South Shore wasn’t playing its best game, but it was definitely getting by. The Vikings held a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter with hopes that they could blow the game open.
Well, it did end up being a rout, but they weren’t the beneficiary.
Teaneck (N.J.) used a crushing 10-0 run in the fourth quarter to knock off South Shore, 52-35, in University High School’s Festival of the Phoenix girls basketball event Saturday at South Orange (N.J.) Middle School.
Vikings coach Anwar Gladden, who has been demanding more from his team – on the court and off it – since the preseason, was livid afterward, refusing to let any of his players speak to the media.
“We quit,” Gladden said. … “That’s the explanation of the game.”
South Shore senior guard Jasmine Odom had eight of her 15 points in the third quarter to keep the Vikings (6-3) neck and neck with the Highwaywomen (1-0). Junior guard Shelby Powell banked in a long jumper to give South Shore a 31-30 lead heading into the fourth.
But Jakelle King-Gilchrist knocked down a 3-pointer to start the final period that gave Teaneck a lead it would not relinquish. The junior followed with another basket and, after free throws by Jenice Winter and Odom, the Highwaywomen exploded for their long run. King-Gilchrist had four points in it, as did Rebecca Sparks.
“They played harder,” Gladden said. “We’re not gonna beat nobody if we quit. … They were playing harder than us from the beginning of the game.”
Winter had 10 points for South Shore, while King-Gilchrist led Teaneck with 12. Sparks had nine and Sydni Lester added eight for the Highwaywomen.
It’ll be awhile before the Vikings, who were coming off a good performance at the Breezy Bishop Showcase in Baltimore last weekend, get a chance to rebound. After a rocky holiday break last season, Gladden decided to forego any games non-league games during the upcoming stretch. South Shore won’t play again until Jan. 8 against Midwood.
“It’s just not a good time,” Gladden said.
Neither was the fourth quarter Saturday.
