Gilbert girls grind out 49-35 win

WINSTED — After slogging through a winless season last year, the Gilbert girls basketball team was hoping for a better start to this season than their opening 60-26 loss to Wamogo. The Lady Jackets battled for the early season start they wanted in Litchfield on Tuesday, Dec. 15, nabbing a 49-35 victory that was a long time coming.

Gilbert kicked off the game on a strong note, moving the ball well to set up plays to tally a few early points. The Jackets continued to generate chances but struggled to finish and found themselves doubling back to their own end, taking fouls while attempting to shut down the Cowgirls’ offense. Those late-quarter fouls seemed to throw Gilbert off their game as they went into the second down 15-8.

Courtney Hoxie, who spent much of last season sidelined by injury, sparked Gilbert’s game at the start of the second. Hoxie’s remarkable speed allowed her to carry the play into the offensive end as she darted past frustrated defenders.

Hoxie’s speed also contributed to Gilbert’s second-quarter defensive revival, as did efforts by the entire Jackets team, who continually disrupted Litchfield’s passing game to generate quick offensive opportunities of their own.

Winning those defensive battles cauterized the Cowgirls’ scoring and allowed the Jackets to cut the gap and seize a slight lead. The Yellowjackets produced scoring chances, many of which were thrown away on poor shot selection or impatience. However, the sheer number of shots allowed Gilbert to extend their lead. In a last-minute frenzy, points from Kara Mochak and a buzzer-beater from Frankie Marino put the Jackets ahead 27-21 heading into halftime.

Litchfield regrouped and came out of the break looking to even the score. Gilbert remained calm and responded accordingly, increasing their defensive efforts while patiently setting up their offense. Gilbert’s shooting yielded more results in third as they maintained a 42-31 lead over Litchfield into the fourth.

Gilbert continued to play well in the fourth, and with the game safely in hand, head coach Paul Grossman gave the court over to his younger players, who were led by Hoxie to finish out a much deserved 49-35 victory.

“They worked so hard for a win,� Grossman said. “They definitely deserve it.�

He added that for continued success, his team will have to reduce the number of turnovers they give up in a game and improve their shot selection.

The Jackets saw even scoring throughout their lineup. Courtney Cesca and Jen Fritch paced their team with 14 points apiece. Frankie Marino’s success beneath the net and at the line granted her eight points, while Kara Mochak fell in with seven points of her own. Many of those field goals were set up by the unceasing labors of Hoxie, who saw more court time than any other Jacket.

The Jackets even out their season record with their road victory to 1-1. The Gilbert girls have their first home game of the year against Lewis Mills Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.