In Holy Child’s January 30 matchup against Masters, the team from Dobbs Ferry won the tip off, but that was one of the few moments that they controlled the ball.
By Melanie Cane
In Holy Child’s January 30 matchup against Masters, the team from Dobbs Ferry won the tip off, but that was one of the few moments that they controlled the ball. Gryphon Victoria Hanley stole the ball after the tip off and scored on a fast break 30 seconds into the game. Through a combination of steals, defensive rebound fast breaks, and stellar passing in the key, the Gryphons scored 14 more points before the Panthers got on the board, with a three pointer just before the half.
Just four minutes into the game, with Holy Child dominating, Coach Mike Duignan rested top scorers Hanley (who already had six points) and senior co-captain Elizabeth Curcio for Kathleen Daly and Adare Kennedy. At halftime, the Gryphons led 18-6.
The second half showcased the depth of Holy Child’s talent, with the entire bench contributing to the 44-13 win. Nine of the 11 players scored.
Starting senior Co-Captain Christianna Guttridge continued to provide stability at point guard with reliable ball handling and senior co-captain, Elizabeth Eiden played strong interior defense (she had six points). Maddie Fitzwilliam, Dulce DelPriore, Maddie Fitzwilliam, Mairead Walsh and Kennedy forced turnovers, shot well from inside and outside the key, and executed fast breaks with aplomb. Regardless of which players were on the court, the transitions were smooth and they knew when to charge the basket and when to patiently and effectively execute plays.
Although Hanley sat out a large portion of the game, she was the top scorer with ten points. Curcio, the team’s leading rebounder and defender, finished with eight. Coach Duignan calls her leadership “constant.” He praised Fitzwilliam and Kennedy for adding speed and strength around the basket.
Coach Duignan liked what he saw. “We are much improved as a group. Experience is a great teacher, and I believe we are learning from ours. It will help us with important league games down the stretch.”
The Gryphons are currently 7-8 and have seven games before the FAA Tournament, which begins February 23.
