Raylee Fuller drives to basket in Oneida game in tournament game played in Harriman.(Photo:GaryBolden)

Lady Bulldogs Fall to Oneida

February 1, 2022

Harriman, TN -- Spring City Middle girls's basketball team put up a valiant effort but could not overcome an early deficit as they lost in post season tournament in Harriman to a very good Oneida team. Lady Bulldogs were down 35-18 entering the final quarter, but did not give up. A 15-6 margin in their favor gave team hope, but just ran out of time. Jenna Burchard and Maddie Neal led the fourth quarter surge with 8 and 5 points respectively, but the whole team was part of the comeback with lot of hustle plays on defense and offense. Final score was 41-33, but in some ways this felt like a win. Not only was the game a comeback, but the season was much like the game. This team began with very little experience and a lack of skilled shooting. With new coach Hope Roberts leading the way, the team improved over the year and finished a much better team. They became more assertive on offense and defense. They finished second in the conference to Tellico, which was an accomplishment.

In the game Jenna Burchard and Maddie Neal led the way with 14 and 12 points, much as they had all season. Also scoring for Lady Bulldogs were Raylee Fuller 3, Emree harris 2 and Jaslyn Butler 2. Also suited up for Spring City were Mia Swafford, Taylor Lambeth, Gracyn Berry, Abby Roberts, Zoe Reese and Korie Lawson.

The Lady Bulldogs opened up the tournament with 37-11 win over Springdale. Scoring for Spring City were: Jenna Burchard 19, Maddie Neal 10, Raylee Fuller 6, and Emree Harris 2.

Coach Hope Roberts said, "I am very proud of these girls. Having to replace four starters from last year's team wasn't easy, but they got in the gym and put in the work that was needed to be done. The season started out a little rough, but they showed resilience and grew as individual players and as a team."