http://www.nj.com/hssports/blog/girlsbasketball/index.ssf/2011/04/all-state_all-group_and_all-area_girls_basketball_selections.html

All-State, All-Group, All-Prep and All-Area girls basketball selections

Published: Sunday, April 03, 2011, 5:00 AM

By Star-Ledger Staff
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ALL-STATE

FIRST TEAMBriyona Canty, Trenton Catholic
Syessence Davis, Neptune
Shakena Richardson, Neptune
Aliyyah Handford, Shabazz
Danaejah Grant, Piscataway

SECOND TEAM
Michaela Mabrey, Manasquan
Jackie Kates, St. John Vianney
Jasmine Martin, Timber Creek
Brianne Traub, Eastern Christian
Sarah Halejian, Ramapo

THIRD TEAM
Jasmine Jackson, Old Bridge
Amber Thompson, University
Jakelle King-Gilchrist, Teaneck
Kelly Hughes, Point Pleasant Boro
Raquel Scott, Immaculate Heart

ALL-GROUP 4

FIRST TEAMDanaejah Grant, Piscataway
Jasmine Jackson, Old Bridge
Lisa Rovatsos, Bayonne
Christa Evans, Jackson
Natalya Lee, Rancocas Valley

SECOND TEAM
Erika Brown, Paterson Kennedy
Jess Pellechio, North Hunterdon
Tierra Johnson, Edison
Kyra Dayon, Trenton
Marie Boisvert, Cherry Hill East

THIRD TEAM
Linda Hamilton, East Orange Campus
Janitza Aquino, Kearny
Jess Venturelli, Bridgewater-Raritan
Loren Kaiser, Phillipsburg
Gabby Jackson, Columbia

ALL-GROUP 3

FIRST TEAMSyessence Davis, Neptune
Shakena Richardson, Neptune
Jasmine Martin, Timber Creek
Sarah Halejian, Ramapo
Jakelle King-Gilchrist, Teaneck

SECOND TEAM
Shayna Ericksen, West Morris
Leanna Tallamy, High Point
Chyna Golden, Neptune
Meghan McGuinness, Middletown South
Amanda Berntsen, Chatham

THIRD TEAM
Caroline Barberi, Somerville
Gabrielle Valmon, Manchester Twp.
Laura Flannery, Warren Hills
Jasmine Lytle, New Brunswick
Alexis Johnson, Hamilton

ALL-GROUP 2

FIRST TEAMAliyyah Handford, Shabazz
Michaela Mabrey, Manasquan
Kelly Hughes, Point Pleasant Boro
Alyesha Lovett, Shabazz
Kelsey Haycook, Point Pleasant Boro

SECOND TEAM
Zaire O’Neil, Shabazz
Krista LaRezza, Pascack Hills
Samantha Tabakman, Pequannock
Monica Burch, Sterling
Miller Hartsoe, Voorhees

THIRD TEAM
Ashley Cooper, Rumson
Kate Brock, River Dell
Bianca Partlow, Roselle
Katelynn Flaherty, Manasquan
Samantha DeFreese, New Milford

ALL-GROUP 1

FIRST TEAMAmber Thompson, University
Laura Gregory, New Providence
Meghan Nowak, Gateway
Andrea Innis, Secaucus
Kaitlyn Cresencia, New Providence

SECOND TEAM
Brittney Sykes, University
Olivia Dudley, Whippany Park
Emily Bausher, New Egypt
Shannon Waters, Secaucus
Jess Kiernan, Belvidere

THIRD TEAM
Taneequa Hester, Weequahic
Jess Brown, Haddon Twp.
Anna Lies, Dayton
Lauren Romao, Point Pleasant Beach
Lavon Childress, Paulsboro

ALL-NON-PUBLIC

FIRST TEAMBriyona Canty, Trenton Catholic
Jackie Kates, St. John Vianney
Brianne Traub, Eastern Christian
Raquel Scott, Immaculate Heart
Dominique Vitalis, Gill St. Bernard’s

SECOND TEAM
Melissa Tobie, Roselle Catholic
Sam Clark, St. Rose
Miah Register, Trenton Catholic
Samantha Guastella, Red Bank Catholic
Katie O’Reilly, St. John Vianney

THIRD TEAM
Antoinette Blake, Marist
Olivia Gorczynski, Cardinal McCarrick
Missy Repoli, St. John Vianney
Jeane Drury, Morris Catholic
Starr Breedlove, DePaul

ALL-PREP

FIRST TEAMTemi Fagbenle, Blair
Karima Gabriel, Peddie
Shania Earle, Blair
Jacquie Pizzuto, Rutgers Prep
Janie Smukler, Princeton Day

SECOND TEAM
Nicole Lem, Blair
Cari Jenkins, Lawrenceville
Ashley Ravelli, Hun
Marvadene Anderson, Rutgers Prep
Tiffany Patterson, Princeton Day

THIRD TEAM
Johanna Johnson, Hun
Tatham Dilks, Peddie
Marie Byrnes, Rutgers Prep
Amber Bowman, Stuart Day
Jessica Ratner, Pennington

ALL-SENIOR

FIRST TEAM
Briyona Canty, Trenton Catholic
Syessence Davis, Neptune
Shakena Richardson, Neptune
Jasmine Martin, Timber Creek
Jackie Kates, St. John Vianney

SECOND TEAM
Brianne Traub, Eastern Christian
Amber Thompson, University
Sarah Halejian, Ramapo
Jasmine Jackson, Old Bridge
Melissa Tobie, Roselle Catholic

THIRD TEAM
Leanna Tallamy, High Point
Alyesha Lovett, Shabazz
Katie O’Reilly, St. John Vianney
Christa Evans, Jackson
Samantha Guastella, Red Bank Catholic

ALL-JUNIOR

FIRST TEAM
Aliyyah Handford, Shabazz
Danaejah Grant, Piscataway
Michaela Mabrey, Manasquan
Jakelle King-Gilchrist, Teaneck
Raquel Scott, Immaculate Heart

SECOND TEAM
Lisa Rovatsos, Bayonne
Shayna Ericksen, West Morris
Dominique Vitalis, Gill St. Bernard’s
Natalya Lee, Rancocas Valley
Jess Pellechio, North Hunterdon

THIRD TEAM
Sam Clark, St. Rose
Brittney Sykes, University
Alexis Johnson, Hamilton
Tierra Johnson, Edison
Amanda Berntsen, Chatham

ALL-SOPHOMORE/FRESHMEN

FIRST TEAMKelly Hughes, Point Pleasant Boro, Soph.
Zaire O’Neil, Shabazz, Fr.
Jade Walker, DePaul, Soph.
Loren Kaiser, Phillipsburg, Soph.
Katelynn Flaherty, Manasquan, Fr.

SECOND TEAM
Erika Brown, Paterson Kennedy, Soph.
Caroline Barberi, Somerville, Soph.
Micahya Owens, Willingboro, Soph.
Teana Muldrow, East Orange Campus, Soph.
Lauren Moses, Rancocas Valley, Fr.

THIRD TEAM
Megan O’Reilly, Old Tappan, Soph.
Melanie Lockett, Holy Angels, Soph.
Hannah Missry, Jackson, Soph.
Myisha Hines-Allen, Montclair, Soph.
Aliyah Huland-El, Randolph, Fr.

ALL-BERGEN

FIRST TEAMSarah Halejian, Ramapo
Jakelle King-Gilchrist, Teaneck
Raquel Scott, Immaculate Heart
Jaclyn Jerkovich, Holy Angels
Krista LaRezza, Pascack Hills

SECOND TEAM
Melanie Lockett, Holy Angels
Chelsea Lombardi, Pascack Valley
Megan O’Reilly, Old Tappan
Kate Brock, River Dell
Tara Wilk, Immaculate Heart

THIRD TEAM
Kelcey Castro, Lodi Immaculate
Samantha DeFreese, New Milford
Samantha Wilkes, Immaculate Heart
Erin Moore, Hackensack
Rebecca Sparks, Teaneck

ALL-ESSEX

FIRST TEAMAliyyah Handford, Shabazz
Amber Thompson, University
Alyesha Lovett, Shabazz
Brittney Sykes, University
Zaire O’Neil, Shabazz

SECOND TEAM
Gabby Jackson, Columbia
Linda Hamilton, East Orange Campus
Blair Landolfi, Montclair Kimberley
Teana Muldrow, East Orange Campus
Joanna McAllister, St. Vincent

THIRD TEAM
Kyra Hines-Allen, Montclair
Taneequa Hester, Weequahic
Maria Simmons, Irvington
Randi-Jo Farrell, Mount St. Dominic
Delisha Thompson, East Orange Campus

ALL-HUDSON

FIRST TEAMJanitza Aquino, Kearny
Antoinette Blake, Marist
Andrea Innis, Secaucus
Lisa Rovatsos, Bayonne
Ashley Vazzona, North Bergen

SECOND TEAM
Breanna Bey, Lincoln
Tara Flynn, Bayonne
Diane Forker, Holy Family
Bria Smith, St. Dominic
Tamara Tyre, Snyder

THIRD TEAM
Nicole Cerqueira, Harrison
Angela Estrada, Union City
Ashley Heredia, North Bergen
Kerrie Kosakowski, Bayonne
Shannon Waters, Secaucus

ALL-MIDDLESEX

FIRST TEAMDanaejah Grant, Piscataway
Jasmine Jackson, Old Bridge
Liz Sharlow, Bishop Ahr
Tierra Johnson, Edison
Olivia Gorczynski, Cardinal McCarrick

SECOND TEAM
Sydney Ransom, Cardinal McCarrick
Jasmine Lytle, New Brunswick
Jasmine Walker, North Brunswick
Alex Nardoza, Woodbridge
Jordyn Stanley, Woodbridge

THIRD TEAM
Lexi Born, Cardinal McCarrick
LaRhonda Womack, South Plainfield
Rachel Groom, Edison
Elise Roughan, East Brunswick
Jocelyn Summers, Highland Park

ALL-MONMOUTH

FIRST TEAMSyessence Davis, Neptune
Shakena Richardson, Neptune
Michaela Mabrey, Manasquan
Jackie Kates, St. John Vianney
Samantha Clark, St. Rose

SECOND TEAM
Samantha Guastella, Red Bank Catholic
Katie O’Reilly, St. John Vianney
Missy Repoli, St. John Vianney
Chyna Golden, Neptune
Kasey Chambers, St. Rose

THIRD TEAM
Ashley Cooper, Rumson
Katelynn Flaherty, Manasquan
Arron Zimmerman, St. John Vianney
Meghan McGuinness, Middletown South
Nicole Isaacs, Rumson

ALL-MORRIS

FIRST TEAMShayna Ericksen, West Morris
Amanda Berntsen, Chatham
Jeane Drury, Morris Catholic
Samantha Tabakman, Pequannock
Olivia Dudley, Whippany Park

SECOND TEAM
Danni Brown, Morris Catholic
Kelsey Hart, Chatham
Cassie Flaherty, Jefferson
Sammy Lapszynski, Jefferson
Jen Jarvis, Morris Knolls

THIRD TEAM
Annie Esposito, Hanover Park
Katie Reese, Mountain Lakes
Kayla Picinich, Parsippany
Aliyah Huland-El, Randolph
Kerri Clifford, Villa Walsh

ALL-OCEAN

FIRST TEAMKelly Hughes, Point Pleasant Boro
Christa Evans, Jackson
Kelsey Haycook, Point Pleasant Boro
Gabrielle Valmon, Manchester Twp.
Jackie Caravella, Brick Memorial

SECOND TEAM
Hannah Missry, Jackson
Kendal Kauffman, Toms River North
Emily Bausher, New Egypt
Heather Tice, Central Reg.
Shaniece Hardy, Brick

THIRD TEAMEmily Kunzman, Toms River East
Miaja Coursey, Pinelands
Kelly Milana, Msgr. Donovan
Lauren Romao, Point Pleasant Beach
Kerry Malleck, Point Pleasant Boro

ALL-PASSAIC

FIRST TEAMBrianne Traub, Eastern Christian
Starr Breedlove, DePaul
Jade Walker, DePaul
Erika Brown, Paterson Kennedy
Kylla Champagne, Paterson Kennedy

SECOND TEAM
Sierra McDuffie, Passaic Tech
Nickolette Driesse, Wayne Hills
Nikia Richardson, Passaic Tech
Kimmy Bachmann, Lakeland
Carly Veenstra, Eastern Christian

THIRD TEAM
Laura Shakiri, Wayne Valley
Rachel Martin, DePaul
Alisha Brown, Paterson Kennedy
Bailey Ott, Pompton Lakes
Sam Litzky, Wayne Hills

ALL-SOMERSET

FIRST TEAMDominique Vitalis, Gill St. Bernard’s
Jess Venturelli, Bridgewater-Raritan
Bridget Ryan, Mount St. Mary
Amy Park, Watchung Hills
Caroline Barberi, Somerville

SECOND TEAM
Emily Damstrom, Pingry
Denisha Petty-Evans, Bridgewater-Raritan
Linnett Graber, Gill St. Bernard’s
Alexandra Suk, Immaculata
Shalette Brown, Franklin

THIRD TEAM
Brielle Macellara, Watchung Hills
Karolina Meisenbacher, Mount St. Mary
Amanda McHenry, Somerville
Kristina Vangeli, Hillsborough
Bridget O’Donnell, Montgomery

ALL-SOUTH JERSEY

FIRST TEAMBriyona Canty, Trenton Catholic
Jasmine Martin, Timber Creek
Natalya Lee, Rancocas Valley
Monica Burch, Sterling
Meghan Nowak, Gateway

SECOND TEAM
Marie Boisvert, Cherry Hill East
Queen-Tiye Jackson, Trenton Catholic
Miah Register, Trenton Catholic
Kyra Dayon, Trenton
Alexis Johnson, Hamilton

THIRD TEAM
Kelly Williams, Hopewell Valley
Jess Brown, Haddon Twp.
Micahya Owens, Willingboro
Lavon Childress, Paulsboro
Brittany Snow, Seneca

Andrew Mills/The Star-LedgerAlyssa Polimeni of Gov. Livingston is a First Team All-Union County selection by The Star-Ledger in 2010-11.

ALL-UNION

FIRST TEAMMelissa Tobie, Roselle Catholic
Bianca Partlow, Roselle
Alyssa Polimeni, Gov. Livingston
Kaitlyn Cresencia, New Providence
Laura Gregory, New Providence

SECOND TEAM
Aysia Peterson, Scotch Plains
Kate Marino, Summit
Kerry Moran, Oak Knoll
Jessica McCoy, Cranford
Shannon Wheeler, Linden

THIRD TEAMKristy Pflug, Johnson
Erin McDonnell, Kent Place
Haneah Jackson, Benedictine
Anna Lies, Dayton
Marcia Senatus, Roselle Catholic

ALL-WEST JERSEY
FIRST TEAMLeanna Tallamy, High Point
Jess Pellechio, North Hunterdon
Miller Hartsoe, Voorhees
Loren Kaiser, Phillipsburg
Laura Flannery, Warren Hills

SECOND TEAMAlissa Tarsi, North Hunterdon
Nicole Hull, High Point
Michelle Foreman, Hunterdon Central
Casey Cressbaugh, Sparta
Lexi Breheny, Pope John

THIRD TEAM
Sarah Kayal, Hackettstown
Mallory Costello, Vernon
Jess Kiernan, Belvidere
Nicole Calella, Kittatinny
Kelsey Murray, Wallkill Valley

http://www.nj.com/hssports/blog/girlsbasketball/index.ssf/2011/04/post_2.html

Union County girls basketball season in review, 2010-11

Published: Sunday, April 03, 2011, 4:30 AM

By Chris Orlando/For The Star-Ledger
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Noah K. Murray/The Star-LedgerMelissa Tobie of Roselle Catholic is The Star-Ledger's Union County Player of the Year for 2010-11.

Player of the year: Despite being the lone returning starter from last year’s team, Melissa Tobie of Roselle Catholic wasn’t dismayed at this year’s prospects in the slightest.

“I knew there would be pressure but I just had to embrace it,” said Tobie, a senior forward. “We had a lot of underclassmen who I knew were talented. I was really excited for this season to begin.”

And, as it turns out, for good reason.

Tobie, a three-year starter, concluded her senior season in style, averaging 19.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 steals, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks in leading Roselle Catholic to a 24-5 record and the school’s third straight Union County Tournament championship.

Tobie, who totaled 52 of her team’s 114 points in three UCT games, had a game-high 20 points in Roselle Catholic’s 33-26 victory over Gov. Livingston in the county final at Kean University in Union on Feb. 27.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” said Tobie, of the UCT three-peat. “And it’s all about teamwork. I’ve been lucky that I have teammates who always give me the ball in a good spot.”

Tobie averaged 9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds a year ago playing alongside Allison Skrec, who earned her second straight Union County Player of the Year award as a senior last winter. Allison Skrec, the daughter of head coach Joe Skrec, is currently a freshman at Manhattan College.

“Last year I was playing more along the perimeter,” said Tobie. “But I definitely had
more opportunities to go inside this year. I worked more on my moves in the post and felt very comfortable taking shots there.”

Tobie, who led the county with 552 points this year, surpassed the 1,000-point milestone on March 3 during a 19-point, 10-rebound effort in Roselle Catholic’s 51-40 victory over Paramus Catholic in the North Jersey, Non-Public A quarterfinals.

Tobie finished with 1,016 career points, and is the third leading girls scorer in school history behind Allison Skrec (1,338) and 1999 graduate Schrene Isadora (1,267).

Tobie, who will attend Montclair State next year, earned high praise from her coach.

“Melissa was the best basketball player in Union County this season,” said Skrec. “She was one of the most coachable players we’ve had at Roselle Catholic in my 15 years.

“She was already a pretty good basketball player when she walked through the doors, but Melissa was incredibly motivated and worked extremely hard every year, every off-season and every practice to become a better player.”

Coach of the year: In his 14th year at the helm, Dave Rennie guided Dayton to a 20-7 mark and a berth in the semifinals of the Union County Tournament.

Rennie, who now owns a record of 205-132 at the Springfield school, saw his team earn the 12th seed for the UCT. There, it defeated 13th-seeded Union Catholic, fifth-seeded Oak Knoll and fourth-seeded Cranford before bowing to top-seeded Roselle Catholic in the semifinals.

Leading the way for Rennie were juniors Jen Kuczynski (13.5 ppg., 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.6 assists, 1.6 blocks), Anna Lies (13.4 ppg., 6.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals) and Emily MacDonnell (13.3 ppg., 2.7 assists) and sophomores Heather Fritzen (4.6 ppg.), Lea Ginefra (4.0 ppg.) and Allie Weber (3.0 ppg.).

Dayton finished tied with Kent Place for the Union County Conference’s Valley Division championship with identical 13-1 marks.

In the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 quarterfinals, Dayton played one of its best games of the season taking the eventual Group 1 state champion, New Providence, to overtime before suffering a 44-36 defeat.

“We were able to achieve our goal of winning the conference title, reached the semifinals of the county tournament and played really well against New Providence,” said Rennie. “It was a satisfying season for us.”

Team of the year: After winning the Union County Tournament for the third straight season, Roselle Catholic earns this award once again.

Coach Joe Skrec, in his 15th season in charge, guided his team to a school-best 24-5 mark, besting last year’s 23-3 record.

Skrec, who owns a career record of 237-131, led top-seeded Roselle Catholic to a 33-26 victory over third-seeded Gov. Livingston, 33-26, in the UCT final to become the first school since Elizabeth in 1997 to win three
straight county crowns.

Skrec, who also led Roselle Catholic to its first county title in 2003, watched his team claim the Union County Conference’s Watchung Division title with a 13-1 mark.

In addition to the Union County Player of the Year, Melissa Tobie, Roselle Catholic received outstanding contributions from seniors Brittany Baker (9.2 ppg., 7.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals), Betina Petit (2.2 points, 1.0 steals) and sophomores Marcia Senatus (10.6 ppg., 2.4 assists, 1.9 steals) and Niavanni Grant (3.1 ppg.). Freshmen Tori Pozsonyi and Kate Tobie and sophomore Danielle Franklin also provided valuable minutes during the winter.

After suffering its first loss of the season to Morris Catholic, 49-48, on Dec. 31, Roselle Catholic won its next 15 straight games before going through a three-game losing streak. It then won its next five games before its season concluded with a loss to DePaul in the North Jersey, Non-Public A semifinals.

Reaching new heights: Gov. Livingston, led by junior guard Alyssa Polimeni (11.5 ppg., 5.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 3.4 steals, 99 free throws) forged a 19-6 mark and reached the UCT final for the first time since 1992.

Gov. Livingston, guided by fourth-year head coach Andy Silvagni, earned three victories in four chances against rival New Providence, including a 47-37 decision in the UCT semifinals.

Other key players for the Berkeley Heights school were junior guard Sam Dowling (8.1 ppg., 60 3-pointers), sophomore forwards Mallory George (7.7 ppg., 6.8 rebounds) and Erin Ferguson (6.9 ppg., 7.5 rebounds), junior forward Becca Johnson (5.0 ppg.) and senior guards Deb Kapilow (4.0 ppg.) and Kim Osieja (4.0 ppg.).

New Providence redux: It’s rare when a sequel surpasses the original, but this year’s postseason run was twice as sweet for New Providence, which won its second straight Group 1 state championship.

New Providence, under sixth-year head coach Cap Pazdera, went 24-6, won the Union County Conference’s Mountain Division title with an 11-2 record and earned its third sectional title in four years with a 48-46 victory over then-No. 7 ranked University.

New Providence, which also defeated University for the sectional title last year, then went on to defeat Emerson Boro and Haddon Township to earn its second straight Group 1 title.

Pazdera, the 2008 Star-Ledger Girls Basketball Coach of the Year, now owns a career record of 121-37. New Providence’s run ended for the second straight year in the first round of the Tournament of Champions with a loss to St. John Vianney.

Catalysts for New Providence this winter were senior forwards and All-Union County First Team selections Kaitlyn Cresencia (7.5 ppg., 4.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.2 steals) and Laura Gregory (14.0 ppg., 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.2 steals), sophomore guard Cassandra Squeri (12.8 ppg.), junior forward Emma Culleton (5.1 ppg.) and junior guard Sara Lowenstein (4.0 ppg.).

Individual performance of the year: Kerri Moran scored 10 of her season-high 23 points in the final 2:20 of the fourth quarter, including eight straight free throws in the final 1:50, to rally Oak Knoll to a 53-49 victory at New Providence on Jan. 29. Moran, a 5-8 sophomore guard, finished the season averaging 13.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 steals and will enter her junior season just 344 points shy of 1,000 for her career.

Reaching the Summit: Junior guard Kelly Osmulski of Summit scored a school-record 41 points in a 66-45 victory over Linden. Osmulski, who was 17-of-24 from the field, surpassed Wellington Smith, who totaled 39 points in a boys game during the 2004-05 season. The previous girls record was held by Renee Green, who had 34 points in a 1995 contest.

Osmulski averaged 15.0 points for Summit, which finished 14-11. Osmulski’s backcourt partner, junior guard Kate Martino, also had a great season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.6 assists and 2.9 steals for Summit, which won eight of its last 11 games.

Scoring leaders: Harvard-bound Emily McDonnell of Kent Place earned the scoring title with an average of 21.4 points per game. McDonnell, a senior forward, totaled 471 points in 22 games in helping Kent Place to a 15-7 mark, which included a share of the Union County Conference Valley Division title with a 13-1 mark. McDonnell finished her career with 1,529 points. ... Melissa Tobie of Roselle Catholic had a county-high 552 points in 29 games for an average of 19.0 points. ... Senior forward Haneah Jackson of Benedictine totaled 502 points in 28 games, good for a 20.1 average. Jackson, who went over 1,000 points with a 35-point effort in a loss to
Dayton on Jan. 21, struck for a career-high 38 points in a victory over St. Mary’s on Jan. 28. ... Senior guard Dynesha Frazier Champagne of St. Patrick (6-16) also averaged over 20 points per game, scoring 455 points in 22 games (20.7 ppg.).

Game of the year: Danielle Miller connected on a 3-pointer with six seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give Westfield a 41-39 victory over Scotch Plains on Jan. 29 in Westfield. Miller finished with a game and season-high 14 points along with six rebounds, two steals and an assist. Martina Landeka added 10 points and Charlotte Lorentzen added eight points and six rebounds for Westfield, which snapped a seven-game losing streak. Scotch Plains, which defeated Westfield, 41-28, on Dec. 23, was paced by Rebecca Kreyer's nine points.
Around the county: In addition to those mentioned, here are the other standout players from this season: Samantha Hoag (11.7 ppg.) keyed Brearley (5-15). ... Morgan Miller (10.7 ppg., 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.8 steals), Jessica McCoy (11.5 ppg., 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.4 steals, 1.8 blocks), Kaitlyn McGovern (4.0 ppg.,) and Jenna Goeller (4.6 ppg., 3.8 assists) led Cranford to a 22-6 mark and a berth in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 final where it lost to West Morris, 53-42. ... Elizabeth (3-18) was steered by Jatirah Diggs (15.2 ppg.). ... Hillside (3-17) was paced by Shanique Owens (12.6 ppg.) and Jasmine Lombard (9.1 ppg.). ... Johnson (15-9) was spearheaded by Kristy Pflug (15.0 ppg.), Kate Matthews (13.7 ppg.), Cyndi Wilson (8.3 ppg.) and Michelle Smorol (5.7 ppg.). ... Shannon Wheeler (16.5 ppg., 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals), who surpassed the 1,000-point milestone this year,  Tamara Todd (11.4 ppg., 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists) and Jada Lewis (10.3 ppg., 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals) were standouts for Linden (13-12) and first-year coach Paul Gorski. ... Catie Mota, another 1,000-point scorer this year, averaged 11.8 points for Oak Knoll (18-7). Other contributors for head coach Tony Cafone were Gabriella Pallicer (5.5 ppg.), Kelly McAloon (4.0 ppg.), Amanda Fritz (3.5 ppg.) and Molly Moran (5.5 ppg.). ... Guard Drew Winter (15.0 ppg.) had an amazing freshman campaign for Plainfield (2-22).
Asyra Murchison (12.1 ppg.), JoJo Patterson (7.3 ppg.), Emily Nicole (8.4 ppg.) and Nahquasia Robinson lifted Rahway (12-9). ... In addition to First Team All-Union selection Bianca Partlow, who reached the 1,000-point plateau on Feb. 5, Roselle (18-9) boasted Nyasia Davis (9.9 ppg.), Johanna Jaramillo (7.9 ppg.), Njera Hunter (9.6 ppg.,) and Sabry White (4.7 ppg.). ... Lauren Corigliano (13.8 ppg.) led Roselle Park (7-14). ... Shaniece Bannister (8.5 ppg.) led St. Mary (7-13). ... Scotch Plains-Fanwood, under second-year coach Jen Ryan, went 15-12. Ryan's charges included Aysia Peterson (11.6 ppg., 12.9 rebounds), Evie Klotz (8.9 ppg., 2.3 assists, 41 3-pointers), Taylor Sebolao (9.8 ppg., 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 40 3-pointers). ... Nicole Johnson (11.1 ppg.) was another top performer for Summit. ... Jamiyah Bethune (12.4 ppg., 6.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists), 3.1 steals) and Chioma Moneme (13.3 ppg., 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks) and Wendy Berry (7.4 ppg.) steered Union (11-14). ... Jasmine Serano (11.5 ppg.), Emily Done (7.0 ppg.) and Shana LaRocca (6.7 ppg.) were catalysts for Union Catholic (9-13). ... Martina Landeka (9.7 ppg.) was a top performer for Westfield (3-18). ... Maya Lobban (7.5 ppg.) also added to the success of Kent Place, which went 15-7 under Deb Malmgren, who resigned at the season's end to take a coaching job in Manhattan.

All-Conference honors: Here are the coach’s selections for the Union County Conference:
All-Watchung Division: Shannon Wheeler, Linden; Drew Winter, Plainfield; Bianca Partlow and Nyasia Davis, Roselle; Melissa Tobie, Roselle Catholic; Aysia Peterson, Scotch Plains; Kate Martino, Kelly Osmulski, Summit; Jamiyah Bethune, Union; Martina Landeka, Westfield.

All-Mountain Division: Morgan Miller and Jessica McCoy, Cranford; Jatirah Diggs, Elizabeth; Alyssa Polimeni and Sam Dowling, Gov. Livingston; Shanique Owens, Hillside; Kristy Pflug, Johnson; Kaitlyn Cresencia and Laura Gregory, New Providence; Kerri Moran and Catie Mota, Oak Knoll.
All-Valley Division: Haneah Jackson, Benedictine; Samantha Hoag, Brearley; Anna Lies, Jen Kuczynski and Emily MacDonnell of Dayton; Erin McDonnell and Maya Lobban, Kent Place; Asyra Murchison and Nahquasia Robinson of Rahway and Lauren Corigliano of Roselle Park.
ALL-UNION COUNTY

FIRST TEAM

Melissa Tobie, Roselle Catholic, 6-0, Senior
The county Player of the Year averaged 19.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 steals, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks to pace team, which won its third straight UCT title.

Bianca Partlow, Roselle, 5-4, Senior
Explosive guard keyed team to an 18-9 mark by averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 4.0 steals.

Alyssa Polimeni, Gov. Livingston, 5-7, Junior
An invaluable part of the UCT runner-up, she scored at an 11.5 clip. The guard also averaged 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 steals.

Kaitlyn Cresencia, New Providence, 5-7, Senior
One of the most versatile forwards around averaged 7.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.2 steals that helped team win second straight Group 1 state title.

Laura Gregory, New Providence, 5-11, Senior
Sturdy forward was key offensively, striking for 14 points per game. Added 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.0 steals for 24-6 squad.

SECOND TEAM

Kate Martino, Summit
Morgan Miller, Cranford
Aysia Peterson, Scotch Plains
Kerri Moran, Oak Knoll
Shannon Wheeler, Linden

THIRD TEAM

Anna Lies, Dayton
Kristy Pflug, Johnson
Erin McDonnell, Kent Place
Jamiyah Bethune, Union
Drew Winter, Plainfield

Roselle Cath. & New Providence Won Titles Once Again In '10-'11

http://www.sidelinechatter.com/buzz.htm

Roselle Catholic's Melissa Tobie was the top player for Union County's No. 1 girls basketball team in 2010-2011. (Photo by Sean Buldiger)

Roselle Catholic veteran head coach Joe Skrec did a yeoman's job once again in guiding a Union County Tournament championship team. (Photo by Todd Mundt)

Cap Pazdera again guided New Providence to a Group 1 state championship as the Pioneers completed yet another superb hoops season. (Photo by JR Parachini)

Roselle Cath. & New Providence
Won Titles Once Again In '10-'11  

By JR Parachini
For sidelinechatter.com  

Different year.
Same results.
For the third straight year the Roselle Catholic Lions captured the Union County Tournament championship.
For the second straight season the New Providence Pioneers were crowned Group 1 state champions.
Different UCT.
Different teams.
While Roselle Catholic made it back to the UCT semifinals as the top seed for the second straight season, the two-time defending champion Lions were joined by newcomers New Providence, Gov. Livingston and Dayton in the Final Four.
Winning more than 20 games were Roselle Catholic, New Providence, Cranford and Dayton.
Cranford reached a sectional championship contest for the third straight year. The Cougars are 10-3 in the states the past three seasons.
 
Repeat Champions: Roselle Catholic received 20 points from senior Melissa Tobie en route to a 33-26 win over Gov. Livingston in the UCT final at Kean University in Union. RC led 5-0 after the first period, survived a brief GL lead early in the third quarter and remained in front from there on in. New Providence came back to down Haddon Township 50-40 in the Group 1 state championship game at Poland Springs Arena on the campus of Toms River North in Toms River. Senior Laura Gregory had nine points, 14 rebounds and three assists to help the Pioneers overcome an 18-10 halftime deficit. New Providence defeated University again at home in the North 2, Group 1 playoffs, winning 48-46 in overtime in the final.
 
Streak Busters: New Providence put an end to three prominent winning streaks. In its only victory in four tries against Gov. Livingston the Pioneers defeated the Highlanders 45-42 at home on Jan. 31 to snap a 12-game GL winning streak. New Providence then defeated Dayton 59-44 at home on Feb. 10 to halt a 12-game Bulldog winning streak. On the very next night, the Pioneers traveled to Roselle Catholic and stunned the Lions 40-30, ending RC’s 15-game winning streak.
New Territory: For second-seeded New Providence, third-seeded Gov. Livingston and 12 th-seeded Dayton, qualifying for the Union County Tournament semifinals was a relatively new experience. New Providence won its first UCT game in four years to reach the Final Four, while Dayton went 3-0 against Mountain Division foes - Union Catholic, Oak Knoll, Cranford - to reach the semifinals for possibly the first time. GL captured one victory to reach the Final Four for the first time under head coach Andy Silvagni’s tenure.
 
JR’s ELITE 11 FOR 2011:
Melissa Tobie, Roselle Catholic, senior: Tobie reached 1,000 points in a 51-40 home state tournament win over Paramus Catholic.
Bianca Partlow, Roselle, senior: Partlow poured in 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists in a 51-48 home win over Roselle Catholic.
Alyssa Polimeni, Gov. Livingston, junior: Polimeni poured in a game-high 20 points to lift GL past New Providence 47-37 in a UCT semifinal at Rahway.
Jessica McCoy, Cranford, sophomore: McCoy scored eight of her game-high 18 points in the fourth quarter of a 42-31 conference win at Johnson.
Laura Gregory, New Providence, senior: Gregory netted a game-high 15 points in a 52-43 conference road win at Oak Knoll.
Kerri Moran, Oak Knoll, sophomore: Moran produced a career-high 28 points in a 54-40 conference road win over Gov. Livingston.
Jamiyah Bethune, Union, junior: Bethune made one of two free throws with no time left and finished with 13 points and eight boards in a 46-45 win at Linden.
Anna Lies, Dayton, junior: Lies produced 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists in a 58-32 conference home win over Kent Place.
Kristy Pflug, Johnson, senior: Pflug led the Crusaders with 18 points and made the All-Tournament Team after Johnson defeated Voorhees 48-43 in the Roselle Catholic Holiday Tournament consolation game.
Kate Martino, Summit, junior: Martino scored a game-high 22 points in a 68-43 UCT prelim win over Hillside at Rahway.
Shannon Wheeler, Linden, junior: Wheeler poured five of her game-high 22 points in overtime in a 53-50 home win over 8-0 Somerville.
 
BEST OF THE REST:
Chioma Moneme, Union, senior
Wendy Berry, Union, freshman
Jatirah Diggs, Elizabeth, junior
Drew Winter, Plainfield, freshman
Tamara Todd. Linden, senior
Jada Lewis, Linden, sophomore
Nicole Johnson, Summit, junior
Kelly Osmulski, Summit, junior
Jo-Jo Patterson, Rahway, senior
Asyra Murchison, Rahway, junior
Emily Nicole, Rahway, freshman
Danielle Miller, Westfield, senior
Charlotte Lorentzen, Westfield, senior
Evie Klotz, Scotch Plains, senior
Aysia Peterson, Scotch Plains, senior
Taylor Sebolao, Scotch Plains, sophomore
Brittany Baker, Roselle Catholic, senior
Betina Petit, Roselle Catholic, senior
Marcia Senatus, Roselle Catholic, sophomore
Njera Hunter, Roselle, senior
Nyasia Davis, Roselle, junior
Morgan Miller, Cranford, junior
Jenna Goeller, Cranford, sophomore
Sam Dowling, Gov. Livingston, junior
Mallory George, Gov. Livingston, sophomore
Kate Matthews, Johnson, senior
Cyndi Wilson, Johnson, junior
Lauren Corigliano, Roselle Park, senior
Jasmine Serano, Union Catholic, junior
Shana LaRocca, Union Catholic, freshman
Shanique Owens, Hillside, senior
Kaitlyn Cresencia, New Providence, senior
Emma Culleton, New Providence, junior
Cassandra Squeri, New Providence, sophomore
Jen Kuczynski, Dayton, junior
Emily MacDonnell, Dayton, junior
Paige Tannenhaus, Mother Seton, senior
Catie Mota, Oak Knoll, senior
Haneah Jackson, Benedictine, senior
Samantha Hoag, Brearley, senior
Erin McDonnell, Kent Place, senior
Maya Lobban, Kent Place, junior
Shaniece Bannister, St. Mary’s, Elizabeth, senior
Dynesha Frazier, St. Patrick, junior
TEAMS OF THE YEAR:
Roselle Catholic, Gov. Livingston, New Providence
Roselle Catholic was the Union County Tournament champion, becoming the first team in 17 years to win three straight. Roselle Catholic shot 313-for-462 (68 percent) from the free throw line this season and the Lions surrendered only 77 points in their three UCT games.
 
New Providence repeated as Group 1 state champions, becoming the first Union County school to repeat as state champs since Linden won Group 4 for the third year in a row in 1994.
Roselle Catholic and New Providence both won 24 games, with Roselle Catholic setting a school record for wins in a season and finishing 24-5, while New Providence went 24-6 after competing in a second straight Tournament of Champions field.
Two days after the UCT was seeded, New Providence went to Roselle Catholic and stunned the Lions 50-40 in a Union County Conference-crossover contest, ending Roselle Catholic’s 15-game winning streak. The Pioneers became the first of only two - Roselle was the other - Union County teams to defeat the Lions this season.
Governor Livingston, which reached the UCT championship game, defeated New Providence three times in four tries, including the first time in the Millburn Tournament championship game and the third time in the UCT semifinals.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Melissa Tobie, Roselle Catholic, senior
A three-year varsity starter who played in four Union County Tournament championship games including the junior varsity one her freshman season, Tobie scored 552 points this year (team-leading 19.03 average) to finish with 1,016 for her brilliant varsity career. She also averaged 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 steals, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game this season, also leading the Lions in all of those categories. Tobie scored 52 of Roselle Catholic’s 114 points in three UCT wins. She shot 79 percent from the free throw line, 128-for-162, and in six UCT and state tournament games she made 28-of-32 free throws for an impressive 88 percent production from the line.
 
COACH OF THE YEAR:
Joe Skrec, Roselle Catholic
The Lions lost four starters to graduation, but didn’t miss a beat, sparked by standout senior guard-forward Melissa Tobie and her 19-point, eight-rebound averages. Head coach Joe Skrec is always quick to credit his staff, which continues with assistant coach Charlie Wischusen and includes JV mentor Dennis Quigley. Not only was Roselle Catholic able to 3-peat as Union County Tournament champions – becoming the first program to do so since Elizabeth from 1995-97 – but the Lions produced a school-record 24 victories in a 24-5 season that also included two state tournament triumphs. Stepping up their play this season were elevated starters Marcia Senatus, Betina Petit and Nivanni Grant, while the Lions got a big boost from Mother Seton transfer Brittany Baker, a senior who proved to be one of the area’s top rebounders.
Honorable Mention:
Andy Silvagni, Gov. Livingston
Cap Pazdera, New Providence
Both of these coaches - who are close friends, used to coach together and are New Providence graduates - raise their team’s level of performance with their preparation and in-game adjustments. Both have their squads play solid defense and each puts his team in a position to win. Silvagni led GL to the county championship game for the first time in awhile, while Pazdera guided New Providence to a second straight Group 1 state championship.
Jackie Dyer, Cranford
Learning her craft from one of the best coaches in Union County history - Union Catholic’s Kathy Matthews - Dyer stresses defense, defense and more defense and all her teams do is win. She led the Cougars to a third straight sectional championship game and is expecting her first child in less than a month.
 
UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE
STANDINGS FOR 2010-2011:
 
WATCHUNG DIVISION
1-Roselle Catholic 13-1, champion
2-Roselle 9-5
Scotch Plains 9-5
4-Summit 8-6
Linden 8-6
6-Union 6-8
7-Westfield 2-12
8-Plainfield 1-13
2009-2010 CHAMPION: Summit
 
MOUNTAIN DIVISION
1-New Providence 11-2, champion
Did not host Johnson.
2-Gov. Livingston 10-4
Cranford 10-4
4-Oak Knoll 9-4
Did not host Hillside.
5-Johnson 7-6
Did not play at New Providence.
6-Union Catholic 5-9
7-Hillside 1-11
Did not play at Elizabeth and at Oak Knoll.
8-Elizabeth 0-13
Did not host Hillside.
2009-2010 CHAMPION: Roselle Catholic
 
VALLEY DIVISION
1-Dayton 13-1, co-champs
Kent Place 13-1, co-champs
3-Rahway 9-4
Did not play at St. Mary’s, Elizabeth.
4-Brearley 6-8
5-St. Patrick 5-9
6-Benedictine 4-10
7-Roselle Park 3-11
8-St. Mary’s, Elizabeth 2-11
Did not host Rahway.
2009-2010 CHAMPION: New Providence
 
JR’S FINAL
UNION COUNTY TOP 10
FOR 2010-2011:
1-Roselle Catholic 24-5
2-Gov. Livingston 19-6
3-New Providence 24-6
4-Cranford 22-6
5-Dayton 21-6
6-Roselle 18-10
7-Oak Knoll 18-7
8-Scotch Plains 15-9
9-Johnson 15-9
10-Summit 14-11
Others: Kent Place 15-7, Linden 13-12, Rahway 12-9, Union 11-14,
Union Catholic 9-13, Benedictine 9-15, Mother Seton 7-12,
St. Mary’s, Elizabeth 7-13, Roselle Park 7-14, Brearley 6-16, St. Patrick 6-16,
Elizabeth 3-17, Westfield 3-18, Hillside 2-17, Plainfield 1-20.
 
CHAMPIONS
UCT: Roselle Catholic
UCC’s Watchung Division: Roselle Catholic
UCC’s Mountain Division: New Providence
UCC’s Valley Division: Dayton, Kent Place
North 2, Group 1: New Providence
Group 1: New Providence
*
TOC quarterfinalist: New Providence
Sectional finalist: Cranford
Sectional semifinalists: Roselle Catholic, Gov. Livingston, Oak Knoll
 
 

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http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-6615120150471335044/cranford-42-at-west-morris-53-njsiaa-tournament-final-round-north-jersey-section-2-group-3/

Cranford (42) at West Morris (53), NJSIAA Tournament, Final Round, North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3

The Star Ledger, March 07, 2011 10:20 p.m.

By Sean Reilly
The first quarter of last night's NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 final didn't go well for Shayna Ericksen and her West Morris teammates.
West Morris couldn't solve Cranford's zone defense, which caused it go scoreless for more than five minutes and fall behind by seven points. It was no way to begin such an important game being played inside its own gym.
``The zone troubled us a bit,'' Ericksen, a 5-11 junior forward, said. ``But we all said that there was no way we were going to lose this game.''
Ericksen, who had two points and two fouls with seven minutes left in the opening half, wound up with final totals of 31 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks when West Morris took control over the final two quarters for a 53-42 victory in Long Valley.
She scored eight in the second quarter to get her team to within 23-21 at halftime. She then scored all 11 points for West Morris in the third period, on two baskets inside and a 7-for-8 showing from the free throw line, as coach Fran Gavin's team went ahead, 32-29. She then put the finishing touches on her superior effort by hitting five baskets for 10 points, collecting eight rebounds and rejecting two shots over the final eight minutes.
``She was just too tough to handle inside,'' Cranford coach Jackie Dyer said. ``She's a very good player.''
Cranford, which held a 13-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, maintained a two-point lead at the half behind nine points from Morgan Miller, who finished with a team-high 13 points.
But once West Morris adjusted to Cranford's 2-3 zone, its guards were able to connect with Ericksen in the paint. After Brielle Kelly scored off a steal by Carly Shello to give West Morris a 23-23 tie 50 seconds into the second quarter, it didn't get a basket from a player other than Ericksen until Caroline Consol connected with five minutes left in the game for a 42-32 lead.
``Once we got used to the zone, we started to settle down,'' Ericksen said. ``It was important for us to stay patient.''
Ericksen went into the game with season averages of 24.2 points and 12 rebounds. She averaged 25.8 points and 16 rebounds in the four-game run to the sectional crown.
``She's a born leader and basketball player,'' Shello said. ``You couldn't ask for anything more than the way she stepped up for us in this game.''

http://cranford.patch.com/articles/cougars-basketball-loses-in-sectional-final-game-53-42#c

Cougars Basketball Loses in Sectional Final Game, 53-42

Cranford gets stymied by West Morris Central's defense in sectional title game.

By Jason Koestenblatt | Email the author | 6:22am

 

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After a thrilling overtime victory on Saturday night against top-seeded Chatham High School to advance to the North 2, Group 3 title game, the Cranford Cougars couldn’t keep their postseason momentum going against the West Morris Central Lady Highlanders, losing 53-42.
Led by Morgan Miller with 13 points, the Cougars started the game off strong, finishing the first quarter with a 13-7 lead. But as West Morris began to settle into a rhythm, Cranford would relinquish its lead early in the third quarter, and not be able to regain it.
Senior Mairead McKeary was kept in check on the night, scoring just 10 points after West Morris put senior Carly Shello up against the guard. Shello, disrupted McKeary’s passing lanes and shot attempts for the final three quarters, rendering her a non-factor for most of the game.
After taking a one-point lead into halftime, the Cougars would get into early foul trouble in the third quarter, sending Central’s Shayna Ericksen (31 points) to the line for eight free throw attempts, seven of which were made. Ericksen scored all of central’s 11 points in the third quarter, and shifted the momentum back to the home team.
After West Morris took the lead early in the third, Cranford would continue to play catch-up and keep the game close, heading into the final period down by three points.
But a quick jump shot by Ericksen early in the fourth put the Lady Highlanders up by five, and the Cougars couldn’t recover. Cranford went down by as much as 12 in the final quarter, and couldn’t hit their desperation threes as the game clock wound down.
Cranford ends the season with a record of 22-6 after Monday night’s loss.

http://www.cranfordnavigator.com/profiles/blogs/cranford-girls-basketball-8

Cranford girls' basketball reaches 3rd straight sectional final after wild 53-49 2OT win at top-seeded Chatham Saturday night; Cougars will play at West Morris in Monday night's final

• Posted by High School Sports on March 6, 2011 at 2:00pm
• View High School Sports's highlights

By JR Parachini
Union County Sports Editor
The Cranford girls’ basketball team – which knows how to step up its play come state tournament time – reached a sectional final for the third straight season.
However, this time the Cougars will be playing the championship game on Monday night instead of Tuesday night, which was the case the last two years.
That’s one less day to prepare after the Cougars went to Chatham Saturday night and came back to oust the top-seeded Cougars of Morris County 53-49 in double overtime in a North 2, Group 3 semifinal.
Cranford, the fourth seed, will play at third-seeded West Morris Monday night at 7 in Long Valley in the N2, G3 championship game.
Cranford won North 2, Group 3 last year for its second sectional title and first since the first year of the program in 1973-1974. The Cougars won four games to win N2, G3 last year and were then defeated in the Group 3 semifinals.
Two years ago, Cranford won three road games in five days to reach the Central Jersey, Group 2 final where it fell to nine-time defending champion Rumson-Fair Haven at Bridgewater-Raritan.
The NJSIAA last year moved the sectional finals from neutral sites to the highest-seeded team alive.
Last year fifth-seeded Somerville came back in the fourth quarter to win at top-seeded West Morris in the semifinals, which is why third-seeded Cranford was able to host Somerville in the championship game.
This year Cranford knocked out the top seed on the road in the semifinals, allowing for West Morris to host the title game.
“That is kind of interesting,” said Cranford fourth-year head coach Jackie Dyer.
After playing Monday, Wednesday and Friday the past two years, Cranford had Saturday, Sunday and Monday off before playing their finals on Tuesday.
This time the Cougars, after playing on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, had just one day to prepare for a Monday night final, with that day being Sunday.
“Yeah, they opened up the gym so that we could practice today (Sunday),” Dyer said.
Chatham, which finished 26-3 and had only lost previously to Morris Catholic twice in three tries including a very close Morris County Tournament final, looked unbeatable Thursday night at home in dominating ninth-seeded Scotch Plains 61-36. Chatham took a 13-0 lead and never looked back.
There were only 13 points scored total in the first quarter of Saturday night’s Cranford-Chatham semifinal, with the home team Cougars leading the visiting Cougars 7-6 at the end of the first eight minutes.
Cranford, which is now 22-5 and has won four straight, then outscored Chatham 9-6 in the second quarter to take a 15-13 halftime lead.
Chatham won the third quarter 16-10 for a 29-25 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The home team Cougars then increased their lead to eight in the final period, sparked by fine performances from junior Amanda Berntsen, who led Chatham with 17 points, and senior Kelsey Hart, who finished with 16.
However, Cranford found a way to come back in the fourth quarter and force overtime at 39-39 after winning the period 14-10. The Cougars were sparked by sophomore Jessica McCoy with 14 points, sophomore Jenna Goeller with 13 and junior Morgan Miller with 12.
“We needed to up our defense a little bit after we went into a defensive slump,” Dyer said. “We made a few adjustments to our defense and set screens and were very patient on offense.”
Chatham’s Kelsey Davies made two free throws to even the game at 43-43 and send it to another extra four-minute session. Both teams scored four points in the first overtime
Cranford starter and freshman forward Mairead McKeary connected on a 3-pointer with 24 seconds to go in the second overtime to give the visiting Cougars the lead for good at 51-49.
“In the second overtime we were down by one (49-48) and the players on the (Chatham) high school boys’ team were counting down – five, four, three, two, one to try to distract Mairead and get her to shoot the ball quicker,” Dyer said. “When she made the shot she was thinking the game was over and I had to tell her to get back on defense because there was still 24 seconds to go.”
Dyer then said that Berntsen missed a layup, with Cranford freshman Carly Maucione there to grab a big rebound.
“Carly got the rebound and passed to Jenna (Goeller), who was fouled,” Dyer said. “Jenna made both free throws to put us up by four and then they brought the ball down the floor and tried a 3-pointer that didn’t go in.”
Cranford won the second overtime period 10-6.
Just two weeks ago Cranford, which was the fourth seed, lost to 12^th-seeded Dayton 43-42 in the Union County Tournament quarterfinals at Rahway. In retrospect it wasn’t such a bad loss considering Dayton had a fine season and finished 21-6, including a 3-0 UCT mark against Union County Conference-Mountain Division teams. Dayton and Kent Place shared the UCC’s Valley Division championship.
However, Cranford - which finished 10-4 in the Mountain Division and tied for second with Gov. Livingston behind champion New Providence – was favored to beat Dayton that day and then see how it could fare against eventual 3-peat champion Roselle Catholic in the semifinals.
“For some reason we don’t play well in the county tournament,” Dyer said.
Cranford lost decisively at Roselle Catholic in last year’s UCT semifinals after beating RC on its home court - a layup at the buzzer by Jamie Webb - during the regular season for the third year in a row. RC came back to edge Cranford by one point in the 2009 UCT quarterfinals at Rahway.
A third straight year where Cranford and RC were to face each other in the UCT was not in the cards this season.
“Against Dayton we were totally out of it and had no clue what we were doing offensively and defensively,” Dyer said. “We take every game that we lose and try to build on it. We try to strengthen ourselves and improve for our next game.”
West Morris and Somerville met again in the semifinals Saturday night, this time at Somerville, with the home team being the second seed.
Once again, West Morris allowed Somerville to come back in the fourth quarter, with the home team winning the period 9-7 to force overtime.
However, this time West Morris was not going to be denied as the visitors won overtime 12-3 – scoring all of their points from the free throw line – en route to a 55-46 triumph.
According to nj.com, West Morris was sparked by 5-11 junior forward Shayna Erickson, who produced 23 points, 21 rebounds, four blocks and four steals.
“They have decent outside shooters and some post players that can go to the basket,” Dyer said. “If we continue to play defense the way we’ve been in the tournament so far we’ll be fine.”
Cranford previously ousted 13^th-seeded Mendham 43-31 at home Tuesday in a first round game and then knocked out fifth-seeded Millburn 64-34 at home Thursday in the quarterfinals.
NOTES: Cranford is now 10-2 in state tournament games the past three seasons, including 3-1 two years ago, 4-1 last year and 3-0 so far this year.
Dyer, who is expecting her first child on April 19, said that a friend of hers told her about the story of the high school basketball coach in Texas that gave birth during the season and came back to coach right away.
From the Abilene (Texas) Reporter-News, Amber Branson, the coach of the girls’ basketball team in Lipan, Texas, gave birth to a daughter after a game on Feb. 25 at 10:18 p.m. and then coached her team to a state tournament berth at 2 p.m. the next day.
That’s 15 hours and 42 minutes after giving birth to an 8-pound, 7-ounce and 19-inch-long human being without the aid of any painkillers.
Coaches are organized and know schedules. It’s what they do. Branson was no exception, saying she pondered this scenario for months.
“My friend said that would also be me, coaching right away after giving birth,” Dyer said. “I would as soon as I could.”

Missed Opportunities Cost Chatham Girls Basketball Team to Drop North 2, Group 3 Sectional Semi-Final in Double Overtime; Team is Shocked in 53-49 Loss to Cranford

http://thealternativepress.com/articles/missed-opportunities-cost-chatham-girls-basketball-team-to-drop-north-2-group-3-sectional-semi-final-in-double-overtime-team-is-shocked-in-53-49-loss-to-cranford--2

Missed Opportunities Cost Chatham Girls Basketball Team to Drop North 2, Group 3 Sectional Semi-Final in Double Overtime; Team is Shocked in 53-49 Loss to Cranford

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Sunday, March 06 2011

CHATHAM, NJ – The Chatham Lady Cougars had several chances to close out a tight game against Cranford in the North 2, Group 3 sectional semi-finals.  However, they were unable to do so and suffered a crushing 53-49 defeat to Cranford in double overtime before a crowd of over 200 on Saturday night at Chatham High School.
Chatham was down 48-47 in double overtime when they took a time out with just over a minute remaining.
The play discussed by Head Coach Joe Gaba worked perfectly.  Senior Kelsey Hart was wide open underneath the basket, as she received a ball that she was easily able to lay in with about 42 seconds left in the period.  She finished the game with 16 points.
After that play, one of the most unexpected things happened that one can expect to see in a high school basketball game.
Mairead McKeary of Cranford received a pass near half court as fans started to chant "3, 2,1."  In actuality, there was over ten seconds left in the game.  McKeary, however, seemed to buy into the cheers and fired up a shot from well beyond the three point line that dropped into the basket without even touching the rim.
“That last possession was crazy.  (McKeary) hit a great shot,” a dejected Coach Gaba said after the game.  “I don’t think that was the shot they intended on.  It’s not like that shot was poorly defended.  She was about six feet from the three point line.”
Chatham had one last chance to at least tie the game.  With about nine seconds left junior guard Amanda Berntsen, who led Chatham with 17 points, drove to the basket in traffic.  Her layup try missed its mark and Cranford’s Jenna Goeller grabbed the rebound.
Goeller was then fouled after she got the ball with 7.7 seconds left.  She nailed both of her free throws to essentially ice the game.
Berntsen fired up a three pointer for Chatham with less than five seconds left, but missed.  Time then expired in the game and on Chatham’s season.
“We battled all game.  We couldn’t get a stop when we needed it,” Coach Gaba told The Alternative Press.  “I’m proud of my kids.  We had a great year,” he added.
With less than 15 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Chatham had their first chance to win a game that was back and forth the whole way through.  Berntsen drove to the basket and was fouled when she hit a layup with 14.5 seconds left.  The referees then deliberated for a bit and decided that she was not in the act of shooting when she was fouled.  Therefore, Berntsen’s made layup did not count.
That decision proved to be crucial.  A normally clutch Berntsen missed both of her free throw chances before Cranford grabbed the rebound with about four seconds left in the fourth.  Morgan Miller of Cranford launched a long three point try, but the ball fell short of the basket as time expired in regulation.
The first overtime saw Chatham get off to a slow start, but then they came roaring back to tie the contest.
Carly Maucione of Cranford made a jump shot and Jessica McCoy sank a free throw to give their team a three point lead with just over two minutes left in the period.  Afterward, Berntsen made a layup to bring the contest to within one with 1:50 on the clock.
Goeller hit one more free throw for Cranford and then Kelsey Davies swished two free throws for Chatham with under 20 seconds remaining.  Cranford had an opportunity to come away with the victory, but failed to convert a basket.  The score was 43-43 heading into the second overtime.
“They did a good job of slowing us up a little bit.  We didn’t get as many clean possessions as we wanted,” Coach Gaba said of the first overtime period.
The play during regulation time was close and intense; fitting for a section semi-final game.  Chatham got baskets from Berntsen, Davies and Lauren Winschuh in the first quarter and took a 7-6 lead after the first eight minutes of play.
Cranford came roaring back in the second quarter when Morgan Miller hit a three pointer at the 7:30 mark to give her team the first lead of the game.  Kaitlin McGovern then nailed a long jump shot to give Cranford a four point edge.
Chatham then went on a small run of their own when Samantha Kennedy hit both of her free throws and Hart made a layup.  The score was 13-12 in Chatham’s favor at the 2:20 mark of the second.
Miller made a 3-point field goal for Cranford with under a minute left until halftime.  Chatham was down 15-13 after the first half of play.
“We struggled mightily outside against their (Cranford) zone,” Coach Gaba said of the first half.
The third quarter went in Chatham’s favor.  Berntsen led the way with six points, Hart had four and Winschuh and Kennedy added three points each.
The team also went on a 6-0 run near the end of the third and scored two quick baskets in the beginning of the fourth quarter.  Chatham enjoyed its biggest lead when they were up 33-25 after three minutes or so of play in the fourth.
When asked if momentum was on Chatham’s side when they were up by eight points late in the game, Coach Gaba responded, “To get to where we were in the second half, I was pleased with how we fought all game.  We definitely had some momentum there.”
Toward the middle of the fourth quarter, Cranford began to eat away at Chatham’s lead.  McCoy hit a three and Miller laid the ball in to bring their team to within three with 4:15 left on the clock.  Maucione then put in a three ball for Cranford before Sara Gugliucc knotted the game up at 39 a piece with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Even with the loss, Chatham should be proud of their effort.  They played strong defense, forcing 18 Cranford turnovers.  They also dominated on the offensive glass for most of Saturday night’s game.
“I thought we did a good job.  We timed our run and jumps well.  We always play pretty good defense,” Coach Gaba said of Chatham’s defensive play.
Chatham ends its season with an impressive 26-3 record.  Two of those losses came against Morris Catholic, who they also defeated once.