Storm girls make mark at National
Ayr Storm U12 girls proved themselves the fifth- best in the country when they took part in the National Challenge at Perth.
Viewed as Scotland’s premier competition at this age group, it was a marvellous achievement for the squad to make the finals in the nine- team tournament.
The Ayr girls got off to a flyer with a 29- 12 win over Tayside Musketeers. Guard Lauren Cooper top scored with 12 points, while Libby Entwhistle, one of two U10 players on the squad, was also on the scoresheet.
That set up a group decider with East Regional champions West Lothian Wolves, but Ayr raised their game against a taller team.
Tenacious defence from Abi Hay, including three points, and a sensational offensive performance from Louise Fisher ( 18 points) especially in quarters two and three, tied the game at 27- 27 moving into the fourth.
Wolves opened a small advantage but Alix McIntosh, with a six- point run, dragged the score within three points. However, Wolves advanced to the gold group with a 37- 34 win, which many called the game of the day at the end of the tournament.
An afternoon in the silver group with Falkirk Fury and Inverness City Lions rewarded Ayr’s morning endeavours.
Storm started well against Falkirk and built a lead behind a further 17 points from Fisher, and eight from McIntosh.
Grace Mitchell, who scored in every game, had her strongest performance with six points and excellent footwork under the basket. Lowri Hulme also chipped in with a basket, on top of her usual tigerish defensive play.
Rachel Fisher had a spell playing at point guard, and at only nine is one for the future. A solid team performance saw Ayr win 41- 26.
In their first full competitive season with the club, Kate Andrew and Karys Perry put in good performances, including in the final game against North regional champions Inverness.
Despite nine points from McIntosh, eight from Fisher and four from Mitchell, the girls lost 29- 25. This ensured Ayr finished the National Challenge in fifth with West Lothian Wolves winning the title.
Head coach Laura Nisbet said: “Every girl played their part. We ran the eventual champions close, and are proud to say we are fifth in the country.
“It is no more than these girls deserve for their effort this season.”