Slow starts spelled doom for the Oxford varsity girls basketball team in their losses last season.
Another slow start against Brandon on Friday, Dec. 3 equaled defeat as the Wildcats lost to the Blackhawks 35-29 in their opening game of the season.
Oxford found itself down 14-4 by the end of the first quarter and by halftime Brandon had pushed the lead to 16, 24-8.
‘Brandon came out with more energy on the boards and in going for loose balls than we did, and that allowed them to gain confidence,? varsity basketball head coach Al Poynter said.
The second half was a different story. Oxford was able to clamp down on the defense end and hold Brandon to 11 total second half points.
But their comeback fell short.
‘We came out with energy in the second half and got them on their heels, but we just couldn’t get the key score or free throw when we had to have it,? Poynter said.
Junior Michelle Gilmore led the Wildcats with nine points.
Despite the loss, Poynter was proud of how his girls fought back and was optimistic his team could learn from this.
‘We have to use this as a positive learning experience for our young team and bounce back in a big way next week,? he added.
Oxford plays at home against Waterford Lady of the Lakes on Tuesday, Dec. 7 and on Friday, Dec. 10 at Romeo.