Timber Creek girls beat Fossil Ridge, advance to playoffs

By Travis L. Brown

Special to the Star-Telegram

Ever since Keller Timber Creek established a varsity program in 2010-11, the girls basketball team has made the playoffs.

With a chance to go 3-for-3 with a victory Tuesday over Keller Fossil Ridge, senior guard Emily Spector would not be denied, leading Timber Creek to a 49-39 victory in a District 4-5A game at home.

"She's the one kid that won't let us lose," Timber Creek coach Tina Demichele said of Spector. "In the big games she calms everyone down."

As the third quarter began, Spector broke the 21-21 tie by hitting two field goals and a 3-pointer as part of a 13-3 run. The third period turned out to be the deciding factor as both teams finished 36-36 in the other three quarters.

"I hate losing as much as [Demichele] does and as you can tell she's a competitive coach," Spector said.

Both teams began the game with obvious jitters in the must-win game, committing a combined 19 turnovers in the first quarter.

Spector was vocal in her support of slowing down the offense and the calmer pace worked wonders for Timber Creek (19-13, 8-6 in 4-5A). Specter and teammate Tori Figaard finished with a game-high 14 points each.

Fossil Ridge (18-14, 7-7) had a more difficult time settling into the game and forced ill-advised shots, coach Stacy Henson said.

Timber Creek's third consecutive playoff appearance, as the fourth seed in 4-5A, begins by playing Arlington Bowie at 7 p.m. Monday at Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City.

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