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Despite late rally, Royals fall, 46-38
GIRLS HOOPS
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Battling Pierson's defense and their own offensive limitations for three quarters, Port Jefferson rallied back and outscored the visiting Whalers 18-5 in a dramatic fourth quarter but still came up short, losing 46-38 to Pierson in League VIII girls basketball. The Royals' loss drops Port Jeff to 1-5, 1-7 overall while the Whalers improved to 4-2, 4-6 overall.
Pierson's Sarah Barrett led all scorers with 19 points, including three three-pointers. Samantha James chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Kelsey Rice paced the Royals with 16 points while junior Anastasia Lennon added 10 points. Unfortunately, the remainder of the five Royals who played managed all of 12 points between them.
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| | | Amber Bruckner looks to pass the ball in a game against Pierson on Jan. 16. Courtesy Deb Ferry. (click for larger version) | |
The Royals began the first quarter slow, falling behind 16-4. Already without starter Chelsea Tamuk due to an ankle injury, the Royals managed just nine points in the first half, four in the first quarter and five in the second. Even with Pierson in foul trouble throughout the half Port Jefferson missed opportunities, such as failing to convert on layups and numerous free throws.
"We got off to a slow start in the beginning," said Port Jefferson head coach Deb Brown. "We missed several open layups and some free throws. We just weren't capitalizing. But we came on strong in the second half. We went to a man-to-man defense and were much more aggressive on the court."
But their effort proved to be too late. Although the Royals' offense came alive in the second half they were still trailing by 21 heading into the fourth quarter. The Royals finally began hitting their shots and taking advantage of Pierson's foul trouble late in the game. Despite their best attempts, the Pierson lead proved to be too much to overcome and the Royals found themselves on the short end of a 46-38 decision.
Port Jefferson will try to bounce back to their winning ways this week when they take on Mercy on Jan. 22 at 6:45 pm. The team then has four games remaining in the season, against Shelter Island (Jan. 25); Ross (Feb. 4); Stony Brook (Feb. 6); and Pierson once more on Feb. 10.
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