Sacred Heart improves to 6-0
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Krystal Watson (45) had 13 points and 12 rebounds in Sacred Heart’s 66-49 win over St. Francis Prep from New York City in the Tom Keenan Memorial Tournament on Friday at Canisius High School. Photo by John Rusac

Sacred Heart (6-0) remained undefeated in varsity girls basketball after defeating St. Francis Prep of New York City, 66-49, at Canisius High School on Friday as part of the inaugural Tom Keenan Memorial Tournament.

The event was named after the former St. Francis Prep and Canisius High coach who died at age 51 of cancer exactly three years ago to the date of the Sharks’ game.

“He was an outstanding man,” said Sacred Heart coach Sister Maria Pares, a friend of the Keenan family. “It was a thrill for us to play.”

The Sharks opened a 32-24 halftime lead against St. Francis Prep, who plays in the same New York City league with powerhouse Christ The King.

Katie Keller led all scorers with 23 points and hit three three-pointers running the point. Krystal Watson dominated inside with 13 points and 12 rebounds in place of Liz Subjeck, who severely sprained an ankle in gym class earlier in the day.

“She went to physical therapy and there’s no ligament damage,” said Pares. “We hope to have her back in January.”

Alycia Pontello chipped in 13 points for the Sharks.

“It was probably the best offensive game we played as a team,” said Pares. “Different kids contributed. Our press worked well. We played good defense. Thank goodness the offense started to come together.”

Sacred Heart opened the week with a 56-25 non-league win on Monday, Dec. 18 over Hutch- Tech.

Sacred Heart led 21-7 at halftime. Pontello and Watson had 10 points each.

“They’re going to be pretty good in the city league,” said Pares. “They were a pretty solid team and quick. I thought our offense really came of age against them.”

Sacred Heart returns to action on Dec. 27 against Holy Angels in the first round of the Fredonia Tournament. Consolation and finals

are Dec. 29 against Fredonia or Frontier.

“I’m pleased with our progress,” said Pares. “I’m happy because we have a great bunch of kids. The more we play, the better we’ll get.”

Williamsville North

North was on both sides of a big win and loss last week, falling at Orchard Park, 56-33, last Tuesday then defeating West Seneca West, 56-35, at home on Thursday.

Lady Spartans coach Mike DelValle said Orchard Park’s height and pressure was too much for his team to handle.

Orchard Park’s Mandy Sahhaar scored 15 points as the Lady Quakers jumped out to a 35-17 halftime lead.

“We had no answer for her,” said DelValle. “We played right at them with a man to man defense and we had no match-up for her. We couldn’t pass or beat her off the dribble.”

Mary Ellen Elie added 13 points for Orchard Park.

Allie Ahern and Katie Kubala scored eight points each to lead North.

North bounced back against West Seneca West thanks to a 21-8 first quarter highlighted by two early three’s from eighth grade point guard Corrin Genovese. She hit three three’s in the first half, four overall, and scored 15 points. She also had 11 steals and single-handedly beat West’s pressure, said DelValle.

Kubala added 17 points and eight rebounds for North, who led 26-11 at halftime and 37-25 after the third quarter.

Eighth grader Jen Piaggione added nine points.

North (2-3, 3-4) faced Holy Angels, who DelValle coached to 13 league titles in 16 years with league record of 213-24 through 2002, on Monday and squares off at Sweet Home at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com