North girls hoops place third at Ken East tourney
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville North's youth was showcased at the Kenmore East Tournament last weekend.

All-tournament selection Katie Kubala, a sophomore, scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the Lady Spartans' 36-31 consolation win over Tonawanda on Saturday. Eighth grader Allie Ahern added eighth points. Ahern also had six points in the team's 36-25 opening round loss against Starpoint on Friday. Jen Piaggione, another eighth grader, led North against Starpoint with eight points.

Piaggione and Chioma Kalu-niwiwu were called up from JV for the tournament because North's roster looks is depleted by injuries. Senior Leslie Ahern might have ligament damage in her ankle. Eighth grader Corrin Genovese couldn't play because she broke a finger. Senior Kaitlyn McNally was out with a sprained knee. Junior Chantae Miller is out for the season with torn ligaments in an ankle. Genovese and McNally should return for league play this week.

"The younger kids gained a ton of invaluable experience," said North coach Mike DelValle. "The more they play, the better they'll become."

North trailed Starpoint 21-18 at halftime but was outscored 8-0 in the third quarter.

"We just didn't make any shots," said DelValle. "We were getting good looks. It just wasn't dropping."

North shot 12-for-41 (11-for-35 two-point; 1-for-6 three-point) in the game. In addition, Starpoint went to the line 17 more times (22 to 4) than North.

DelValle said his team didn't shoot better, just more against Tonawanda which is why they won. North shot 13-for-49 (10-for-37 two-pointers, 3-for-12 three-pointers). His also said his team made Tonawanda work for every basket.

North led 24-16 at halftime and 31-21 after the third quarter.

Kenmore East beat Starpoint, 44-36, in the finals.

North played Frontier on Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Clarence.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com