photo by Wesley Hallman

Oak Mountain High School senior Marisa Tomaszewski scores a basket in the Eagles' 48-27 win Dec. 22 over Pelham in the championship game of the Shelby County basketball tournament at Bank Trust Arena on the University of Montevallo campus.

Oak Mountain girls top Pelham in championship game

By Wesley Hallman (Contact) | Shelby County Reporter

Published Wednesday, December 23, 2009

MONTEVALLO — Oak Mountain High School girls’ basketball coach Donald Clayton sees the potential in senior forward Marisa Tomaszewski everyday in practice.

Clayton took pride as Tomaszewski’s potential was finally able to shine through on a big stage Tuesday night in the Shelby County basketball tournament at Bank Trust Arena on the University of Montevallo campus.

Tomaszewski scored a game-high 14 points, including 12 points in the decisive first half, as she led Oak Mountain to a 48-27 win over Pelham in the championship game.

Tomaszewski sparked a 15-3 run to close the first half and the Eagles (13-3) outscored the Panthers 21-9 in the second quarter in their 21-point victory.

“We haven’t been in many big games where (Marisa) has been able to put us on her back,” Clayton said. “I was glad for her to produce in a big game.”

Oak Mountain captured the tournament title for the first time since 2003. Julia Ferguson, Borden LeSieur and Caitlin Perry added seven points each. Clayton said Tomaszewski’s supporting cast also played a key role in the win.

“(Marisa) doesn’t get the ball if the others aren’t doing their job out there,” Clayton said.

Ally Slaughter and Lindsey Young led Pelham (11-4) with eight points each. Katelyn Speights added seven points.

Tomaszewski scored 12 points in the first half, while the Eagles held Pelham’s leading scorer, Slaughter, to only two points in the half.

Clayton said the 15-3 run in the second quarter couldn’t have come at a better time.

“The run was centered off our defense,” Clayton said. “We came up with our best basketball at the best time.”

Clayton said the win over Pelham, a Class 6A, Area 10 foe, gives the Eagles a ton of confidence.

“Pelham is without a doubt a great team,” Clayton said. “This is a great tournament.”

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