Late in the first quarter Nova seemed unstoppable.
But after senior captain Orianna Ellis suffered a broken nose injury and was taken to the hospital, the Titans saw a 23-8 first quarter lead turn into a two-point deficit at halftime. At the half Coach Hively told the players "let's win the battle on the boards. EVERYONE Needs to rebound!"
The Lady Titans responded. Jassany Williams stepped up with 13 rebounds and 8 blocks, Jr. guard April Carson snatched 10 rebounds as she took the post defense position in place of Ellis. It was a total team rebounding effort. The team rallied with chants of Oriana in the huddle. The Lady Titans stepped up big time for the fallen soldier.
Ellis did not play in the previous game in which the Titans lost in OT due to a calf strain and was questionnable for the game last night. She begged us to let her give it a go
to at least help the team to a decent lead. She is notorious for her relentless pressure at the top of the press.
I witnessed something on the court last night. Something I had never seen before. Ellis is standing there with bright red blood squirting all over the court and the floor and her clothes. Her nose bent into the shape of an "Z" and clearly broken. The trainer and staff are all around trying to access the situation. Her mother runs down from the stands to the court. Ellis is crying and stomping her feet. Coach Hively says "Try to calm down it's going to be ok." Ellis replies "Please coach, I just want to play."
I must admit, I was choked up. The absolute heart that Ellis posseses is embedded in her DNA and can't be taught.
This young woman is a TRUE Warrior. West Point Academy does not know what they are getting! Ellis goes all out for everything. She came to practice with the flu for 2 weeks and went full speed on every drill.
Jassany Williams realized the situation her team was in and she went into the phone booth and put on her cape! This was a win the the Lady Titans needed going into the New Year and Williams knew it. A Chance to be the 2nd Bracket Champions and end the 2009 year on a win was key.
Jassany Williams' led the Titans with 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks to a 65-58 victory over Gainesville Buchholz in the Aspire Elite Classic on Wednesday.
Clarissa Coddington added 13 points and four assists and Zachara Bailey scored 10
Williams was named to the All-Tournament team.
Williams was named to the All-Tournament team.
2009-2010 Nova Lady Titans
