Battle-hardened Villa Maria cruises in first round of states

Being a regular participant in 14 of the last 15 state tournaments — as well as playing in a difficult league and district — paid off on Saturday for the Villa Maria basketball squad in the first round of the PIAA Class 5A Playoffs.

The Hurricanes topped Blue Mountain, 47-37, to advance to the round of 16, where they will take on Mastery North (20-8) on Wednesday at a time and location to be announced.

“There is an expectation of being in this tournament at the beginning of every season and we play a pretty tough schedule,” said head coach Kathy McCartney. “I think we are very much tested and ready for these challenges.”

Now 19-7 overall, Villa Maria opened with a 17-10 first quarter lead and never looked back against the reigning District 11 champions.

“I said to the kids after the game that we are down to 16 teams still alive,” McCartney said. “Every win moves you a little closer to that ultimate prize.”

Senior guard Morgan Warley led all scorers with 19 points. Post players Jackie Ford and Maddy Ryan chipped in with eight points apiece and combined to grab 21 rebounds.

“(Warley) is really playing the best basketball of her career — which is great timing for us,” McCartney said. “And (Ryan and Ford) really controlled the glass against a team that was bigger than us.”

The key to the win, according to McCartney, was on defense.

“I thought we played really well,” she said. “I said to the kids before the game that if we can hold (Blue Mountain) in the 30s, we will win.

“It was a solid defensive effort and good enough on offense to win the game. Every one of their scorers was held under their season average.”

Villa Maria 47, Blue Mountain 37

Villa Maria                            17 6 9 15 – 47

Blue Mountain                    10 7 9 11 – 37

VILLA MARIA: Chiefalo 7, Mo. Warley 19, My. Warley 5, Ford 8, Ryan 8. Totals 16 15-25 47.

BLUE MOUNTAIN: Bean 6, Fasnacht 9, Lukacz 6, Pishocl 13, Costa 4. Totals 12 9-13 37.