Allie Shenloogian scored 35 points to lead Park Ridge to a 59-50 win over Cresskill in the North 1, Group 1 state sectional semifinals on Friday.
PARK RIDGE – Park Ridge connected on 15-of-18 free throws in the fourth quarter, more than enough to hold off Cresskill, 59-50, and earn a berth in the North 1, Group 1 sectional final for the second consecutive year.
Last year they suffered a heartbreaking, upset loss to Boonton and they are looking to change that when they host Mountain Lakes Saturday at noon.
“We work on free throws a lot in practice,” said Park Ridge coach Ryan Dennis. “We work on scenarios as well. Our girls stepped up and made big shots today at the free throw line and other spots. We’re very proud of them. It was a great win for us.”
“The kids played hard,” said Cresskill coach Mike McCourt. “We had a tough schedule this year. I’m not happy with the result but I’m happy with the way our kids played.”
The game was close throughout, with three ties and six lead changes. Neither team led by more than three points in the first half until Mary Grace Craffey tallied a 3-point play to give Park Ridge a five-point lead, 16-11, midway through the second quarter.
“It was just so energetic, going back and forth, shot after shot, playing tough defense, with the fans cheering us on,” Craffey said. “It was fun to experience.”
Cresskill fought back to tie the game 16-all on a three pointer by senior Julia Hasenstab and two free throws by senior Erin Fahy, but Park Ridge rallied with a basket from high-scoring junior Allie Shenloogian and free throws by senior Abigail McManus and Craffey to grab a 23-18 lead heading into intermission.
Shenloogian went coast-to-coast for a layup to open the third quarter. The teams traded baskets for a time and then Hasenstab and Shenloogian each drained 3-pointers to make it 35-27 Owls. In the first 20 seconds of the fourth quarter Shenloogian stole the ball, went the length of the court for a layup, was fouled and completed a 3-point play.
“We work really well together on defense,” Shenloogian said. “We had a bunch of steals today. It was easier for us to get into our offense. We worked hard on defense and it made it easier for us to transition to easy buckets.”
Shenloogian finished with 35 points despite being guarded by different Cougar defenders throughout the game.
“It’s hard when they switch defenders on me,” Shenloogian said. “I have to read their defense and see what’s the best option for me - try to get to the rim or pull up for a jump shot. I think I read it well today. They’re a great defensive team and it was hard for me to get my rhythm.”
Hasenstab canned another trey and Cougars senior Maddie Morgan went coast-to-coast for a layup that tied the game, 38-38. Thirty seconds later Hasenstab was open and she canned her fifth 3-pointer to give Cresskill its first lead of the game since the first quarter.
The Cougars’ lead didn’t last for long, however.
Owls sophomore Kate Broderick drilled a three-pointer to tie the game and begin a 10-0 run which gave Park Ridge the lead for good.
“It seems Kate does that a lot in big moments,” said Dennis. “She’s done it all season. She’s adapted to playing inside for the first time and still been able to be a shooter. It was a big shot for us and they made a bunch of threes. Hasenstab is outstanding. We did a good job of finishing the game and making a big shot when we needed it.”
Park Ridge had swept the season series, winning both league games. It’s been said that it is hard to beat a team three times in a season but these two teams have battled each other for years.
“I don’t think there was much of a difference [between the teams] - both teams played incredibly hard,” said Dennis. “I always say Mike [McCourt] is one of the best in Bergen County and they play so hard on defense and offense. There were just the small things. We made big plays on defense. There wasn’t much of a gap - both teams are great teams.”
“We’ve played Cresskill since we were little kids,” Craffey added. “It’s been an ongoing rivalry and we really wanted it, especially after last year. We wanted to have this be our year for the seniors. It’s been great to come up together and be a family together. We grew up together, learned how to dribble and shoot. It’s been great to be such a tight family.”
Broderick finished with 9 points, Craffey had 8 and McManus chipped in with 5. Fahy led the Cougars with 20, Hasenstab added 15, while Morgan and senior Sophia Doto combined for 11.
“We were here last year,” said Dennis, “and this group wanted to make sure we got back to the sectional final and we wanted to make sure it was here again. We’re excited for the opportunity. Our fans have been with us all season and it’s been great to have that support. We have a family atmosphere here and we want to continue to keep that. So it’s great to have another sectional final here.”
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