Tournament MVP Shariona Blocker converted nine of 10 fourth-quarter free throws and finished with 21 points as the East High girls basketball team defeated host Gates-Chili, 50-40 in the finals of the 2018 Christmas Tournament.
Blocker collected five rebounds, four steals and four assists to help East to its fourth win in the last five games. The sophomore is averaging 16.78 points per game and leads East with 25 assists and 35 steals on the season.
“She’s got a chance to play at the next level,” said first-year head coach Tim Jackson. “She defends really well.”
All-Tournament team member Shanique Simms added 16 points for the Eagles.
“It’s good to see,” Jackson said of the recent success. “Hopefully we keep working hard this year. You can see the potential. That’s what excites me.”
Miriam Ibezim paced the hosts with 20 points.
After dropping their first four games of the season, East improved to 4-5 with the two wins in the tournament.
Congrats to Coach Jackson and @GoEastEagles @EastEpo girls varsity basketball team for winning this years Gates Chili Tourney hosted by @GCSDSpartans. Great tournament!! We will be back next year. Thanks PI for having us again this year. #weseetheprogress pic.twitter.com/NEQvDHmvVK
— East Athletics (@GoEastEagles) December 29, 2018
Tanasia Williams led East with eight rebounds to go with two points and four assists. Sophomore Makayla McCorker grabbed seven boards, blocked six shots and scored five points for the Eagles. She is averaging more than eight rebounds per game nearly three blocks.
Daniqua Spann had six points, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
“It’s starting to come,” said Jackson. “I am proud of these girls and the way they hung in there. They were excited to win.”
Jackson came to East after coaching the Clyde-Savannah boys’ program for seven years. His teams won three Section V titles during the tenure ate Clyde.
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