The Hilltoppers recorded a dramatic 53-51 win over Bishop Kearney Friday night,…
By Anthony Bosco
It is no longer a question whether or not the Mary Louis Academy varsity girls’ basketball team has improved. The only question that remains is how good the team will be.
The Hilltoppers recorded a dramatic 53-51 win over Bishop Kearney Friday night, raising their division record to 5-3 and getting them one step closer to third place.
Kearney came into the game with a perfect 4-0 record in league play, but had yet to play the Brooklyn/Queens Diocesan’s two premiere teams, Christ the King and St. Francis Prep, two teams responsible for all three of Mary Louis’ league losses.
The game was a major test for the Hilltoppers, according to head coach Joe Lewinger Jr., a test the team passed.
“It was a big win,” he said.
Kearney was poised to take the game, leading by five with two minutes to go. But a 5-0 run by Mary Louis tied the game up and with 30 seconds remaining the Hilltoppers had possession and a chance to take the lead.
Lewinger set up an isolation play to free the team’s leading scorer, Donna Lohrey. Lohrey, however, did not connect, as the ball rolled out of bounds with 15 second remaining, giving possession back to Kearney.
But Kearney was called for a violation while setting up its next play, giving the ball back to the Hilltoppers, who again called on Lohrey. The sophomore guard’s shot with seven seconds remaining was again off the mark with Kearney grabbing the rebound under the basket.
The Brooklyn team tried to advance the ball, but Louis’ Rachael Burriesci swatted it away. Liz Strein came up with it at the foul line, turned and fired with three seconds remaining. The shot was good, giving Mary Louis a two-point advantage.
A last-second desperation shot by Kearney missed the mark.
For Lewinger, the improvement of his team was evident, not only in taking the lead in the final seconds, but keeping it.
“When we beat Stella Maris [62-58 two weeks ago], I had to tell the girls to stop celebrating and play defense in the final seconds,” Lewinger said. “This time I didn’t have to say anything. They just ran back. They knew what to do already. That’s what I was very proud of.”
Lohrey finished with a game-high 17 points and Strein added 12 as the Hilltoppers climbed to 5-3 in league play, 9-6 overall.
Next up for Mary Louis are two non-league games against St. John’s Prep and Fontbonne Hall this week and then league matchups against Bishop Ford and a rematch with Stella Maris the following week.
Christ the King 106, Bishop Loughlin 36. The Royals were led by senior Clare Droesch, as the Boston College-signee poured in 24 points in this league game Sunday. Christ the King improved to 15-1 overall and a perfect 7-0 in CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens A competition.
St. Francis Prep 59, Ursuline 45. Junior Dawn Gorynski paced the Lady Terriers with 26 points. St. Francis Prep upped its overall mark to 12-3 with the non-league victory last week.
Reach Sports Editor Anthony Bosco by e-mail at TimesLedgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 130.
