Avenge Previous Loss To Cross-Town Rivals
The Our Lady of Hope Pee Wee Girls captured the title in the St. Margaret’s John J. Forte March Madness Tournament with a 12-9 victory over their local rivals St. Margaret’s in Middle Village last Saturday, Mar. 9.
The two teams played each other several times throughout the season and have always played close, exciting games. St. Margaret’s eliminated Our Lady of Hope earlier in the St. Pancras Pee Wee Tournament and in the first round of the CYO playoffs.
Hope was eager to avenge these earlier losses-and avenge they did.
Hope jumped out to an early 7-0 lead. Throughout the season both teams proved resilient and never gave up when trailing. St. Margaret’s pushed back and cut the lead to 7-5.
The score remained close until Hope pulled away with two fast break baskets late in the fourth quarter to lead 12-9 and secure the victory. With seconds left, a long three-point attempt by St. Margaret’s went in and out at the buzzer.
Overtime was avoided and Hope was victorious. It was a great game with good competition and sportsmanship.
Olivia O’Rourke led all scorers with five points. She also has several fast breaks, steals and two near misses from three point range. Fiona Maloney added four points with a swish from 10 ft. out and one of the two fast break layups late in the game. Sara Kosakowski had the other fast break layup and added a free throw to finish with three points.
The defense was led by Jessica Muller and Madison Capria, both play all out at all times. Capria also added several fast breaks of her own. Jessica Kelly shared the point guard duties and had several steals on defense. Kayla Todzia had three good shots at the basket on in bound plays but could not get one to fall.
Lauren Halpin led the team on the boards and added a couple of near misses on the offensive end. Anna Mikolajczak and Isabella DeSantis played strong defensively and both displayed their improved skills.
Good team effort made it possible for the girls to beat St. Margaret’s in the tournament final and take home the trophy, according to the coaches.
