Academy Park soars in Hightower’s return

Academy Park welcomed back one of its best players Saturday.

Shantalay Hightower returned following a five-game absence and helped the Knights claim a 52-47 nonleague win over Oxford.

Hightower drilled four 3-pointers and led all players with 16 points. Mahya Woodton contributed 11 points.

MERION MERCY 42, RIDLEY 41 >> The loss was a tough pill to swallow for the Green Raiders (4-7). A questionable non-foul call on Hailee Mayer’s 3-point shot attempt at the buzzer robbed the Green Raiders a chance at victory.

Emma Layden paced Ridley with 12 points and Mayer added nine points and seven rebounds. The Raiders sprinted to an 11-1 lead but visiting Merion Mercy climbed back to take a three-point advantage by halftime.

WEST CATHOLIC 73, CHESTER 31 >> The Clippers were plagued by 32 turnovers, including a combined 26 between two players. Shod’Deah Kelly poured in a team-high 18 points, but the Clippers (2-4) didn’t have an answer for West Catholic’s Kyliah Singletary (25 points).