Hewlett big in crunch time, helps key North Penn’s win over Neshaminy

ROYERSFORD >> North Penn trailed by as many as 12 in the first half and was behind by three after three quarters.

The Lady Knights had battled back. And when they had their first shot to take the lead in the fourth, Bri Hewlett buried it.

“I got the ball in the high post, saw that I was open, and luckily I made the shot,” she said with a smile afterward.

There was no doubt about the importance of that basket.

“It was one of the first times in the game,” Hewlett said, “that we were finally able to control it.”

Hewlett’s jumper, coming with two pressure-packed minutes to play, put the Lady Knights in front, 40-39. It was the first time North Penn had led this PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinal game since midway through the first quarter.

After a defensive stop by the Lady Knights, Hewlett again came through, sinking two free throws to extend North Penn’s lead to 42-39 with 1:25 left to go.

The Lady Knights would hold on in the final minute for the 42-41 victory, as Hewlett had scored the final four points for NP to help get them over the quarterfinal hump.

“I thought Bri had some big plays,” coach Maggie deMarteleire said. “I thought she made some big plays at the end.”

Hewlett is making key contributions for the Lady Knights, rotating one of the starting guard-forward positions with teammates Mia Melchior and Jess McKenzie.

“All sophomores. We all rotate together,” Hewlett said.

Showing maturity in a big spot, Hewlett helped North Penn’s defense clamp down on the hot-shooting Skins, who nailed five of six three-point attempts in the first quarter in building a 20-8 lead, but — with the Lady Knights doing a better job of blanketing them around the perimeter — Neshaminy was held to just a pair of threes on five attempts in the final three quarters.

“It was a little shaky getting there. We didn’t have the best game,” Hewlett said. “But we’re gonna come out stronger in the next game to make sure we don’t leave anything to chance.

On this night, the Lady Knights got their chance in the fourth quarter, and Hewlett made sure they took full advantage.

“It’s a very exciting experience,” she said, “and we’re hoping to finish it off with a state championship.”