Battle-tested Hersey prevails at Wheeling
Hersey's ability to keep cool under pressure is a direct reflection of the tough schedule that has molded its character, its dedication to staying together as a unit.
That was the line emerging from the Hersey camp - both on and off the court - after the Huskies' girls basketball team raced to a big lead and then held on for a 48-43 Mid-Suburban East win Friday night at Wheeling.
After building a quick 14-2 lead out of the gate, Hersey (11-10, 5-1) had to scratch for everything it could get against a Wheeling team determined to show that despite its thin roster, it could play with anyone.
"Any time we thought we'd pull away," said veteran Hersey coach Mary Fendley, "we missed a free throw or had a turnover."
They missed 10 free throws, in fact, out of 15 attempted, and committed 16 turnovers, including 9 in the second half as Wheeling (12-8, 2-4) refused to let the Huskies pull away.
Down the stretch, though, after opening a 46-34 lead in the fourth on a steal and short jumper plus an inside hoop from Erin McGrath (16 points), along with freshman point guard Mary Kate Fahey's score on a feed from captain Claire Rogowski, Wheeling rallied back.
Nansy Velev converted a steal into 2 free throws and a super-scoop layin while Chloe Drozdz scored on a drive and made 2 more free throws. When Drozdz scored again on another scoop drive after yet another steal, it was 46-42.
Hersey kept it interesting by missing the front end of three more 1-and-1 opportunities before Maesyn Benjamin, who played a solid floor game, iced it with 2 late free throws.
"Wheeling is a very good team," said Huskies high scorer Erin McGrath. "We missed a lot of open shots and a lot of free throws."
And the Huskies, the beneficiaries of playing in the rugged Montini Tournament, among other places, have to fix that. "We have to finish," said the senior forward. "We have to make our free throws."
From Wheeling's perspective though, falling behind 14-2 did them no favors and they never quite climbed the hill despite hanging with the taller Huskies on the boards thanks to Nora Igiehon's hard work around the basket and forcing uncharacteristic turnovers out of the Huskies as well.
But the Huskies' secret weapon - unity - kicked in.
"We always stick together," said McGrath. "We never get mad at each other."
"I love that the girls kept their composure," said Fendley, who also received 8 assists from senior guard Maesyn Benjamin.
They had to. Wheeling's grinding pressure was getting to them.
"We got off to a slow start. I thought we lacked a little focus," at the outset, said Wildcats coach Matt Weber. "Once we slowed it down, things started to happen."