Willamina's France hospitalized with head injury

WILLAMINA -- Sydney France, a senior guard for the Willamina girls basketball team, was hospitalized with a head injury suffered during the Bulldogs' Class 3A West Valley League game against Amity Monday night at the Willamina High School gymnasium.

France collided with Amity senior Lindsay McShane while attempting to corral a loose ball and hit her head on the gym floor. Play was stopped with 5 minutes, 47 seconds remaining in the game as France's teammates rushed to her aid. France was unable to stand on her own and began convulsing on the gym floor.

Emergency personnel present in the building tended to France on the court before members of the West Valley Fire District arrived with an ambulance. France was responsive during the ordeal, speaking with her father, Willamina High School principal Tim France, and others who attended to her.

Sydney France was taken by ambulance to Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, the News-Register learned, where she was being treated for a concussion. She posted a message to her Twitter account on Tuesday, thanking well-wishers.

thx for all the thoughts and prayers. you all rock 🤘🏽💛

— syd ☀️ (@sydneyyfrance) February 2, 2016

The Bulldogs and Warriors resumed play after France, strapped to a backboard, was transported out of the gym. Amity led 41-40 when play was stopped, and the Warriors would go on to defeat Willamina, 53-50.