It wasn’t a high-scoring affair, but it rarely lacked drama.
Assumption needed a go-ahead three-pointer from sophomore Se’Rae Bundrent-Palmer to secure a 32-30 win over Frederick Douglass and a spot in the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Sweet Sixteen semifinals on Saturday.
“We hit the shot we needed to hit to win the game, and we figured out a way to win, and I am so proud of this team,” said Coach Caryn Kovatch, whose Rockets led by seven points late in the second quarter before falling behind by six points midway through the fourth quarter.
It was quite a changeup from the two teams’ previous meeting of the season in early December when the Rockets won by 32 points. This time they only managed to score 32 points in total.
After a costly turnover from Frederick Douglass senior Miaklee Bennett, Assumption got the ball with 57 seconds to go. Down by one, the Rockets needed a big play, and that is exactly what they got. Bundrent-Palmer nailed her second three of the game, giving them the lead for good.
“It started off rocky for me, I had to help my team out, as soon I got the pass, I just knew it was going in,” said Bundrent-Palmer, who scored seven points. “That is how your mentality has to be when you are a shooter … you have to know it’s already going in.”
Assumption (26-5) was led by Ashlinn James’ nine points and five rebounds.
Tamia Wade of Frederick Douglass led all scorers with 15 points.
Both teams made just 30% of their shot attempts in a back-and-forth game.
“We couldn’t get into a rhythm, but again, when we did, it was when it mattered,” Kovatch said.
The Rockets coach emphasized the motto worn on the backs of coaches and players, “Our family vs. Your team” as she talked about the large, loud crowd that came from Louisville to cheer on the Rockets, who knocked off five-time Sweet Sixteen champion Sacred Heart in the region tournament.
“We love our student section,” Kovatch said. “They came, they showed up, the support from Assumption community, our fan base, families is unreal.”
The fans play more of a role than simply sitting on the bleachers and watching, they add to the pressure and atmosphere of the game, she said. Assumption fans showed up sporting all-black outfits with signs and pink pom-poms to cheer on their team.
That energy translated to the court, where the Rockets continued their offensive pressure. Both teams battled evenly until the fourth quarter.
Assumption advanced to the semifinals on Saturday. It will face Taylor County at 11 a.m.
