Highland Bears finish in third place in Scottish First Division with impressive win

Highland Bears Under-16 girls team secured third place in the Scottish Women’s First Division as they defeated Caledonia Gladiators 79 – 61 in Inverness.

Highland opened the scoring through Emily Hill who scored 12 points during the match.

But the early home lead was soon whittled away by the Gladiators with their top player Sophie Heron scoring 16 points and finish the period 19-13 up.

Within seconds of second period opening the visitors hit their first of six three-pointers to stretch the lead but the Bears replied through the league’s top scorer, Grace Alexander, who went on a mission in this period scoring 17 of her overall outstanding 40 points.

Along with the tenacious defence of Ruth Mackay (4 points) and her perfect free-throw shooting in this period the visitors early confidence began to crumble.

When Bears Captain Charlotte Alexander (13 points) hit her own three pointer the home side took a short lead but Charlotte then rose to the occasion with inspirational dribbling and motivation to eventually retake the lead and go in at the half 44 – 34 up.

Yet again the visitors opened the third period with a three pointer to the delight of the travelling support but with the next nine baskets being traded equally the Bears sustained any early comeback though dominant defence work from Olivia Brechin. While young starlet Emily Seago and her intricate fast dibbling should have reaped far more rewards as she drove to the basket for 10 points.

Throughout the last period the Bears worked hard to ensure they kept possession and against a well organised and determined Gladiators team showed promise of what they need to produce going into the final four play-off tournament next month.

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