Need an example of clutch? How about this ...
Trailing 23-21, Anneliese Lockner delivered a 3-point play with 20 seconds left, and Faith Christian's defense prevented St. Mary's School from sinking the winning basket in St. Mary's final two possessions. Faith kept St. Mary's from getting off a final shot, sending FCA to a thrilling 24-23 victory in its last game of the St. John Lutheran Tournament on Saturday in Elgin. Congratulations to the Falcons on their first win of the 2014 season!
St. Mary's led 23-19 when Nicki Smith drew Faith within two points on a bank shot from the wing with 1:10 remaining in the fourth quarter. FCA went ahead for good a minute later. Lauren Caprini dribbled through St. Mary's full-court press, then passed to Jessica Smith across midcourt. Jessica then delivered a pass to Anneliese as she cut to the basket, and Anneliese drove to the basket for a pull-up jumper that found nothing but net and was fouled on the shot. Anneliese then calmly sank the free throw, propelling FCA ahead by 1. St. Mary's missed a potential game-winning shot about 10 seconds later, and Faith prevented a second shot as time expired on an exciting victory for the Falcons.
Anneliese and Lauren shared the hustle award, while Becca Smuk and Mackenzie VanDerSnick won the best attitude award. Anneliese led Faith with 9 points, 13 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists in a terrific all-around performance. Lauren provided energy, ballhandling and defense off the bench. Becca scored six second-half points that kept FCA within striking range of St. Mary's, and Mackenzie supplied tough defense and a big second-half basket while playing the whole second half with Faith missing two players.
The Falcons played with great heart and determination under challenging circumstances. FCA had just seven players available for its third and final game of the Friday/Saturday tournament, and Lauren toughed it out playing with a cold after being out with the flu during the week. Faith was also one of two teams in the eight-team tournament that didn't play its first game of the season until this weekend. The girls gave a gritty effort, continuing to battle till game's end and overcoming a hard shooting game with strong defense, hustle and team play. Coach and the parents are very proud of everyone!
FCA finished the tournament with a 1-2 record, opening with a 32-24 loss to St. Laurence and a 16-13 defeat to Westminster Christian.
Faith celebrated additional good news after its last game when the tournament's coaches voted Jessica to the all-tournament team. Jessica provided the Falcons with solid defense, ballhandling, passing and timely points at point guard. Congratulations, Jessica!
The Falcons practice on Wednesday till 5:15 p.m. before hosting their home opener on Thursday against Parkview Christian.
