LATE COMEBACK COMES UP SHORT AS STANTON FALLS TO FERNANDINA BEACH

Photo by Gavin Grady

GAVIN GRADY | DECEMBER 9, 2020 | SPORTS

Stanton girls basketball fell to the Fernandina Beach High School Pirates at home Tuesday, losing by a score of 49-42.

Stanton started off strong in the first quarter, going on a 10-0 run. Aided by junior forward Gabriella Lonsdale’s quick hands on defense and a pair of threes from freshman guard Gabrielle Fajarado, the Blue Devils ended the first quarter with a 13-8 lead over the Pirates. 

Although starting out hot in the second quarter with a three from freshman forward Gianna Pierre-Louis, the Blue Devils could not get their offense going, scoring only five more points in the half. The Pirates turned the game around with an 18-point second quarter, with junior center Jalay Evens leading the pack with six points and an “and one” basket from sophomore center Riley Sage. Fernandina Beach ended the half leading 26-21.

The Pirates extended their lead in the third quarter, capitalizing from behind the three-point line. Senior guards Alexis George and Riley Webber each nailed a shot from behind the arc. The Blue Devils were kept in check by the Pirates’ defense as Fernandina kept starting sophomore guard Kaia Lipat to go scoreless the whole second half. 

Entering the fourth quarter Stanton was down 39-29. The Blue Devils came out firing on all cylinders, going on a 7-0 run that can be attributed to Lonsdale’s defensive play; she recorded two blocks and a steal. The run was ended by free throws from Fernandina’s Riley Webber. 

With 1:30 left in the game, Fajardo scored an “and one” basket, cutting the Pirate’s lead to only four. Stanton head coach Jason Lonsdale called a timeout, hoping to draw up a plan to win the game. However, the Blue Devils were outplayed down the stretch, ultimately losing by seven.

Stanton won its previous matchup against Fernandina, defeating the Pirates 43-35 on their own court on Nov. 24.

 With the win, the 4-3 Pirates get their first back-to-back victories of the season. The 4-4 Blue Devils fall back to .500 on the year, and look to bounce back Thursday at Baldwin High School. It will be the second matchup between Stanton and Baldwin in one week; the Indians defeated the Blue Devils 34-32 at Stanton on Dec. 3.