Bridgewater-Raynham shows its stuff on the road by beating St. Mary’s

While there may be no state tournament this year, Bridgewater-Raynham asserted itself on Wednesday night as one of the premier teams in Massachusetts.

Tahlia Tah poured in 22 points while Kenzie Matulonis added 18 points as the Trojans came away with an impressive road victory over consistent Div. 3 power and defending state champion St. Mary’s, 66-51, at St. Mary’s High School.

The Trojans led throughout the evening, asserting their will on the glass and knocking down key shots from beyond the arc whenever the Spartans were on the verge of drawing close. Spartans star guard Yirsy Queliz poured in 18 points.

“Anytime you can play a defending state champion, that caliber of a team, in their gym it’s a terrific opportunity,” said Bridgewater-Raynham coach Cherly Seavey. “It took a team effort top to bottom. They were well prepared, it’s clear why they’re always one of the top programs around.”

Trojans superstar Shay Bollin, widely regarded as one of the top players in the region, did not play due to a knee injury.

“You take a player like Shay off your team, because she does so much for us, other players naturally have to step up,” said Seavey. “Even our juniors this year have the experience of last year’s tournament run but Kenzie really showed her command and composure. (Tah), we were able to get her the ball in the right spot. Fiona (Kelly) played great defense.”

Bridgewater-Raynham built a 34-24 lead at the break and added to it quickly at the start of the second half as Tah knocked down three consecutive treys as part of a 12-3 Trojans’ run that extended the lead to 46-27. The Trojans kept a 19-point lead midway through the third quarter, but the Spartans hung around. A pair of baskets by star forward Maiya Bergdorf cut the deficit to 15 and moments later Queliz drilled a 3-pointer to pull the Spartans within 12, 51-39, heading into the final frame.

Every time the Spartans appeared on the verge of getting back in the game, Bridgewater-Raynham had an answer. Amber Silva (12 points, five rebounds) picked up a third offensive rebound and put it back in before knocking down a spot-up 3 to put the Trojans up 56-41. Moments later, after the Spartans tried to make a last-ditch run, Tah drilled her fourth and final 3 of the second half to put Bridgewater-Raynham up 61-46 with less than three minutes remaining.

Matulonis helped the Trojans build an early lead, scoring eight first-quarter points to catapult B-R to a 20-11 lead after one.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/39UoNiU