Lady Spartans claim runner-up trophy

At Garden City Classic




Tinley Jenkins banks in a layup over a Nathanael Greene defender.

Tinley Jenkins banks in a layup over a Nathanael Greene defender.

The Lady Spartans gained a huge confidence boost on the court recently, after finishing second in an eight-team tournament.

Edmund Burke Academy’s Girl’s Basketball team (3-3) made a run for the title at the Garden City Classic held at Augusta Prep this past weekend. Although they lost by eight points in the championship game, the Lady Spartans played some of their best basketball to date and proved they had the talent that could later earn them a trip to the state playoffs.

During the first round Edmund Burke powered past Dominion Christian, beating them 47-11 and earning a spot in the semi-finals. During the final four game against Augusta Prep, the Lady Spartans won 59-53. Three different players scored in double digits during what head coach Larry Keller called the “best game of the year.” Amber Chambers scored 16 points while Mary-Lynn Murray and Tinley Jenkins scored 15 and 10 points respectively. Chambers also had 14 rebounds, while Murray and Shelby Stewart recorded 7 and 6 boards respectively. Sammie Jo Evans and Neely Mann each had 6 assists.

Allie Goode drives to the basket to find an open teammate under the goal.

Allie Goode drives to the basket to find an open teammate under the goal.

“We earned our trip to the championship game because of our energy, ball movement and ability to put a lot of points on the board,” Keller said. “Chambers had a huge game. Evans was dynamic on the break. Allie Goode was essential during the press. Murray had a solid performance, and Jenkins was five for six from the floor. It was by far our best performance,” Keller added.

Despite winning by 6 points at halftime during the championship game, the Lady Spartans eventually fell 40-32 to Thomas Sumter. Chambers and Neely Mann led in scoring and rebounding for Edmund Burke during the loss that earned them a second place trophy.

Chambers shined during the tournament and posted huge numbers during all three games. She scored in double digits each game and posted a doubledouble in the semi-final game and championship match-up. She scored a total of 39 points during the tournament and recorded just over 30 total rebounds. Her performance earned her a spot on the alltournament team. Her fellow teammate, Mary-Lynn Murray, was also named to the all-tournament team.

The Lady Spartans blasted past Nathanael Greene Academy two days before the Garden City Classic, winning 50-21. Murray led in scoring during that game with 12 points. Jenkins had 10 points, while Goode recorded 9. Stewart had 8 rebounds, and Madison Dickey recorded 4 assists.

The Lady Spartans had a game against Briarwood Academy on Monday and against Gatewood yesterday (Tuesday), but results weren’t available at press time. They will play Thomas Jefferson on Monday before hosting a Christmas Tournament at Murray Gym next weekend.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.