Maxol WIT Wildcats got back to winning ways last Saturday in the Mercy Sports hall when they overcame Portlaoise Panthers 71-56. Wildcats were without their injured American star Katie Fox but captain Sinead Deegan who is recovering from her recent injury did see some court time. Wildcats also received a boost mid-week as Coach Mick Evans returned from his recent illness. The game started at a fast pace with Portlaoise taking an early lead 7-0 after 3 minutes. Wildcats settled into the game with Mel Stone swishing two of her four match 3-pointers. Portlaoise continued to find the net with ease and led 20-14 at the end of the first quarter. Wildcats had a good second quarter as WIT French student Marie Micoud was introduced hitting a big 3-pointer and tightening up on defence. Annie Fanning had a very good game with several wonderful assists to Helena Rohan and Cathy Kavanagh and Annie herself hit a 3-pointer to give Wildcats a six point lead at half-time 34-28.
A packed Mercy gym were treated to more exciting basketball in the third quarter as Wildcats extended their lead. American student Jazmen Boone had a powerful game and was a calming influence throughout with some wonderful steals and excellent baskets. Cathy Kavanagh continued to produce the fantastic form she is in this season, dominating the rebounds and her accurate shooting saw her finish as the game’s top scorer on 20 points. Wildcats led 51-42 heading into the final quarter. Mel Stone hit two more 3-pointers and Helena Rohan also finished in style as Wildcats ran out comfortable winners at the final buzzer. Next weekend Maxol WIT Wildcats travel to Limerick to take on the improving UL Huskies and will be hoping Katie Fox has recovered to help them in their pursuit of a top four league position.

AWARDS
A secial word of congratulations to Jazmen Boone who was voted Premier league player of the month in December for the second month in a row. Congratulations also to Wildcats captain Sinead Deegan who was the winner of the December Par Hotel, Waterford Sports Star award.