?Kovic claims first Falcon victory with layup

LANGLEY – Lockdown defense and late-game heroics got the Falcon girls basketball team its first victory of the season against Lakewood, 60-52.

By Ben Watanabe • December 7, 2011 2:59 am
Falcon senior guard Brittany Wood breaks through Lakewood's full-court press defense at South Whidbey High School on Tuesday night. The Falcons won 60-52 in overtime.
Falcon senior guard Brittany Wood breaks through Lakewood's full-court press defense at South Whidbey High School on Tuesday night. The Falcons won 60-52 in overtime.

LANGLEY – Lockdown defense and late-game heroics got the Falcon girls basketball team its first victory of the season against Lakewood, 60-52.

The Cougars roared back from a 5-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. South Whidbey scored on its first possession and frustrated Lakewood’s best shooter Ashley Orr, who led all scorers with 32 points. Junior forward Hayley Newman came in during overtime after being benched at the start of second half and promptly missed a jumpshot. She made up for it on the next possession as she was fouled on a drive to the basket and converted both free throws to give South Whidbey the lead. Senior guard Marina Kovic cut into an open lane and caught a pass from junior guard Ellie Greene for a clean layup to make it a two-basket game.

The Falcons were led by senior forward Jessica Manca. The senior co-captain fouled out halfway through the fourth quarter and watched South Whidbey win from the benches.