FRANCONIA >> Creating chaos on the defensive end, Abington stood tall in a tide-turning second half.
The Ghosts transformed a 24-15 deficit at the half into a thrilling 39-38 victory, thanks to a defense that never let Big Red find its rhythm down the stretch.
“We just got after them and we were able to turn them over,” Ghosts coach Dan Marsh said. “And we frazzled them a little bit. That’s what we do, and we did it well in the second half.”
Added Marsh: “To be able to beat a Lynn Carroll team in December is huge.”
The Ghosts limited host Souderton to just a single point in a decisive fourth quarter.
“I just try to pressure the ball and help our team out defensively,” said defensive catalyst Piper McGinley, an All-Tournament selection.
Said Tournament MVP Cire Worley: “I think it’s big for us because I was saying yesterday, we don’t normally play teams (as talented as Souderton). So when we do, we have to make sure we’re ready.”
Abington huddles during its game with Souderton. (Kev Hunter/MediaNews Group)
Worley contributed largely on the defensive end and was Abington’s key offensive force. She attacked the basket relentlessly and scored a team-high 17 points.
“The way she attacks the basket, she is just a solid, all-around player,” Carroll said.
Abington pushed ahead, 39-38, with 2 minutes, 34 seconds to play on a pair of free throws by Worley.
The Ghosts had multiple defensive stops in the final two minutes.
“I think we make teams uncomfortable and that’s what we wanna do. And go from there. So I’m super proud of their play for doing that,” said Marsh.
Worley made all four of her fourth-quarter free throws but Abington missed four others, allowing Big Red to have a chance at a game-winning shot in the final seconds.
Casey Harter (19 points) drove to the basket and got a great look, but her shot went in and out as time expired.
“I thought that shot was going in. It was in and out and it was as good a look as you’re gonna get,” Carroll said. “The effort our girls gave was as good as you want it to be. Offensively, we have a lot of work to do.
“(Abington) works and works and the goal is to wear you down — mentally and physically.”
Souderton’s Casey Harter and Abington’s Cire Worley, Jordan Reynolds (second from right) and Piper McGinley (far right) earned All-Tournament honors. (Kev Hunter/MediaNews Group)
The Ghosts were particularly tough defending ball screens and caused multiple turnovers in that fourth quarter.
Jordan Reynolds, another All-Tournament selection, added 14 points for the Ghosts, including two timely threes.
“Jordan is very talented offensively and she can create her own shot as well as Cire,” said Marsh.
Abington made up for its height disadvantage with Worley’s drives to the hoop and a defense that disrupted Souderton’s timing and flow.
“They cause chaos, and they’re good at it,” Carroll said. “They have to, against teams with any kind of size. They have to, and they do it well.”
Abington 39, Souderton 38
Abington 4 11 18 6 — 39
Souderton 12 12 13 1 — 38
Abington: 1 Cire Worley 3 11 -14 17, 4 Abril Bowser 0 1-2 1, 5 Mikiaya 0 0-2 0, 10 Jordan Reynolds 5 2-2 14, 11 Piper McGinley 2 3-6 7, 15 Carley Slavin 0 0-1 0. Totals 10 17-27 39.
Souderton: 1 Jacquelyn Bermel 0 0-2 0, 5 Erin Bohmueller 5 1-2 13, 11 Mikayla McGillian 2 0-0 4, 12 Casey Harter 8 2-3 19, 13 Alexis Stefanowicz 1 0-0 2. Totals 16 3-7 38.
3-pointers: A-Reynolds 2; S-Bohmueller 2, Harter.
