Hawks lose to Union and Manti, but come back with win over No. Sevier
Matt Harris
Staff writer
12-15-2016
MT. PLEASANT—The Lady Tigers are officially rolling.
Last week’s dominant performances on both sides of the ball cemented a 4-0 mark to begin the season for the Wasatch Academy girls basketball team, who have their best start in school history. Wasatch systematically dismantled Providence Hall, Green River, and Grantsville in a four-day period between Tuesday and Friday, 70-50, 78-40, and 67-55.
By far the star of the season so far is junior Manu Oliviera, who is averaging 23.8 points per game. Oliviera lit up last week, with Vanessa Medina playing a strong sidekick role, averaging 15.8 points per game.
The Lady Tigers built a consistent lead over Providence Hall in the second half. Both quarters of the half were 18-11 offensive outputs in Wasatch’s favor. The downpour began in the third quarter. The Lady Tigers outscored the Lady Patriots 25-9 to build a 30-point lead that Providence Hall could only dig so far out of. Oliviera lit up for 29 points on the night, followed by 19 points from junior Mari Zanelatto. Medina did not play.
The same result occurred in the Tigers’ game against Green River; only the result was even more dominant. A game never in doubt saw Wasatch build a 16-point lead into halftime, and then blow out the Lady Pirates 20-4 in the third to run away with the win. The game featured a balanced offensive attack, with Medina leading the way for 26 points, Zanelatto netting 18, Oliviera getting 17 points, and junior Kysha Barbel contributing another 12.
Grantsville presented a greater challenge than Wasatch had so far faced this season, with the Cowgirls entering the matchup undefeated so far on the season. All their hype faded quickly when Wasatch held a 25-12 lead in the first quarter.
Grantsville showed resolve by fighting back in the next two quarters, turning Wasatch’s 13-point lead into just five heading into the fourth quarter. Wasatch’s dynamic offense held the Cowgirls at bay in the end to preserve a 12-point victory.
Oliviera exploded all over Grantsville for 36 points. Zanelatto and Medina backed up Oliviera’s fantastic play with 15 and 10 points, respectively.
With the Christmas break approaching and no tournament invites, the Wasatch girls will not play again until January.
