By DAVE LARKIN
Haddonfield fourth and fifth grade town basketball weekly recap for Feb. 26:
The fourth and fifth grade town basketball’s regular season ended with a bang. In girls play, UConn needed two overtimes to squeak by a scrappy Duke squad 40–38. In another gritty performance, Duke’s Casey Clarke provided more late game theatrics, sinking a running jumper as time expired to force a second overtime. But UConn, led by the scoring trio of Mary Grace Kelly, Grace Narducci and Ashley Campo, hung on for the victory.
Annie Skiles and Erin Angstaddt scored key baskets for UConn while Isabella Miller controlled the point for the Lady Huskies. Megan Maynes chipped in 18 for Duke.
In other action, Maryland needed a late basket from Alana Brogan to pull out a 28–26 victory over Tennessee. Kelly Brogan led the Lady Terps with 15 points, including three, three-pointers. Sophie Kohs added six for the Terps. Tennessee was again led by the dynamic duo of Annie Stanton and Carlee Riordan, who combined for 24 of the Lady Vols’ 26 points.
Finally, Stanford continued its dominant ways by beating the Notre Dame Lady Irish 30–16. Stanford used a well balanced attack, led by the fast breaking Maddie Bickel and Delaney Hume. Jaimie McCormick steadied the Cardinal from the point. Notre Dame was again led by Sasha Feinstein, who had double digits in blocks, and by the feisty defense and rebounding of Molly Sheehan and Regan Larkin.
In boys action, the Lakers ended the regular season undefeated, defeating the Heat 35–30. For the Lakers, Ben Schroeter rained down several three-pointers in leading the Lakers with 15 points. Paul Gerlach anchored the defense and Barry Bealor dished out numerous assists. Ryan Sehdev led the Heat with 11 points and Jack Matty had double digit rebounds. The Heat were inspired by the gutsy play of Sammy Pierznik, who came back from a split lip to play tenacious defense.
In other games, the Spurs edged the Suns 55–38. Kyle Noone played a marvelous floor game and Kurt Wolff led the Spurs with 14 points. John Foley paced the Suns with 17 points.
The Sixers beat the Bulls 36–27 behind a monster rebounding effort from Sam Hoffman and the inspired play of JD Douglas. The Bulls were led in rebounding by Tao Lupinetti and in steals by Joe DeSimone.
Finally, the Celtics survived a bloodbath in fending off the Magic 28–23. Max Norton hit some key free throws and Flynn McNamara and John Larkin provided the defensive tenacity for the Celtics. Dan Fleming and Augie Martinez paced the Magic in scoring and Jacob Small steadied the team down the stretch.
Playoffs begin this week. Come on out and cheer the kids on.
