Non-League
NESHAMINY 48, VILLA MARIA ACADEMY 34
The Redskins led wire to wire in Sunday’s Hoops for Hope contest at Ursinus College, opening up a 10-5 lead after one quarter and extending that to 23-12 by halftime. The win came on the heels of an emotionally charged win over Souderton on Friday night.
“We spent considerable time pregame explaining how Villa had a huge league win over Gwynedd and then suffered their first defeat against Germantown Academy. following that big win,” Neshaminy coach John Gallagher said. “We discussed how we were satisfied with the win over Souderton, but if we were to have a letdown, Villa would capitalize on it.”
There was no letdown.
Lola Ibarrondo’s nine first-half points led the Redskins to the double-digit lead. The Redskins’ junior point guard was named game MVP.
“We didn't shoot the ball from the three-point line at all with the exception of Lindsey Little hitting a three at the buzzer ending the first quarter to extend our lead to 10-5,” Gallagher said. “Lindsey again knocked down a three early in the second quarter.
“We discussed at the end of the first quarter taking the ball to the rim off the dribble more and using Reese (Zemitis) in the mid-range game. The length of Villa gave us problems, but our advantage was using Lola going downhill.”
The Redskins maintained their lead throughout the second half, outscoring Villa 25-22.
“Defensively we were very good, in particular Jess Purdy, Alena Cofield and Ava Irizarry,” Gallagher said. “They understand their matchups and have really improved on the defensive side. They each accounted for numerous deflections and steals.
“Jess Purdy knocked down a three in the fourth to extend our lead to 11, and Reese and Lola shot 9-for-11 from the free throw line to close out the game.”
Zemitis, who has averaged 21 points over the last five games, led the Redskins with 19 points while Ibarrondo finished with 17. Both were money at the foul line with Zemitis finishing 9-for-10 and Ibarrondo was 9-for-12.
Marah McHugh’s 18 points led Villa.
“Marah McHugh was and has been a standout for Villa this year,” Gallagher said. “I am impressed with how smooth her game is on both ends. Gettysburg has a talented player coming their way.”
Neshaminy (11-2, 8-1 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks East on Tuesday.
Villa Maria Academy 5-7-8-14 34
Neshaminy 10-13-8-17 48
Villa Maria (34) – Elaina Guerzon 1 0-0 2; Ava Irvine 0 1-2 1; Marah McHugh 6 4-6 18; Ella Iacone 3 0-0 8; Alice Nash 1 1-2 3; Clare Cronley 1 0-0 2 TOTALS 12 6-10 34
Neshaminy (48) – Jasmin Davis 0 1-2 1; Alena Cofield 1 0-0 2; Lola Ibarrondo 4 9-12 17; Reese Zemitis 5 9-10 19; Jess Purdy 1 0-0 3; Lindsey Little 2 0-0 6; TOTALS 13 19-24 48.
3-point goals: VMA – Marah McHugh 2, Ella Iacone 2; Neshaminy – Lindsey Little 2, Jess Purdy.
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