WEST NORRITON >> A crucial mistake from the Conestoga girls basketball team in overtime provided Archbishop Carroll the breathing space they were hoping for and they took advantage to eke out a 37-33 victory in the second round of the PIAA Class 6A Championships at Norristown Area High School on Tuesday.
Holding on to a 34-33 lead, Carroll was trying to run out the clock, but senior Marisa Francione made her second fantastic defensive play in the last few minutes, knocking the ball away and causing a held ball with the possession arrow pointing the Pioneers’ way.
Conestoga coach AJ Thompson called time out, but it was determined that they didn’t have any. That resulted in a technical foul and the Patriots retaining possession.
Alexis Eberz made one of two for a 35-33 lead with 28.9 seconds left. Brooke Wilson was fouled and calmly hit both from the line for a 37-33 advantage. That proved to be the final margin as the Pioneers (25-5) was held scoreless in the extra session, missing all five field goal attempts.
“Heat of the moment, we called it,” said Thompson. “We knew we had one extra when we started the overtime. I think there was some confusion whether we had two or one left. Completely my fault. I feel bad for the girls to put them in that position, especially the seniors, to have it end that way.”
The Patriots (20-8) continue their quest to repeat as 6A champions as they advance to the quarterfinals on Friday where they will take on District 11 champ Parkland at a neutral site and time to be determined.
“They’re an extremely good team,” said Carroll coach Renie Shields. “Offensively, they’re very powerful. We really had to work on concentrating to stop their scorers. Brooke Wilson plays at a high level and she did a good job holding down Ryann Jennings.”
Both defenses were stingy giving up made goals. Carroll shot 30 percent (10-of-33), while ‘Stoga was 10-of-35 for 29 percent.
Conestoga went into the halftime break trailing, 18-15, and came out scoring from an inside basket from Janie Preston to make it 18-17. It was one of five times in the the third quarter were behind by a single, but each time Carroll held them at bay and didn’t relinquish the advantage.
Wilson scored the last two of her six points in the third to put the Patriots ahead, 31-28, going into the fourth.
Abby McFillin opened the final quarter by scoring on a layup off a lovely feed from Wilson to bump the lead to 33-28. But, it proved to be the only points the Patriots scored in the frame.
“It came down to who would make shots, but we didn’t make shots and they didn’t make shots,” said Shields.
Conestoga came roaring back, Jennings, who struggled with the Carroll defense all evening, scored from in close, was fouled and completed the three-point play to shave the deficit to 33-31.
“They just played aggressive defense, which I knew they would going in. I just had to be ready for it,” she said.
The sophomore star was held scoreless in almost the first two quarters, and finished with 10 points.
Maggie Neary hit two free throws with 2:16 left to tie the score at 33-33.
“They battled and Ruth and Maggie came off the bench and played really well and gave us a spark and gave us a chance to win that game,” said Thompson. “I’m proud of the effort, proud of the season, the leadership we had on this team was spectacular. Just really proud of them.”
Carroll then held the ball for the majority of the remaining time. But, Francione tipped an attempted pass and Ruth Lanouette made the steal. Conestoga had one final attempt, but missed the shot and the teams went to overtime.
“We said it all the time, she’s the engine that makes this team go,” added Thompson. “Both ends of the floor. She puts us in the best positions to be successful. University of Scranton is getting a phenomenal player.”
Carroll won despite not attempting a field goal. They went 4-of-8 from the line in the extra session.
Neary notched 10 points, including going a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line and Preston added seven.
Wilson had a game-high 15 points to pace the Patriots and Eberz chipped in nine.
The Pioneers will lose Francione, sisters Bella and Katrina Valencia and Arielle LePage to graduation, but Jennings and Preston will highlight the returning group next year.
“We has a great season,” said Jennings. “Obviously, we wanted to win that game, but we played really well this season. We’re happy with it, but there’s always room to improve.”
Archbishop Carroll 37, Conestoga 33
Archbishop Carroll: F. McFillin 0 0-0 0; Wilson 5 4-4 15; Eberz 1 6-8 9; Nardi 1 2-2 5; Archbold 2 0-0 6; A. McFillin 1 0-0 2. Totals: 10 12-14 37.
Conestoga: Francione 0 0-0 0; K. Valencia 0 1-2 1; Jennings 3 3-3 10; Preston 3 1-3 7; B. Valencia 1 0-0 3; Lanouette 1 0-0 2; Neary 2 6-6 10. Totals: 10 11-14 33.
Archbishop Carroll 11 7 13 2 4 – 37
Conestoga 3 12 13 5 0 – 33
3-point goals: Wilson, Eberz, Nardi, Archbold 2, Jennings, B. Valencia.
