Experience without Tuition

"Experience is the best teacher, but sometimes the tuition is high."

Melrose hosted its first home game of the season and narrowly escaped Watertown 23-21. Watertown was very well coached and played tough, physical basketball. The visitors also had "the big girl", about a 5' 9" shot-blocking force in the paint who had at least a dozen blocks and influenced other shots, as well as leading Watertown with a dozen points.

After Melrose got off to a 10-6 lead, Watertown stormed back to take a 15-14 lead. The second half was tightly contested with the teams trading leads until late when Melrose hung on as a Watertown close-in shot went awry in the final seconds.

What went well?

• The team hung in their first tightly-contested game.
  
• The defense held Watertown to six second half points, with pressure on Watertown's guards and better defense in the post.
  
• The number of three seconds violations shrank after pre-game emphasis.
• The team got valuable experience playing against 'height'.

What needs improvement?

• In-bounds and sidelines plays remain missed opportunities.
• Triggering the fast break with the outlet pass continues to be elusive.
  
• Spacing broke down more than the coaches would like.
• Foul-shooting (a challenge at this age) needs a lot of work.
  

Today's contest should help prepare the team for its first "River Valley" game Wednesday night at home, as the girls will see consistent tough competition.