Rye girls basketball picked up a big-time win over league-rival Harrison on Monday night, besting the Huskies 61-53. The contest was played at Rye High School and is the first of two that the teams will play against each other this season.
The game, played before a packed house full of fans representing either side, was a tight, physical battle from start to finish. The Garnets built their largest just before halftime and entered the break ahead 33-20. This margin quickly evaporated in the third quarter, as Harrison went on a 16-6 run in the first 4:36 of the second half to make the score 39-36.
Rye’s vaunted press defense, though it managed to force a handful of turnovers that turned into transition points, was not as dominant as it has been in previous games this season. Harrison had clearly game-planned to quick-pass their way up the court, and on this evening, the referees were quick to call fouls throughout. Going into the fourth quarter, the 13-point halftime lead had been reduced to five.
Junior Phoebe Greto, already having a strong game, immediately made her presence felt in the fourth quarter, when the team needed her most. For several crucial minutes, she took over the game on both ends, forcing multiple turnovers and scoring several baskets on her way to 30 points for the game.
Clutch free throws from freshman Stella Maresca and eighth-grader Charlotte Storz in the final minute kept the Huskies just out of reach, and Rye was able to hang on by eight points. Maresca finished the game with seven points while junior Paige Tepedino dropped in 15 points of her own.
The win moves Margo Hackett’s team to 13-1 on the season. Their next game is Thursday night, at home against Byram Hills (4-9). The Garnets previously defeated Byram 61-40 on Jan. 14.
