The first of the two Varsity Girls Basketball Tournament games at LMCS was a twelve o’clock faceoff between the Liberty Redhawks and Tri-Valley Bears. From the very start of the game, Tri-Valley established immediate control with their superior bench play and number 13, Jenna Cormody, who scored eight of the Bears’ 18 first-quarter points. Even though Liberty went down 18 to 7 in the first, D. Layce hit some really pretty shots and had five of the Redhawks’ seven points.

Unfortunately for Liberty, they continued to be blown out by the Bears during the rest of the game due to a lack of bench depth. While the two best players on each team were pretty evenly matched, the score had such a steep drop-off that Liberty couldn’t keep pace with the better, taller Tri-Valley players.

Tri-Valley ended up winning 58-31, thanks to Carmody and Sophia Richardson who, with only 4 points, didn’t put up the prettiest stats but was an incredible all-around helper. Richardson played great defense and was somewhat running the offense with her skilled handles, playmaking and rebounding. Liberty’s Layce had 19 points and was helped by an unselfish teammate, M. Huebsch, who had eight points and was an excellent passer and point guard.

The Wildcats take on the Bulldogs

Before the Manor-Sullivan West game, Wildcats coach Maggi Fitzpatrick gave Manor Ink a quick interview.

Fitzpatrick was most worried about giving Sullivan West wide open shots, which was how the Wildcats lost their previous game. “But I’ve been encouraged by Manor’s height,” Fitzpatrick said. “Good spacing and defense will be key in the match-up.”

The 2 p.m tip was won by Sullivan West, and the Bulldogs took an early lead despite good defensive efforts by Manor’s co-captain Sarah Evans and a good passing scheme led by co-captain Athena Niforatos. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 21-4 in favor of Sullivan West.

Even though the Wildcats were losing, it was a pleasure to watch Anastasia Niforatos who had 6 points and was a really fascinating player. The more apparent it became that the Wildcats would lose, the harder she tried. She had an amazing handle and shot, and extraordinary potential. Niforatos was driving to the basket and taking fouls left and right, and her sister Athena Niforatos was helping her by facilitating the rest of the offense.

Sullivan West won 54-16, and Abby Parucki led the Bulldogs with 17 points and five three-pointers, and was helped by Ella Herbert who had 12 points and was a big defensive presence. Even though some Manor fans might be upset by the loss, everyone believes this to be a building year. And as one fan said repeatedly, “They’re getting better!”

The first game of this tournament was delayed due to weather issues. The championship and consolation games will be held at LMCS on Saturday, Feb. 17.