Allie McGinn’s huge box out with two seconds left in the game gave room for Nyema Lindsay to snatch the final rebound and help Staten Island Academy record a huge 55-54 win over Archbishop Molloy, a CHSAA AA team, Sunday at home.
The win helped the Tigers improve to 15-6.
“This was a phenomenal win for our program," said SIA coach Ali Ryan. “The girls never quit and even after we made some mistakes in the fourth quarter we stuck with it to pull out the victory against an AA school. When push came to shove, our three captains(Ashley Schmitt, McGinn and Lindsay) stepped up big.
"McGinn and Schmitt were given the assignment of guarding Molloy’s two best players, holding them to eight and 13 points, respectively.
Schmitt led SIA with 14 points, while McGinn and Nyema Lindsay split 20 points. McGinn also grabbed seven rebounds.
The Tigers had a nine-point lead at the half, but Molloy inched back in the game as the Tigers struggled from the foul line.
Freshmen Saran Moschella and Abbey Lindsey had nine points apiece, while Brooklyn SanFelippo gave the Tigers a first-half spark that helped boost SIA’s lead.
The Tigers hit the road on Wednesday for a game against Immaculate Conception of N.J.
Moore Catholic 68, St. Joseph Hill 53
Thirteen proved to be a lucky number for the Mavericks, who finished the CHSAA regular season 13-0 with the win on the road Thursday.
Amber Abusbeih (18 points), Hailey Hospodarek (17 points), Jordan Welle (13 points) and Alyssa Polemeni (13 points) scored in double figures for the winners.
Freshmen Cierra Elhamalawy and Theresa Hospodarek played great defense and dominated the boards. Deanna Koppie, Alanna Bosco and Fife Bilewu also contributed in the victory.
“We kept it close in the first half and were lucky to be only trailing 28-27 at halftime,” said Moore coach Gene Henderson, whose team improved to 21-3 overall. “Hill always comes ready to play. Jimmy (Hill coach Jim Garin) does a great job with his team. Luckily we regrouped at halftime and outscored Hill, 41-25, in the second half.”
Christena Armento and Gianna Aquesta had 16 points each for Hill.
“We have played a tough schedule and have now won eight games in a row,” said Henderson. “Our girls did an outstanding job during the regular season. I am very happy and proud with everything they have accomplished.”
The Mavs, seeded first in the postseason, open the playoffs at home vs. Kennedy Catholic on Feb. 29 at noon.
Moore Catholic 64, St Edmund 42
Welle (20 points) and Abusbeih (17 points) led the way for the Mavericks in the CHSAA road game Wednesday in Brooklyn.
Alanna Bosco chipped in eight points in the victory.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea 67, Kennedy Catholic 56
SOMERS, N.Y. -- Ashley Marrocco poured in 26 points and Victoria Tritto added 17 as the Vikings won the CHSAA game Saturday.
Sea improved to 10-2 in the league and 16-5 overall.
Jamie Strahm also netted 11 in the win.
“Kennedy was very sharp in the first half and we made a ton of mistakes that they capitalized on," said Viking coach Josh Suslak. "Luckily, for us, Marrocco was able to keep us in the game with an incredible first half offensively. We cleaned some things up and played the type of basketball we know we are capable of late in the game to help seal the win. Tough league game very far away on the road but I’m proud of our girls effort and poise they showed in the second half to pick up a victory.”
Sea 67, Notre Dame Academy 41
Victoria Tritto (seven rebounds) sank seven three-pointers en route to a 23-point effort and Mackenzie Iannici contributed a career-high 21 points as the Vikings won the league game Wednesday at home.
Marrocco added 15 points, while Nicolette Smith had a balanced game with five points, six rebounds and eight assists.
“Great league win at home for us late in the season which helped us lock in our spot as the 2 seed for the upcoming CHSAA playoffs," said Suslak. "Our girls were very hyped for this matchup and they came out strong and ready from the tip.
"Sophomore Iannici has been acclimating better to the varsity level as of late and this breakout game should do a lot to improve her confidence. Tritto had a career game and has worked incredibly hard to reach her potential as a player. Knowing her so well makes seeing a performance like this from her very rewarding.”