Brevard Flame Seek Defensive Spark Against Tampa

By  //  July 16, 2012

Squad Aims For Momentum Before Postseason

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – After claiming their first victory of the season in the Womens’ Blue Chip Basketball League a week ago, the Brevard Flame  tried to make it two wins in a row, but came up short 102-79 against league-leading Orlando Extreme in Orlando on Saturday.

The Brevard Flame women's semi--pro basketball squad will travel to face the Tampa X-Factor on Saturday. (Image by Bill Kelly)

The Flame’s defense had trouble all night with the Extreme’s taller shooters as Orlando drilled 15 three-point shots in an NBA-like performance against Brevard.

The Flame (1-7) had nipped the Florida Lady Knight Hawks of Jacksonville 90-87 at Melbourne Central Catholic High School July 7 for their first win of the season.

While Roselyn Burnett and Marshay White contributed most of Brevard’s offensive might, the Flame’s defense could not stop the torrid outside shooting from the Extreme.

Burnett and White have led the Flame for most of the season in scoring and that was the case again against Orlando, with White hitting 23 points and Burnett chipping in 19 in a losing cause.

Brevard coach Rueben Williams said he was hoping the Flame would carry their winning momentum to Orlando, but it never made the trip.

Flame coach Rueben Williams said this season has been a true learning experience for the women.

Marshay White led Brevard in scoring against Orlando with 23 points. (Image courtesy Brevard Flame)

“We have learned a lot about the talent in the league and about each other,” Williams said.

Williams said he feels the Flame could be hard to beat if they would step up on defense.

“We have averaged 70 points a game, but given up 88 a game,” he said.

The Flame will wrap up the regular season this Saturday night in Tampa with a matchup against the host X Factor.

Brevard fell to Tampa by 17 points in June at MCC.

“If we can play the tenacious defense like we did two weeks ago against the Knight Hawks we can do well,” Williams said. “We can surprise some people with more of a defensive effort from everyone.”

Despite finishing last in the conference, the Flame are eligible for the regional playoffs opening July 28 in Tampa.

Last year Brevard found itself in a similar position and won its first-round postseason game before falling in the playoff semifinals.