Tommie Girls Rolling Over Competitors

Last year was a tough year for the JMH Tommies girls varsity basketball team. They were relegated to 7 or 8 players most of the season, and didn't have the depth to compete in the AAA division. But the Jr. Varsity team was one of the best in the province, and finished right near the top at provicials.

Despite the promise of a better team this year, the varsity squad now competes at the AA level and competes against teams from smaller schools the north. There are not enough girls to form a jr. varsity team, but girls numbers at the mini and jr. high levels are high, so the program looks promising. But that hasn't stopped the team from impressive play against some of the best teams in the province.

Last week, the girls powerhouse from Leo Hayes (Fredericton) rolled into JMh with confidence. Leo Hayes is coached by Miramicher Paul Daley, who coached the Bathurst boys to its provincial championship a year after the terrible crash that claimed the lives of 7 players.

The JMH squad was

short two starters, as Emily Fitzpatrick and Meagan McDiarmid were sidelined with injuries. The squad also dresses more grade tens than it does grade 12 girls.

JMH led at half by 15 points, and the fouls were very lop-sided with Leo Hayes earning 19 personal fouls and 1 technical to coach Daley, compared to only 2 fouls to the JMH side.

JMH is coached by John Corlett, Toff Fitzpatrick and Chris Fanjoy. Fitzpatrick said after the game that Fredericton always play physically like that, and usually do;t get called for it in their home gyms. Daley tempted officials to call a second technical with comments like "this is the reason I am never coming back to Miramichi." Referees for the game were Larry Lynch and Bruce Travis.

But Leo Hayes found some discipline, and got their press working in the second half, forcing many JMH turnovers. Leo Hayes eventually eked out a 4 point win.

Tommies Win Oromocto Tournament

The Tommies ventured to Oromocto High for a tournament this weekend, and went undefeated in four games en route to the title. The girls play at home on Tuesday night against Bonar Law.

Here are the tournament Highlights

James M Hill versus Stanley High School

Game Score 78-44

Leading Scorers Alexi Despres 20 (grade 9), Emily Fitzpatrick 12

James M Hill versus Caledonia Regional High School

Game Score 63-50

Leading Scorers Allie Gorman 17, Alexi Despres 13

James M Hill versus Simonds High School

Game Score 68-58

Leading Scorers Madalyn Jardine 15, Katie Corlett 13

James M Hill versus Oromocto High School

Game Score 77-42