeba cut the lead to 1. Another steal and another quick basket and the Rattlers had retaken their small 1 point lead. A 3 from the Corner from the Rattler's Kuntz and the Rattlers had increased the lead to 4. A quick two baskets from Ambrose tied the game as time approached the halfway point in the quarter. An unsportsmanlike foul by Ambrose saw the Rattlers able to regain the lead by 2 as the clock passed 5:00. At this point the Rattlers started to press and cause turnovers. This high pressure defense cause 5 straight turnovers and increase the lead to 12. Teams traded baskets as the Lions were able to finally break through. With less than 2 minutes left in the half, the rattlers reduced the pressure they were applying and their 12 point lead maintained. After breaking it open in the second quarter, the score was 42-30 for the home side.
The second half started with scoring happening at a more even pace. Teams traded baskets in the first few possessions with the differential remaining the same. As the pressure from Medicine Hat increased again, they were able to increase their lead to 20, 52-32. This high pressure defense was handcuffing the Lions as they seemed unable to generate offense effectively. The game seemed to slow as the quarter progressed not in speed but in scoring. Both teams were running the floor and shooting quite fast, but the ball was falling in less. The quarter ended with the Rattlers leading 59-38.
The fourth quarter started with Medicine Hat pressuring hard on defense. This seemed to be the most effective way for them to maintain their lead. The Lions started to chip away at the Rattler lead as the bench seemed to playing the majority of Medicine Hat's minutes in the fourth. This reduced the lead to 20 but the game was still very much in control for the home side. Never allowing the Lions back into the game, the Rattlers continued their high energy and intensity. Late in the game the result was certain, the only factor remained the score. As the clock ran out the Rattlers had won 78-52.
The ACAC Players of the game: From Ambrose Caitlyn Hetrick. From Medicine Hat, Tatiana Dutka.