ISLE OF WIGHT
After trailing 8-4 early in the first quarter, the Isle of Wight Academy Lady Chargers shook off the rust and ultimately earned a 53-35 victory against Metro Conference basketball opponent Broadwater Academy.

The Lady Vikings found some early success against the Chargers early on in the match, building the 8-4 lead at the 5:46 mark in the first quarter. That score would last until a Brooke Olsavicky jumper broke the scoring drought two minutes later, bringing Isle of Wight within two.

Anna Sexauer of the Vikings broke the next scoring drought after being fouled on a drive to the basket. She connected on both free throws, making the score 10-6 at the 1:53 mark. Olsavicky answered on the other end 50 seconds later with a layup, which was followed by a Sexauer jump shot with about 30 seconds left to go.

Isle of Wight’s Gabriella Hooper quickly answered, making a layup at the 23.1 second mark and drawing the foul, making good on the and one opportunity.

The second quarter began with Hooper connecting on a floater in the lane. The score was 13-12, and the Lady Chargers never looked back.

The Chargers only allowed four points this quarter, two of them on free throws. They followed that up by allowing six in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Hooper went off for 15 of the Chargers 23 points in the second and third.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Chargers allowed 13 points, but that was mostly against Isle of Wight’s bench players. The bench, along with a few points from Hooper and Olsavicky in the opening minutes, put up 19 in the fourth.

Hooper ended the game leading all scorers with 24 points, while Olsavicky contributed 10. The Chargers bench combined for 12 points. Meanwhile, for the Vikings, Sexauer led the way with 19.

“You can tell it was the first game back after a break,” Head Coach Chris Hooper said. “We got tired at certain points, but they did a good job overall.

“I thought Gabriella did a good job distributing the ball tonight, and she tried to get everyone involved. Brooke did a good job scoring on her opportunities. Overall, I’m happy with the energy and effort.”

Hooper said the team needed to work on its conditioning and rebounding, but it was nothing he’d worry too much about after a 2 and a-half week vacation.

“I like this team,” he said. “They are a good group of girls who like each other and have a lot of fun. They are a joy to coach.”

Isle of Wight Academy improved to 3-1 at home. They are 5-5 on the season, and 2-2 in Metro Conference play. They next play at 5:30 p.m. against conference foe Alliance Christian Academy at home on Saturday.