Harriton girls’ basketball team earns big win over Radnor
Radnor – At this time of year, every game counts and Harriton girls basketball coach Messiah Reames has made sure to convey that message to his team.
Wednesday night at Radnor High School, the Rams used a collaborative effort on both ends of the floor to earn a key 42-32 Central League road victory.
As has been the case for Harriton this season, it was a strong effort on the defensive side that played a key role in allowing Harriton to build an early cushion they would maintain throughout the evening.
“Tonight shows the progression of our team,” said Reames. “We are still a relatively young team and we work on situational stuff on a day-to-day basis so to get a lead and maintain it says a lot about the work this team is putting in.”
One of the keys going into the contest was containing Radnor’s talented senior Kristin Hamill, who did most of the damage in their first meeting, netting 23 points. With sophomore Greta Stahl underneath and senior Olivia Tevis helping out in front when Hamill received the ball did the trick as the Rams held Hamill to a modest four points.
“She (Hamill) is a tough player,” said Reames. “I believe she is one of the most skilled players in the league and we tried to limit her as much as possible. Tonight it took 2 players to do that plus the rest of the team helping out. I thought the girls did a great job. I am proud of their effort.”
Stahl, who finished with six points, nine rebounds, three blocks and three assists said, “Kristin is tough to guard but I knew what I needed to do after our last game. The last time we played she destroyed us with her little hook shot and the coaches told me to work hard and keep her out of the lane and let everyone else do their job.”
Stahl added, “Liv (Tevis) really stepped up tonight defensively. She has helped me so much throughout the season and I knew I could count on her tonight. I know she always has my back.”
Holding a slim 20-14 halftime lead, the Raiders came out and scored the first bucket when Allison Lanzone found Nicole Massimino for a back-door lay-up to slice the lead to 20-16.
From there it was all Harriton with the Rams going on a 10-4 run to open a 30-22 lead after three. Radnor tried to get back in the game but the Harriton defense was just too much as the Raiders would get no closer than nine.
“This win was really big and we are really excited,” said Stahl.
Reames added, “Every game this time of year is big and we are just trying to get as many wins as possible. The coaches have told the team it’s important to take care of business one game at a time so we don’t have to rely on other teams. We know the importance of each game.”
