FORT MOORE, Ga. –
The Marine Corps women kept Navy in hand Thursday to win the first consolation game at the Armed Forces Basketball Championship.
The Marine Corps defeated Navy 67-58.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chris Madden, coach of the Marine women’s team, said he was happy for the women on the team.
“Today’s the first time in a long time that we’ve finished anywhere other than fourth,” Madden said.
“Maybe that’s not what we wanted but it’s a great outcome, nonetheless. It’s something to build on.”
Capt. Briana Allen, stationed at the University of South Carolina, scored 26 points to lead the Corps. Cpl. Aeronisha Jefferson, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, scored 11, with nine points coming off of three pointers.
Lt. j.g. Ariana Henderson, stationed at Naval Air Station North Island, California, scored 18 points to lead Navy.
Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Syreeta Bromfield, the head coach of the Navy women’s basketball team, said she hoped the Navy women could grow as a result of their tournament efforts.
“When things are not going the way you want it to go, how are you going to get out of it? You don’t feel sorry for yourself, because the Marines are not going to feel sorry for you,” she said.
The second consolation game featured the men of Army and the Marine Corps.
The Marine Corps led much of the first half, but Army pushed hard and tied 38-38 with 2:44 left in the half. Army led 44-42 at the break and extended its lead in the second half to win, 95-86.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Wayne Wolcott, coach of the Army men’s team, said he couldn’t be more happy for his Soldiers.
“Obviously, you want to go out on a positive note,” he said. The team veterans played hard and left everything on the court, he said.
“We won four games, which was an improvement from last year, when we only won one,” Wolcott said.
Capt. Brandon Mitchell, coach of the Marines, said he was proud of the way his team grew and stuck together.
After the game, he said the team was enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal prepared by his mother, who lives nearby.