By Tim DeLouchrey & Andy Dunn
Sports Liaison & Staff Writer
The WA girls’ basketball team triumphed in their first playoff game of the season, beating historic rival Acton-Boxboro in a commanding 43-31 victory.
An ecstatic playoff basketball buzz filled the Ed Scollan Gym, fueled by rival AB being in the building as well as the game being the first playoff game of the season for WAGB.
The initial tip was won by AB, but from there onward, it was all about the Ghosts. WA’s first basket came from who else but #24, senior Samantha Hyslip. Hyslip’s score was the first and only for the initial three minutes of the contest. The cold stretch was ended by an Allia Connolly’s jump shot.
WA dominated the first quarter with hustle and a smothering full court defense, jumping out to a 10-3 lead.
Sam Hyslip had 6 points early on as well as a great assist on a pass out of a double team to hit Cathryn Sennott for a 3-point shot.
It wasn’t until the six-minute mark in the second quarter that AB would score again. After that much needed score, the Colonials started playing inspired basketball.
AB went on a 10-2 run and was able to bring the score within four points with only a few seconds left in the half. They were then able to draw a foul during those few seconds, putting them on the free throw line for a couple more easy points.
The half ended 17-15, with Hyslip chipping in 10 points. AB was able to hold senior Hannah Hackley scoreless for the first sixteen minutes of the game.
Hackley got back on track as soon as the second half began, scoring right out of the gates. After that, another score by Hyslip increased her total to 12 of her team’s 21 points.
However, AB was able to tie the game 23-23 due to their hustle on the offensive boards. Back to back 3-pointers from Rebecca Sennott gave WA some breathing room, pushing the score to 29-23.
Sloppy turnovers by WA, and several traveling violations, prevented them from completely pulling away. The third quarter ended with the score of 29-23.
A couple free throws from Cathryn Sennot, as well as more impressive play from Hyslip, got the Ghosts ahead by 10 in the final period with a 10-point lead and only 4:51 left to play. The Colonials knocked down a 3 point shot with under four minutes to play, keeping hope alive for AB, but a missed wide open layup with under three minutes proved to be a dagger for the Colonials.
From there, smart plays and crisp free throws from the Sennott twins and Hyslip sent WA to a 43-31 win. Hyslip finished with 17 points.
With an abundance of senior leadership, charisma, and team chemistry, these Ghosts look poised to make a run for the championship this year. Down the stretch it will be crucial for Hyslip and Hackley, the two career 1000-point scorers on the team, to continue to demonstrate control over the game, and essential role players such as the Sennott twins will have to complement the Hyslip-Hackley duo by spreading the floor and stretching defenses.
Related Articles
