Girls Basketball: Dotsey helps Haverford stay unbeaten

SPRINGFIELD — Perhaps it’s fitting that Haverford students are taking exams this week. The girls basketball team is in the middle of its most difficult stretch on the schedule.

It’s crunch time.

To make matters more interesting, the Fords began the week as the only undefeated team in Delaware County and District 1 Class 6A.

The Fords passed their first test with a win over a 14-win Abington team Sunday at the Maggie Lucas Classic. Tuesday night marked the first of two contests this week against the second-place squads in the Central League. Before they could worry about their rematch with Conestoga, the Fords had to face the Cougars, who suffered their first conference loss of the season at ‘Stoga last week.

“I think it’s important to play the really competitive teams, especially where we’re so close as a team,” senior forward Caroline Dotsey said. “At this point in the season we all know how each other plays and we have really good team chemistry. To have that carry over into the really competitive part of the schedule is huge for us and it makes a difference.”

Dotsey once again powered her team to victory, scoring a game-high 24 points en route to a 55-38 decision. The senior forward and Maine recruit shot 8 of 14 from the floor and 7 of 10 at the free-throw line. She added six rebounds, four assists and a pair of blocked shots.

“I think our defensive possessions were really important and I think that’s what kept us in the game,” Dotsey said. “We kind of fell into a lull offensively, so we really focused on our defense and getting our energy and the urgency to push the ball.”

The Fords (17-0) led the entire way. Haverford’s three 6-foot-plus forwards – Caroline Dotsey, Rian Dotsey and Mollie Carpenter – controlled the paint and dominated the boards. Springfield struggled to make low-and high-percentage shots all night, shooting 23.9 percent (11 of 46) from the floor. While Haverford committed 14 turnovers, Springfield failed to take advantage.

“I thought our kids battled, no one is ever going to fault their effort. Offensively we just didn’t get enough shots to fall,” Springfield coach Ky McNichol said. “Defensively in the second half I thought we did a much better job. We did throw a 2-3 zone at them and we don’t play a 2-3 zone often. … Give Haverford credit. When you lock down one of their players another one of players is going to step up. If you double down low they’re just going to dish to another big and it’s going to be an easy buckets. We just have to figure out more ways to get defensive stops.”

Anabel Kreydt, the Cougars’ power forward, was whistled for two early fouls which caused her to sit for extended periods in both halves. The senior finished with six points but was a non-factor due to her foul trouble.

“Obviously (Kreydt) is one of their top defenders and she makes you work hard for baskets, so having her on the bench might have helped Caroline get a couple more cleaner looks,” Haverford coach Lauren Pellicane said. “Rian also hit a couple of shots and that took a little bit of the pressure off of Caroline, but she was certainly shooting the ball with confidence throughout the game.”

Caroline Dotsey had 10 of her points in the second period. Haverford closed the first half on a 23-12 run. Springfield tried to chip away in the fourth quarter but could never get back within single digits. Lexi Aaron, who paced the Cougars with 10 points, and Taylor Hunyet drilled back to back 3-pointers to cut the Fords’ lead to 39-29, but the visitors ended the game on a 16-9 run.

Haverford’s guards managed the game well. Aniya Eberhardt had 11 points, two assists and a steal while Sky Newman finished with seven points and two assists.

In other Central League action:

Radnor 47, Lower Merion 33 >> Kate Gallagher had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors. Mary Sareen scored 11 points and Riley d’Entremont pitched in with seven.

Garnet Valley 64, Strath Haven 32 >> Haylie Adamski poured in 25 points and handed out six assists to lead the Jaguars. Kylie Muholland contributed 15 points and six assists.

Penncrest 58, Upper Darby 37 >> Kat Harding carried the Lions with 17 points. Bailey Garrison finished with 12.

C.C. Jones made a trio of 3-pointers and led the Royals with 15 points.