Friday, January 02, 2009
Reading Breaks Through 48-47
Reading came in a solid favorite, with an experienced, all-senior lineup. But it took a furious comeback and a battle at the free throw line for Reading to defend their home court for the first time in a decade against Melrose, winning 48-47.
Reading came in with the heralded Jackie Lyons and Cat Carey, and unfortunately Melrose point guard Colleen Hanscom was ill but played a gutsy game chasing Lyons.
Reading went up to a quick 8-2 lead, but Melrose responded with a 26-9 run of their own to lead 28-17, which they stretched to 32-20 after leading 23-17 at the half.
Hannah Brickley and Siena Mamayek led Melrose with eight apiece at the half, dominating inside.
But Reading chipped away, led by the persistent Lyons who overcame first half frustration to fire in 21 points, including a perfect 11 for 11 from the line.
After three periods Melrose held a fragile 34-31 edge, despite brilliant defense from Niki Devereaux who had held sharpshooter Cat Carey down.
Reading and Melrose battled down the stretch before Reading tied the score at forty-two. Lyons repeatedly drove left and got to the free throw line where she hurt the Lady Raiders. Melrose had a good look at a three down the stretch that didn't drop, and induced a shot clock violation with fourteen seconds left.
Melrose worked the ball inside for a last shot opportunity, but the ball wouldn't fall in and Reading took home the victory to the delight of the capacity crowd at the Hawkes Field House.
Hannah Brickley led Melrose with 20 points, Siena Mamayek had a hard-earned 15 including 7-7 from the line, and Colleen Hanscom added 10.
Melrose shot 17 for 25 from the line, but unfortunately came up 4-8 in the critical fourth period while Lyons kept draining hers.
The Lady Raiders fall to 4-2, 3-1 in the Middlesex League, and now trail the Rockets by a game.
Reading came in with the heralded Jackie Lyons and Cat Carey, and unfortunately Melrose point guard Colleen Hanscom was ill but played a gutsy game chasing Lyons.
Reading went up to a quick 8-2 lead, but Melrose responded with a 26-9 run of their own to lead 28-17, which they stretched to 32-20 after leading 23-17 at the half.
Hannah Brickley and Siena Mamayek led Melrose with eight apiece at the half, dominating inside.
But Reading chipped away, led by the persistent Lyons who overcame first half frustration to fire in 21 points, including a perfect 11 for 11 from the line.
After three periods Melrose held a fragile 34-31 edge, despite brilliant defense from Niki Devereaux who had held sharpshooter Cat Carey down.
Reading and Melrose battled down the stretch before Reading tied the score at forty-two. Lyons repeatedly drove left and got to the free throw line where she hurt the Lady Raiders. Melrose had a good look at a three down the stretch that didn't drop, and induced a shot clock violation with fourteen seconds left.
Melrose worked the ball inside for a last shot opportunity, but the ball wouldn't fall in and Reading took home the victory to the delight of the capacity crowd at the Hawkes Field House.
Hannah Brickley led Melrose with 20 points, Siena Mamayek had a hard-earned 15 including 7-7 from the line, and Colleen Hanscom added 10.
Melrose shot 17 for 25 from the line, but unfortunately came up 4-8 in the critical fourth period while Lyons kept draining hers.
The Lady Raiders fall to 4-2, 3-1 in the Middlesex League, and now trail the Rockets by a game.
// posted by Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @ 9:44 PM 
