Sumner Newscow report — Wellington girls basketball team defeated Circle 54-44 Tuesday in front of loud and packed gym.  This was the last game to be played in the Circle High School gym and the home crowd showed up in full force.

“Our girls knew this would be a very difficult task tonight,” said Eric Adams, Wellington head coach. “We talked about that in the locker room following the game. This team just keeps coming at you for four quarters and the result

is winning a lot of games that come down to the last four minutes of the game.”

With the win, Wellington improved its overall record to 12-7 and have won 10 of its last 12 contest.  

Adams said nerves did get the best of Wellington last night to start the game.

Turnovers and fouls were a problem all quarter but the Lady Dukes would settle in and take a 28-23 lead at half. Wellington would create problems for Circle in the third quarter with its defensive intensity holding the Thunderbirds to 6 points in the third quarter to expand the lead.

The fourth quarter went back and forth with the Crusaders able to hit free throws down the stretch to secure the game.

Lauryn Snipes continued her torrid pace scoring 24 points.  Sophomore Tayland French filled up the stat sheet with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocked shots.

“Tayland has really picked her game up the second half of the season,” Adams said. “The freshman point guard had an overall good floor game.”

Adams scored 6 points to go with three assists.  Taylor Zimmerman continues to battle the boards as Zimmerman had eight rebounds to go with 4 points.

Peyton Adams hit some timely treys and ended the night with 6 points.

Freshman Shayland French ended the night with 3 points and four rebounds.

Wellington will close out the regular season at home on Thursday night versus Clearwater.  Seniors will be honored between the girls and boys game.

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