The sixth-seeded Cranford High School girls basketball team took it to the second-seeded Somerville Pioneers in the semifinal round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 Tournament and came home with a 52-46 victory on March 4. The 15-11 Cougars advanced to face the top-seeded, No. 5 Chatham Cougars for the Championship on March 7 and were defeated, 41-33. It was 30-2 Chatham’s third title in four years.
The sixth-seeded Cranford High School girls basketball team took it to the second-seeded Somerville Pioneers in the semifinal round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 Tournament and came home with a 52-46 victory on March 4. The 15-11 Cougars advanced to face the top-seeded, No. 5 Chatham Cougars for the Championship on March 7 and were defeated, 41-33. It was 30-2 Chatham’s third title in four years.
Senior Bella Curanovic recorded another double-double with 24 points (6-for-8 free throws) and 16 rebounds to go with two assists, two blocks and a steal for the 15-11 Cougars against the 23-6 Pioneers. Brooke Bentrewicz put in 15 points, including trip 3pointers and going 2-for-2 from the line, and added three rebounds and a steal. Ella Grady finished with eight points (2 3-pointers, 2-for-2 free throws), nine rebounds, six assists and a block. Lily Costello had five points (free throw), five rebounds, four assists and a steal. Courtney Toy had six rebounds, two assists, two bocks and a steal.
Kaylee Lauber led the Pioneers with 20 points (4 3-pointers, 6-for-6 free throws), five rebounds, five assists, five steals and a block. Amaya Miller finished with 17 points (3-pointer, 6for-8 free throws), two rebounds, assist and a steal. Charlotte Taylor had five points (3-pointer), six assists, five rebounds, four steals and a block. Lily Taylor had six rebounds, two points, an assist and two blocks. Riley DeSarno had five rebounds, two points and two steals. Kelsey Butler had an assist, rebound and a steal.
Curanovic netted 21 points (trip 3pointers, 2-for-3 free throws) and added three rebounds, a block and a steal. Toy had six points and four rebounds. Costello finished with three points (1-for-2 free throws), five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bentrewicz sank a 3-pointer and added six rebounds and two steals. Grady had two rebounds and a steal.
Ella Kreuzer led Chatham with 19 points (trip 3-pointers, 2-for-3 free throws). Mia Semioli had seven points (5-for-8 free throws). McKenna Hogan scored two points. Arden Alvarez had five points (3-pointer). Grace Cloud nailed a 3-pointer and Ava Paone scored five points (1-for-2 free throws).
